Evening star., 1901-12-18

he Is Chairman fannas rfghr.hand man
and adviser as well as colleague. In the
last presidential campaign Mr.. Payne's
counsel was sought on all campaign ques-
ticns that came up for decision.
If therefore. any Importance attaches to
the so-calIed Hanna machine Mr.. Payne
is in position to utilize its advantages
His selection by the President is expected
b., the politicians to put an end effectualfy
10 the last vestige of rumor that the Presi-
dent is trying to break down the Hanna
machine
Mr.. Payne is devoted to Mr. Roosevelt
and will back his policies He has been
regarded in political circles as Mr.. Roose-
velt's closest friend in the west. and was
looked to by all who were interesting
ture.
1t is pointed out by the politicians that
Mr.. Payne has been influential in repub-
ic4n politics longer than some who have
more recently obtained possibly greater
prominence. He has been identified with
the national committee for twenty years
and his whole career has been that of
business man and politician
In his capacity of Postmaster General he
will be brought closely in touch with the
business interests of the country and with
the political leaders Of all the states His
department gets nearer to the politics of
every section than any other under the ex
ecutive branch of the government
Mr.. Payne Is known among congressman
and IS we'll liked He has a genial DISPOSE
ton. IS quick energetic and man Of won
derful executive capacity.
Announced Late Yesterday Afternoon.
Official announcement was made late yes
terday afternoon that Charles Emory Smith
of Philadelphia had rendered his resgna-
ton to President Roosevelt as Postmaster
General; that the resignation had been ac-
cepted and that Henry C. Payne of Wis
ccnsin had been invited to enter the cabinet
to fill the vacancy and would do so. Ex-
aCtly when the change will take place has
not yet been determined upon but it will
h44 GTlNEa rIf1ln vi in no arr1in
Mr. Smith has agreed to remain as late as
January IL, if necessary, and the name of
MIR. Payne, who is well-known all over the
United States, Will he sent to the Senate
Immediately upon the convening of that
body after the holidays. Just so soon as he
is relieved Mr.. Smith will go to his home
and resume his former work as editor OF
the Philadelphia Press.
The first official information of the first
impending change in the cabinet of the new
administration was made to the cabinet yes
terday afternoon. with the agreement that
nothing should be said until the matter was
officially announced. There was deep re-
gret at the announcement, and the Presi-
dent paid an impressive tribute to the ser
vices and personality of the retiring Off
cial The President said he had tried to
induce Mr.. Smith to alter his determination,
but had been unable to do so.
The Formal Letter.
Mr.. Smith first announced to the Presi-
dent the latter part of last month that he
ties The President at that time urged him
to remain. Mr.. Smith, however, had been
frequently reminded by his business asso-
ciates of the editorial duties devolving upon
him and was anxious to return to them. He
had several talks with President Roosevelt
the subject and finally. on Saturday af-
JcrnOOu last formally rendered to the Presf-
dent the following letter of resignation:
WASHINGTON, December IA, 1901.
My Dear Mr.. President:
Following nv verbal communication of
some time ago. 1 beg to tender my resig-
alton of the office of Postmaster General.
t. take effect at yOur early convenience on
the appointment and qualification of my
successor.
This step is taken in fulfillment of
plan long since formed. for purely personal
reasons, the execution of which has been
delayed until il could be carried out with
out embarassin your declared policy, and
Until department measures in which | am
deeply interested could be satisfactorily ad-
vanced and assured.
In laying down the trust committed to
my hands want to thank You most sincere
l. for the confidence you have reposed in
me. and for the great pleasure have found
in an association which has deepened my
esteem for YOU personally and my admira
tion for the spirit and aims of your admin
istratiOn.
With my best wishes that you may have
the largest measure of success, L remain,
Csigned .;CH. EMORY SMITH"
To the President.
Mr.. Payne His Successor.
Mr. Smith, by request of the President,
delayed the formal tender of his resigna-
tion until the President had chosen his sue
csssor- MIR. Payne was here last week at
tending the meeting of the Mckinley Me-
mortal Association. and when at the White
House was rendered the position. He has
since accepted. Mr.. Payne is now at his
home in Wisconsin He is vice chairman
Of the republican national committee and
was freely spoken of for cabinet posi-
tion under President Mckinley. Had Mr..
Mckinley lived Mr. Payne would have been
in the cabinet before the end of the ad-
lninistration.
Mr.. Smith has been Postmaster General
Since April II, 1S.is. succeeding James A.
Gary of Maryland virtually at the outset
Of the Spanish war. Mr.. Gary had been
one of President Mckinleys original cabi-
net appointees. but felt himself physically
unable to bear the strain of cabinet duties
during the war.
Nr. smiths Statement.
Postmaster General Smith, in an inter-
view last night, spoke as follows about his
action:
As indicated In my letter of resignation
this step has been taken in conformity with
plan formed many months ago. 1 COM
nunicated my purpose 10 the President last
month. with the accompanying statement
To the time when l should go out The
President was exceedingly gracious and
strongly urged me 10 stay, but finally ac-
cepted my reasons conclusive of my
duty to myself My relations with the
President have been of the most cordial
character. and have strengthened as we
nave worked together. We have been in
thorough accord in all matters of policy
nave formed the highest estimate of his
lottE and patriotic standard OF adrninistra-
tipn. and II has been a great pleasure TO
cooperate with him. My resignation has
been delayed beyond my original purpose
Tor TWO reasons. which have harmonlzed:
Elrst 10 consult the Presidents wishes and
n3t 10 emDarrass his declared policy as to
lIs cabinet, and, second. to carry forward
department policies in which am greatly
interested 20 point where their success IS
assured 50
MY successor. Mr. Payne Is a man who
Dy ablllty. experience and knowledge of
Pnolie affairs, is admirably fitted for the
place, and am glad 10 surrender the trust
70 such excellent hands. I return to ac-
aSfactOn'' - e ~