Press Release

Title

Press Release

Creator

McAdoo, W. G. (William Gibbs), 1863-1941

Identifier

WWP16275

Date

1920 June 19

Description

Press release by William G. McAdoo containing a telegram from Jouett Shouse asking McAdoo to consider letting his name be put in nomination for the presidency and McAdoo's response that he is not a candidate.

Source

Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia

Language

English

Text

THE FOLLOWING TELEGRAMS ARE RELEASED FOR PUBLICATION IN MORNING PAPERS OF June 19th, 1920 by W. G. McADOO
120 Broadway,
New York.

Washington, DC

WG McAdoo
120 Broadway,
New York NY

Sentiment throughout country rapidly crystallizing in favor your nomination Stop I know you have consistently stated that you are not a candidate and that you will not seek nomination Stop Your many friends would like to have you reconsider your attitude at least to extent of permitting your name to be presented to Convention Stop We are certain you can be nominated and elected.

Jouett Shouse
New York

Hon Jouett Shouse,
Washington, DC

Your telegram of requires an explicit and immediate answer. I am profoundly grateful to you and my other generous friends, who with such spontaneity and unselfishness, have without my solicitation advocated my nomination. To cause them disappointment distresses me deeply but I am unable to reconxsider the position I have consistently maintained, namely, that I would not seek the nomination for the Presidency. I cannot, therefore, permit my name to go before the Convention; this decision is irrevocable as the path of duty iseems to me clear and unmistakable.

The considerations which compelled me to resign as Secretary of the Treasury and Director General of Railroads, after the Armistice in 1918, in large measure still prevail. I must have a reasonable opportunity to rehabilitate my private affairs and to make that provision for my family which, in time of peace, is at once the sacred duty and the cherished desire of every right-thinking man. Having been out of office less than eighteen months I have not yet been able to accomplish these objects. Moreover, a Presidential campaign imposes upon the candidate unavoidable expenses which I am unable to assume, and which I do not want my friends to assume.

The record of the recent Republican Congress and the platform and candidates of the Republican National Convention make Democratic victory in the next election almost certain. Victory will be certain if the Democratis adopt a straightforward, unequivocal, unevasive, honest and liberal platform and put forward candidates who will command public confidence. We must stand squarely for ratification of the League of Nations without debilitating reservations and we must be direct and explicit on the important domestic issues. The times are not propitious for equivocation or for appeals to blind passion or to doctrines of hate, or for reactionaries and those who would shut their ears to the great and swelling voice of humanity which cries aloud for the restroration of peace and good will at home and in the world and for the opportunity to live in an atmosphere of justice, progress and prosperity.

I feel sure that my friends will appreciate the sincerity and propriety of my position and that they will do everything in their power at San Francisco to assure the continuation of the enlightened principles and liberal policies of Democracy. These are more than ever essential to the security and well-being of the American people.

WG McAdoo



Files

http://resources.presidentwilson.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/D07010B.pdf

Tags

Citation

McAdoo, W. G. (William Gibbs), 1863-1941, “Press Release,” 1920 June 19, WWP16275, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.