New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-10
OFFERED RESIGNATION.
". III. Russell Wanted To Be
Tatrdmmelled.

At the fusion conference last night Il was
learned that William Hepburn Russell had sent
his resignation as Commissioner Of Accounts to
Maycr Low. because he wished to enter the
conference entirely free and untrammelled."
While he heartily Endorsed the Mayors admin
istration. he felt that the political aspect the
Mayors denomination was taking might prove
embarrassing 20 him. so asked TO resign. Mayor
Low in reply. refused TO accept the resignation.
and asked him to consider himself as entirely
unernbarTaxsed.
Below are the letters:
August 81 1908.
Nv Dear Mr.. Low: I wish TO enter the fusion
conferences to which ] am a delegate from the
Greater New-York Democracy feeling as free
and untrammelled, both in speech and action as
] did two years ago It goes without saying
that your administration has my sincere In
dorsement and that 10 YOU both personally ana
officially my fullest confidence is given.
On the other hand. the movement for your
denomination is being given a decidedly political
cast by Republican national leaders. VINO are
not citizens Of this city. and if their unwise
course continues il may place me and other IN
dependent Democrats in a most embarrassing
Fusion" must not be the name for Eepubli-
canisin ia disguise IL independent Democrats
are TO support the fusion movement this fall
Fusion must mean non -partsansnlp III the inu-
nicipal government in The fullest sense of that
term, or J. for one. cannot support II Inat this
is vorr view as wei as mine I sincerely believe.
Whether You feel free TO give it expression at
this time YOU best determine Under the
circumstances, however, my only course seems
10 be TO write YOU and say that il my desire TO
enter the fusion conferences free as TO both eX-
preston and action seems TO you inconsistent
with my position as Commissioner Of Accounts
I'm YOUR administration then my resignation is
hereby rendered. 20 take eject upon its accept
snce by YOU. / did not seek the position. &C
cepte6 IL with reluctance and can yield II up
without regret. Nevertheless, ] hope that
have brought system and order into the depart
rrent and that my services have commended
theFns elves TO you as faithful and efficient
I believe that your administration has resulted
IN great good TO the city Of NewTork. and that
long after you hare ceased 10 be Mayor the
merits Of your work viii be more fully appre-
ciated than they are to-day. J gave YOU my un-
qualified and earnest support in 1897 and again
in 1901. abandoning. in order 10 do so, tempting
opportunities for political preferrnent through
others DO not. and. therefore, think Il scarcely
necessary for to add that in writing this
letter ] only do SO I'm order TO preserve that
personal freedom of political action which I
have always exercised With neither punish
rllert TO fear nor reward 10 exact, my only de-
sire is to discharge the duties OF citizenship in
city. State and nation. as I understand them.
Respectfully and sincerely yours,
WILLIAM HEPBURN RUSSELL
To Hon Seth Low. City Hail. New-YOrk City
September /. 1908.
Dear Mr.. Russell: Your letter Of yesterday
IS AZ hand with my views Of non partisan
shin IL city administration : could not possibly
accent your resignation for the reason you name
had 7 The slightest wish 10 do SO; on the con-
trary I think YOU should bear yourself i'm the
conference as one who is entirely unembar
raised. and he guided on all points by your own
SETH Low.