The Washington herald., 1917-04-14
OPENING GUN FIRED
in D. A. R. ELECTION
Adherents of Mrs. Lewis and Mrs.
Guernsey Deny ''PoIitical Rumors."

The FIRST gun in the forecasted fight
for the president generalship of the
Daughters of the American Revolution
was fred last night at a meeting of the
Continental Hall committee, when one
Of the members declared she had been
informed that Mrs. James Hamilton
Lewis, wife OF Senator Lewis, of Illinois.
had withdrawn her name as a candidate
Mrs. Florence Finch, of New York. act
Ing as spokeswoman for Mrs. Lewis, de-
manded the floor Immediately and de-
clared that she knew of no such action
on the part of the Senator's wife. Opin-
ion throughout the organization last
drawal OF Mrs Lewis.
Mrs. George Thatcher Guernsey, the
most prominent\ candidate for the presi-
dency, indicated yesterday. through her
supporters. that she Is utterly opposed
TO pacihsm in America, and that rumors
to the contrary were evidently circulated
by persons who wished to advance their
own interests. Mrs. Guernsey made IL
clear that she favors a United America.
standing behind the President in what
ever course he may dictate.
Red Cross Worker.
Mrs Guernsey is deeply interested In
the work of the American Red Cross
and the Navy League, It was declared
and last March, at Emporia, Kan, she
addressed a gathering of Daughters in
favor of preparedness. At that time. she
declared that the d. A. r. would be an
Important element in war preparation,
that mem oers should not work for their
own ACKNOWLEDGMENT, but for the good OF
the country and the d. A r. cause
Despite the rumors of Mr. Lewis
withdrawal from the race, II was said
last night that the fight for the presi-
dency will continue to center among the
big four"-Mrs. Guernsey, Mrs. George
c. Squires, Mrs. John Miller Morton and
Mrs. Lewis
A delegation, headed by Mrs Story
went to Mount Vernon yesterday and dec
GRATED the tomb of Washington with
horal wreaths. This is an annual pilgrim
age of the organization.
Guests of Smithsonian.
The committee having charge of the
ceremony at the tomb was composed
OF Mrs. Luther Derwent, Mrs. Eleanor
Washington Howard. Mrs. Eliza Ferry
Leary' and Mrs. Story. Mrs. Leary later
placed wreath beneath the picture OF
Mrs. Pamela Cunningham through whose
enorts the government secured posses
sion Of Mount Vernon.
Mrs. Story will be the guest of the
regents and the secretary OF the Smith
sonian Institution at a reception to BE-
given in her honor tonight, in the Nat
| ural History Building Of the United
States National Museum.
At yesterdays meeting OF the Con-
tinental Memorial Hall Committee, Mrs.
Story. the president, said the committee
was ready TO pledge an extra 5000 bond
issue to meet an optional payment on
the hall. Since Mrs. Story's election four
| years ago. $4,000 OF the 1880 remain
ing Indebtedness on Continental Hall
had been paid
The four candidates for president gen.
eral. have each turned their hotel apart
ment in veritabIe beehives. Mrs.
Guernsey. and Mrs. John Miller Horton.
Of Buffalo. N. Y, have their workshops
in their respective suites at the New
! Willard, while Mrs. Squires is quartered
| at the Powhatan. Mrs Lewis. the ad-
ministration candidate. is at the Shore
ham. A great part OF her campaign is
being wRged at Continental Hall