The Detroit times., 1915-01-20
Says Nationally Prominent
Democrat Is Seeking to
Undermine the President"
PROOF CONTAINED IN
LETTER, HE DECLARES
Governor Refuses to Ampfify
Statements Until Absolute
Proof Is Forthcoming
From a star Correspondent.


LANSING, Mich. Jan. 2O.-A
I. clarion call to the Democracy OF
Michigan to rally to the support OF
Woodrow Wilson as the Democratic
standard bearer In 1916, was sounded
by Gov. Woodbridge N, Ferris. in a
short address before the Democratic
state central committee here. Tues
day afternoon.
The governor startled his hearers
by declaring that he had received In
formation which, although he did not
credit IL entirely, led him to believe
that a Democrat OF national reputa-
ton was leading an organized EFFORT
TO discredit President Wilson, with
view to opposing him for the nom
ination in 1915.
The governor declared that the in.
formation. involving as 1t did a man
OF such national prominence and OF
such high standing in the party's
councils, both startled" and
shocked" him.
II want the Democracy OF Michigan
to 60 on record, right here and now,
for Woodrow Wilson for president in
1916" said the governor. Somebody
is trying to swing Michigan against
him. Information has come 10 me
that an organized effort to undermine
the president is being made by a
Democrat OF national prominence. /
was told that a certain letter, signed
by this man, was in existence in Mich
igan and that this letter would prove
what have Just said. l will give out
no names until / know positively
until ] have seen this letter. do
want to emphasize the fact, however
that am for Wilson. first, last and
all the time, and ! want to say also,
that II is my belief that. without
Woodrow Wilson in 1916 the Demo-
cratic party is lost"
Members OF the committee were
astounded by the charges which the
governor made and at the vehemence
with which he uttered them. The
name Of Wilson was, however, greet
ed with prolonged handclapping and
cheers.
After the meeting speculation was
rife as to the identity OF the prom
inent Democrat" who was attacking
Wilson with q view To snatching the
party leadership away in 1916. But
two names seemed to receive much
consideration--those of Champ Clark
and William Jennings Bryan.
Besieged by newspaper men at the
close of hfs address the governor
again refused TO give out further In
formation.
II do not entirely credit the in
formation which have" he repeated.
1T is of so astounding a nature that
II is almost beyond my comprehen-
sion. / would resign my governor
ship rather than repeat It now, but
when i get the positive proof / shall
not hesitate about II.
my object in speaking Of the mat
ter at al was TO impress upon Micht-
gan Democrats the necessity OF pre-,
senting a solid front for Wilson-WE-
son all the time. | believe that the
future OF Democracy depends on VIII
son, and l want Michigan to show
just where she stands"
The spring convention will be held
In Lansing, Feb. 16, according to the
decision OF the committee. Choice of
convention city revealed an almost
even division sentiment between Lam
sing and Battle Creek, heretofore con-
sidered certain Of getting the plum.
Several ballots were taken before a
decision was reached
Edwin Henderson, OF Detroit, will
act as temporary chairman.
The remainder of the session was
closed to persons other than members
OF the committee. BALLENGER.