New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-09-05
STATEMENT BY Mr.. LOOMS
CONDUCT IN TENEZUELA.
He Replies to Charges Relating
to His Official Actions.

Francis B. Loomis. who is to be superseded as
Assistant Secretary of State by Robert Bacon.
was seen last evening at the Hotel Manhattan
where he has been staying for several days
Concerning his retirement from the State De-
partment, Mr.. Loomis said:
l do not know that there is much of interest
to say About a month ago | rendered my resg-
nation to the President. and about ten days ago
I made public announcement of the fact that
expected to resign. When have finished up my
affairs in Washington l have private engage
ments which will, in all probability. take me
abroad.
The President has made admirable selec-
tion in choosing Mr.. Bacon for my successor
Indeed, no President ever Strove more earnestly
and persistently 10 get good men into the public
service than does President Roosevelt.
Feeling deeply the charges that have been
made against him relating to his service ag
Minister to Venezuela Mr. Loomis decided yes
terday to make full answer. His reply includes
sweeping denial OF the most recent charge, that
his appointment as Minister to Venezuela in
1891 was procured by Charles L. Kurtz, of Ohio,
James A Radcliffe. of Brooklyn, and others then
interested in or expecting to benefit through him
from valuable concessions in Venezuela.
Mr. Loornls says:
For some months past The New York Her
aid" in addition to providing material of more
or less moment concerning Venezuela and the
business relations of American citizens and cor
porations in that country for the perusal OF lts
readers. has seen fit, by suggestion and innu-
endo to intimate that at one time or another |
have acquired had some personal interest ia
the concessions of or claims against that gov
Arnn1ent contrary to the proprieties of the Of
fetal positions which I have at time an
other fulfilled. In its issue of April &c last Ger
tain of such matters were reclted. and in the
issue of the next day such matters were again
referred to. On the latter date made and fur
nished to the press a specific and categorical
denial of any wrongdoing. either personal or Of
f1cial in connection with any of such matters
In that denial, among other things, l said:
never purchased or owned or had any interest
in any ca agSe 'Gg m sny ma9ner Or form an
claim against that government except in obedience
submitting full report of the case to him.
never agreed or PROMISED or suggeSteq @ qlpeGtig @
use my influence to adjust ooliga tons against the
Venezuelan government
Since the publication of the denial in ques-
tfon certain charges of more less specific
character, referring. among other things, to the
very matters Indicated in the original charges,
were submitted the President, and by his
direction investigated and reported upon by the
Secretary of War. The charges so investigated
and reported upon, all of which were supposed
in some way TO reflect upon my personal or
official conduct. were seven in number AS TO
the first charge, which in substance was that
| had sustained improper relations toward
improperly received money from certain as
phalt company the Secretary of War reported:
There is not sclntilla of competent evidence TO
sustain this charge.
AS to the second charge. which was in sub
l
connected with the so-caled Mercado claim, the
Secretary of War reported:
The evidence makes clear. therefore; that Mr.
LOOMS had nothing whateyer 10 dS & YIN IN the
to that time; that the Mercado claim was &C
S he Secretary M Of the Treasury Of venezuela
and that tnat Secretary made an arrangement for
me anif paTfe Contract which gave Mercado second
lien @s ps sRs and s5 hs a m
before Mr.. LOOMS who vas ss2 a9sen'' Kne" any
AZ TO the third charge, which was in sub
stance that | had entered the employ of synd!-
cate 70 secure and carry out contract Tor re
funding Venezuelan Ioens IN cofsloTratoH 49, ~
seventh of the profits to be realized from
such transaction the Secretary Of War reported:
# Is apparent to me that in this case M Loemis
had done othGT e tnam ead % of he VeezGean gov
eminent and a person VINO poss!oiy mlgnt nave
aided @ debi It is IS 6ea@ fha
1np 1n aid intend to resign if the loan went through
in 9TdeT to Ia ne It must be presumed in his ia
yor that nag had PTesdent Castro of his intention
haxe Tneereonally interested in the transaction
and OF, OF MS rastter never reached such point
,,-,th rasnect TO the fourth charge. which was
Nistanrs VIZ that I had improperly interfered
With certain negotlatlohs ueits -, naT T,'1
wv "" successor al Caracas ana the venezuelan
my y1roent and the fifth charge, that had had
Seertotn improper Correspondence win the man
: 80 ~ the Ounan Asphalt Company. the Sec
- aseL VI &c g. war reported that they were wholly
unfounded." 4.h oharzo L,.L 49,.
in substance, that had acted G as the agent OF
tne oG g S.5.as Of A company to exploit certain
Mines Mines in Venezuela and the seventh charge
Whl.ll We. S.arad construction of a certain rail-
ma III t'e alpnr the Orinooo River the Secretary Of
WTr Tbo1o rP%Fsea %as Nothing dshonorable in
tons as they appear Thsrf 81 is mo no showing hat Mr.
2oiiha Hseu. u..acnring concessions from the govern
1o,,t,u,d On secand pAxs.