Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-09-17

the party relied upon me for leader
ship. You know that campaign was
rendered abortive by the unfortunate
injection, against my opposition, OF
the false religious issue into the
Democratic national convention.
II have INDUCED in this brief cpl
tome to emphasize the fact that my
life has been a very intensive one and
to express the hope that l am entitled
to Il respite. DO you not think | have
earned at least an honorable dis.
charger
Fears Convention Fight.
eff the Democratic situation should
again develop in such way AS to
cause a repetition of the inconclusive
and disastrous fight in the New York
convention of 1924, it would be calami-
tous and the party would be reduced
again to impotence in presidential
contest. True Democratic principles
and progressive Democratic policies,
which you and ! and our friends be-
lieve to be essential to the public well
fare and which we have constantly
championed, would be submerged in
another disaster. Everything possible
should be done to prevent the 1928 con-
vention from degenerating into mere
struggle of individuals for personal
preferment at the expense OF princi-
pies and policies Of fundamental i'm
portance to party character and to the
welfare of the Nation. Principles and
policies must come first. Personal am
billions, however legitimate. and every
selfish purpose should be subordinated
to them.
"My chief concern is the supremacy
- nj
sive policies for these mean the pres
ervation. unimpaired, of the Constitu
ton of the United States, the suppress
sion of notification and the enforce.
ment OF law, without which stable gov
eminent is impossible and without
which the blessings Of liberty will dis.
appear; Justice to agriculture, with
out which the farmers cannot get their
rightful share of national prosperity,
and social and economic justice for all
classes, without which human oppor.
tunity cannot be widened.
Prefers to Stand Aside.
Perhaps I can do more to advance
these objects as a private citizen than
as a candidate for the presidency. |
prefer to stand aside in order that
the field may he left clear, so far as 1
can clear it, for the development of
leadership that can more effectively
gain these ends.
Il shall not, therefore, be a candi-
date for the Democratic presidential
nomination in 1928.
But the struggle for the preserva.
ton of the Constitution in it's integrity.
for the defeat of notification, for
obedience to law and for the stern re-
preston of crime, for incorruptible
government, for impartial justice, So
clal and economic; for orderly prog
ress and for wider human oppor.
tunities must be carried on, and
every earnest patriot must see that
it is carried on. In an effort to achieve
these things, l. shall, as a private citi-
zen, be glad to cooperate with all
those who deem them essential TO the
public welfare.
Grateful for Support.
Il am deeply grateful to you, my
dear Milton, and to the thousands of
unselfish and patriotic men and women
throughout the country who have
fought with me for these principles.
Their answering support and friend.
ship have given me constant inspira-
ton and profOunder satisfaction
than any honors that could be gained
in public life.
with warm regard, am, as always,
CORDIALLY yours.
civilian G. McADOO."
Mr.. Milton in his letter told
Mr.. McAdoo that the progressive"
Democrats of the country were look
ing for leadership, and that survey
of the Nation had convinced him that
the principles and progressive policies
taI 10
stronger and that your strength is
greater"
Mr.. MiltOn's Letter.
Following is the text of Mr.. Mil
tons letter to Mr.. McAdoO:
Dear Mr.. McAdoo:
''In 1924 you were the chosen leade"
of the hosts Of progressive Democracy
in the convention at Madison Square.
In 81 out Of the 1913 ballots cast in
that convention, you led all candidates
for the presidential nomination. New
or in the political history of the coun-
try has candidate in the national
convention Of any party equaled such
record. The uneXampled tenacity
and courage of your supporters in that
historic conflict arose from their pa
trlotic determination that the Demo-
cratic party he consecrated to the
maintenance of the Constitution, the
restoration Of efficiency and honesty in
Government and the service of the
general good.
THE immediate outcome Of that
convention was not the determination
of the future course of Democratic
policy, but sterile compromise, re-
su'ting in devastating defeat in the
election. The rival viewpoints within
the party remain unreconciled and the
battle must be fought to a conclusion.
Calls Strength Greater.
1.-THE Progressive Democrats Of the
country are looking today for such
a leadership as you have given and
could give them, a leadership un-
swervingly devoted to the public good.
Should you become a candidate. you
can be nominated by the party and
elected President by the people.
delegates must soon be selected to
next years national convention.
From a careful survey of the Nation, l
am firmly convinced that the princi-
pies and progressive policies You adj
vocated in 1924 have grown stronger.
and that your strength Is greater: but
YOU have remained silent on the presi-
N' -Four 'A'osafs' of friends through.