The Savannah morning news., 1902-05-10
A TALK BY Mr.. EVANS
WAS NOT BOUNCED FROM PENSION
JOB.
QUIT OF HIS OWN ACCORD.
BEEN WANTING To GET OUT A
LONG TIME.

The Ex-COmmissiOner Speaks Very
Nicely of the General Approval OF
His Work as the Head of the PEN
sion Office and Throws IA Few Bou-
quets TO the President. the News
papers and His Former Suhordi-
nates-Of Course lie Expected
Nothing When He Resigned, but
Feels Competent to Fiji the Fat
Office at London.
Washington. May 9.-In view of the
published statements to the contrary,
it can be said on authority that cannot
be questioned that Commissioner
Evans desire to sever his connection
with the Pension Bureau was not
prompted by any suggestion or promise
of the President or anyone speaking
for him. His resignation as commits
sioner was voluntary act and entirely
Independent of any outside considera-
ton. After the announcement to-day
that his nomination as consul general
to London had been confirmed by the
Senate, Mr.. Evans made the following
statement:
Much has been said and much has
been written about my retirement from
the Pension Bureau. l am exceeding
ly grateful for the kind treatment and
support l have received at the hands
of my superiors, the generous support
of the press, the approval of the peo-
pie and the generous and loyal CO.
operation of a trained and competent
corps of experienced employees in the
bureau while holding the most trying
position in the government
Il have given over five years of the
best efforts. most dilligent attention
and close application to the duties per-
tanning thereto. l am much pleased
with results and present conditions.
About 1,100, 900 claims have been adj
Indicated during his period. June 30,
1898, there We're $4,000 claims pend
ing; the records show there are now
about 100000 claims pending. The work
then was largely in arrears (from two
to three years according to the class.
1t is now current
There have been no scandals con-
nected with the service or any branch
| of ii. The disbursements through it's
| various agencies have amounted to
| over 10000. 900. have been only one
| of the contributors to this work: the
| great results are due to the loyalty,
efficiency and intelligent aid had from
the officials and employees of the bu-
reau and its agencies.
Was Not Forced out.
81 have not felt at liberty until my
appointment was settled to make any
statement, but in view of the re-
peated assertions that 1 had been
forced out of office, / desire to say,
once for all, that such statement is
absolutely without foundation.
president Roosevelt knew from the
first that l was anxious to surrender
the office, and that l only waited for
an opportune time. l resigned entire
ly of my own accord, following out a
purpose l had had for many months;
the same purpose ! had expressed to
President Mckinley, but l intended to
remain until any or all charges were
disposed of. My resignation was I'M
conditional and did not hang on any
future appointment.
II had cheerfully and patiently gone
through the five years work in the
Pension Bureau. doing the most ardu-
Gus labor and accomplishing much of
which l have reason to be proud, and
1 felt that 1 had right to ask that l
be relieved.
"Wehn the position of consul gen.
eral was presented 1 felt that my bus
mess training and experience was such
that I could fill it with credit to my
country"
Evans Appointment Confirmed.
Washington, May 9.-The nomi-
nation of H. Clay Evans to
be consul general at London was con-
firmed without opposition.
The Senate also confirmed the fol-
lowing nominations:
Frank P. Sargent of Illinois to be
commissioner general of immigration.
Florida-William r. ONeal, Orlando