New-York tribune., 1908-02-27
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THE MILITANT D. A. R.
Hot Contest Expected Over Regency
of Empire State Society.

Whether or not it is due to the fighting blood
which the Daughters of the American Revolution
have inherited from their doughty sires, their
politics never lack the militant spirit There are
many peaceful chapters. it is true. where the
regent succeeds herself year after year. but a
renewal of the old battle for Independence with an
Independent candid lte opposed TO an administra-
tion nominee is also a occurrence III
was a contest of this kind that placed Mrs Donald
Mclean in the seat of highest honor. in the face
OF the previously unbroken precedent that this
office should be held by the wife of some high
parsonage in the national government. and at the
present time a Of Independence is being waged
in New York State
The Empire State society will hold It's election
during the sessions of the national congress In
Washington in April and its politics is unex-
tricably involved with th~t of the national body
While its right of meeting in Washington stimuli
taneously with the national body is considered a
high honor the defenders OF rights look with
jealousy on the privilege giving too much op-
portunity to the national body to medde
with their affairs. At the present time. too, the
president general happens to be a daughter of
New York State, and Mrs. Mclean Is said to be
behind the administration candidate for the state
presidency Mrs. Henry Munger, of Herkimer.
With the prestige of her position ard the devoted
allegiance OF New York City Chapter, the
largest and most powerful in the state. Mrs Nc
Lean makes a substantial 'backer." and with her
is allied Mrs. Charles H Terry, the present regent
of New York State
This is a formidable coalition. but the indepen-
dents feel that they equal to the occasion.
They have nominated Ms. William Cumming
Story. woman of unusual personal popularity
and one whose star is Enthusiastically in the
ascendant. Comparatively unknown in the club
world few years ago, she is at present carrying
everything before her. President OF the City Fed
GRAFTON. she is in line for the state presidency and
Is expected attain that position dis
tant date. She is regent OF Manhattan Chapter
of the Daughters of the American Revolution and
was recently elected president of the Women's
Republican Club At the last election of the En-
pfre State Society of the D. A. R she a can
didate for the Office of first vice president, and
Mrs. Munger defeated her by only two votes The
Independents say that she would have been elected
II some of her friends had not misunderstood the
time OF the election and gone sightseeing at the
critical moment. Tney quite confident, there
fore OF electing her this time.
It Is said that Mrs. Story allowed her name to
be put forward the understanding that Mrs.
Munger would not run. and Mrs Munger is
ported to have said that If she were elected vice
regent at the last election she would leave the
presidential field free for Mrs. Story the
election. Both finG themselves In the field
however. and the fight is so hot that each side
accusing the other of organizing chapters for
political purposes