Evening star., 1898-04-21


Mckinley yesterday when the latter signed
had access to the President at all times.
While here he has written number Of
signed articles for his paper.
During all this period he has had the con-
fidence of the President.
Just before sending the nomination of Mr..
Smith to the Senate today President Nc
Kinley sent for Senator Quay of Pennsyl
vania. Mr.. Quay gave his assent without
question to the nomination.
Nearly two years ago there was talk of
Mr.. Smith going in the cabinet. and it was
said he would have been then honored had
Senator Quay fully consented.
All stories that Mr.. Gary has resigned
because of differences with the President
and cabinet over the Cuban-Spanish Ques-
ton are denied. MIR. Gary has heartily
supported the President in every move, and
is yet supporting him to the fullest extent.
1t is stated at the White House that
Postmaster General Gary's resignation had
absolutely nothing whatever to do with our
present foreign complications, but was ow-
ing entirely to the condition of Mr.. Garys
health. He has suffered a great deal of
late from a general breaking down of the
system, which had continued to progress
until finally he reluctantly reached the con-
clusion that he was unable longer to carry
the burden of his office.
Mr.. Gary's Farewell.
No one at the Post Office Department had
any intimation that General Gary had any
intention of resigning until l o'clock this
afternoon. At that hour a messenger from
the office called upon each of the assistants
to the Postmaster General and said that
the Postmaster General desired to see them
at once in his office.
When they arrived the general was seat
ed at his desk, and motioned them to seats
around him. Then he said:
Gentlemen, l have called you in to say
goodbye to you. l have resigned my posi-
ton as Postmaster General, and my sue
cessor has been selected. l have taken this
step only after full consideration. A month
ago told the President that the duties OF
the office were too onerous for one in my
poor state of health. The President tried
to dissuade me, and 1 finally consented to
let the matter rest The strain OF the past
two weeks. together with the increasing
work of this office, has made it imperative
that 1 resign. At meeting Of the cabinet
last Sunday / wrote out my formal resig-
nation and handed it to the President, cou-
GREETED to leave the service Of the govern
ment. my health demanded freedom from
the cares Of office life There is nothing
else to be said l have resigned because 1
believe my health demands it. There have
been no differences of opinion between The
President and myself that would suggest
any such move as this. regret very much
seyering my connection with you, gentle
men, which has been SO pleasant, and / as
sure you l shall ever remember the loyal
support you have given me in the admin
istration of this department.
Each one Of the assistants to the Post
master General expressed his regret at the
severance that was about to occur, and re-
ferred to the pleasant relations that had
existed between their offices and the head
OF the department, and spoke feelingly OF
his resignation.
The news Of the selection of Charles EN-
ory Smith to succeed General Gary follow
ed close upon the news Of the latter's res
fgnation, and general satisfaction was ap-
parent Mr. Heath. first assistant postmas-
ter general. said he knew Mr.. Smith very
well; that he was an able man. and would
make an excellent Postmaster General.
Expected by Mr.. smith.
Charles Emory Smith, chosen to be the
new Postmaster General, is the editor of
the Philadelphia Press. He has been min
ister to Russia. is an earnest, active re-
publican and known to public men through
out the United States. He Is at present in
Washington. He was informed by tele-
phone of his nomination and received many
congratulations this afternoon at the Office
of the Philadelphia Press In this city. He
said that he did not know the nomination
was to go in at this time. but added: 81
do not wish to be understood. though. ~