Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1833-12-12

with tnem. anu. as you ihshcu tuh us-
closure OF my thoughts. by assuring me
in your letter Of the Goth OF June, that
you did not intend TO interfere with the
Independent exercise Of the discretion COM
mitted 10 me by law over the deposites,
opened myself freely to you. against any
change Of the depository at all subsequent
stages. although have kept myself open
to explanation, have invariably declined
TO make that change, and l remain IN the
same resolution yet.
Permit me respectfully TO say, that l
am not aware, that my willingness, or I'M
willingness, TO afford you an opportunity
TO select successor, could have had any
influence or bearing upon any question,
before the cabinet; but | am willing to
meet that consideration, as well as those
stated to you this day in our interview.
In short, Sir, as stated TO you, at that
interview, my course is justiicatory TO-
wards you: | desire no unkind feeling,
have no unkind purpose; however ardent
or unusual my language may be, it is at
least sincere.
Allow me then very respectfully to state,
as declared at our interview, that under
the most serious convictions Of my duty,
| refuse TO aid, assist, or in any way par.
ticipate in the proposed change Of the
public depository-that | refuse TO reln-
qush post conferred upon me by the
law and, that, without In the most re-
mote degree meaning any sort OF disre
spect to you, | protest against any inter
ference, on your part. with powers and
duties, which, ] believe. were designedly
withheld from the President, and commit.
ted to the Secretary of the Treasury, the
fiscal agent OF the law.
With iervent wishes that your measures
may conduce to the advantage of your
country, and to the honor Of yourself,
am with the utmost consideration,
Your obedient serv't.
w. j. DUANE.
No. s.
The Secretary of the Treasury to the Pre-
sident Of The United States.
Treasury Department, Sept. 81, 1888.
Sir-Allow me, with great respect, to
present to you another view, in addition
to those stated in my letter Of this date
If understand your wish, as il is TO be
collected from your note OF this date,
which have just now again perused. it is
to hold me on principles of delicacy. at
| least, TO my assurance Of July 92d, that
unless ] agreed with your decision, after
inquiry and discussion, would promptly
afford You an opportunity to obtain sue.
cessor according in your views.
pray you dispassionately to consider,
whether you did not absolve me, even up
on principles of delicacy, from all obliga.
! finn THE ,,ia,u 4 he.
l. On Wednesday, Sept 18th, signi-
fled in cabinet my desire to take and ex
anime your exposition: you gave it to me
saying,in reply to my inquiry as to your di-
rection. that was to consider myself di
rected to act on your responsibility.
2. On Thursday morning, Sept. 10Th,
you applied to me to know If had come
to decision. and returned by your mes
senger, who brought your note, this reply:
"Io the President Of the United States.
"Sir: Upon matter that deeply con-
"cerns not only myself, but all who are
"dear to me, have deemed it right, as
"have not friend here TO advise with, to
task the counsel Of my father at this crisis
81 wrote TO him last night, and am sure
"that nothing but sickness will prevent
"his presence to morrow night; on the
"next day, trust that shall be able to
SNAKE communication to you.
with the utmost respect,
| "Your obedient servf,
WIN. j. DUANE.
September 10th, 1888"
8 On the same day, Thursday, 10Th,
Sept) your private Secretary, Major
Donelson, called on me to say, that you
proposed to publish in the Globe of mex,
day ,yonr decision: replied that thought
yon ought not, that was not party to
it, and as matter of delcacy to myself
could not approve it.
Lest words should be forgotten, I wrote
and delivered TO Major Donelson this re-
ply:
"a. j Donelson, Esq
| "Dear Sir. The world is so ccnso
"rious, that am obliged, upon reflection
"to express to you my hope, that you
twill not regard me as approving of any
qualification; ii would seem to be but del
"icate TO defer such an act, until shall
"either concur or decline; however, all
"that desire to have understood is, thai
81 do not approve of the course yon men
'tioned Were the President, would
"consult, at least reasonably, the feelings
"of man who has already anxiety enough
GAS to the newspapers, they will know
"what has been done, without an official
communication.
"Very respectfully yours.
"W. j. DUANE.
September 10 1888"
a. In the Globe Of Friday, Sept. 90,
you caused it 10 announced TO the world.
that the die was cast; thus disregardiDg
rights OF the Secretary of the Treasury,
and my own feelings and fame; and refus
ing besides to wait until the next day to
receive my decision.
Allow me, therefore, very respectfully,
but confidently, TO say, that was thus
discharged from any sort of obligation, or
respect for, or on account of the past.
Nnt rraxy IA