Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-04-08
Richie ANNOUNCES.
\. HE IS CANDIDATE.
Governor Issues Long-AWait-
ed Statement on His Posi-.
ton on Fourth Term.
BY a stan Correspondent of The star.


BALTIMORE, Md, April s.-The
,long-awaited announcement by Gov.
Albert G. Ritchie that he would be
candidate for a fourth term as Gov
ernor of Maryland was made yesterday.
In formal statement saying he would
be a candidate for the Democratic nom
nation for governor, Mr., Ritchie de-
clared he had waited until sentiment in
the State, particularly within the Demo-
cratic party. had crystallized.
The governors declaration followed
closely an announcement last week that
David G.. Mcintosh, jr, had withdrawn
his bid for the eubernatorial nomination
and the publication of reports md1cat-
ing Mr.. Richie would receive State
wide support from the Democrats.
Battle Is On.
Within a few minutes after the gov
ernor announced his candidacy the bat
tie within the Democratic party over
the nomination for State controller was
on. A conference of several hours dura-
ton was held by Democratic leaders,
during which E. Brooke Lee, speaker OF
the House of Delegates, is said to have
vigorously and determinedly advocated
j. Enos Ray Of Prince Georges County
Tor the conCrOlIerSE1lp.
Frank A. Furst, the adviser Of Mary
land democracy, who attends confer
enceS away from his ONCE only in q
crisis, was present at the session. He
has taken the view that the Democratic
organization should support all the
State wide elective incumbent Demo-
Gratis for reelection. Thus he Is sup
porting william S. Gordy, jr., Of Wi
conico County for denomination as con-
troller.
In the conference an effort was made
to get Gov Richie to arbirate the con-
troversy, but he declined to take sides.
The meeting ended without definite ac-
ton, but the impression was given that
Mr.. Ray was a serious contender, and
might within few days announce him
self as candidate.
Governors Statement.
Gov. Ritchie's statement announcing
his candidacy for the Democratic nom
nation for a fourth term as governor
follows
II will be a candidate for the Demo-
cratic nomination for Governor OF
II have made this decision only after
very long consideration This has not
been at all due to any uncertainty about
the way regard the governorship OF
Maryland. T have always said that next
to the presidency I regard it as the
greatest honor that can come to an
American citizen. This is so because
the Office not only administers the al
fairs Of the State, but 1t is represent
alive of the Maryland ideal OF govern
rnent, which is the life of democracy
and liberty everywhere. So, naturally,
there Is nothing had rather have than
the opportunity Of serving my State as
governor for another term.
But the people of Maryland have
honored me in very full measure and
for another term, until sentiment on
the question particularly in my own
party, had had very full opportunity TO
crystalline. one way or the other.
Thinks Opportunity Given.
"1 think every one will agree that
there has been this opportunity. II
there was any advantage to me in get
ting into the field quickly, as many OF
my friends strongly urged, certainly I
have not taken advantage OF It.
For months now the public have
been discussing available candidates and
the character of government which
Maryland has had during recent years,
and particularly have the public been
discussing whether they wanted to con-
tinue me at the head Of this great bust
ness Of theirs-which is what the State
government really is-with the expert.
ence have acquired by working for
IL years on the job.
"The fourth-term question in particu-
lar has been not only discussed, but
publicly debated, and men like DR.. Will
liam H WEIGH, Mr. Randolph Barton,
jr.; MIR. Sylvan Hayes Lauchheimer, DR.
Cary B. Gamble, jr.; Mr.. w. Irvine
Cross, Mr.. Waldo Newcomer, Mr.. Fran
els King Carey. Mr.. William L. Mar
bury, Mr.. r. Howard Bland, Mr. James
M. Easter, Mr.. Frank Novak and others, |
disposed Of any objection on this point
effectively.
Gives Basis Of Decision.
every one in the Democratic party |
who would like to be governor has had !
the opportunity to be considered. Some |
of the most influential men in the |
party, after canvaSsing the available !
field, did. in fact, support another can" !
didate, behind whom. for a very con- /
siderable time, opposition to me has had |
the fullest opportunity to center. This |
candidate has now withdrawn.
These and . Ter occurrences dur |
ing the past months, the support which |
has been offered me from so many |
sources, and particularly recent develop |
ments, including the open letter pub
lished Sunday and signed by 1,500 rep
reSentative citizens Of both parties, have |
finally decided me to become a candi-
date for another term. |
II cannot express in any way at all |
adequate the gratitude feel for these
evidences of confidence in me. It Is
something I never can forget.
There Is ample time to discuss the
issues Of the campaign and all peril
nent subjects, so I need say nothing /
about them at this time.
II have an intense pride in my
State. and its political ideals are the ?
sum and substance of the only political /
philosophy know. have been proud
to proclaim them wherever and when
ever could, both at home and abroad,
because believe that in them lies our
best hope Of political salvation.
IF the people honor me with another !
nomination and election I will continue |
during the next four years to devote
my life exclusively to the service of
the State and to trying to make It o
model of good government and Of sound
political doctrine.
And as long as ! am Governor of |
Maryland will do my best to preserve |
those policies which safeguard most |
and interfere least with the just lib
critics and Well-being of our people"