Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-03-29
Pension Commissioner Will
Obtain Another Post.
Is WEARY OF STRIFE
BUT LITTLE GOSSIP AS TO HIS
SUCCESSOR.
Assistant Secretary Campbell, Deputy
Commissioner Davenport and Ex-
Representative Peters Mentioned.

The text of H. Clay Evans resignation
from the Office of commissioner of pensions
was announced from the White House last
night 1t is the understa nding today that
Mr. Evans will not retire until some posi-
ton. probably In the diplomatic service,
can be found which will seem in his 1udg-
ment and that of the American people
generally to be an advance. Mr.. Evans
was seen this morning by reporter for
The Star and frankly acknowledged that
his term of office had been continued
fight with tine persons most interested in
pension affairs. but would not discuss the
question of service in any other capacity.
The impression prevails in the pension bu-
reau that DIR. ]. F. Raub. the medical ref
cree. and several other officials of the bu-
reau have been so closely identified with
MIR. Evans administration to make their
retirement almost a certainty.
Little gossip with any apparent founda-
tons is heard as to Mr.. Evans successor The
Fame of Frank S. Campbell, assistant sec
rotary of the interior has been mentioned
on the ground that he is the assistant sec
Rotary in charge of pension matters, and
his appointment would be generally ac-
ceptable TO the Grand Army of the Republic
and the pension attorneys. Deputy Com
missioner Davenport has been mentioned
also.
Mr. Evans retirement recalls the alleged
offer of the position by Mr.. Mckinley to
former Representative Peters of Kansas,
with suggestions that he could probably
obtain the position now If he go desired. 1t
said at the time of a particularly ag-
gressive agitation against Mr.. Evans that
President Mckinley offered the place TO Mr.
Peters. with the reservation that he should
obtain the support of the entire Kansas
delegation in Congress. This was obtained.
hut oh in ha dDoir1 or r a
bureau occurred
Commissioner Evans Talks.
Mr.. Evans talked of the matter briefly
this morning. He was besieged by callers,
Senator Frye. Gen. H v. Boynton and
many members of Congress among the
number, but he took time to say to "a Star
reporter:
1T seems to me that not much remains
to be said. 1 had this resignation in mind
months ago. l have served in this office
now for five years-four years more than
served in the war of the rebellion-and
have found it to be five years of harder
fighting than the war of the rebellion. With
the help of exceptionally capable office
force, / have tried to administer the law
generously. No one, 1t seems to me, could
have been any more liberal and have en-
forced the law. Yet my incumbency has
begun to embarrass public officials and
statesmen. More than one member of the
HOuse-nOt long ago 1t was a prominent
republican-has risen to say to the House
of Representatives that l was opposed to
the granting of pensions on any grounds
or under any circumstances. OF course.
that isn't true. AS | have said, L have been
as generous 1 possibly could be. But
that has not sufhced. 1 am glad now to be
ending the whole controversy" 49,
DIR. Raub's Case. $500.
Does your retirement mean that DIR.
Jacob F. Raub, the medical referee must
retire also?'
''Oh. no. DIR. Raub is completely satisfac:
tory TO every one. think. He was brave
soldier. He is an efficient referee There
has been some criticism to the effect that
he has arbitrarily reversed the findings of
the county boards of examination, but that
is altogether unfOunded- Our statistics
will show, in the first place, that previous
referees have rejected many more such
findings than DR.. Raub 1t is his duty, in
the second place, to review those findings
In the third place. although he stands for
the entire medical board. he sees only one
case In ten, or less. and the rulings to
which objection Is made are more properly
to be accredited to his subordinates, who
are sworn TO enforce the law and are I'M
dOubtetily doing So
DR.. Raub was seen by Star reporter ard
asked to make statement to the criti-
cism indicated. He said however that IS
his superior officer had made statement
on the subject he did not think it would be-
come subordinate to make one also
MI. Evans Resignation.
The following letter from Mr.. H. Clay
Evans resigning the commissionership OF
pensions. together with an appended state
ment. was made public at the White House
last night:
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, March 15 1902.
''TO the President:
For some time / have been considering
the question of resigning. 1t will soon be
five years since / assumed the duties of this
office. and | now have the honor of tender
ing YOU my resignation as commissioner of
pensions. and will thank you to accept the
same at as early date as may suit your
Convenience.
Thanking you for your kindly considera-
ton. and with assurances of my best
wishes am, very respectfully.
III. CLAY EVANS"
The statement appended to the letter is as
follows:
Mr.. Evans some months ago verbally ex-
pressed his desire to resign, and finally put
1t in writing March Ii. The President,
however. has told him that he will have to
remain as commissioner in the first place
upon. and IN the second place until there
Is some position to tender him which the
President will regard as a promotion as a
fitting reward for his excellent service in
the department"
Commissioner Evans called at the White
House during the afternoon and had a con-
ference with the President. This was after
Gen Ell Torrance, commander-in-chief OF
the q. A r. had also seen the President