Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-10-02
Mr.. LOOMS Inquiry.

Mr.. LOOMS Inquiry.
DEPARTMENT Upstate,
WASHINGTON, September 25, 1905.
Dear Mr.. President: For some time past
there have appeared in various newspapers,
including some of the journals published in
New York, statements, more or less direct,
to the effect that grave differences Of opin-
ion existed between yourself and the late
Secretary of State, MIR. Hay, concerning
both myself and the action to be taken
by you upon the findings and report Of
Secretary Taft in the matter of the charges
made against me by Mr.. Bowen former
United States minister to Venezuela 1 will
cite case in point:
Not long ago a responsible New York
paper, to which, 1 am reliably informed
upon the best Of authority, Mr.. Bowen has
been freely offering material for use, print
ed the following paragraphs:
Practically the last official act of Mr. Hays life
was to visit the White House for the purpose OF
urging the President not to dismiss Bowen and to
dismiss LOOMS; but learning that the President
mind was made up he went away with his mes
Mr.. Hay thoroughly disliked and dstrusted him
myself and told the President so, but was unable
10 produce any effect on the Presidents mind.
similar suggestions, more or less circum-
stantial in form, have SO frequently APP
peared in the public prints that / am con-
strained to inquire whether, in SO far as
you are aware, they are supported by any
basis of truth?
Il do not know what private conversa-
ton may have taken place between your
self and Mr.. Hay concerning me and my
course of conduct while connected with the
public service, but / do know from Mr..
Hays own lips something of his opinion
concerning Mr.. Bowen; and l know full
well both the unfailing courtesy with which
MI Hay received my many suggestions con-
corning departmental matters, and the per-
sonal cordially which he always mani
tested toward me-
I'm December last I went to Mr. Hays
house and told him that 1 expected to re-
sign from the department within the course
of the next eight or nine months. He was
good enough to say: I am extremely sorry
to hear this 1 have always hoped you
would remain In your present position as
long as l remained in the cabinet
ION other occasions both before and
since that time Mr.. Hay accorded me SEEM
lngly convincing proof of his confidence.
1t may interest you to know that at Mr..
hays request l spent at his home what
proved to be practically the last hour of his
life in Washington. Having upon that oc-
casion indicated to me fully and lucidly. as
was his wont, what he wished my two col
leagues ana myself to do in the lines of de-
partmental action and policy to be carried
out during his absence. he referred to the
then recent Bowen episode with much feel
ing. Among other things he said that he
was dlsgusted with Bowen beyond express
sion; that vanity appeared to be a diseas Sc
with him, and that he was both disloyal
and untruthful, and had been treacherous
not only to him (Mr. Hay), but to the
country.
In view of this ton, to which
have adverted in the briefest possible man
ner, 1t Is difficult for me to believe that
there is any truth in either of the foreso-
ing paragraphs which l have quoted or
any others which have been printed of sim
liar import.
AS / am very soon to retire from the
puolic service, l trust you will not feel that
l am unduly or improperly trespassing upon
your time with this rather personal mat
ter. Respectfully and sincerely yours.
'.FRANCJS r JOOMICu