New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-02-14
M'AD00 AMAzES
N.Y.DEM0CRATS
Secretary Wants 20 Bar
Office Holders from St.
Louis Convention.

Washington. d. G., Feb. 10. A doc
trine laid down by Secretary OF the
Treasury McAdoo in letter made pup
lie tonight would bar Senator O'Gor-
man. Representative Fitzgerald, Secre-
tarv of Commerce Redhcld and all
other Democratic ofiiceholders from be-
coming delegates 70 the Democratic
convention in 81. Louis.
Mr.. McAdoo, declining 10 become a
candidate for one OF New York's big
four" delegates. states his opinion that
"honors of this character should be
distributed among the men who have
stood in the trenches and have fought
the battles of the party and who have
not received official positions
Several New York City legislators eH-
pressed amazement at this declaration
bv the Secretary, especially IN view OF
the fact that at the Baltimore conven-
ton Senator O'Gorman was delegate,
despite his position as Senator, and in
cidentally did some yeoman work for
Mr.. Wilson. Mr.. Fitzgerald was then
prominent member Of the House, and
other members Of New York's delega-
ton included ofiiceholders. There was
some surprise at the logic of Mr.. Nc
Adoo's doctrine, it being pointed out
that the Office Of delegate pays nothing,
and actually costs eacn man who goes
TO the convention money out of his
pocket
The story Of Western Representa-
tive is being TOD. Inis particular
legislator would Ike very much 20 be
e delegate TO the Republican conven-
ton this year, but doctrine similar TO
that Just enunciated by Mr. McAdoo
was laid down by him Tour years ago.
At that time he was not very anxious
10 20. particularly as he foresaw the
Taft Roosevelt trouble. but at the same
time ne did not want one of mis- col
leagues. who bitterly opposed his ideas,
10 20. He pointed out, therefore, in
strong letter 10 constituent, that 1t
was The duv OF all members Of Con
eress at this trying time" TO stay on
the job in Washington and attend TO
legislation.
As result the Representative did
not go and his colleague was shameG
out Of going. Now, however, the thing
has arisen to plague him and prevent
his being a candidate. il Is wondered
here if the logic of Mr.. McAdoo, in
writing his letter, was similar TO that
Of this Western Representative four
years ago.
Following is a copy Of the letter
which Secretary McAdoo sent to Mr.
Chester c. Plat, of Batavia. y. y:
THANK you for your letter Of the
Sth inst. with Enclosures. which ! have
read with interest notice that you
mention me in connection with the del
egates-at-large TO the forthcoming ma
tional convention at St. Louis.
81 thank you heartily for deeming
me worthy of such an honor, but feel
that ! ought TO say TO you and to my
other friends in New York that | would.
in no circumstances, permit myself TO
be considered for the position of dele
/ gateat-large, or as a delegate, to the
next Democratic National Convention,
because | have already been honored
by the party far beyond my deserts.
and ! feel that honOrs of this charac-
| ter should be distributed among the
men who have stood in the trenches
and have fought the battles Of the
party and who have not received Official
positions