New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-12-02
MR.. OLC0TT WlTHDRAWS.
mr.. PARSONS ALONE LEFT.
Latter Candidate for County Erecu-
tue Committee Head also.

Congressman ]. Van vechten Olcott. who two
weeks ago announced his candidacy for thu
presidency OF the Republican County Commit
tee to succeed William Halpin. last night in a
formal statement withdrew from the race In
favor Of Congressman Parsons thus leaving
Mr.. Parsons as the only candidate. His action
was not unexpected. as it became apparent that
Mr.. Parsons. who on the withdrawal OF Mr..
Halpin as a candidate. was Endorsed last weeis
by about twenty-five Of the district leaders,
would be the victor in the contest. Mr.. Olcotts
statement follows:
I agreed to become candidate for the position
at the suggestion Of men high IN the party. In
order that the county organization might be so re
organized that Republican would be assured
in the State OF New-York next fall It was not be-
thought It Wss Pe that such
Of any boss Whatever If the party was to be sue
cessful know that was absolutely independent,
nounced, it seemed that its object was accom-
PIshed ed, It was speedily announced that Ar Asl-
dency, the for his withdrawal being the GER
Therea nae ne T PaT ge s eandday was an
nounced Mr.. Parsons Prociaming his absolute inde-
pendence in fact stating his purposes to be identS-
snee hi his f formal sS s that wss
Independence, his freedom from factonal alliances
guided BY the viii and Commands Of the committee
only This Is al l sought; al hoped for an I
ciple that actuated and It would be false 70
unthiBkinFiy considered an attempt to promote q
Believing, therefoTs. that the idea that I serovs
for will be carried out earnestly and courageousiy
by MI d NOV s MI my
to vote for Mr.. Parsons.
PLEASED WITH STATEMENT
Congressman Parsons was at dinner at ths
Republican Club with several Of his colleagues
in the House Of Representatives from this Stats
when informed by Tribune reporter that Nj.
Olcott had Withdrawn from the race After
reading Mr.. Olcott's statement he saidi
Il am very much pleased at the spirit Of Mr..
Olcott's statement believe that he acted from
the highest motives. look forward with con
fdence to his support and cooperation If I am
elected president of the county committee
do you expect to be the chairman Of the
executive committee as well as president OF
the county committee he was asked
Wei. shall be candidate for the place.
said Mr. Parsons. TT strikes me that the presi-
dent could advlsedly fill both positions"
do you expect to have plenty OF time 70
perform the duties of Representative. president
Of the county committee and chairman OF the
executive comnittee?" he asked.
We'll, I shall make heroic attempt to dis
charge the duties of all the three places accept
ably said Mr.. Parsons.
Mr.. Parsons received the congratulations OF
his colleagues in the House at the Republican
Club last night. Mr. Olcotts retirement from
the race was regarded by Republicans generally
as a proper step for him to take. Senator Alfred
R Page who vas the Fifth Avenue I4otsi
last night, when asked about it. said
''Mr. OIcott's statement does him credit II
indicates a sincere desire to eliminate even the
appearance Of factionaHsm from the contest. and
leaves Mr.. Parsons with unobstructed course
I was confident from the start that Mr.. Parsons
would win. as he became q candidate at the
psychological moment. as We sometimes say I
believe that the county committee will support
Mr. Parsons and that the organization in this
county will work hard for victory next fall
The county committee will meet Thursday
night December u, for reorganization. William
Halpin for the last year has been both president
and executive committee chairman. Charles H.
Murray succeeded NJ Linn Bruce president
of the county committee at the annual election
two years ago. holding the presidency for a
year. on his appointment as a judge Of the
Court of Claims Mr.. Halpin, who was chairman
of the executive committee, succeeded to the
presidency.
Lieutenant Governor Bruce In the four
months that he president produced excep-
tionaly good results. Mr.. Halpin worked few
men have worked at political task His friends
believe that if he had been continued as presi-
dent he might have realized his ambition TO
bring the county organization up to a vote get
ting standard that it never has reached The
friends of Mr.. Parsons are confident that he viii
be able to pacify factionalism and unite the ele-
rnents that have been working at cross purposes
since Senator Plat succeeded by ex-Gov-
ernor Odell as State leader.