Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 31, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 February 1918 — HAYS WINS CHAIRMANSHIP [ARTICLE]

HAYS WINS CHAIRMANSHIP

ENERGETIC ORGANIZER WINS CHAIRMANSHIP AT ST. LOUIS CONVENTION. St. Louis, Mo., Feb. 13.—Will H. Hayes, of Indiana, elected chairman of the republican national committee here this afternoon, will have a free hand in bringing about harmony for the next attack on the democratic citadel, according to weary committeemen who rested from their labors tonight. The committee by acceptance of resignations and otherwise eliminated the entire executive committee to make a clean job of providing the party with new leadership. A. T. Hert, representing Kentucky, said that from what he knew of Hays’ energy it would not be long before the committee was called together* to act with the chairman in .selecting a nOw executive committee. The recommendations of the old executive committee calling for an advisory committee of women, and continuing the old Hughes campaign committee were ignored, it was said, in order not to bind Mr. Hays in any way as to his staff. Resolutions pledging support to the Wilson administration in pressing the war, expressing sympathy for Theodore Roosevelt and paying tribute to Lincoln were adopted. The resolution presented yesterday by Mayor William Hale Thompson, of Chicago, upholding the right of free speech and attacking the search and seizure act under which the government is dealing with the L W. W. and other alleged menaces, was not reported out by the committee.

Mayor Thompson did not inquire as to its fate in the meeting, nor was the subject mentioned publicity. Senator Bois Penrose, before departing for Washington, issued the following statement: .“Republicans throughout the country will be sincerely gratified to learn that the national committee adjourned with complete harmony prevailing on every side. The discussion relating to the various matters coming before the committee and particularly to the question of the chairmanship was conducted in an amicable spirit without any factional divisions and with the single view to party unity and party success. Mr. Hays has been chairman of the republican state committee of Indiana in several hard fought battles resulting in republican success and he has the reputation of being one of the best political organizers in the country. He seems to have the peculiar qualifications required at this time and he will have the full co-orperations of the national cosnmittee.”

John T. Adams, who after a long fight, withdrew as a candiiate for chairman, leaving the field to Mr. Hays, was chosen vice chairman at the same meeting which made Reyolds secretary, but’the matter of ratification did not come up. However, it was said that he would remain vice chairman. The vice chairmanship be taken up at the first meeting called by Mr. Hays. Mr Adams was the first candidate in the field for the chairmanship. He credited George W. Perkins with promoting the propaganda of proGermanism against him. Even his enemies did not question his present Americanism, but held that at this time no man who had at any time showed the least friendship for Germany’s militaristic policies could serve the party as chairman. The pledges for and against him were deadlocked until within a -half hour of the meeting. Then he verbally announced his withdrawal in the interest of harmony.