The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-05-22
Selection Made From Within
Republican State Conn.,
mittee for Harmony,
SENATOR WATSON ACTIVE
Lawrence Cartwright Named
Vice Chairman in Smooth
Session.

Clyde A. Walb OF LaGrange
was elected Republican State
chairman today to succeed Law
renee E. Lyons of Brook, who re-
signed. The resignation was pre-
sented to the State committee at
a special meeting at the Severin
and the election followed i'm
mediately.
Walb was succeeded as vice
chairman Of the committee by
Lawrence Cartwright, Eighth
District chairman. Walb is
Twelfth District chairman and
will retain the craftsmanship OF
that district for the present.
walb's was the only name presented
70 the committee. Some friends of
Ed Bowen of Delphi were still in.
sistIng he should be considered. but
committee members at a conference
previous to the meeting decided the
selection should be made from with
in the committee.
Lyons Makes Statement.
In presenting his resignation, Ly,
ons said:
LAS precinct committeeman, as
county chairman, as district chairman
and as State chairman, I have kept in
view the best interest of the Repub-
ncan party. l have never held office.
Rpever sought office and never intend
TO, and all my political activity has
been directed toward increasing the
strength and usefulness of the Repub
ncen party.
with these things in view, deem
II best under the existing conditions
20 sever my relations with the State
central committee and to that end ]
hereby ender my resignation as chair
man to take effect Immediately
Expresses Gratitude
Il can not take this step without
expressing my deep gratitude to the
members of the committee and 10 the
secretary. Mr.. Schortemeier. for their
Unfailing courtesy throughout the
years of my connection with the or
ganization. Their cordial cooperation
and sympathetic support have enabled
Us to work together in the spirit of
harmony and I shall cherish the
recollection of their unfailing efforts
end their unalloyed friendship so long
as life shall last. I wish for each of
the members of the committee great
personal prosperity and for the party
you so ably represent unbounded
success"
The committee adopted a resolution
commencing Lyons record as chair
man and extending to him sincere
wishes for his welfare and happiness. -
Agreement Before Meeting
The final decision that Walb should
be chairman was not made until early
this morning following a long con.
ference. Although Bowen is con.
sidered a Watson man. Senator James
"a. Watson was insisting on the selec-
Stion of Walb in the interest of party
harmony. Waib was second choice
selection of most party leaders and
when it was found no first choice man
could be named without bitter feeling
resulting Walb was decided upon.
Watson was still active as the com.
nittee convened. State officials and
other party leaders f1ocked TO the hotel
to participate in discussion.
Among those present at meeting
In Watson's room We're Governor War.
Ten T. McCray. Lieutenant Governor
Emmett F. Branch: Raymond c. Nor
gan, speaker of the House of Repre-
sentatives: Joseph B. Healing. Repub.
noan national committeeman from In
diana; NJ. Bert Thurman, collector of
internal revenue: John c. Moorman of
Knox. Ind. and Fred c. Robinson,
secretary of the State purchasing com
mittee.
Fight of Long Standing.
The appointment Of Walb comes as
the conclusion Of a long controversy
within the party. dating back consid.
erably farther than the action of Ly-
ons in Joining the Ku-Klux Khan and
then leaving that organization. the
Immediate cause of the change in lead
ership.
The committee adopted resolutions
Of regret over the death of Miller
and Of James A. Hemenway, former
United States Senator.
Organization details were discussed
during the afternoon.
LONG ARM GETS PURSE