The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-07-01
WALLACE TELLS WHY he QUIT
DIDN'T LEAVE PANAMA JOB FOR
MONEY, HE EXPLAINS.
Hut He Didn't Feel That He Was Under
Any obligations to the Government to
stick 1t Out Admits That He'd Had
Oner Here Doesn't Say what II Was.


hs reply to some Of the charges made by
Secretary TAFT as to his motives for wing
his post. Mr. Wallace has been at the Hotel
Marie Antoinette since his arrival here from
Panama He left town last night after
giving out hi. statement.
MIR. Wallace denies that he was influenced
by money, but while declaring that az
long ago IA last May he determined to quit
at the earliest possible moment he does
not give any Of hia reasons for 80 doing,
except to -ay that they involve no criticism
Of the President or Mr. Taft.
Mr. Wallace, furthermore, does not dis
close what he il going to do, nor assert
that he has accested the offer which he adj
mits he received while on the lsthmns
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
reasonable time and at reasonable cost.
Here IL his statement.
The primary causes which led me to
tender my resignation as chief engineer
OF the Isthmian Canal Commission were
underlying and fundamental and most
emphatically resent 1.-THE charge that my
motive in leaving the work was u 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 I've done without embarrassment to
the Administration or injury to the work
1t Is unnecessary to state the reasons TOT
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 | wa, able 10 give the subject i'll all
it, bearings during my voyage to Colon
in Nav. Furthermore, ] had pledged my
self to my family to give the matter OF my
resignation a. chief engineer, or OF any posi-
ton which would require my continuous
residence on the lsthmlis, serious con-
alteration.
1T 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 conference, and arrived
at New York for that purpose on Thurs
day June -,
In the meantime had addressed letter
to the Secretary. in which | had confirmed
the request for an interview and also re-
,iIeSted my annual leave OF absence, which
was part OF my original understanding with
the Isthmian 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 lst of
April.
Inv MIR. William Nelson Cromwell, who
stated that he was delegated by the Secre-
tary to arrange for personal interview
with me and asked if | would meet him at
the Manhattan Hotel at. 10 A. NJ on Sun
dav June %.
the suayity and courtesy for which he il
noted he endeavored 10 draw from me
NV reasons for desiring to see the Secretary.
] told him frankly that did not consider
that it would be proper for me to discuss
the matter in advance oil my interview,
and ] also requested thar the interview
should he absolutely private and that no
one but the Secretary and myself should
he present. ,,,,...,.
was met by MIR. Cromwell, VINO ushered
accompanied by my son. Assuming that
ARRANGEMENTS had been made Tor strictly
private interview, my son Withdrew, ex-
pecting Mr. Cromwell to do I he same. How
ever. the Secretary in rather Pereinptory
manner directed Mr.. Cromwell to remain,
~ his action of course cauied irritation
and ap,rehenson Oh my part that the
interview would he unpleasant and un-
satisfacto Dry, and the irritation under which
the Secretary was evldentiy iaboring had
Iat p.ly md inyi-
fed consideration OF the question in all
it's bearings which should ha We teen given It,
ar the Secretary understood me TO say
that had accepted a position in New York
he labored under misapprehension i
did state to him that | desired to accept
one but under such circumstances and
conditions and at such time As would cause
the least emil arrassment 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 tune
on the commission should he desire my
counsel and advice in arranging for the
change. assisting in repairing plans for
submission 10 the advisory board OF en-
gineers in Septemte r or IN the further
consi leration of the question by the Adj
ministration or Congress during its next
session.
Much to my surprise he Indignantly
spirned my suggestion and took the posi-
ton that I was compelled under what he
called nv contract 10 TFHldln III 'Ilaipe
Of the Isthmiau CCnal regardless of cir
cumstances or conditions, until the COM
pletion of the work. and spoke in such a
manner az to outrage my feelings to such
an extent that further discussion of the
reasons for my action was ont OF the ques-
ton
II did not seek the position Of chief en-
eincer of the Isthmian Canal Commission,
and considering my salary as general mana
ger OF the Illinois Central Railroad Company
and NV other sources Of earnings, my finan-
cal condition was not improved by my
acceptance Of the position, and II 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 il justice to myself and my
family and to my reputation AZ 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 sit
uation as It affected the work, but my fam
| ily, 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
my decision. The only debatable questions
were the details as to putting my decision
| into effect, and while stated to the Score
| tary what my desires were, told him that
| | was perfectly willing to conform to his