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#815 Union Trust Building,
Detroit, Michigan,
November 13th, 1905.

Hon. Truman H. Newberry,
Care, Navy Department,
Washington, D. C.

My dear Sir:–

Referring to your several valued communications, I would say, that after careful consideration and more thoughtful study of the operations of Parke-Davis & Company, it seems to me that the office of president should be filled eventually by a man trained to supervise the various departments of the Company, and one willing to devote his whole time to the work. I, also, feel that the Board of Directors should take early steps to find a competent candidate and install him in power.

Mr. Buhl should be Chairman of the Board, if he will act in this capacity.

I appreciate the amount of time necessary to accomplish so important a step and I regret that your absence from Detroit prevents you from personally participating in the work. Your duties at Washington will not only occupy your time fully, but I am told the government regulations would prevent the use of P. D. & Co.'s preparations in the Navy Department, were you to remain on the Board. This being true, I see more clearly why you feel the necessity of retiring temporarily from the directorate.

Your kind suggestion – that I become your successor – is a compliment which I deeply appreciate. As you know, when I retired from car building my intention was to eventually withdraw from participation in all business matters, excepting those pertaining strictly to my personal investments. As you have properly stated, I have a large financial interest in P. D. & Co., but that does not cause me the slightest anxiety. Nor would I consider entering the directorate solely because of the investment. On the other hand, if by taking your place on the Board, say, for one year, I can help strengthen the future management of the Company, I am willing to do so upon the following conditions:

1. A unanimous invitation from the present Directors of the Company.