New-York tribune., 1917-12-04
John J. Fitzgerald
Leaving Congress
To Practise Law
Appropriation Chairman
VIII Resign and "Never
Hold Office Again"
By BRIGGS
[Stdf Correspondence

WASHINGTON, Dec. 3.-John j
Fitzgerald, of Brooklyn, chairman OF
the Appropriations Committee of the
House, the only Northern man to hold
a really important committee chair
manship in either house of Congress
announced tonight he would resign, to
take effect at the end of this month
Mr.. Fitzgerald said he would devote
himself to the practice of law in New
York. with Justice Luke D. Srapleton
and William j. Mahon. He announced
he did not expect again to hold public
Office. Financial reasons, he said. ce-
termined his move.
Mr.. Fitzgerald has been a member
Of the House for nearly nineteen years
Since the Democratic victory Of 1910
gave the Democrats control Of the
House he has been chairman of the
Appropriations Committee, which as
second in Importance only to the Ways
and Means Committee, and except in
years when revenue legislation is con-
sidered is more important even than
that.
The Brooklyn Representative has not
been on the most pleasant terms with
the White House and many Of his
friends tonight said that If "Fitz" had
thought he could do his country real
service he would remain at his i'm
portant post despite his pressing need
for larger income. They pointed out,
however. that he has seen so much Of
his careful work made useless by mis-
management that he has become salts
fled that there was less value in the
careful scrutiny that he has been civ
ing proposed governmental expendi-
lures than would Justify his sacrifice.
Outside of public life, Fitzgerald is
expected to prove thorn in the Ad-
ministration's side every time there is
an obvious waste of public funds. His
statement, "While my interest in pub
lie affairs will continue" will be re-
called with genuine regret by high
officials before the war is a year older.
For "Fitz" never hesitated, even while
in the House, to read his colleagues a
lecture on needless extravaganza. His
speeches attacking Democratic money
wasting have been used by Republican
orators to prove their charges In the
two last campaigns.
Following is the statement issued to-
night by Mr.. Fitzgerald:
"At the end of this month shall re-
tire from Congress to practise law in
New York. | shall be associated with
Justice Luke d. Stapleton, of the New
York Supreme Court, now assigned TO
the Appellate Division, and William
J. Mahon, formerly counsel to the Sher-
if of Kings County.
at is with considerable regret that
find myself compelled TO take this step.
Although my work has been arduous, II
has been extremely congenlaL II
consulted my personal preferences
should remain in Office. In nearly nine
teen years continuous service in the
House. however. all of my time has
been absorbed in the discharge of pub
lie duties and there has been no oppor-
tunity TO give any attention to my pri-
yate affairs.
"The increasing requirements of a
large family. the necessity Of absenting
myself from my wife and children al
most continuously and inability TO meet
my growing obligations necessitate
that. before il is too late, | devote my
self 10 my profession to earn sufficient
to educate my chi dren properly. 70
provide them comforts which they
should have and 10 make some pro-
vision for their future.
"While my interest in public affairs
will continue, | do not again expect to
hold public Office"