The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1895-03-13

The Postmaster-Generals resignation was
not known until late hour in the evening to
his private secretary. nor will 1t DO known
in ali probability to any of his subordinates
at the department until its publication In
the morning news. The letter of resigna-
ton was brief. anil was couched in the usual
formal terms. 1t recites the fact that he
deems it advisable to retire from the Cabinet,
aud that he will do so upon the appointment
and qualification of his successor. The letter
was BY Mr.. Bissell personally handed to bis
chief. To reporter who called ut his resi-
dence Mr.. Bissell said:
II have placed my resignation in the
hands of the President. The reason is
that my professional work at home demands
my attention. and feel that cannot longer
remain away from it. The business OF
the Department is in good condition, and
its transfer to my successor can be made
without affecting the public service.
have found my work agreeable, although at
times quite onerous. I confess leave it
with regret, because I have become deeply
interested in 1t and had desire to accom-
piish something more In the development of
the postal service than have found possible
In these two years OF effort. deeply re-
gret. also that am thus compelled to sever
official relations with the President and his
Cabinet which have been most satisfactory
and cordial throughout. Perhaps lmay now
say that all rumors Of disagreement between
the President and any of his Cabinet have
been without foundation. I doubt If there
aver was a more harmonious Cabinet than
the present one, and its members are O unit
in support Of the President on every public
question"
Speaking of Mr. Bissells resignation, Presi-
dent Cleveland said 1T surely Is not neces-
sary for me to say that shall release Mr..
Bissel with the utmost regret. All his aSso-
ciates in the Administration will feel that they
have lost colleague who In all respects was
valuable factor in their executive labor,
as well as a companion to whom they have
become greatly attached. I am not taken by
surprise, for have known for some time
that it was inevitable, because MIR. Bissell's
reasons for his action were OF n personal ma
ture. and were inexorable. Still, this first
break in Cabinet which has been, in
the midst of many perplexing situations, en-
tirely harmonious, always actuated by q
loyal devotion to the public interest, and
pervaded in marked degree by the personal
attachment which such connections cannot
fail to create, causes us all rea1sorrow. Much
qualification awaits Mr.. Bissell in the ap-
probation of his countrymen Of his splendid
and valuable public service"
William Shannon BiSsell was born in Rome
Oneida County, n. Y. December 81, lS47.
Nhen he was apOut SIX years olu MS parents
moved to Buffalo, the city which he has
called his home ever since. He entered Yale
in 1865. and was graduated with honors
in the class of SO. In the
year of his graduation Mr.. Bissell
began the study Of law in Buffalo with A. P.
Daming. In 1872 he became the law partner
Of Lyman h. Bass. Two years later Mr.,
Cleveland joined the firm, which was known
as Bass. Cleveland & Bissell. 1t enjoyed a
large practice. and Mr.. Bissell came to be
known as one Of the ablest railroad lawyers
in the country. When MIR. Cleveland
was married Dir. Bissell was best
man at the wedding. Mr.. Bis
sell remained bachelor until February 6,
1890, when he married Miss Louise Fowler
Sturges, Of Geneva, N. Y. In politics Mr.
Bissell has been active over since his former
partner became candidate for Governor Of
New York. He has been consistent and
Jealous friend Of Mr.. Cleveland.