The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-12-20

Washington, December 17.-Charles
Emory Smith, of Philadelphia, has
rendered to the president his resigna-
hon as postmaster general, to take eff
feet early next month. and Henry c.
Payne, of Wisconsin. vice chairman Of
the republican nationa4 committee. has
accepted the tender Of the office, to
which he will be nominated immediate
ty after the holiday recess. Mr.. Smith
mas agreed to remain until January
10Th, if necessary, but will return i'm
nediately thereafter to Philadelphia to
resume the editorship Of The Philadel
phia Press.
This change in the cabinet was an
Counced at today's session of the cabi-
uct. All of the members of the cabinet
expressed their profound regret and the
president paid a very impressive tribute
to the services and personality of the
-etiring member of his official family.
Mr.. Smith first announced to the pres
ident the latter part of last month that
he had decided to return to his edito-
rial duties. The president at that time
urged him to remain.
On Saturday afternoon, last, Mr.,
Smith rendered to the president the fol-
owing letter of resignation:
washington. December IA.
MY Dear Mr.. Observation-Disclosures
my verbal communication of some time
ago, / beg to tender my resignation OF
the office of postmaster general. 10
take effect at your early convenience
Cn the appointment and qualification OF
INV successor.
This sep is taken in fulfllment of
\ ~
personal reasons the execution of which
has been delayed until it could be car
RED out without embarrassing your de-
elared policy, and until department
measures in which I am deeply inter
ested could be satisfactorily advanced
and assured.
I'm laying down the trust committed
10 my hands l want to thank you most
GIncerely for the confidence you have
Ieposed in me and for the great pleas
uIe I have found in an association
which has deepened my esteem for you
personally and my admiration for tbs
spirit and aims Of your administration
with nv best wishes that you may
have the largest measure Of success
remain. Faithfully yours,
''CH. EMORY SMITH.
To The President
Mr.. Smith delayed the formal tender
Until the president had chosen his sue
In Wisconsin. His name will go to the
senate for confirmation the first Week
Of January He is expected to be ready
to take charge of the office by thf
middle of next month DIT the latest.
It is stated that no other changes IL
the cabinet are at present contemplated
Mr.. Smith has been postmaster gen
eral since April q. 1898. succeeding
James A Gary. OF Maryland. virtually
at the outset Of the Spanish war.
Postmaster General Smith in all in
t>rview tonight spoke as follows abou
his action:
LAS indicated in my letter Of resig
nation this step has been taken in CON
formity with q plan formed man!
months ago. ] communicated my pur
pose to the president last month, will
the accompanying statement that s
wished to consult his convenience as tt
the time when I should go out. Th
president was exceedingly gracious ant
strongly urged me to stay, but finall.
accepted my reasons as conclusive o
my duty to myself.
''My relations with the president hav
been of the most cordial character, ant
have strengthened as we have worked
together. We have been in thorough
accord in all matters of policy. 1 hav
tolmed the highest estimate of his loft,
and patriotic standard of Gdministra
ton and it has been a great pIeasur
to cooperate with him.
MY resignation has been delayed be
yond my original purpose for two rea
sons which have harmonized. First, t
consult the presidents wishes and no
TO embarrass his declared policy as t
his cabinet, and, second, to carry for
ward department policies IN which
am greatly interested to a point wher
their success is assured.
My successor. Mr.. Payne. is a ma
who by ability. expel Ience and knowl
edge of public affairs is admirably fit
ted for the place and / am glad to sur
render the trust into such excellen
hands I return to active Journalism
with feeling OF great satisfaction"