The San Francisco call., 1908-10-21
JUDGE RAKER IS
ASKED TO RESIGN
Democrats Dissatisfied With
Work of Chairman of State
Central Committee

Taking their cue from murmurs of
discomfort constantly heard where
bourbon politicians congregate, and en-
boldened by the action of Will Ashe
of Glen Ellen, who recently wired Will
liam ]. Bryan that the state central
cemu1ittee needed a new head, the Iro-
quois club has adopted a resolution
calling upon Judge John e. Raker TO
resign.
Raker was made chairman of the
state central committee through the in
fiuence of Theodore A. Bell who domi-
mates the committee. Feeling against
Bell has had a good deal TO do with
the criticism leveled at Judge Raker,
but the principal item in the list of
grievances which the democrats have
compiled is that Raker has not put in
an appearance at local headquarters
since the campaign opened. This was
the complaint which Ashe made to
Bryan, and it is also the complaint
which the braves of the Iroquois club
are now making.
The resolution adopted by the 1ro-
quois club not only calls upon Raker
TO resign, but it also directly charges
the members of the state central COM
mittee with the responsibility for his
continuance in office
notwithstanding this fact, there is
little likelihood that Raker will re-
sign. His excuse for non appearance
is that he has fight of his own to
make in Modoc county for reelection
to the superior bench, and this excuse
is accepted by many members of the
committee as satisfactory, especially
as these members feel that the cam
paign has been well conducted by Sec
retary John f. Murray and his assist
ant, Bob" Dewitt of Yreka.
The Iroquois resolution was drawn
afiInaitfa1 IN 1la Nv ART
P. Troy. 1t did not meet with unanf-
nous approval, by any means, although
the resolutions committee recommended
its adoption. Tommy Walsh declared
that its adoption was iii advised at
this late day in the campaign, and W.
Fl. Williams Jr., secretary Of the club,
also protested against the attempt to
swap leaders in the middle of the po-
litical current.
FEELING AGAINST RAkER
Feeling was so strong against Raker,
however, that the resolution was
adopted and copies sent to every. mem
Der of the state central committee. In
formal discussion which followed the
adoption of the resolution showed that
Senator j. B. Sanford would be salts
factory to the club as a chairman in
lieu of Raker. Some of the braves
proposed Max Pepper as the proper man
for the place IL Raker resigned. but
Pepper said Nay, nay.
The resolution reads:
Whereas Hon. John +. Raker accepted from
the democracy of the state of California the
highest office within the gift of the party in
this state, the charmanship OF the democratic
state central committed: and.
Whereas Hon. John Z. Raker has failed to
discharge the duties of the high and honorable
office which he holds as executive Of the demo
cratic party in the state and has at critical
moment in the pending campaign abandoned the
interests OF our great standard bearer. William
J. Bryan, and has devoted his whole time and
energies to his own campaign in behalf of him
self for the position of superior judge Of Modoc
county; andf
Whereas by reason Of his failure to manage
the state campaign the democratic state central
committee Is without head IN the present con.
test: therefore. be IL
Resolved, that the Iroquos club demands that
John e. Raker forthwith resign the position OF
chairman of the democratic state central CON-
mittee. that competent and active chairman
shall he elected; and be 1t further
Resolved. that the responsibility for the CON
tinuance in office of John T.. Raker rests with
the members of the democratic state central
committee
We approve: Robert p. Troy, Max Pepper,
James " Flynn. n. J. Manson, T. j. PindeF.
resolutions committee.
Attest: W, II. WILLIAMS JR.. Secretary.
San Francisco CAL October 16, 1905