The News & Observer

HOT LETTER TO LOWNDES HIS WEAKNESS EXCITES PITY. HIS LACK OF TRUTH CONTEMPT.

Lowndes Declares if Maryland Republicans Retain Wellington as Chairman he Will Refuse the Governorship.

Baltimore, Md., Sept. 23.—Senator Wellington has forwarded to Governor Lowndes his reply to the letter received by him requesting him to resign the chairmanship of the Republican State Central Committee.

The letter was sent from Cumberland and is addressed to Governor Lowndes at Baltimore. It is as follows:

"Hon. Lloyd Lowndes, Baltimore, Md.

"Sir: Your letter of the 21st instant reached me yesterday. After your action it is impossible for me to serve as chairman of the Republican State Central Committee, and I had intended in a legal way, with due notice, to convene the committee for the purpose of tendering my resignation. I understand, however, that yourself and the other candidates on the State ticket have taken time by the forelock, and in a manner entirely unprecedented and illegal, have called together the committee for Monday, the 25th instant. While this is unwarranted and unlawful, I shall make no objection to it and hope no one else will. Should there be present a quorum at the meeting I will tender my resignation on Monday next

"I write more in sorrow than in anger, but, above all, there is present with me for you, mingled with some, pity for your weakness, immeasurable and unutterable contempt for your want of frankness and truth. It will be unnecessary for me to say or do more, for at the polls in November the people of the State will administer to you such a rebuke as will be sufficient punishment for all that has transpired.

"Very truly,

(Signed) "GEO. L. WELLINGTON."

This communication sets at rest all speculation as to the possibility of the Senator weakening in the position which he took after the meeting of the State Central Committee, at which time he severely criticised the action of Governor Lowndes. He is determined to sever all relations with his former friend, the Governor.

Governor Lowndes, who went to Cumberland, said, when asked if he had any comment to make on Senator Wellington's letter:

"I have not received the communication, which has been forwarded to Baltimore. As far as I am concerned the incident is closed. The committee, which will meet in Baltimore Monday represents the Republican party of the State and if in its judgment it should retain Mr. Wellington as chairman, then I shall decline the nomination for the Governorship."