South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1920-10-24
Klein Panied
OUer CRUDE S
Quick AnS7Cer
Assumes Injured Air and
Would Put Debate Contro-
versy Up to Committee
of Gentlemen"

Asserting in painful tones. in ef-
feet that he has been insulted. COM
planning because definitions had been
given TO his conduct and assertions
in his previous letter, and snippingly
refusing to nave anything further 10
with Democratic Chairman Harry r.
CRUDE, save by the indirection Of
committee of gentlemen" RepubI-
can Chairman Fred c. Klein has
written another letter in the contro-
versy anent the democratic challenge
TO debate the League Of Nations. The
letter was received by Chairman
CRUDE late yesterday.
THE only comment / care 20 make
until l have prepared my written
answer 10 Mr. Klein is. that ne
whines like an infant who has
stubbed his toe and wants 10 blame
it on someone else" said Chairman
CRUDE last night He is hedging
much as ever. and his purpose is TO
kill time. / made him "A straight
forward proposition 20 debate the
League Of Nations. He came with
sixteen eXtraneOus propositions. each
of them a subject in themselves. and
none OF them subjects ia which the
public is seriously concerned. Now
he talks about a committee Of gen
| tlemen. I will deal with that sub
/ jet in my answer"
Chairman CRUDE stated that ne
would probably have his answer
ready Monday. Asked if ne would
| appoint a committee OF democrats
| to meet a committee of republicans
/ to arrange for the debates. the demo-
cratic chairman said he would deal
. with that I'm his answer, but Oh
served that the definition of what
constitutes gentleman seems 20
| rest with Chairman Klein. from
the tone Of his letter. and IL might
/ be difficult 10 appoint anyone from
4 the democratic party who could
measure up 10 the requirements He
may assume that 20 be a gentleman
one must be a republican
Took Him by Surprise.
Chairman Klein's letter follows.
| Hon. Harry +. CRUDE.
/ "Chairman Democratic Central COM
mittee.
South Bend, Ind.
Dear Sir have received your
Ianswer 10 my recent communication
land have read the same with some
care and great surprise.
| The inquiry which ] addressed to
YOU was phrased IN a most courteous
manner. was entirely free from per
/ sonalities and was intended only 20
elicit information whether your
! speakers would be willing 20 include
/ IN the proposed debates issues other
than the league Of nations. but much
to my surprise I note the following
] EXPRESSION In YOUR letter
: Fl" Density OF republicans. 'evasive-
ness 'prevarication.' side-steppinC
/ 'untruthfulness. 'petifogging law
vers.' Humanitarian considerations
/ 'disloyalty, low-minded abuse
+ graft 'vermin and similar eXIres-
sions.
Surprised BY "Abusc."
"Not having the pleasure Of per
sonal acquaintance with you ] nat
|urally expected, when ] addressed nay
inquiry 20 you an equally courteous
reply and was wholly uuprepared for
such a storm Of personal abuse and
insult as that contained In your letter
Of Oct. q.
IT greatly deplore the fact that
YOU. holding a position OF prOmin-
ence and dignity as nominal head Of
the democratic party IN this county.
should subscribe 20 or cOuntenance
/ such offensive staten ents from a
/ poisoned pen However, since you
/ express your willingness 20 have
/ speakers discuss any or all issues OF
the campaign, 7 am pleased 20 accept
your invitation on behalf OF the re-
rubiican county organization. asking
only that such debate be conducted
upon a higher plane than mere
'mudsling.ng' contest.
Now. nv dear sir since under tho
4 circumstances I have no desire 20
meet you personally. 7 viii be pleased
10 appoint q committee Of gentle
men 20 meet with a committee. also
gentlemen. from your party 20 ar
range for such debate
II await your pleasure
FRED O.. KLEIN.
Republican County Chairman.