The Washington times., 1916-06-05
Two Forge to Front as POSI-
billties In Selection Of New
Democratic Chairman.
SUPPlANTS DAVIS GOSSIP
Politicians Recall That Taft
Named His Secretary for
Same Post In G. O. P.

Joseph p. Tumulty. Secretary to the
President, and Postmaster General AL
bert Sidney Burleson have forged to the
front in the last twenty-four hours as
serious possibilities in the selection of
a chairman of the Democratic national
committee to succeed William F. Nc
Combs, of New York, who will retire at
the close of the st. Louis convention.
The talk OF one or the other of these
two men for the place has succeeded
the gossip Of last week which conferred
about the name of John w. Davis, of
West Virginia, Solicitor General of the
Department Of Justice. as the man most
likely to be chosen by the President to
manage his campaign for reelection.
While II Is declared that the Presi-
dent has not definitely determined his
tain that IL he decides to select a MEM
bsr of his official family. either Score.
tary Tumulty or Postmaster General
Burleson will be named.
Taft Named Hilles.
It was recalled today that President
Taft selected his private secretary,
Charles d. Hilles. to manage his cam
palgn for reelection; and. on the other
hand, inasmuch as the Postmaster
General In every Administration is
looked upon as the political adviser in
the Cabinet. the selection of Mr.. Burle-
son. II is pointed out. would be nat
ural one.
Secretary Tumulty actively managed
Mr.. Wilson's political battles in New
Jersey, and his prowess as leader Is
respected by the President.
But whoever Is chosen for the post
1t is declared that the President himself
IsrNIl 10. 20 NIa AaA Nwrlxa o.
vice on Secretary of the Treasury Nc
Adoo, Postmaster General Burleson, and
Mr.. Tumulty..
Secretary McAdoo himself. who. a,
vice chairman OF the national committee
in lyl2, was one OF the chief directors
OF the Wilson campaign, has been sug.
gested as possibility for national
chairman, but is said to have dismissed
II he attempted to run the campaign
as the Presidents son-in-law his actor
might be misunderstood.
Friends OF the President deny tha
the elimination OF fred b. Lynch o.
Minnesota. chairman OF the executiv,
committee of the national committee
as a possibility, has been due in an,
way to the attacks made on him b!
others. charging that the Minnesota
man was under the influence or Wal
Street.
Say Lynch Isn't Candidate.
1t is declared that MIR. Lynch Is not
candidate and has never been and tina
the President has never considered hin
for the place. Persons close to tn
President declare, however, that tn
latter has the highest regard for Mr.
Lynch and will consult him rreQuentl,
during the campaign.
As forecast in The Times. the presi
dent had decided on Senator on
Il nG I'LL
similar role in the baltimore conven
tion; as permanent chairman at the 3,
Louis gathering.
The decision followed definite wor
would not be able to accept the post
and regarded 1t as more proper for hir
TO remain on the job In Washington
The selection OF Senator James ha
served to sidetrack efforts launched 4
diana and Mr.. McCombs for the perma
nent Craftsmanship Of the convention.
AS Is the case with much that ha
to be considered In connection with tn
convention plans. tho shadow Of VIII
liam j. Bryan doomed up concernin
the choice for permanent chairmanshiI
During the Baltimore convention Sena
tor James. as preceding officer durin
the bitter fight between Bryan and tn
supporters of Champ Clark, won tn
regard of both sides for his fairnes
and platform poise.
Bryan Is Reporter.
Mr.. Bryan is not going to st. Loul
as a delegate. but as a newspaper cor
respondent But It is regarded as Ger
tain that he will be asked to address
the convention.
While the Presidents friends stat
that they have no misgiyings abou
Bryan's purposes, and profess to dis
count the rumors that he will seek I
make trouble over the platform, the
want a permanent chairman who wi
be able to mingle tact with firmnes
in handling all delicate situations this
may arise.
The President has already read an
approved the keynote" speech of tn
convention, which will be made ,b
former Gov. Martin II. Glynn, of Me-
convention. The speech is said to b
an elaborate and vigorous laudation ,
the Wilson Administration, particuls
stress being laid on the Presidents fol
eign policy and his success in keepin
the country out of war.
Employees of the telegraph and tel,
phone companies have already begun II
Btalllng direct wires between the Whit
House and the Democratic headqual
ters at the Jefferson Hotel in st. I,oui
The President Will Rave personal rel
municate with him over these wires
every important stage In the proceed
ings. They will be under orders
keep him particularly we'll advised 9
to the deliberations of the platfor
committee, or committee on resolution
which will be presided over by Sent
tor William j. Stone of Missouri.