New Britain herald., 1915-04-21
Statement From LOncTgan and Cun-
 mllgS Says He WihdTaWs.
LEAJERS CONFER IN NEW HAVEN
So Many Difficulties in Way of Party Primary That Plan Had to Be Abandoned and Withdrawal of EX- Mayor Is Result.
Especial to the Herald. ]


 New Haven, April 21.-Joseph M. IIalloran, ex-mayor of New Britain, formally withdrew from the race for postmaster in New Britain today, it was announced following conference between ex-Congressman Augustine Lonergan and State Central Commit teeman Homer S. Cummings in this city. This action clears the way for Attorney W. F. Delaney, who hau been recommended to Postmaster General Burleson by MT. Lonergan short time before his term as con- gresSman expired.
 The two conferred in order to see whether there was some solution to the apparent deadlock. 1t was con- sidered feasible to hold primary be- cause of obvious difficulties and this plan was abandoned.
 After the conference the following unsigned statement was given out:
 Statement from Conference.
 "The contest for the office of post master at New Britain has been brought to satisfactory and harmon ious conclusion. The matter has been
  The choice ultimately lay between ex-Mayor Joseph M. Halloran and Attorney William F. Delaney. MT. Halloran had the support of a large proportion of the business interests of New Britain and many influential party leaders throughout the state, in- cluding MT. Cummings. MT. Delaney likewise had substantial business and al dorsement of MT. Lonergan.
 Both of the candidates are men Of high character and excellent stand ing. The contest was fairly conducted and it must be clearly understood that no steps were taken either bX MT. Halloran or with his consent which are not recognized as entirely proper and fully within his rights. '' s.s.
 Indeed, no criticism of any kind or description can be properly indulged in as to the manner in which any of the candidates for the position have conducted their various campaigns.
 After March 4th, when it appeared that Mr. Delaney's nomination had not been acted upon, attempt was made to induce MT. Cummings to lend his support to MT. Delaney. He declined so to do upon the ground the he was pledged to MT. Halloran and that no sufficient reason had been advanced for causing him to change his atti- tude. In fact he saw no honorable way in which he could do so.
 Under all these circumstances, and in view of the apparent difficulty which was presented, it was suggest ed that primary be held to be parti- cipated in by the registered voters of the town of New Britain to determine which of the two candidates men toned they preferred. Postmaster General Burleson, approved of this proposition and it was ultimately as- sented to by all concerned
 MT. BurleSon expressed a willing ness to appoint the candidate who was successful in the primary and request ed MT. Cummings and Mr. Lonergan to arrange the details and to certify the result.
 MT. Cummings and MT. Lonergan met for the purpose of considering this matter and it then became ap- parent that there were practical diff ficulties in the way of holding such d primary. One of the chief objections was the fact that an examination of the democratic primary list of New Britain disclosed that nearly one halt of the dem ocratic voters of New Brit ain had not registered and that a pri- mary under such circumstances, would exclude nearly one half of the democrats of New Britain from par ticipating. On the other hand an open primary was not desirabl in view of the obvious difficulty in defining the right of citizens to take part in it. lk1 addition to this the expense of such a contest, the delay involved, and other practical considerations arose which made that solution of the matter not altogether desirable.
 Under these circumstances MT. Hal loran solved the difficulties by offering voluntarily to withdraw from the con- contest. He felt that such contest would not be desirable from a demo- crats standpoint and he was willing to sacrifice his own personal welfare in the interest of the party. His gen. erous action in this matter is greatly appreciated by all concerned.
 'In view of this action and with MT. Halloran's full approval and consent, Mr. Cummings has endorsed the can d;dacy of MT. Delaney and there is now no reason to doubt that the lat ter will receive the appointment in the very near future"