Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-02-28
NOT A CAN DIDATE
L. M. Saunders Retires From Active
Participation in Politics.
BE STATES HIS REASONS THEREFOR
Usual QuadrenniaI Repetition Of
Local Political Troubles,
THE FACTS IN THE CASE

Local politics and politicians may be al
ways depended upon to create, at least
once In every four years, if not oftener
some excitement to animate the citizens,
whose only right of franchise is that which
may be exercised at such things as prfma-
ries held to ;elect such important officials
as delegates to conventions. local and ma
honal. Quite recently the democrats We're
torn asundef and in other ways by the
Question of recommending successor to
the late Lawrence Gardner as member of
the democratic national committee The
latter body summarily settled this contro-
versy. however, by unanimously electing
Mr.. James l.. Norris.
l.. NJ. Saunders. who has been prominent
IN local republican affairs for many years.
ana VINO has been regarded as an ener-
getlc candidate for election as one of the
two republican delegates to the national
republican convention at Philadelphia in
June, plunged his supporters into something
IKE CONSERVATION by announcing today that
ne mad decided to withdraw from any con-
test Tor delegate and to withdraw, we'll.
from all connection with local politics per-
manently.
Wanted 1t Emphatic.
He asked Star reporter to state this de-
termination as emphatically and as explicit
ly as possible, and then proceeded to give
his reasons.
i have always been ardently interested
In everything tending to promote the inter
ests of Washington, said Mr. Saunders
movements beneficial to the District. 1t is
full Of attractive things and. indeed only
IT'S political features are otherwise.
Being familiar with the methods here
tofore in vogue in the District. several
months ago | formulated a plan by which
the election of delegates to the national
convention could be made dignified and
reputable.
Objected, but Signed Call.
This plan was presented to the recent
meeting of the national republican commit
tee, he continued. but the committee
created an election board and appointed
as members thereof Mr.. John b. Cotton,
Mr.. w. Calvin Chase and myself.
Il had no reason to believe that Mr.. Cot
ton would not be perfectly impartial as
between Mr. Chase and myself, and have
no reason to believe so now. but / must
say was very much disappointed at the
way our recent meeting was conducted Mr..
Cotton. in the interim between the national
committee meeting and ours. had formu-
lated a plan without my knowledge or CO.
operation and proceeded to read it.
Mr.. Chase Immediately moved its adop-
ton. | demonstrated against adopting a
plan that did not require registration of
voters and that provided for an intermedi-
ate returning board; but it was adopted
and issued as a statement or call to re-
publican voters of the District"
You signed that call. however, did you
not?" suggested The Star reporter
Yes. l signed 1t with the others replied
MIR. Saunders, but the minutes of the
meeting will show my opposition and re-
monstTances.
What is the matter with the plan pro-
posed2"l inquired the reporter.
The election was fixed on a date scarcely
more than week OFF, he replied. when
uhder the plan 1t is necessary to select and
examine as to their fitness seventy men to
act as registrars. There Is not dollar in
the party treasury here to pay these men
or to pay the rent of the twenty-five poll
ing places that will be needed in the TWEEN
tytwo districts.
Convinced of His Popularity.
II am convinced" said Mr. Saunders with
emphasis. that my way of feeling has the
sympathy Of the great majority of the re-
pubficans in the District, and that | could
easily be elected to any popular office here
under reputable election methods But my
withdrawal as candidate and from local
politics is final and absolute. DR.. Robert
Reyburn will take my place and Mr. Thos
G. Hensey will be his associate Rev. DR.
Lee, the pastor of the large colored Baptis,
Church will be the candidate of the coIored
people as against Mr.: Chase. He has q con.
gregation of 1900. Mr.. George f. Emmons
has also withdrawn"
Current Gossip.
The Star reporter. upon leaving Mr.. Saun.
ders, found several of his former lieuten-
ants very much disconnected by his With
drawal. He was candidate for delegate
four years ego, and spent u consdera BILE
amount Of money in behalf of his ambi-