The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1896-08-01


paIgns-Histsry Of His Political Career
Chiefly as Political Masager-How He
Might Have Been Nominated for Vice
/ President, But Wouldn't Have it SO
Philadelphia, Pa, July 31.-William
F. Harity, until recently the chairman
of the Democratic national committee
and for years a leader in the party
| councils, made the interesting announce
ment today that he has retired from
active politics.
In answer TO inquiries upon the sub
ject, Mr.. Harrity made the following
| statement:
Yes, it is true that / have withdrawn
from active participation in political
affairs For several years past, 1 have
been accorded some prominence in the
management and leadership of the Dem
ocratic party, but now I desire to take
my place in the ranks, except in SO far
as 1 may have duties to perform as the
Pennsylvania member Of the Demo-
| cratic national committee.
I'm taking this step, l wish to ex-
press my warm appreciation of the
personal and political friendship and
support which / have enjoyed during
my political career. 1 have no resent
ments for my enemies, and nothing but
gratitude for my friends, No man
ever had warmer or more loyal and de-
voted friends than / have had. These
friends 1 still hope to retain. even
though I have withdrawn from active
political associa ton with them; and IL
the time shall come when can serve
or aid them, it viii be my pleasure to
respond to their calls or demands.
Il SHALL" Mr.. HarTfty said, continue
to take general interest in politics and
shall always be ready TO go wherever l
reasonably and consistently can to pro-
mote the success Of the Democratic
party; but I shall absolutely refrain
from any participation whatever IN
matters that relate to party organiza-
ton and management. ! have given
much of my time and good deal of my
energies to political matters since 1892
when 1 first began to take an active
part in politics. 1 have now concluded,
however, to take a rest from politics,
go to speak, and to devote all my ener-
gies to the management of the affairs
OF the Equitable Trust company, TO the
practice Of my profession and to my
private business matters"
HE'LL BE BACK AGAIN.
Mr.. Harrity's declaration IS under
stood by his friends to mean that he
viii give no attention to the work Of
state or county conventions or Of state
or county committees. and that he will
not in any way endeavor to influence
or control political nominations or ap-
Int -,
They now regard Mr.. Harrity as entire
ly "out of politics." though the predic-
ton IL made by some of them that they
will not be surprised to see him appear
in national and state political affairs
after a few years retirement from the
drudgery and details OF active partici-
patton in party mana cement
Mr.. Harrity's career in politics has
been most successful. In January, 1892,
he was elected by the Democratic CEN
trail committee OF the state Of Pennsyl-
vania to represent the state on the
national committee. as the successor
Of the late William L. Scott. On April
10, 1892. he was unanimously elected
by the Democratic state convention for
the full term as the Pennsylvania MEM
Der OF the national committee. which
election was unanimously ratified by
the Pennsylvania delegation to the ma
tlonal Democratic convention. held at
Chicago June q. 1892 On July q, 1892,
Mr.. Harrity was unanimously elected
as chairman of the Democratic national
committee at a meet held IN this city
OF New York on that date.
HELPED ELECT GROVER
As national chairman. Mr.. Harrity
conducted the national campaign OF
1892. which resulted in the election OF
Grover Cleveland and A z. Stevenson
"a president and vice-president of the
United States. 1t is generally under
stood that because Of his efficient SER
vices to the Democratic party and OF
his devotion to President Cleveland |
during his candidacy for the nomination |
and election as president In 1892. Mr.. |
Harrity would have been appointed as
a member to President Cleveland's cab |
met had he not indica ted his inability 4
and dsinclnation TO accept the posi- |
ton, Mr. Harrity preferring to con- I
tinue IN the office of secretary of state |
OF Pennsylvania until the end Of his /
term, Jan. Is. 1895.
Mr. Harrity was a delegate-at-large !
10 the Democratic national convention
Of 1896 and by unanimous vote was /
made chairman Of the Pennsylvania !
delegation to that convention. He was /
also unanimously reelected as the Penn 4
sylvania member of the national COM
mittee.
AT THE CHICAGO CONVENTION
AS chairman Of the Democratic ma
tional committee he presided over the |
deliberations of the Chicago conven-
ton with such signal ability. impartf-
a 10 v.h
". Daniel of Virginia. who succeeded /
Mr.. Harrity as presiding officer, paid a
high tribute to his fairness and ability |
Subsequently Sena tor Jones OF Arkas-
sas. who was elected as Mr. Harrity's
successor as chairman of the Demo-
cratic national committee. offered a
resolution. which was unanimously
adopted. thanking Mr.. Harrfty for the
admirable manner in which he had pre-
sided over the convention.
In the same convention Mr.. Harrftv
received q votes for vice-president.
The successful part taken by Mr. Har-
rity in the Chicago convention was a
matter OF frequent and favorable COM
ment Not only was he commended |
for the skill and ability displayed by
him during the three hours in which he
presided over the convention. but the
iAftiA44idtttI Att tiS VIE PfE>SIERCN was
within his reach. II is authoritativelv
stated that prominent free silver lead
ers declared that If Mr.. Harrity were
willing 70 stand upon the platform
adopted he would receive their sup
port for the vice-presiGency and be
nominated Mr.. Hsrrity advised against
such action being taken
STAYS on THE COMMITTEE
While there was no actual tender OF
the craftsmanship of the Democratic