The weekly soliphone., 1915-11-19

Arkansas Wavering Chief Executive
Suddenly Remembers Three
Year-Old Promise.

Year-Old promise.
Little Rock, Nov. 1s.-(special to The Press Aft
January 49, 1917 the state Of Arkansas will be de-
prived of the services of Honorable George W. Hays
chief executive of this commonwealth. This announce
men is predicated upon statement issued this morning
by Governor Hays to the effect that he had decided
to become candidate for reelection. His declnation
to enter the the elimination of series of
ferences with politicians from Eastern Arkansas, many
of whom have been urging the governor to try for anoh
term Last night several prominent offceholders and
politicians met at the governors home and 1t is stated
they in close conference with the chief executive
until after midnight What transpred behind the doors
of the executive mansion is not known and perhaps will
never be given to the public Early in the evening"
swering inquiries made by newspaper men, Gov Hays
stated he would his intentions within twenty
four hours. However, he had made this statement on
many other occasions and had failed to follow his prom
ises with definite announcements and in consequence
less surprise manifested this morning when
the governor authorized the statement that he would no
seek another term.
In political circles it has been known for some time
that the anxious to enter the contest butt
that he handicapped account Of lack of financial
resources necessary to conduct statewide campaign til
is generally understood the liquor forces contributed lib
orally to his first campaign when he given the NOM
nation Stephen Brlnddge and under ordinary cir
cumstances he might again rely with degree of
tainty upon aid from this source but the liquor interests
have indicated they tired putting up money for Ar
kansas officeseekers and getting nothing in but
"dry bills Whether not they intend to stand by the
decision is not known, but those in position to know
state the champions of John Bareycorn not in the
market buying would-be Officehoders
In the statement made by Gov. Hays this morning
announcing his decision not to become candidate for
another term, he calls attention to declaration he made
when he making the the first time in which he
said he would not be candidate at the expiration of his
term
With Gov. Hays out of the race the contest is be-
tween Thos. C. McRae of Prescott DR.. C. H. Brough of
Fayetteville, John w. Crockett of Dewitt Judge L. C
Smith of Dewitt, and Earle w. Hodges of Little Rock.
There persistent rumors that others will enter the
fight within short time. is known the politicians from
certain Eastern Arkansas counties not satisfied with
the present lineup. They had counted upon Hays al
contender and oiing up the machines for the
production of big majoes for their favorte Now that
years ago he would not be candidate to succeed himself
and has decided to keep his promise, the machine poll
cans forced to the necessity OF centerng on of
the candidates in the field groom who
will be subservient to their demands
The statement issued this morning by Gov. Hays fol-
"Is the People of Arkansas
"The question has been asked many times to
whether not would become candidate for re-elec
ton l have never at any time made declaration to
anyone that l would be candidate 1t is true have
friends throughout the state have urged many
casons to offer for reelection They have pledged
their support and many have made strong appeals to
to pursue this course For all OF this am profoundly
grateful But in view of the fact that stated in my
speeches during my first campaign the following In
conclusion, say to you that will do the best of my
ability to carry out the principles of government for
s1hich stand; and upon my sacred honor and
in the sight of Him by whose help alone all good ends
accomplished pledge you and every citizen of my
beloved native state that will faithfully, impartaly
perform my duty to you see it and return to you at
the end of that time the office your trust has placed in
my keeping without spot or blemish.
Il have decided, with gratitude to my friends, not
to become candidate for reelection and herewith re-