Perth Amboy evening news., 1913-03-24
M'COMBS GETS
WILSON'S 0. K.
Sets at Rest Stories of Posi-
bic Fiction.

Wilson made public a statement at the
White House last night In which he
said hat he would not again urge
William +. McCombs, chairman of the
Democratic national committee, to ac-
cept the post of ambassador TO France.
Mr.. McCombs declined the ambassa
dorship the second time on Friday
night and after @ conference with Mr..
Wilson gave out a statement snnounc-
ing his decision. He stated that he
felt compelled to devote himself to his
personal affairs and that at the same
time he would lend any assistance In
his power that might contribute to the
success of the Democratic administra.
ton. Tho acceptance of the post, he
said, would entail sacrifices greater
than he believed he would be justified
In making.
Mr.. McCombs' declinadon In the first
instance had been conveyed to the pres
ident more than a week before, but be
had been asked to reconsider and out
Of Difference to the presidents wishes
had consented to postpone his final de-
cision.
In view of the presidents strong de-
sire reiterated to Mr.. McCombs that
the appointment be accepted. 1t was
thought possible that eventually he
might reconsider his second declina-
| ton. Mr.. McCombs Ia known to have
had a hard time making up his mind
to present a second refusal to the pres
ident.
This uncertainty was definitely dis
PEELED by the statement which the
president made. The statement was
received with surprise in some quar-
tiers. Mr.. Wilson issued a statement
In the first week of his administration
| solely for the purpose of paying a
tribute to Mr.. McCombs and to dis
count reports that might have been cir
culated regarding possible friction be-
tween himself and the national chair
man. 1t was suggested here as posi-
BILE that the president would have felt
called on to issue a second statement
purely to express his report at Mr.. Nc
| Combs second d%eclination and that the
purpose Of today's statement might be
to formally inform the national chair
man that he need hesitate over the am
hassadorship no longer out Of regard
for the presidents wishes as well as to
serve peremptory notice that the presi
dent regards the tender Of the post as
a closed incident.
Presidents Letter.
This was the presidents comment
upon Mr.. McCombs refusal to accept
the French embassy:
"I am very sorry indeed that Mr..
McCombs cannot accept the appoint
ment to France. l was particularly
anxious that he should. My admira-
ton for his abilities. my knowledge
Of his singular capa 1T. for grasplng
complex situations, my confidence In
his tact and resourcefulness, as well
as my affection for him and the init
mate relations that of course exist be-
tween us. combine to make my disap-
pointnlent very great indeed. But |,
Of curse, appreciate the force O. the
reasons he gives. He would have ac-
cepted at an unreasonable sacrifice.
! and | could not further press tn. offer
upon him.
at Ia a great pity that the country
has to ask such sacrifices Of those
who are invited to serve 1t abroad-a
service which every year becomes
more exactinR and more important.
The sacrifice Of time. OF means and of
opportunity, at home Is very serious
for any but men of large means and
leisure. and the diplomatic service Is
Unnecessarily hampered.'
The second part Of the statement
carries the first official announcement
Of the presidents Impotence at the
accepted belief that only men Of wealth
can AFFORD to accept important diplo-
matte appointments.