New Britain herald., 1924-01-15
IN. YORK OR FRISCO DEMOCRATS CHOICE Site Of Convention to Be Decided
 Late This Afternoon OTHER BIDS ARE LOWER
Chicago Ofers But Sf25,OOO and St. Louis Only S10O.OOO - National Treasurer to Retire From Office To Visit Wilson.

Washington. Jan. 15.-New York and San Francisco apparently took the lead in the contest for the 1924 democratic convention as the party's national committee convened today to select the city and fix the time.
 There was a showdown of offers from New York, San Francisco, Chi cago and St. Louis, prior to the con- vening of the committee. Represen- tatives of the four contenders ap- pealed before a subcommittee con- sisting of Clark Howell of Georgia; Charles A. Greenhouse of Indiana. and Miss Mary Archer of Pennsylvania. The subcommittee received definite financial proposals from each of the contestants and prepared report for the full committee.
 The Various Bids
 Party leaders said the bids from New York and San Francisco ap- peared to meet with the greatest fav- or and the race was said to be nar- rowing to those two cities unless Chi cago and st. Louis made better offers. san Francisco offered s2O0,00o cash and free use of the auditorium while New York offered s150,O00 and free Use of Madison Square Garden, dec- orated and equipped. The Chicago offer was sl25,000 and St. Louis trailed with an offer of si00,000 and free use of the auditorium where the 1916 democratic convention was held.
 Reorganization Necessary
 The national committee also was confronted today with a. partial re- organization Of its staff. Wilbur W. March of Iowa. national treasurer announced that he would resign be- | cause of his inability to be in Wash ! ington during the campaign. MT. | who is the Indiana com 1 was said to be slated for | election either as treasurer or as na- tional secretary to succeed Ed Hoff- man of Indiana, who resigned some time ago.
 After the committees business ses- sion today 1t will visit the home of former President Wilson, who is said to be anxious to receive the commit tee members informally.
 Reasonable Hotel Rates
 All of the bidders for the conyen- ton gave assurances Of reasonable hotel rates. New York's representa- lives said there would be no increase in current rates. while St. Louis prom sed an average of s4 day for rooms. San Francisco and Chicago made blanket promises against excessive rates. St. Louis waived any rights to motion picture and other privileges which would produce revenue.
 After a brief open session, the full committee closed its doors to receive -eports Of various subcommittee but with an arrangement for postponing he vote on the convention city until ate today.
 Deficit of s1s0.OOO
 Among the reports received was hat of the national treasurer, show ng a deficit Of s1so,O00. Proposals or liauidating the debt included a suggestion that members of the na- ionat committee and the convention arrangement committee pay their ,otel bills and other expenses at the This would afford saw ng of s4o,o00 to s56.000.
 Bids Are Explained.
 When the report of inc cohNchtloh was submitted II dis losed that in addition 10 the s2o0.- .OO certified check from San Fran isco. that city had guaranteed a und of slg0. .O0O additional Co enter . ain the delegates,
 Chicago's bid was explained as a uarantee of all expenses. backed by 1 he pledges or si25.000 given when , 'hicago was seeking the republican . The St. Louis offer was aid 10 Do equal 10 s@o7.ooo. with ash offer of s10g. 900 and additional lducemsnts regarding concessions , nd hotel rates. The New York offer . f sf5o.00e with the use of Madison i ariare Garden and expenses Of eu- { was said to mean an of- rr of approximately s2hH.en". -hicaeo's plea was heard first by the 1;l committee. IL was presented hy favor William T.. Dever. Edward \. hurley. and George l.. Brennan, llH- ois national committeeman. who | dded 10 fhe Chicago offer by prom ing a campaign contribution of