The Washington herald., 1913-07-01
newman OPPOSED
BY Big Meeting
Another Gathering to Be Held
to Arouse Sentiment Against
Confirmation by Senate.
MAY BE TAKEN TO COURT
William Mex. Clayton Writes Letter
on Commissionership and Com
mittee Is Named.
MAY BE TAKEN TO COURT

the Home Rule Committee, for the pur-
pose OF protesting against the confirma-
ton of Oliver P. Newman. as District
Commissioner unanimously adopted reso-
buttons vigorously opposing the appointee
The resolutions were introduced by. Col.
Charles c. Lancaster, and were to the
effect that Mr.. Newman has not been a
continuous bona-fide resident of the Dis
trict for the past three years, that he Ia
not a taxpayer, that he is practically
stranger, and that in appointing him
President Wilson inadvertently violated
one of the fundamental principles of tho
sacred Baltimore party platform. The
resolutions also provided for the holding
of another mass meeting to arouse add
tional sentiment against Mr.. Newman's
confirmation, and for the appointment OF
for 1t.
The original resolutions, introduced by
Col Lancaster. embraced a paragraph
in which reference was made to the ap-
pointee as practically a myth or a
sphinx" but upon the protest of F. Ed
ward Mitchell the assemblage decided to
strike out these words, on the ground
that they reflected upon Mr.. Newman's
personality.
We are here" he said, ito oppose
Mr.. Newman for a technical reason
his personality"
Col. Lancaster defended the words he
had used. but after much heated discus
sion 1t was decided to strike them from
the resolutions
NenIc Made Chairman.
The following were appointed members
of the committee to arrange for the pro-
posed mass meeting: F. Edward Mitchell.
Il ~ oh
Ready, John Campbell. James L. Skid
more. Martin Weigan, W. J. Frizzell
William F. Bowen, Percy Metzger, Pat
rick T. Moran. DIR. J. w. Murphy, Wan
ner L. Wilkerson, Charles c. Lancaster,
James NJ Wood. Robinson White
Michael J. Colbert. Bernard @. Brown.
George c. Montgomery. James n. Eng
land, Charles II. Eisinger. James O'Gor-
rell, Edward G. Benton. Clinton r. Col
vim, and George Marshall. The commit
tee will meet at o'clock this afternoon
in the law Offices of ]. W. Staggers In
the Washington Loan and Trust Com
pany.
William J. Meals called the meeting
to order and explained its purpose He
was Immediately elected permanent
and Percy Metzger was elected
secretary. Announcement was made that
Charles W. Darr, one of the candidates
in the Commissionership race, had given
notice he would be unable to attend. be-
cause Of the fact that he was opposed to
the mass meeting.
An interes. lg letter was read from
William NICK. Clayton. another one OF
t. foremost candidates in the recent
race. The communica-
ton was as follows:
Il have received a card of invitation
signed by the Home Rule Committee
asking attendance at a meeting to pro-
test against the confirmation of Mr.. OIL
yer P. Newman. nominated by the Presi-
dent for Commissioner of the District OF
Columbia.
Mr.. Newman. according to the pub
lie press, appears to be the Presidents
personal choice for this high and respon-
sible office. selected after four months
Of careful and painstaking inquiry.
Against the honor, probity, and ability
Of Mr.. Newman, not whisper can be
breathed.
The vital question whether he could
qualify under the organic act creating
the Board of District Commissioners, r
was submitted by the Presi-
dent to the Attorney General of the
United States and by him decided in the
Mr.. Wilson is my party's chief-now
tilt ltspOIsIblt VI lhc
party-and l. as a loyal Democrat. teal-
Gus at all times of my record of I'M
questioning and unwavering support of
the principles and policies of my party
for over thirty years in the District of
believe that my President
could have had only the best interests Of
the Democratic party and the District
of Columbia at heart when he named
Mr.. Newman for this office.
II believe that when the facts laid be-
fore the Attorney General leading to his
opinion that Mr.. Newman could qualify
under the law have been submitted to
the Senate District Committee the peo-
pie of the District of Columbia will then
be satisfied that the President acted well
within his rights and under the law.
I'm spirit of comfy and justice II
Is due Mr.. Newman here to say that 1
first met him in 1910, while on the edi-
torial staff of the Times. Mr.. Newman
was the first newspaper man who could
be enlisted in the fight the Federation of
Citizens Associations was then making
for a Public Utilities Commission for the
District; his enlistment was hearty and
sincere, and from that time forth every
ability and talent at bis command, every
he could secure, was freely
placed at our disposal, and much of the
inal success of the movement, in my
opinion, was due to Mr.. Newman's
initial support.
I'm conclusion, indulge me in saying
that. sympathizing with the hopes and
aspirations of the great mass of our
people, I trust and believe that the sue |
cessors of the present appointed Board of
will be Commissioners |
elected to office by the SURFACES of the |
people of the District OF Columbia.
only through this change can the re-
sponsibility for good government in our |
city be placed where 1t properly belongs |
upon the people themselves"
Evidence in Register.
Mr. Neale declared he had In his pos |
session evidence to the effect that within
he past three years Mr.. Newman reg |
stored in the hotel of city other than |
as coming from New York. |
lie said that IL necessary a photograph |
If this signature will be placed before |
he Senate District Committee.
The hall was fairly well filed, although |
here were some vacant seats. Enthusi- |
ism was intense, and the speakers were |
,reeted with much applause Mr.. Neale |
declared that should the Senate confirm |
Nr. Newman the question of his eligi- |
,ility will be taken before the courts for |
decision. Col Lancaster referred to the |
of Mr.. Newman as a rever- |
ion to the old carpet-bag rule. which. he |
aid. died forty years ago.
Among those who spoke were William |
!. Neaie, Charles c. Lancaster, George C. |
F. Edward Mitchell, ]. W.
,taggers. w. J. Frizzell. Patrick T. /
Moran. Martin wiegans. and Bernard @. |
Brown.
Robert e. Mattinsiy. one Of the old
var horses of the local Democracy, yes
ertday afternoou voiced hia approval Of l