The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-03

The resignation of Webster Davis. As
sistant Secretary of the Interior. is now
in the hands Of the President. 1t was de-
livered last night by Mr.. Davis private
secretary. 1t was learned at the White
House last night that Mr.. Mckinley had
not taken any action in the matter but
had it under consideration. No hint could
be obtained regarding the Presidents III
tention. and whether he will seek to in
duce Mr. Davis to continue in the dis
charge Of his duties at the Interior De-
partment is an open question. 1t is said
that a statement from Mr.. Davis at this
time upon the situation in South Africa.
coupled with an expression Of his we'll
known pro- Boer sentiments. would place
the Administration in an unpleasant stu
alton.
Mr.. Davis claims that he was impelled
to tender his resignation as he is at vari-
ance with the Administration regarding
its attitude toward England in the South
African war Mr. Davis will deliver
public address in this city on the subject
of the war between Great Britain and the
South African Republics in the near
future.
IL is Mr.. Dayis wish to be relieved Of
the duties Of his position at once. he
will then discuss the South African ques-
ton. and disclose his opinion regarding
it. This he does not feel at liberty to
do at present.
Mr. Davis said Yesterday: "The step is
the result of my recent visit to South
Africa. where I had ample opportunity to
study the British Boer question. As Amer
leans and as the sons of our forefathers
who fought British tyranny. and estab-
lished liberty. We are morally bound 10
support the cause Of the Beers. who are
fighting and dying for principle. Tor
which every American is willing to sacri-
fee his life-liberty.'
Mr. Davis further said
Il will avail myself of an early oppor-
tunity to deliver a public address in this
citv on the subject Of the war between
Great Britain and the South African ke-
publics. I will make the American people
acquainted with the truth. They are en-
titled to know it, and | regard it my duty
to tell them When / left Pretoria 1000
peopIe accompanied me TO the railway sta
ton to say farewell. With tears in their
eyes. they appealed to me to state their
cause TO the American people, and | prom
ised that | would. My conscience would
haunt me should ! not keep that sacred
promise.
The Beers have been outrageOusiy mis-
represented by English correspondents.
They keep the cables. which are under
their control. busy abusing those honest
and thrifty people. II Is Impossible 10
transmit news which is true, but may BE-
uufavorable to the British. over the cables
The British censor will not accept It,
AS the apostles and promugators Of
. Trrrrr Aorr n
fend it before friend and enemy alike.
There can be no discrimination. feel
| can best serve the purpose of arOusing
American sympathy for the Beers by re-
lieving myself of the restraint which my
I position as Assistant Secretary Of the In
terror imposes upon me This is the main
cause OF my resignation
When asked what course he would pur-
sue in order to assist the Beers, Mr. Ia
Wis said. i would advise that every Amer
lean do what he Is bound to do-assist
/ those who are struggling for liberty. Pro
claim il to the world that the sympathy
Of America is on the side Of the Boer and
not with Great Britain. 4 gross injustice
is being perpetrated on the American peo-
/ pie They are being misrepresented before
/ the whole world. Humanitarian prlncl-
ples make il Just as incumbent on the
/ United States TO demonstrate in this I'M
! holy war as when Spain was Wasln8 war
/ with the liberty lOving. struggling Gu
! bans. The principles underlying are the
/ same. We can i'll afford to be inconsis-
/ tent"
Mr. Davis said it is a matter Of sym
! pathy and principle on his part purely and
/ solely. Mr. Davis scorns the idea Of his
/ services having been retained by Presi-
dent Kruger. He said, when questioned
with regard to the charges preferred by
/ Mr. Macrum. former Consul at Pretoria.
/ against the British authorities in South
/ Africa
I Il have something TO tell 70 The Amer
/ can people which will be little short Of
revelation" Mr. Davis is very emphatic
/ in his uterans-es. and says be is deter
/ mined to bring all his influence 10 bear
( on the Administration TO take active
| measures to step the South African con-
! fiiCt.
| It is said that President Mckinley sent
| for Mr. Davis recently and urged him to
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