Evening star., 1927-09-17
M'ADOO DECLINES
TO RUN, PLACING
PARTY GOOD FIRST
Sees Democratic Calamity if
Convention Procedure of
1924 Is Repeated.
PRINCIPLES COME FIRST,
HE EXPLAINS IN LETTER
Believes His Decision Will Clear
Field for Development of
New Leader.
By the Associated Press.

William G.. McAdoo. whose politica
personality has shadowed every dis
cussion of Democratic campaign PLAN
in recent years. has decided 10 "stant
aside" from the presidential race II
1925.
The former Secretary Of the Treas
urN, whose forces engaged in the mem
orable convention battle at Madison
Square Garden IN 1924, in commune
eating his decision to George +. Milton
publisher of the Chattanooga News
based 1t on a desire to clear the field
so far as | can clear It," so that 3
leadership might be developed compe
tent TO maintain the supremacy oi
Democratic principles and progres
sive policies"
Il shall not, therefore, he candi.
date for the Democratic presidential
nomina ton in 1928" said a terse para
graph in a letter to Mr. Milton. when
outlined the former Secretary of the
Treasury'S views of the situation con-
fronting the party.
Fears Convention Fight.
A repetition of the 'inconclusive
end disastrous" convention fight of
1924, in which the forces of Gov.
Smith and Mr.. McAdoo clashed in bit.
ter and unyielding conflict. would re-
duce the Democratic party to impo-
tence, he said.
"The false religious issue" was in
jected into that convention against
his opposition. he added.
Whether Mr.. McAdoo's declaration
eill draw from Gov. Smith any state
ment of his plans was a matter of
widespread speculation among politi-
clans here. especially among those
who have urged that both Mr.. McAdoo
and Gov. Smith eliminate themselves
in the interest of party harmony.
Some OF these pointed to the exact
quotation of Mr.. McAdoo that he pre-
ferred to clear the field, so far as L
can clear it," for the development of
a party leadership.
Everything possible should be done
TO prevent the 1928 convention from
degenerating into mere struggle OF
individuals for personal prefermenr
at the expense of principles and pol-
icies of fundamental importance to
party character and to the welfare of
the Nation" Mr.. McAdoo wrote.
Puts Principles First.
principles and policies must come
first. Personal ambitions, however
legitimate, and every selfish purpose
should be subordinated TO them"
Although announcing that he would
not be a candidate. Mr.. McAdoo gave
notice that as a private citizen he was
still in the fight for 1.-THE preservation
of the Constitution in it's integrity
for the defeat of notification. for
obedience of law and for the stern re
preston of crime, for incOrruptlble
Government, for impartial justice. so
cial and economic, for orderly progress
and for wider human opportunities"
There was nothing in the letter to
indicate to whom the support of the
McAdoo forces might be thrown, q
subject which has been of intense in
terest since the campaign of 1924.
Means Shifting of Plans.
And in making his position as to his
own candidacy clear, Mr.. McAdoo full
filled the promise he made in Wash
ington several months ago that wher
he had something of. political i'm
portance to say he would say it him
self This declaration was made after
the former Secretary had been quoted
as having decided to support a par
ficular prospective candidate for tht
Democratic nomination.
Although the McAdoo declaration
undoubtedly will cause some shifting
pre-convention campaigns. the exten
Of it's influence probably cannot be de
fermined for several days. 1t was il
reply to letter from Mr.. Milton, il
which the publisher assured the Dem
ocratic leader that progressive" Dem
ocrats looked TO him for leadership
and that the McAdoo strength hat
grown greater and greater. Mr.. Mil
ton urged that Mr.. McAdoo mak'
clear his position.
Text of Letter.
The text of Mr. McAdoo"s letter
hnder date of September Is, follows
s'My Dear Milton:
II have read with care your lette
Of September s. l think you ar
right in saying that the time has ar
rived when, in the interest of tn
progressive element Of the Demo
cratic party, with which | have al
ways been identified. and in orde
that my friends throughout the coun
try may be guided accordingly.
should indicate my attitude towar
the forthcoming campaign for tn
Democratic presidential nomination
while most of my life has bee
devoted TO the practice of law an
10 some important business actIVitIe:
as. for instance, the construction G
fhe Hudson tunnels, neNeftneleSS, ~
cause of my profound attachment t
the Democratic principles, / haV
maintained a constant interest /
public affairs. It was for this reS
son that | fought with all my powe
for the nomination Of Woodrow Wi
ser in the Baltimore convention c
1912. After his election he honore
me with an invitation to member
shin in his cabinet as secretary
tie Treasury.
INV enthusiasm for the principle
~ progressive Democracy which TIL
GREAT statesman and leader represen
ed. induced me to accept that office
Resigned to Rest.
For almost six years as Seeretaf
~ the Treasury and for one year
director general of all the railroa'
of the United States during II
world War, | devoted myself withol
stint or limit TO the service of II
country. After the signing of II
ermistice. | was obliged to resie
these offices because an absolute res
free of all responsibilities, was in
prratlHe.
"In 1920 a demand, which appear'
to he widespread, arose for my non
natior for the presidency by the Dem
,,atic party, but refused to becon
- candidate. although many of II
,,nseIfiSh supporters did me the Vel
,roat honor Of trying To draft me
that occasion. In 1924 entered Il
ramraien because 1t was urged upo
a mo that the progressive element
' CONTINUED on Page 2. Column 81