The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-07-01
WALLACE TELLS WHY He QUIT
DIDN'T LEAVE PANAMA ion FOR
MONEY, HE EXPLAINS.
Hut He Didn't Feel That He Was Under
Amy obligations to the Government 10
stick II Out--Admits That He'd Had
Orcr Here Doesn't Say what II las.

JOhn r. Walluce, WHOSE TeSIBndtlon IN
chief engineer Of the Panama Canal has
lust been accepted, gave out last night
his reply to some OF the charges made by
Secretary Taft az to his motives for leaving
his post Mr. Wallace has been at the Hote
Marie Antoinette since his arrival here from
Panama. He left town last night after
giving out his statement
Mr. Wallace denies that he was influenced
by money. but while declaring that as
long ago as last May he determined to quit
at the earliest possible moment he does
not give any Of his reasonr for so doing
except to say that they involve no criticism
of the President or Mr.. Taft.
MIR. Wallace. furthermore, does not dis
close what he is going to do, nor assert
that he has accepted the offer which he adj
mits he received while on the lsthmus.
All that he had to say in way of criticism
was to the effect that obstacles in existing
laws are serious and will have to be cor
rected il the canal is to be finished in a
reasonable time and at reasonable cost.
Here is his statement:
The primary causes which led me to
tender my resignation as chief engineer
of the lsthmian Canal Commission were
emphatcally resent the charge that my
motive in leaving the work was financial
one.
A careful consideration Of the entire
subject had brought me to the decision
that ! should disconnect myself with the
work at the earliest possible date that 1t
could be done without embarrassment to
the Administration or I'M jury to tine work
1t il unnecessary to state the reasons for
this decision except that in fairness should
say that they involve no criticism OF any
sort of the President or the Secretary Of
War,
My final decision was arrived at as the
result of six of days uninterrupted thought
which | was able to give the subject in all
its bearings during my voyage to Colon
in May. Furthermore, ] had pledged my
self to my family to give the matter of my
resignation as chief engineer, or of any posi-
ton which would require my continuous
residence on the Isthmus, serious con-
sideration
at was at this psychological moment
that | received a cablegram from New
York offering me a business opportunity
which | was bound to consider, there
fore Immediately cabled the Secretary of
War requesting a conference. and arrived
at New York for that purpose on Thurs
day June %.
"In the meantime had addressed a letter
to the Secretary, in which had confirmed
the request for an interview and also re-
uuested my annual leave of absence. which
was part OF my original understanding with
the [sthmian Canal Commission and which
| had requested from Admiral Walker in
March to take effect at our mutual con-
venience some time later in the season,
which request was not complied with or
answered, owing probably to the sudden
change in the commission on the LIST of
April. ,.
by Mr. William Nelson Cromwell, who
stated tina, he was delegated by the Score
tarv to arrange for a personal interview
with me and asked if would meet him at
the Manhattan Hotel AZ 10 A. Nj. on Sun
day June %.
"While Mr.. Cromwell treated me with
the suavity and courtesy for which he ia
noted, he endeaEored to draw from me
my reasons for desiring to see the Secretary.
| told him frankly that l did not consider
that it would be proper for me to discuss
the he matter in advance of my interview,
and | also requested that the interview
should he absolutely private and that no
one but the Secretary and myself should
be present.
was met by Mr.. Cromwell, who ushered
me into the Secretarys private apartment.
accompanied by my son. Assuming that
arran gements had been made for strictly
private interview, my son withdrew ex-
pecting Mr.. Cromwell to do the same. How
ever the Secretary in rather peremptory
manner directed Mr.. Cromwell to remain.
-, 1f
and apprehension on my part that the
interview would te unpleasant and I'M
satisfactory, and the irritation under which
the Secretary was evidently lahoring had
a tendency to prevent That CAIN ana dlgni,
fed consideration of the question In all
It's bearings which should have been given it.
IF the Secretary understood me to say
that | had accepted position in New York
he lahored under misapPrehension l
did state to him that desired to accept
one, but under such circumstances and
conditions and at such time "a would cause
the least embarrassment to the Admin
istration and the least injury to the work,
and that | was even willing to go to the
extent of remaining for an indefinite time
on the commission should he desire my
counsel and advice in arranging for the
change. assisting in repairing plans for
submission to the advisory board of en-
gineers in September or in the further
consi ieration of the question by the Ad-
ministration or Congress during its next
session.
Much to my surprise he Indignantly
sp,rned my suggestion and took the posi-
ton that I was compelled under what he
called my contract to remain in charge
of the Isthmian Canal, regardless of cir
or conditions, until the COM
pletion of the work, and spoke in such a
manner as to outrage my feelings to such
an extent that further discussion of the
reasons for my action was out OF the ques-
ton.
Il did not GEEK the position Of chief en-
yneer of the Isthmian Canal Commission,
and considering my salary as general mana
ger of the Illinois Central Railroad Company
and my other sources of earnings my fnan-
cial condition was not improved by my
acceptance Of the position. and il was with
the greatest reluctance that | did SO.
while it was my own expectation that |
should continue my connection with the
work, it did not occur to me that ! was not
free to withdraw II justice to myself and my
family and to my reputation as an engineer
required me to do so. 1t was not only my
right but my duty to give the matter the
most careful consideration in all ITS bear
ings, considering not only the general ait
uation as 1t affected the work, but my fam
ilv, personal and business relations and all
the various factors entering into the prob
lem; and could not conoede the right to
the Secretary OF War or any one to dictate
49,, lo<;o;or The oply dahat ahla nj, "a ions