Evening star., 1934-03-07
mullen RESIGNS
COMM|TTEEPOS
Is Third Lawyer to Quit
Party General Staff as
Practice Ban Looms,

BY the Associated Press
Another lawyer-vacancy in the
ranks Of the Democratic National
Committee was assured today as Ar
thur F. Mullen of Nebraska handed
in his resignation-with President
Roosevelt's consent.
In warmly personal letter ad-
dressed to MY Dear Arthur" the
Chief Executive said he appreciated
the motives which prompt you to
take this action" He expressed his
personal friendship" and added he
still counted upon his advice on mat
tiers OF national welfare.
The Presidents recent criticism of
committeeman practicing law before
Government agencies here was said
by Mullen not to have constituted his
reason for resigning
He denied what he termed a pub
llshed Inference that my activities as
practicing attorney in Washington
were unethical and embarrassing to
the administration"
The reason, he wrote the President,
was that in view Of pending legisla-
tion to prevent politically influential
men from practicing law before Fed
eral agencies, he felt his continu-
construed as indicative Of opposition
to you"
Asks State Group Act
Mullen, who was floor manager for
Mr.. Roosevelt at the Chicago con-
vention. asked that the Nebraska
Democratic State Central Committee
meet to accept his resignation and
choose a successor.
j. =. Thomas, chairman Of the State
Committee and an official of the
Federal Reserve Coard here, set
March II as the date. Thomas him
self said he would resign later because
OF his position here.
There were reports today that Null
len might enter the race for the
United States Senate from Nebraska.
Mullen will be the third Democratic
national committeeman to resign this
year. the others being j. Bruce Kre-
mer OF Montana and Robert H. Jack
son OF New Hampshire.
Certain publications. Mullen wrote
IN his letter to the President, re
Gently have appeared in the press
which have sought to create the infer
ence that my activities as a prac-
ucing attorney in Washington were
unethical and embarrassing to the
administration. that because of this
had incurred your displeasure and
Ill will and therefore should resign
from the National Democratic Com
mittee.
Statements Are Disputed.
Knowing that such press state
mentS were and are untrue and conf
dent that you believed my conduct to
be entirely proper, have not resigned.
You will recall, doubtless. that last
October We discussed the propriety of
national committeeman practicing law
in Washington. At that time you as
sured me that you had no criticism
OF me, either personally or profession
ally
In view Of the pending legislation,
now feel. however, that my continu-
ance in the office of national COM
nitteeman might be construed as in
dicative Of opposition to you and to
your administration and as lack of
cooperation with you do not wish
to be placed in that position. It has
been. and is, my earnest desire to do
whatever l can to assist you.
With this in mind. am requesting
the chairman of the State Central
Committee Of Nebraska to call a meet
ing Of that committee for the purpose
OF accepting my resignation and elect
Ing my successor"
Text Of Presidents Reply.
To this, Mr.. Roosevelt replied to
Mullen:
My dear Arthur:
Have just received your letter in
which you indicate your intention to
submit your resignation as national
for Nebraska to the
chairman of the State Committee.
1T is unnecessary for me to say
that I appreciate the motives which |
prompt you to take this action. I
recall distinctly talking with you last
october when the question of your
law practice in Washington was
brought up and I remember assur-
ances Of confidence in your integrity |
that expressed.
Il can appreciate your feeling. as
indicated in your letter to me, that |
the time has come when you feel you |
should resign as national committee |
man. I want you to know, however,
that there is no change in my personal /
friendship for you and that will con- /
tinue to count on your answering |
loyalty to the principles for which we |!
stand, your entire sympathy with the |
steps we are taking toward national |
recovery and continuation of that |
loyal support to these principles that |
you have always manifested.
Il know that your retirement as
national committeeman will in no way
lessen your deep interest in public |
affairs and shall welcome a con- !
tinuation of your counsel and advice |
where the welfare of your State and |
the country is concerned
Cordially yours,
"FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT"
Senate Race a Question.
Thomas. asked by newsmen if Null