The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-04-24
MANAGER OF
CAMPAIGN FOR
WILSON QUITS
McCOmbS Also Chairman of
Democrat Natl Committee.
Reason: just Formed New Law
Partnership.
MINNESOTA man SUCCESSOR?
Fred B. Lynch, Wilson Promo
ter, May Get Position.
Nations Executive Replies Cor
daily in Terms of Regret.

Washington. April 24.-William F.
McCombs, chairman of the Democratic
national committee, today notified
President Wilson that he will be un-
able to continue in his present position
after the Democratic national conven-
ton in St Louis and will be unable to
direct Mr.. Wilson's campaign for re-
, election.
Replying to Mr.. McCombss letter
the president expressed regret. Fred
B. Lynch, national committeeman
from Minnesota, is expected to sue
| ceed Mr.. McCombs and conduct the
campaign.
Mr. McCombs wrote this letter to
the president:
II 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 substantially all my time to my
profession. My political activities must
be largely curtailed. My arrangement,
however, will justify my proceeding
through to the end of the convention
at St. Louis.
In Party Service Years.
"In view of the party precedent that
the nominee for president is requested
to indicate his preference for the
craftsmanship of the national commit
tee and in view of the unanimity of
sentiment for your denomination, l am
let you know 1 could not under any
circumstances assume the Leadership p
of the coming Democrat campaign.
II am hapy 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.
''sfTor five years now have been in
the active service of the party and it
is with keen feeling of regret, that
forced to conclude that my activities
are of necessity to bT more limited. If
within the limit of my time 1 can be
of assistance, be assured that I am al
ways available
Wilson Writes Reply.
The president replied as follows:
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. l fully appreciate the
necessity you feel yourself to be under
to resign after the convention shall
have been held in June, L know that
you would not have reached such a
decision had not your new business
relation made it unavoidable. 1 do
not feel at liberty therefore to urge
y
tention of the craftsmanship would in
volve. You have made many great
sacrifices already for the party and
know that I am speaking the senti-
ments of all loyal Democrats when
1 express the very deep appreciation
1 have felt for the great services you
have rendered.
II 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 con-
nection will bring you continued
abundant success
See TumuIty Also Being Considered.
Mr.. Lynch, suggested for the chair
manship, is at present chairman of the
executive committee of the national
committee and in active charge of pre-
liminae'y work for Mr.. Wilson's re-
nomina&<el. Homes S. Cummins, of
Connecticut, vice chairman of the ma
tiOnal commmittee and Joseph P. Tu-
multy secretary, to the president, have
also been mentioned as possible sue
cessors to Mr.. McCombs.