Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-01-14
MR.. HARPER ISOUT
OF CIVIC BODY::.RAcE
Asks Friends Not to Nomi-
nate Him for Commerce
Chamber Presidency.
NEW PHASES OF CONTEST

Robert \. Harper president of the
District National Bank. issued state
ment at noon today asking his friends
not to nominate him for president of
the Chamber of Commerce at the
annual meeting of the organization at
Rauscher's tonight.
Mr.. Harper's public request added
new interest to the already lively con-
test which is going on in the cham
Der over the election, for 1t leaves
opponents of the third-term principle
would defeat A. Leftwich Sinclair.
who has served two terms and has
been nominated for another year.
Winfield Jones, newspaper CORE
spondent. is a candidate in opposition
far as could be learned Mr.. Jones has
not made a determined effort to be
elected.
Reasons for Opposing Mr.. Sinclair.
Aside from the third-tern1 contro-
versy a faction of business men in
the chamber is opposing Mi. Sinclair
on the ground that during the period
of reimbursement to a peace basis
should head the organization. 1t was
one of these men, Harry King, who
named Mr.. Harper at a meeting of the
reconstruction committee of the cham
Der yesterday.
Just what the outcome will be to-
night no one was prepared to say
this afternoon. Several business men
thought Mr.. Harper's name would be
put forward tonight, despite his OBJ
lection. Others pointed out that NOM
nations are in order after the meet
ing convenes and that some other
prominent member might be put for
ward at the last minute to support
the anti-third-term faction.
Letter Lauds Mr.. Harper.
The following letter was sent out
charnber by friends of Mr.. Harper.
"A number of members of the
Washington Chamber of Commerce
are Of the opinion that the coming
year will be one of the most impor-
deneop p a M arise Msny aune the
reconstruction period, and it is neces-
sary for the chamber to have as it's
presiding officer a man thoroughly
experienced in the commercial and
financial activities of the city Col.
Robert N. Harper is such man, and
his name will be presented at the
election. If you are interested in the
future development Of the chamber
on a broader scale be on hand and
support Col. Harper for the presidency
His Defamation Of Honor.
Mr.. Harper's statement today reads
as follows:
"This letter which I am informed
has been sent out by my friends, was
sent without my knowledge or con-
sent. As number Of Mr.. Sinclairs
supporters arc my best personal
friends, this announcement places me
in a. most embarrassing position. But,
regardless OF this embarrassment, I
cannot help but appreciate beyond ex-
precision the good Intentions of my
friends, and owing to matters of
public nature now engrossing my time
and attention it would be impossible
for me to serve and do justice to
the Chamber of Commerce, if elect
ed; therefore, I must ask my friends
not to present my name for the presi-l
dency Of the Chamber of Commerce
Supporters Of Mr.. Sinclair are con-
tending that during two years in
which the chamber was called upon
to handle numerous war movements
Mr. Sinclair has devoted much of his
time to the work. and should remain
in once during the period Of readjust-
ment.