The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-12-18
HENRY C.PAYNE SUCCEEDS
Mr.. Smith May Remain Until Janu-
ary 10Th.
He THEN RETURNS 70 EDITORIAL WORK
The Postmaster General Says That His Re-
atons With President Roosevelt Have
Been Of Most Cordial Char
scter Throughout.
scter throughout.
lBx the Associated Press.l


Washington, Dec. 17-Charles Emory
Smith, of Philadelphia, has rendered to
the President his resignation as POST
master General to take effect early next
month, and Henry c. Payne, of Wiscon-
son, vice chairman of the Republican Ma
tional Committee has accepted the tender
of the Office to which he will be nomi-
mated Immediately after the holiday
recess. Mr.. Smith has agreed to remain
until Jnuary 18th, if necessary, but Will
return Immediately thereafter to Phila-
delphia to resume the editorship OF the
Philadelphia Press. This change in the
Cabinet was announced at todays ses-
sion of the Cabinet. 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 retiring member of his
official family.
Mr. Smith first announced to the Presi-
dent the latter part of last month that
he had decided to return to his editorial
duties The President at that time urged
him to remain. On Saturday afternoon
last, Mr. Smith rendered to the President
the following letter of resignation:
Washington, Dec. ID, 1901.
My Dear Mr.. President:
Following my verbal communication OF
some time ago, beg to tender my resig-
nation of the office of Postmaster Gem
eral to take effect at your early con-
venience on the appointment and quail
fication of my successor.
This step is taken in fulfillment of
plan long since formed, for purely per-
sonai reasons, the execution of which
has been delayed until it could be car
ried out without embarrassing your de-
clared policy, and until department meas
ures in which / am deeply interested
could be satisfactorily advanced and as
sured. In laying down the trust COM
mitted to my hands l want to thank you
most sincerely for the confidence you
have reposed in me, and for the great
pleasure l have found in an association
which has deepened my esteem for you
personally and my admiration for the
spirit and aims of your administration.
With my best wishes that you may have
the largest measure of success, l remain,
Faithfully yours,
(Signed.)
CHARLES EMORY SMITH.
To the President.
Mr.. Smith DELAYED the formal tender
until the President had chosen his sue
cessor. Mr.. Payne is now at his home
in Wisconsin. His name will go into the
Senate for confirmation the first week
of January He is expected to be ready
to take charge of the office by the mid
a Of OF lafo
1t is stated that no other changes in
the Cabinet are at present contemplated.
Mr. Smith has been postmaster general
since April 81, 1898, succeeding James A.
Gary, Of Maryland, virtually at the out
set of the Spanish war.
Postmaster General Smith in an in
interview today spoke as follows about
his action:
GAS indicated in my letter OF resigna-
tion, this step has been taken in con-
formity with plan formed, many months
ago. / communicated my purpose to the
President last month with the accom-
panying statement that / wished to con-
suit his convenience as to the time when
| should go out. The President was cx-
ceedingly gracious and strongly urged me
to stay, but finally accepted my reasons
as conclusive of my duty to myself. MY
relations with the President have been
of the most cordial character, and have
strengthened as we have worked to-
gether. We have been in thorough ac-
cord in all matters of policy | have
formed the highest estimate Of his lofty
kand patriotic standard of administration,
and it has been a great pleasure to CO.
operate with him. My resignation has
been delayed beyond my original pur-
pose for two reasons which have har-
monized. First to consult the Presi-
dents wishes and not TO embarrass his
declared policy as to his Cabinet, and,
second to carry forward department poll
icies in which l am greatly interested
TO a point where their success is assured.
My successor. Mr.. Payne, is man who
by ability, experience and knowledge Of
public affairs is admirably fitted for the
place, and am glad to surrender the
trust to such excellent hands. | return
to active journalism with a feeling Of
great satisfaction"
rrt. O.