New Britain herald., 1916-04-24
Chairman Of Democratic National
 Committee Will Retire IS LOYAL TO PRESIDENT
In Letter to Wilson Says He Feels Assured of Formers Victory in NOvember-AmOunc He Has Formed New Law Partnership.

Washington, April 24.-William F. McCombs, chairman of the demo- cratic national committee, today notified President Wilson that he will be unable to continue in his present position after the demo- cratic national convention in Et Louis, and will be unable to direct MT. Wilson's campaign for re-elec- tion
 Replying to MT. McCombs' letter the president expressed regret. Fred E. Lynch, national committeeman from Minnesota, is expected to suc- ceed MT. McCombs and conduct the campaign.
 MT. McComb wrote this letter to the president:
 | have just formed 8 new partner ship for the practice of law, which will become effective on the first of May. The change will necessitate my devoting substantially all my time to my profession My political activi- tes must be largely curtained. My arrangement, however, will justify my proceeding through to the end Of the convention at St. Louis
 Tn view of the party precedent that the nominee for president is re- ouested to indicate his preference for the chairmanship of the national committee and in view of the unity or sentiment for your renomination 1 am writing you at the earliest possible moment to let you know that ] could not under any circumstances assume the leadership of the coming dem ocratic campaign. I 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 nominees throughout the country in November
 For five years now I have been in the active service of the party and it is with a keen feeling of regret that I am forced to conclude my activities are of necessity to be more limited If within the limit of my time l can be of assistanve be as sured that I am always available"
 President Wilson's Reply.
 The president replied as follows:
 have your letter of April 20, ap- prlsing me of your inability to re- tain the chairmanship of the demo- cratic national committeeman for the approaching campaign.
 II fully appreciate the necessity you feel yourself to be under to re- sign after the convention shall have been held in June; I know that you would not have reached such a de- cjslon had not your new business obligations made it unavoidable I do not feel at liberty, therefore, to urge you to make the sacrifice that a, retention of the chairmanship would in the circumstances involve
 You have made many and great sacrlhces already for the party and 1 know that l am speaking the senti- ments of all loyal democrats when I express the very deep appreciation I have felt of the great service YOU have rendered. I am sure that the greatest regret will be felt at your retirement and that host of friends will join me in the hope that your new business connections will bring you continued abundant success"
 MT. Lynch, suggested for the chair rnanship, is at present chairman of the executive committee of the na- tlonal committee and is actively in charge of preliminary work for MT. Wilson's renomination. Homer S. Cummings, of Connecticut, vice chairman of the national committee and Joseph P. Tumulty, secretary to the president, have also been men toned as possible successors to MT. McCombs.