The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-12-18
Change IN CABINET
CHARLES EMORY SMITH HANDS IN
RESIGNATION.
H. C. PAYNE WILL SUCCEED.
VICE CHAIRMAN OF REPUBLICAN
NATIONAL COMMITTEE.

the Portfolio Since 1898 VIII Re-
surn of His Own Accord to Active
Editorial Work in Philadelphia.
His Resignation COuched in Terms
of Warmest Regard for President
RoOsevelt--The Change to Become
Effective Next Month.
Washington, Dec. 1.-THE first break
in the cabinet has occurred. 1t was
wholly unexpected and disproves all
the statements that have from time to
time found their way into print re-
garding the purpose of the administrav
ton to preserve unimpaired the integ-
rity of his official household until next
spring 1t will be recalled that these
reports, which came from the White
House, We're supplemented by state
ments of representative men of the
party and therefore left no doubt in
the mind of the party that no imme-
date changes We're contemplated. Their
effort was to Immediately put a stop
to all speculation as to what the sue
cessor of William Mckinley would do
about surrounding himself with a new
set of advisors. The surprise. there
fore, when the announcement was
made this evening that Henry c.
Payne had been selected to succeed
Charles Emory Smith, as Postmaster
General, may be better imagined than
described. 1t upset all calculations.
and set the gossips to talking. He is
the last man whom it was thought the
lightning would strike, for he has neV-
er as much as been mentioned as a
cabinet possibility. Though always
prominent leader in Republican poll
tics, he was never regarded as a ma
tional character His strength seemed
to lie principally in the manipulation
of the Southern delegates at Republi-
can national conventions, in doing
which he displayed remarkable execu-
tive ability. He has earned much no.
toriety for himself by advocating the
cutting down of Southern representa-
tion in the National Convention, a
hobby which he bestrided and was rid
ing to death until called down by those
higher than he in authority.
The appointment is looked upon as
being without sectional significance,
for Wisconsin, laying Immediately
alongside of Illinois, comes within the
ton of the country that has already
furnished Gage and Hitchcock.
1t is said that the new Postmaster
General gave some intimation a, few
days ago of his prospective intention of
coming to Washington to make an eX
tended stay. 1t was while attending
a Gridiron dinner that he spoke to the
manager of the hotel at which the
event was being celebrated, about en-
gaging rooms for a protracted period
in Washington.
The retirement of Postmaster Cen
eral Smith has given rise to all sorts
of speculation, coming as it does so
suddenly and upon the eve of Christ
mas. 1t was believed to have some
significance, but this is contradicted by
the Postmaster General, himself, in
the following authorized statement
Postmaster General Smith remained
at his office until a late hour this
evening, where he was seen by your
correspondent. Il am the happiest
man in Washington tonight" said he
as he greeted his caller with his usual
cordiality. Il am glad to lay aside the
cares and responsibilities of great
office and get back into journalistic
harness again. l have contemplated
retiring from the cabinet several
months. 1t was for that reason that l
did not take a house again this winter,
but have been living at the Arlington
Hotel"
How long have you had the idea
Of retiring from the cabinet?" L asked.
"Oh, for several months past. | Will
tell you just how it happened. Some
time last fall, while talking with the
President about personal affairs, l told
him that / had been in Washington
longer than | expected to remain and
was anxious to get back to my news
paper work in Philadelphia. L then
stated to him that l hoped that he
would at his convenience select my
successor, and added that
would be ready to retire as soon as the
selection was made. The President at
that time indicated very plainly that
he hoped there would be no retirements
from the cabinet and made such a
strong declaration in favor of retain
ing the present cabinet intact that l
did not press the subject further at
that time. Later the subject came up
again and l renewed my desire to be
relieved of the duties and cares which
attach to this office. Then it was that
the President took the subject of Sc
lecting my successor under serious
consideration. About a month ago it
was agreed that l should retire as soon
as the choice could be made. The
President at once opened up corre-
9pOnuence with Mr.. Henry &. Payne
OF Wisconsin, and the result is that
Mr.. Payne has consented to become a
member of the cabinet. My resignation
pears the date of last Saturday, but
! viii probably remain here until the
lVth, or perhaps the 18th of January,
When Mr. Payne will step in and take
charge of the postal service, and / will
90 back to my work on the Philadel-
phia Press"
ftNV;1I ,.n,,,. F.
met be followed by other changes?"
l cannot say as TO that I do not
Know that any further changes are now
under contemplation. It is quite like
~ that one change may revive gossip
and speculation OF further changes
and at the same time there may not be
tne slightest foundation for anything
Oh the kind ] do not believe any fur
ther changes are likely to occur in the
immediate future. ] am sure my re-
tirement Is not the result of a sudden
inspiration or any friction or disagree
ihent with the. President or any MEM
per of the cabinet. II is simply car
Iylng out the desire ] have long en-
tertained OF retiring TO my newspaper
work"
Mr.. Smith frst announced to the
PRESIDENT the latter part of last month
mat he had decided TO return to his
EDITORIAL duties. At that time the Pres
ldent urged him to remain. on Satur-
aay afternoon, last, Mr. Smith tender
ed 10 the President the following letter
OF resignation: