Williams news., 1904-03-12
Volume 12
STODDARD IS REMOVED
April 1 Fixed as the Date For
 Him to Retire.

nix Gazette, from W aShlngtOn, un- der date of March f, says: Isaac c T. Soddard is to be removed as sec retary of Arizona, his resignation" being accepted today by President Roosevelt, and April being fixed as the date for it to take effect. The removal is the result of an investi- gation of the charges filed against the secretary sometime ago by the Maricopa County Press Associa- tion.
 This afternoon Senator Platt of New York had a conference with President Roosevelt in behalf of MT. Stoddard, who is a son-in-law of Judge Martin of the New York court of appeals. A decision had already been reached, however, and in spite of the strong influence used in Stoddard's behalf, his removal was announced at the close of the interview with Senator Platt.
 Some time ago Stoddard was practically forced to tender his res ignation and it was foregone con- clusion that he would be busted at the earliest possible opportunity.
 Several months ago the charges against Stoddard were referred to Attorney General Knox for inves- tigation and a decision unfavorable to Stoddard has been rendered. No information was allowed to leak out until the president was ready to act, and the opinion of the attor- ney general has not been made public as yet.
 The president has not yet an- nounced the name of Stoddard's successor, and no statement has been made as to who will receive the appointment, although there are many rumorS.
 The removal of Stoddard solved a perplexing problem for the presi- dent. Senator Platt, who is a clos CT personal friend of Judge Martin, has pleaded with the president to retain Stoddard on account of his father-in-law, but, owing to the un- favorable report of the attorney general, the president could not conscientiously do so.
 GEORGE R. BROWN.
 The first news to reach the city yesterday regarding a change in office of the secretary was to the effect that MT. Stoddard has ''hand- ed in" his resignation, but later a telegram announced that the presi- dent had decided to remove MT. Stoddard April 1.
 In order to confirm these re- ports, MT. Stoddard was seen by a Gazette representative yesterday afternoon. When asked for an in- terview he announced that he was in hurry to go driving, and did not have the time; when assured that it would only take a few min utes, he reluctantly submitted to the question::
 ,- "A rumor comes from Washing ton that you are to quit the office of secretary on April 1; is that true?"
 ''Is that in the press dispatches?" was his answer When assured that it came direct, he continued: "Oh, yes, I have resigned. I re- signed some time ago. The resig- nation does not take effect until April 1. There is plenty of time"
 MT. Stoddard's manner indica- ted that he was not in the mood to discuss the subject. He did not care to enter into the why's and wherefores.
 Last June charges were filed against Secretary Stoddard with the president and since that time the case has passed through the de- partment of the interior. Secre tary Hitchcock recommending his removal, and also suggesting that the criminal charges be referred to the department of justice Presi dent Roosevelt after examining