Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1916-04-24
UNABLE
TO AID WILSON
IN HIS FIGHT
Democratic National Commit
tee Chairman Gives Up Place
For Private Practice

Washington, April "a. - william F.
McCombs. chairman of the Democra-
tic National Committee. to-day noti-
fed President Wilson that he will be
unable to continue in his present posi-
tion after the Democratic National
convention in st. Louis and will be un-
able to direct Mr.. Wilson's campaign
for reelection.
Replying to Mr.. McCombs letter the
President expressed regret. Fred. B.
Lynch, National committeeman from
Minnesota, is expected to succeed Mr..
McCombs and conduct the campaign.
Mr.. McCombs wrote this letter to
the President:
Il have just formed a new partner
ship for the practice of law which will
become effective on the first of May.
the change will necessitate my devot-
ing all by time to my profession. MY
political activities must be largely cur
tailed. My arrangements, however,
VIII justify my proceeding through to
the end of the convention at st. Louis.
In view of the party precedent that
the nominee for President is requested
to indicate his preference for the
chairmanship of the National commit
tee, and in view of the unity of senti-
ment for your denomination. l am
writing YOU at the earliest moment to
let YOU know that | could not under
under any circumstances assume the
leadership of the coming Democratic
campaign. | am happy in the thought,
however, that there are hosts of able
and true men who can very readily
take my place.
The Democratic organization is
loyal to your policies and purposes.
we all feel assured of a triumphant
result for you and for the party nomi-
nees throughout the country in No
vember.
For five years now | have been in
the active service of the party and it
is with a feeling of regret that l am
forced to conclude that my activities
are OF necessity to be more limited.
II within the limit of my time / can
be of assistance be assured that l am
always available"
President Replies
The President replied as follows:
II have your letter of April 20 ap-
prising me of your inability to retain
the craftsmanship of the Democratic
National committee for the approach
ing campaign.
Il fully appreciate the necessity YOU
feel yourself to be under to resign
after the convention shall have been
held in June: | know that you would
not have reached such q decision had
not your new business obligations
made 1t unavoidable. | do not feel at
liberty, therefore to urge you to make
the sacrifice that a retention of the
Craftsmanship would in the circum-
stance include. You have made many
and great sacrifices already for the
party and | know that | am speaking
the sentiments of all loyal Democrats
when l express the very deep appre-
citation | have felt of the great service
you have rendered, l am sure that the
greatest regret will be felt at your
retirement and that a host of friends
will join me in the hope that your
new business connections will bring
YOU continued abundant success
Mr.. Lynch suggested for the chair
is at present chairman of the
executive committee of the National
committee and in active charge of pre-
liminary work for Mr.. Wilson'S renom-
ination. Homer S. Cummings. of Con-
necticut, vice chairman of the Nation
al committee, and Joseph p. Tumulty.
secretary to the President, have also
been mentioned as possible successors
to MIR. McCombs.