The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1896-08-01
HARRITY A PRIVATE.
The Pennsylvania Democratic
Leader Leaves Politics.
THOUGH HE HAS NOT BolIGp.
His Remarkable Career ~ q Party
Manager Might Have Been
Bryan's Running Mate.

Philadelphia, July si.--wnham r. Hsr-.
riTy. until recently chairman OF the Demo-
cratic national committee and for years a
leader IN the party councils, made the in
teresting announcement today that he has
retired from active politics In answer TO
inquiries upon the subtecs, Mr.. Harrity
made the following statement:
Yes, IL Ia true that I have determined
to Withdraw from active participation in
political affairs. For several years past
have been accorded some prominence "A
the management and leadership OF the
Democratic party, but now desire 10
take my place In the ranks except insofar
as / may have duties 10 perform as tho
Pennsylvania member OF the Democrats
committee. In taking this step wish 20
express my warm appreciation OF the per-
sonal and political friendship and support
which have enjoyed during my political
career. have no resentmcnts for my enc
mics, and nothing but gratitude for my
friends. No man ever had warmer or more
loyal and DEVOTED friends than I have had.
These friends still hope to retain, even
though i have withdrawn from active po-
ntical Associa ton with them. II the time
shall come when can serve or aid them,
II will be my pleasure 10 respond TO their
calls or demands.
II shall continue TO take a general In
terest in politics, and shall always be
ready 10 go wherever I reasonably and
consistently can 10 promote the success OF
the Democratic party. but l shall aoso-
iutely refrain from any participation
whatever In matters that relate TO party
organization and management. / have
given much Of my time ana great deal
OF my energies to POLITICAL matters since
1852, when first began TO take an active
part in politics. I have now concluded.
however. to take a rest from politics. so
20 speak. and TO devote All OF my energies
TO the management OF che Equitable Truss
Company. to the practice or my profes-
sion and TO my private business matters.
Mr.. Harrlty's declaration II understood
by his friends TO mean that he VIII give
no attention to the work OF state or coun-
~ conventions, or or state or county
committees. and that he viii not In any
way endeavor 10 influence or control po-
litical nominations or appointments OF any
character whatever. They now regard
Mr.. Harrity as entirely ''out OF politics,
though the prediction Is made by some
that they will not be surprised 10 see MIN
appear agar, IN national and state politics
after a few years OF retirement and RELIEF
from the drudgery and details of active
participation In party management.
Mr. Harrity's career in politics has oeen
most successful In January. 1892. he was
elected by the Democratic state central
committee OF Pennsylvania TO repre-
sent the state on the DEMOCRATIC
national committee as the successor or
the late William L. Scott In April, lS2,
he was unanimously elected by the Demo-
cratic state convention for the fuil term as
the PENNSYLVANIA member of the Demo-
cratic national committee. which cleo
ton was unanimously ratified by the
Pennsylvania delegation TO the Demo-
cratic convention held at Chicago june
q 1892 On July 81. 1892 Mr.. Harrity was
unanimously elected chairman or the
Democratic national committee az meet
ing held in New York. AS Democratic
national chairman. Mr.. Harrity conduct
Ell the national campaign of 1872, which
resulted In the election OF Cleveland ana
Stevenson.
n Is generally understood that because
OF his efficient services 20 the Democratic
party. and OF his devotion 10 President
Cleveland during his candidacy for re-
nomination and election as president in
1sa.. Mr.. Harrity would have been APP
pointed az a member OF President Cleve-
lands cabinet had he not Indicated his
inability and 6isinciinatson TO accept the
pos.tion. Mr. Harrfty preferring 10 con-
tinue In the office OF secretary OF state
OF Pennsylvania until the end Of his term.
Ja~narv Is 1875.
ar. Harrity was delegate at large 10
the Democrats national convention OF
1895. and by a unanimous vote was made
chairman OF the Pennsylvania delegation
TO that convention. Tie was also unansn-
ousiy reelected as the Pennsylvania
member OF the Democratic national COM
rnttsee. As chairman OF the Democratic
national COMMITTEES he presided over The
deliberations Of the Chicago convention
with such signal ability. ifnpar;iaiity and
dignity that Senator John W. Daniel. Of
Virginia. who succeeded Mr.. Hsrrity IS
presiding officer Of the convention. paid
a high tribate 20 MS fairness and ability.
Subsequently Senator Jones. Of Arkansas
who was elected as Mr. Harrftys success
sor as chairman cf the Democratic nation
a. COMMITTEES. offered a resolution. which
was unanimously and enthusiastically
adopted. thanking Mr.. Harrity for the sd
nirabie manner In which he had presided
over the convention. In the same con-
vention Mr.. Harrity received twenfy-one
votes Tor vice president The successful
part taken by Mr.. Harrity IN ne Chicago
convention was matter os frequent and
favorable comment Not onsy was he
commended Tor ne skin and ability d.
played BY him during the three hours "a
which Re presided over ere convention
but TIE nomination Ter the vice presl-
Gency was wtttlin ma reach II T. aufhori-
tative'y seated that prominent fres silver
leaders declared that X Ar Harrity were
w!lirF 20 stand upon The platform adopt
- Re would receive their support for the