REED IS OUT OF THE RACE.
Was Tricked Into Publicly Declaring
Himself for Cowherd.
James A. Reed, who has been considered a candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor, made a statement publicly last night in Independence that he has taken a seat in the Cowherd bandwagon and will support his old friend in the campaign. The announcement that he is not to be in the race came suddenly and even, it is said, surprised Mr. Reed himself.
Reed went out to the Independence courthouse last night to hear W. S. Cowherd and John M. Rood speak. Some 500 or more voters crowded into the courtroom to get a look at the candidate for the gubernatorial nomination. Former Mayor Sam Woodson of Independence was chairman of the meeting. In introducing Mr. Cowherd the chairman referred to Reed as a Democrat who ought to be governor of the state, and who would likely oppose Cowherd for the nomination.
"It was up to me to say something," said Mr. Reed after the meeting. "It was forced upon me by the chairman. I was about ready to issue a statement that I would not be in the race, but that chairman put me in a place where I had to do something. So I got up and swore allegiance to Cowherd. It was the statement I was intending to issue -- only it was drawn from me a little early in the game."
Mr. Reed said he had long been a friend of W. S. Cowherd, and that he would get out and lend him support in the campaign for the Democratic nomination. Several hundred Democrats heard Reed's announcement, and greeted it with cheers.
