The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-08-30

of more than four years, or would I refer to
my record as sound money Democrat or
40 plead for retention for the reason that
the Chippewa Indians unanimously ask my
retention, their request Endorsed, by such
men as Bishop Morrison, Archdeacon Gilfllan
and hosts of other honest men. But, sir,
l ask that your request for my resignation
be deferred until such time as I can comply
without reflection my honor and my good
name make this request because 1 know
OF no demand for my removal that does not
emanate from the pine land ring of Mime
sofa; Whether this influence is worked di-
rectly or through our congressional delega-
tlon, 1t is the influence, as al of Mime
sofa know, that is working for and demand
ing my removal. In the interest of the In
CLANS dinst IN the e. interest Of honesty have
IN its attempts to rob the Indians Of their
valuable pine timber, and all honest men
OF our state will sustain me.
My resignation at this time would be rro-
claimed as an act of cowardice, or as an ac-
knowledgment of guilt of the charges that
nave-accorolng to OFT repeated reports of
neWspapers-been preferred against me, or
as sale to the pine land ring. Can l. as an
honest man, tender my resignation under such
conditions? l had hoped that the request for
my resignation might be deferred a little
longer for in the carrying out of my busl-
ness plans 1 had intended within a short
time to offer my resignation, arranging in the
meantime so that I could retire honorably
with no suspicion upon my honor or with no
possibility for my enemies to claim my re-
moval their victory and with little proba-
bility for the pine land ring taking any adj
vantage of my retirement.
Therefore. under existing conditions I feel
compelled, Mr. Secretary, to decline to tender
my resignation as Chippewa Indian commits
sioner. Very respectfully,
M. R. Baldwin,
Chippewa Indian Commissioner.
On the 18th of August, 1897, I received
the following communication from the
president:
WASHINGTON, D. c., July %, 1Ss7.-Mr.
Melvin R. Baldwin-Sir YOU are hereby re-
moved from the Office of commissioner to ne
gotiate with the Chippewa Indians in Mime
sota to take effect upon the appointment and
qualification of your successor. Respectfully
William Mckinley.
With the above came the following
letter of transmittal from the office of
Indian affairs:
=, WASHINGTON, D. C.; Aug. Z, 1s97.-Mr.
NJ. R. Baldwin Commissioner, Etc.-Sir: en-
c;ose herewith letter addressed by the pres
ident, under date of July % 1897 removing
you from the Office of commissioner to nego-
tiate with the Chippewa Indians in Minnesota.
10 take erect upon the appointment and quail
HcaUon OF your successor. Very respectfully,
Thomas P. Smith,
Acting Commissioner.
1t will be observed that the order
for removal antedates by ten days the
letter of transmittal From which we
may reasonably infer that the order
it date a few hours prior to the pro-
mitigation of the presidents famous
civil service amendment to rule 2. pro-
mulgated July %. 1t may also be
noted that, although the request for
my esignation-received by me July
Z6-called for an early reply, but the
GATE of my removal following so soon
leaves no time for my reply-though
written on the 26th-to reach Washing
ton. This would seem indecent haste
if applied other than to that great
civil service reformer, William Nc
Kinley.
That the position of Chippewa In
dian commissioner is within the civil
service there can be no doubt. 1 was
so informed by the secretary and the
civil service commission during my re-
cent visit to Washington, and it is so
designated in the Executive Civil
Service of the United States" 1896. page
1858. But what avails all this against the
demands of the gang for my re-
moval? I am informed that this de-
mand is supported by every member
of our congressional delegation but
one; I assume that one to be Senator
Nelson, for the reason that he has
manifested much interest in the Chip
pewas and seemed DESTROYS to protect
their rights I sincerely hope he will
do so in the future. They need his
advice and assistance
I am proud of the friendship ard
the confidence these people have given
me, and I shall carry .sFith me to the
end of lie the kipdest feelings for tae
Chippewa Indians of Minnesota
The Republican press has had much
to say about my prolonging this work.
holding on to my job. The records Of
the interior department. and the In
dian bureau will show that I have
time and again during the past two
years dwice within the past four
months) urged and entreated the of
f1cials of the department to permit me
to proceed with the allotment of the
Red Lake Indians, assuring the sec
rotary of interior and the commission
er of Indian affairs that, if they would
permit me TO proceed with the Red
lake allotments, I could wind up the
affairs of this commission within six
months. Such is the condition exist
ing today. I may add that the salary
expenses of this commission when 1
first assumed the duties were some
$1,000 per month: they are now (for
June, July and AugusD at the rate
of $500 per month
M. r. Baldwin.