The San Francisco call., 1910-05-28
TARPEY RETIRES
FROM THE RACE
Clear Field Is Left to Theodore
A. Bell by Fresno Mans
Withdrawal
Departure of George Hatton
Starts Politicians Guessing
at His Destination
By GEORGE A. VAN SMITH


The last apparent hope of opposition
to Theodore a. Bell for the democratic
nomination for governor went glimmer-
ing yesterday when NJ F. Tarpey of
Fresno formally declared himself out
Of the running.
That Tarpey would refuse TO attempt
to run was a foregone conclusion from
the time the affidavit requirements of
the direct primary law were called TO
his attention. His support of the Taft
electors IN 1908 made il impossible for
him 10 make the affidavit necessary to
give him a place on the democratic
primary ballot The primary law pro-
vides that q candidate must swear that
he supported at the next proceeding
general election majority of the can
didates Of the party whose nomination
he seeks. Inability to make that oath
or an oath of nonparticipation in the
preceding general election is a bar to
place on an official partisan ballot.
GLAD TO WITHDRAW
Il is not making it too strong to
say that Tarpey was relieved when he
discovered that there was q provision
Of law which shut him out Of the CUB
ernatorial primaries. He did not want
10 run, but anti-BeI democrats rein
forced by some prominent republic
ans had him almost persuaded. Pri-
vately he declared himself out of the
race when the provisions of the pri
mary law were brought to his atten
tiOn. He delayed his public announce
ment until yesterday. In making that
announcement the Fresno man was
guilty Of no cheap byplay. In q let
ter addressed to Chairman De Witt of
the democratic state central commit
tee Tarpey again called attention to
the fact that he opposed Bryan. and de-
clared that he did not wish to take ad-
vantage Of any legal bubble that might
be employed TO get his name on the
ballot. Here is Tarpey's letter:
San Francisco, May 81. 1910.
Hon. r. H. de Witt, Chairman Of
the Democratic State Committee,
Argonaut Hotel San Francisco,
Cal.-Dear Sir Inasmuch as my
candidacy for governor Of the state
has been agitated, and as 1 have
both oral and written inviting me
to become such candidate, / feel
that I owe il to the democracy of
California to state my position.
After mature consideration /
have resolved not to be candidate
for the nomination at this time for
various reasons, among which is
the fact that although I have all
my life affiliated with the demo-
cratic party and VOTED its ticket, I
did at the last presidential cleo
ton. because of the ultra free trade
procnVitles of our then presiden-
tial candidate, Mr. Bryan. which
procliyities I deemed TO be inimical
to the welfare of our country, vote
for the republican electors, while
voting the remainder Of the ticket
democratic. which fact now raises
the question as to my eligibility.
Lawyers differ upon this point
Some contend that, being a state
law. ii is not applicable to national
conditions. etc But. aside from all
considerations Of that nature.
have no desire TO be a candidate
when the slightest question exists
70 the fact Furthermore, my
personal affairs require my undi-
vided attention at the present time,
and ] could not possibly spare the
time TO make a campaign, which
would be necessary consequence
Of being q candidate. For these
prime reasons / have come to the
conclusion which 1 have stated at
the opening Of this paragraph
To the many friends throughout
the state, who, unsolicited, urged
me 70 become candidate and
pledged me their support, 1 desire
10 express my sincerest thanks and
grateful appreciation
Assuring you of my personal re-
gard and esteem I am, very sin
NJ F. TARPEY.
CLEAR FIELD FOR BELL
With Tarpey definitely out of the
running Bell seems in a fair way to /
realize his hope Of nomination without |
opposition Tarpey was considered the /
strongest man that could be brought /
out against Bell Virtually all of the /
big men Of democracy had been men |
toned and refused TO run before Tar /
pey's name was brought to the fore |
with q rush. His retirement seems to /
clear the field. The anti-Bell demo- I
Gratis, who take their cues from Gavin |
NicNab. will not endeavor to develop q |
candidate against Bell nor for any
place on the democratic state ticket
The professional politicians of the
republican faith are all fused up over
the departure Of George F. Hatton for
Washington or for Europe, according |
10 the factional complexion Of the poll |
tician furnishing Hatton's alleged des-
tination.~ Hatton is gone. He went |
with his political friend and partner
Postmaster Arthur G. Fisk, who is on
his way TO Europe. Whatever his des-
tinstion the departure of Hatton has
stirred UP a flow Of gossip to which
every. politician who has the time to
spare has contributed or is preparing
to contribute.
Some Of Hatton's most vigorous enc