The San Francisco call., 1904-06-25

Fe Railway. Morton is a personal
friend of the President Of many years
standing. He is son of the late j.
Sterling Morton of Nebraska, Secretary
of Agriculture in President Cleveland s
last administration. Morton has had
experience in Washington, having been
here with his father.
Since President Roosevelt has been
in the White House he has made more
than one effort to induce Morton to
accept a position in his administration.
Feeling that his life work in the rail-
road world, in which he had achieved
success, might be impaired by h's ac-
ceptance of an official position in the
Government. he uniformly declined
all such proffers. In consonance with
this feeling he declined the prOffer OF
the portfolio of the navy. He was re-
quested by the President to reconsider
his declination.
Morton took dinner at the White
House last evening and the whole sub
ject was considered, after Morton had
consulted with his personal and bust
ness friends and associates. At the
conclusion of the conference Morton
told the President he would accept the
position in the Cabinet. Then it was
that the other changes, one of whicn
at least was contingent upon Morton's
action, were decided upon.
1t is expected that further changes
will take place in the Cabinet nexr
winter. Postmaster General Payne
will probably retire from the Cabinet
after the campaign. He will be sue
telyou. Secretary Moody will con-
tinue as member of the Cabinet only
TO the end of the present administra-
tion on March 4 next, when he will
retire to enter upon the practice of
law in Boston. 1t is quite likely that
other changes will take place in the
event of Roosevelt being elected Pres
.dcrt.
KNOX SENDS LETTER.
Attorney General Knox's letter of res
ignation and the Presidents letter ac-
cepting it were dated yesterday. Copies
of the correspondence were made pub
lie tonight. They follow:
Office Of the Attorney General at Washing
ton. June 23.-Sr: Having been appointed by
the Governor OF Pennsylvania a Senator TO
represent Pennsylvania in the Congress of the
United States until the next meeting OF the
Legislature of that State. and having accept
ed same appointmentSto take effect on July l.,
1904. I hereby tender my resignation as At
torney General of the United States to take
effect at the end OF the thirtieth day OF the
l cannot by this act terminate the close and
confidential relation have sustained to you
during your entire administration without add
Ing word OF sincere appreciation OF your
more than generous and uniform kindness to
me. and a like word OF unfeigned respect and
admiration for the lofty purpose and splendid
courage you have ever manifested which has
inspired and sustained your Cabinet in its ef-
forts to promote the public welfare by effect
ing the wise policies OF your adminjstration-
With great respect, your ooedient servant,
p. c. KNOX. Attorney General.
19O4.-My Dear Mr.. Knox: 1 accept your
resignation not only with keen personal re-
the country thereby sustsins Permit me 20
| add that 1 do not think could have made up
| your leaving your present position had I not
also realized the service you could render in the
| Senate.
| to the reputation you have won. and no tribute
I l can pay you will approach in value that al
/ ready paid you by the hearty admiration and
! own information, 1 wish to bear testimony 10
+, the invaluable work that you have done Dur
/ ing your whole time of service you have had
no real holiday You have never really rested
from your exhausting labor To your high
! professional qualifications you have added un-
/ tagging zeal and an entire Indifference 10
every consideration save the honored interest
OF the people at large. Many great and able
men have preceded you in the office you hold,
/ hut there is none among them whose adnlinis-
! tration has left deeper mark upon the coun-
| trys development. Under you IL has been
| literally true that the mightiest and the hum
| blest in the land have alike had IL brought
I home to them that each was subject to the
| laws passed and that neither could hope TO
| defy the law.
| In what you have done you have given
proof not merely of the profound learning OF
f, the jurist but OF the bold initiative and wide
grasp OF the statesman. You have deeply ar
, fected for coed Of the department OF our polti-
cal system in its relations TO the Industrial and
/ economic tendencies OF the time
For all you have done I thank you most
earnestly. not only on my own behalf but on
| behalf of the public whom you have served
with such single minded devotion.
With all good wishes for your future be-
! iieve me. ever faithfully yours.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT.