The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1918-09-28
TAMMANY PROBLEM:
GET RID OF HARRIS
State Chairman Asked to Elk.
plain Report of Helping
Friends in War Contracts.
SMITH PLAINLY WORRIED
Democratic Leaders Hold Long
Conference, but Do Not
Announce a Decision.


In spite Of the fact that Edwin s.
Harris declared that he had no In
tention of resigning from the chairman
ship of the Democratic State commit
tee as a result OF the publication OF
certain letters tending to show that ne
had exerted his influence to get war
contracts for political friends the ques-
ton Of his continuance in the campaign
was considered at a conference attended
by Charles F. Murphy and other impor-
tant Tammany leaders last night. AL
fred f. Smith was there for time.
At an early hour this morning the
conference was still in session and the
problem that suddenly has confronted
the Democratic organization was un-
solved. II is believed, however, that
President Smith, who believes the al
legations made as to the State chair
mans activities constitute burden too
heavy for him to carry. unless con-
vincing evidence OF their falsity can
be brought forward, will find some way
to induce Mr.. Harris to retire. Even
granting Mr.. Harriss explanations are
satisfactory. Mr.. Smith feels that de-
fence OF the State chairman throughout
the campaign would be more than he
could be expected to do.
Harris Called to Explain.
As soon as he returned to the city
from Syracuse last night President
Smith went into conference with
Charles F. Murphy. leader OF Tammany
Hall; Senator Robert F. Wagner
Thomas F. Foley and other local lead
ers. Mr.. Smith left the meeting In
an effort to get in touch with Mr.. Harris
He was unable to do SO. but expects to
see him to-day.
Mr.. Harris was asked yesterday about
the complicated situation in which he
and the party have been projected.
Are you going to resign he was
asked.
81 have no intention of resigning."
Has any one asked you to resigns?
mo"
Did Mr.. Smith give you twenty-four
hours in which to show that your re-
lations with these projected contracts
were perfectly proper
NO. told Mr.. Smith in Syracuse
last night that I would be in mis- city
to-day and would be glad to talk with
him about the matter when he returned"
Mr.. Harris also said he had not heard
from the Democratic candidate for Gov
ernor since he left Syracuse apd did
him during the day.
smith Upset by Sudden Blow.
II Is understood that President Smith
was much upset by the blow his cam
paign had received Mt it's opening by
the publication OF the Harris activities.
In Syracuse Thursday night he Is eaid
to have suggested to Mr.. Harris that
he would like an explanation. He did
not, however. make an out and out de-
mand for his resignation.
Samuel Untermyer. one of the legal
lights Of the Democratic party. was
asked 10 consider the statements that
had been made of the activities OF che
State Chairman and is said to have adj
vsed that il would be better for the
party IL Mr.. Harris could find a way to
retire
The upstate leaders. it seems, were
almost unanimous in their declarations
that Mr.. Harris should not remain at
the head OF the organization.
Mr. Harris is said 10 have denied the
correctness OF the statements made
against him and TO have declared in
Syracuse that II he could have twenty
four hours in which to consult his coun-
sci he could satisfactorily explain every
thing.
Smith made this statement:
THE time for self-exploitation has
disappeared. and in the crisis now break
ing upon democracy every man is chal-
lenged TO bury all interests except those
common TO suffering mankind and public
welfare.
with nearly 100000 American boys
giving Of their blood without stint in a
noble and exalted cause. the duty OF
their fathers and brothers at home to
make America worthy of the great sacrI-
flee is clearly indicated. Those boys
have not gone forth TO perpetrate
American conditions as they were. Their
conduct has had its Christening effect
upon their civilian brothers, upon bust
ness, upon politics.
There Is no longer any room for
doubtful practices in any party. no
longer room for purely selfish considera-
tons in the hearts OF patriotic citizens
Politics Not Game of spoiIs.
Particularly docs the Democratic
party go on record in its declaration
that there is no room in the organization
for any man or group OF men who are
not animated by the highest and loftiest
OF motives in their political activities.
THE party cannot condone tacitly or
tics is game in which the spoils are
taken ny the winner.
our boys are not lighting for gain,
for anrexations, for conquest. FOR any
selfish goal
"Our politics shall match In purity the
motives OF our boys and the time has
come to deal sQuarely with this greatest
OF domestic issues,
The Democratic party In the State OF
New York wants the support OF no man
who is making capital OF patriotism. or
who seeks 10 profit by the sufferings of
humanity.
The Democratic party In the State OF
New York Is looking forward into
great and glorious future consecrated
by the blood of brave boys whose sacrl-
fees are not destined to have been made
in vain"
President Smith expects TO go to Buff
falo to speak on Tuesday.