AMERICAN PRESIDENCY.

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17169, 3 August 1927, Page 7

AMERICAN PRESIDENCY.

SURPRISING DECISION MR COOLIDGE TO RETIRE. NOT A CANDIDATE IN 1928. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.)] (Rec. August 3, 9.10 a.m.) NEW YORK, August 2. A message from Rapid City reportt that Mr Goolidge has announced that he will not be a candidate for tha Presidency in 1928. WIDESPREAD AMAZEMENT. AT MR COOLIDGE’S DECISION, (Rec. August 3, 10.55 a.m.) NEW YORK, August 2. Mr Coolidge’s announcement at Rapid City was totally unexpected at this juncture and has created widespread amazement. The President called the newspaper men together after the markets had closed and his secretary, Mr Sanders, locked and guarded the door while Mr Coolidge handed each pressman a typewritten slip reading; “ I do not choose to be a candidate for President In 1928.” The journalists asked if he would add anything to the statement, hut Mr Coolidge merely shook his head negatively. The President w-as grave and serious lacking the customary smile with which he usually favours newspaper conferences. His action has puzzled political leaders and public alike, because his political position is now as strong as ever and his health is excellent. The apparent collapse of the Geneva Conference has been'a deep disappointment to bim, and is likely to affect the economy campaign through an increased navy, but it is believed in many quarters that the real reason for his withdrawal is out of respect for his long standing prejudice against presidential third terms.