The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1893-12-13
VAN ALIEN RESIGNS
The once of Ambassador 70 Italy He
Writes Letter to the Secretary OF state
Giving HIS Reasons Therefor.

Writes Letter TO the Secretary of State
Giving HIS Reasons Therefor.
New York, Dec. 4--The following
correspondence, which Is self explana-
tory, was given out for publication
here yesterday:
"NEwPoRr, R. l., Nov. 20. The Hon
orable Walter Q. Gresham, Secretary
Of State.
"Sir-I have the honor TO acknowl-
edge the receipt Of your letter Of the
esth Of October in which you officially
notify me that the president by and
with the consent of the senate, has APP
pointed me ambassador TO Italy.
"Since the receipt Of your letter !
have given the matter my most serious
and careful attention, and as the re-
suit Of my reflections have concluded
to ask you to express to the president
my decision not TO accept the Office ten
dered to me. must beg that you will
not infer from this action any lack OF
appreciation on my part Of the honor
conferred. On the contrary fully
comprehend the dignity, Importance
and responsibility Of the position.
"The fact of my contribution to the
campaign fund has been considered as
making IL improper for me to receive
this appointment do not think that
I could now remove this impression
from the minds Of many right-minded
and thoughtful people, whose judg-
ment, frankly admit, may possibly be
correct
"At all events, It Is clear that ] find
myself in false position with refer
ence to this Office and appointment
Acceptance of the Office would make
me appear willing for the sake of per-
sonal qualification to discredit in the
minds of many the political party to
which am attached, and to bring un-
deserved rebuke upon the administra-
ton which has honored me and whose
success earnestly desire.
"It therefore seems to me sufficient
to add that self-respect compels me to
adopt the only alternative and decline
the high Office to which have been
appointed. | have the honor, sir, 10
be your obedient servant,
~. j. VAN ALIEN"
WASHINGTON, EXECUTIVE MANSION,
Nov. 22, 1893.
"Hon. j. ]. Van Allen, My Dear Sir:
The secretary of state has submitted
, to me your letter in which you tender
your resignation Us ambassador t'
Italy. hasten to express my earnest
wish that you will reconsider this con
clusion. The sentiments contained II
your letter do credit to your consisten
5 cy and Americanism, but you must nl
!. low me to dissent from their applica
,. tion in this case. did not select yo'
for nomination TO the Italian mission
> without satisfying myself of your en-
tire fitness for the place. / am nov
better convinced of your fitness thai
e ever. You know and know that al
e the malignant criticism that has bee
Il indulged in regarding the appointment
has no justification and that the dc
cent people who have doubted its pre-
> priety have been misled, or have misse
the actual considerations upon whic
. II rests. We should not yield to tn
'r noise and clamor which have arise
N from those conditions.
is "My personal preference should lea
IT slightly TO your final determination
=, but SO far as have such preference.
- - is emphatically that you accept II
" honorable Office conferred upon yo
10 and vindicate by the discharge of 4
ir duties the wisdom and propriety I
ID your selection. Awaiting your ear
rs reply, am yours sincerely, M
st GROVER CIEyELAND."
IN "NEwPoRT, II. J., Nov. 25.
is "To the President: Sir-I have Il
"A honor to acknowledge the receipt
your letter OF the 22d inst In repl
10 allow me to thank you most sincere
a' and heartily for the very kind and fia
IN tering sentiments you express For d
re reasons have already stated in n
4 a. Ala ~ ctata n,