The daily morning Alaskan., 1901-05-25

Says the Portland Telegram: J. w. !ycy. collector of customs for Sitka, Alaska. says he is a much misunder- stood official He declares that hiS official career has been one coniin uous round of rumorS. SO far as the public is concerned, and that the true status oi his position has never been set right before the public In order Co explain matters as they occurred and Co dispel any hay ideas that have been formed as Co the administration he has given out an interview covering the subject.
 During lyey's term of ofice--which will terminate next August-therc have been circulataed numerous and divers reports concerning his actions. He was supposed Co have resigned by re- quest. but before the resignation took effect he adjusted matters and. pulling string. the resignation was with irawn Next it was reported he had been Summarily called Co Washington Co answer a few inquiries oi the de partmcnt concerning the conduct of the post. Again came the rumor that lycy had received a "wigging' from the de narimcnt because te was running about ,hc country looking for good mining properties. instead of attending Co buSi- ness at his headquarters at Sitka Be sides these the affair with thc whis- key ring which was aired and raised an unsavory odor generally A few
 lays ago Ivey returned from Washing lon where it was said he went Co lay wires for his reappointment.
 There have been many idle rumors concerning me during the past year" said Mr lvey some saying that | have had troubl, with the department lt Washington. others that l had Co re- sign, others that a special agent had been sent Co Alaska Co examine my office. Co say nothing of a multitude of minor rumorS. My position has never been placed before the public in a cor rect light although facts could al- ways he readily aScertained
 As Co my resignation, l went to Washington a year ago for the eN- press pupoSe of handing in my resig- nation. lt was my intention Co de. vote my attention Co my mining prop critics m Alaska, and in order Co do SO [ wanted Co be free from the office No one knew when [ arrived at the capital that was there Co hand in my resignation Even my senator did not know it until l informed him l had a very pleasant interview with the pres idcut and rendered my resignation and was completing my arrangements for ending the dutie, of my office when papers arrived from the Pacific coast. in which were articles concerning my visit Co Washington. and intimatine that ! was reSiguing by request
 "lt had been my firm resolve Co leave the office of collector of customs but when ] read the newspapers and iHSinuationS l changed my mind and determined Co hold my office until the term was out even ii it was at the sac rifcc of my business interests. The unwaranted statements aroused my mct,lc and Co prove ! did not have tc resign | determined Go serve put my term of office. GJi.g % ipv sem ltor I showed him the articles and eN- plaincd my intentions. In conclusion consider the resignation ! handed tc l asked him ii it was too late Go re- thc president. When President Me Kinley was seen about the subject. and the situation explained he at once ord cred me Co return Co my office. al- though the delegation would have rec, commended a successor within a few day, This is all there is to the reSig- nation story about which there has been SO much gossip.
 "Thcn as Co the alleged differences with the department there is no foundation to the reports I have lad nothing Co square as has been said. and my office is run according to recu- iations. Of course we had the whisky light on soon after I was appointed in Alaska. but everyone knows what a whiSy fight means Once l received letter from Washington requesting me to remain at the head of my olfict except when necessarily absent on oiii- cial business To this [ replied it was essential l should make one trip of inspection annually to each office un- der my supervision. and ;he trip can not bc taken in winter and as the dis tlnce is SO great this tour consumes about three months in summer. This was the only call down l ever receiv-