The Mankato free press., 1922-03-31
He Admits His Influence
Has Been Killed
SHOULD RESIGN PLACE
No Longer of Service Because
Hard Fight Has Been Made
On Him
tAssociated Press Dispatch. ]

Fargo, ~. D., March 25.-A.
c. TownIey today served notice
on the North Dakota state con-
Vention of the Ncnpartlsan
League that ne intended to re-
sign as president of the Nation
al league organization.
This resignation must be sub
mitted to the national commit
tee, and its rejection would con-
stitute vote of confidence.
This situation Is similar to that
Of two years ago when MIR.
Townley refused to accept re-
election by the national COM
mittee until it had been con-
firmed in a referendum by the
league membership.
Mr.. TownIey coupled the an
nouncement of his intended res
ienation with a statement that
he had completely severed his
relations with the North Dako-
ia league organization. He had
taken no voice in affairs of the
state organization for more than
year.
Before adjournment at noon,
the North Dakota Nonpartisan
League convention passed a mo-
tion by an almost unanimous
vote, that 1t would convene at
1850 p. m. In executive session
to proceed to the election TO a
new executive committee.
Fargo. N. D.. March 25.-A. C
Townley, president of the Nationa
Nonpartisan League, had the fiool
at the opening Of third days
session, of the National Nonparti
san league convention here. Mr.
Townley took up in detail tn,
charges made against him and hi
associates of the national committe'
made in the report of the state ex
ecutive committee yesterday
Oftcials hope to conclude th'
work of the convention with a lat,
night session. Following the ques
ton of the future of the Courie
News, now before the convention
the body must take up the financia
status Of the league, reports upol
this subject not yet having beel
made and the naming Of a complet,
ticket.
Announced His Resignation
Townley, president of the nation
a. Nonpartisan League, announced
that his resignation as president o
the organization would be present
ed to the meeting of the Minnesot;
organization on March 81. The an
nonuncoment OF his absolute sever
ance Of any relations with tht
North Dakota organization and hi
r. signation followed an impassioneC
,r hA =,
ranks.
Mr. Townley led up to his clim
ak with a statement that the fgh
had hindered his work as the heaC
of the organization that the charge!
in The Courier News in the last sil
weeks and reprinting of thes,
charges had its effect upon tn,
work Of the league in other states.
Must Step Down
The conditions are such now,
he declared. that l can be of no eff
fcient service to you any more.
cannot work without the confidenc,
of men,"
Preceding this he had deplorec
the effect Of the fight in destroy
ing the confidence of the member
ship in the league in Lynn ]. FraZ
ier and in William Lemke and 9th
ers of the leaders who had giver
their service, paying an especia
tribute to Lemke for his unselfisl
place.
TownIey Hurried From Hall
81 don't like his house" he de
clared, but l love the man, ant
this fight has destroyed the conf
dence Of the people Of North Dako
Ia in him"
His final announcement came a
a complete surprise to the conven
tion and after the first moment o
blank amazement for both frien'
Jumped to their feet with protesta
tfons of their belief in him. Th,
speaker, however, did not wait Il
hear these but hurried from tn,
hall and to his hotel.
Believes In Balance OF Power
Once the fire of the former lead
er fiared forth while he was ap
preaching his climax. 1t came witt
a reference to the balance Of pow
er "1 believe in it." declared tn
speaker. 81 believe in the balanc'
OF power plan and I'll prove that
am right in this belief in Amertc'
yet"
preliminary to his announcement
Of his own severance Of relation
With the North Dakota organization
Mr. Townley laid the basis for tn
election of a new state executlv
Committee in North Dakota b,
showing that the national article
OF association of the Nonpartisal
League called for the holding of Of
flce of the present league executiv
committee until the convening OF
called delegate convention and tha
from this convention on the tern
of the executive committee woul'
be two years.
pnhk Maafara