The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-06-19
FLOOR LEADER GIVES UP DUTY John Sharp Williams
 Resigns. LETTER TO HON. D. CLAYTON Head of Minority in Congress Ex-
 plains. Since He is To Leave Lower House Soon, Thinks New Man
 ought to Be Tried in
 Place.
LETTER TO HON. H.D. CLAYTON

Eufaula, June 1S-Congressman John Sharp Williams of Mississippi. has re- signed the minority leadership of the House of Representatives to take effect December l, next This announcement is made by Congressman H D. Clayton, Chairman of the Democratic caucus
 In letter to Mir. Clayton, MT Will Hams says;
 "Washington, June IS. 1908 Hon. Henry D. Clayton, Chairman
 Democratic Caucus, Eufaula. Ala.
 Dear Henry--I write this letter to you as my resignation of the position of parliamentary floor leader for the minority, the resignation to take place upon the first Monday of December following this date.
 T have been thinking about it a good deal and it seems to me that if the next House goes Democratic, who- ever is going to be speaker of that House ought to have at least the train ing of the last, or short session of this Congress. not only to fit him for its parliamentary duties. but also to make a more intimate acquaintance with the personnel on the Democratic side, than he perhaps otherwise might have. If, upon the other hand, the next House shall be Republican, the preliminary training will be just as necessary in order to fit him for the very arduous duties of leadership during the sixty first Congress.
 Duty is Clenr.
 T have not consulted any of my friends about resigning for fear they might attempt to dissuade me and my opinion of the absolute correctness of the position which I am taking is so clear that did not want either to be dissuaded or to appear obstinate towards them.
 T need not tell you, of course, be- cause you know if, how much shall personally welcome the release from hard work and from the limelight As you and some close personal friends know, would, because of the condi- tion. of my health, have laid down the. work long before this, but for the ap- pearance of Quitting while under fire l would not, however, permit the pros- pect of the work alone to make me quit if that were all I am actuated solely by the idea that the course that am. taking is best for the party.
 Tn sending in the resignation this early so that you can have it published, instead of waiting until next December. have been actuated by the idea that it was fair only to the members of the party that they should have time. be- tween now and then fully to consider whom they wanted to succeed me.
 T have nothing but good feeling for all the Democrats in the House l am glad that In laying down the weapons with which they have armed me can do so with the recollection that the last Congress was one almost unprece- dented in Democratic annals in har- mony of action and unity of purpose on the Democratic side
 Hopes For Reforms.
 "If the next campaign could be fought simply upon the Issues made in this last session of Congress I would have no sort of doubt of Democratic success. No matter what the issues may be and how things will turn out, We will have the recollection of having stood shoulder to shoulder with one an other, and we can now with great reason entertain strong hopes of Demo- : cratic governmental reformation.
 "Whether we earn success at the polls next November or not, we have deser- we'd it, and that is all that poor mortals can do They cannot compel fate.
 T sincerely hope and express the hope to you and to the Democratic caucus that the tide of centralization and of Federal usurpation of govern mental power has seen It's height and is now on the ebb.
 With thanks for a cooperation and a personal affection that I do not feel conscious of having deserved, am,
 Every truly yours.
 John sharp Williams"