The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-06-27
W ALLACE RESIGNS;
CLASH WITH TAFT
Chief Engineer Of Panama Canal
Has a Scene with Secre-
tary Of War.
New York SIM Special Service.

New York SIM Special Service.
New York, June 27.-John F. Wal
lace, chief engineer Of Panama canal
and member of the commission, has
resigned his office and the resignation
will be accepted formally at Washing
ton today or tomorrow.
For the resignation there are two
versions, one coming from friends Of
the canal commission, the other from
friends of Mr.. Wallace. The first that
was current today is to the effect that
the resignation Of Mr.. Wallace was re-
quested because of differences between
the chief engineer, members of the COM
mission, Secretary Taft, and thru the
latter with President Roosevelt. The
other dea1a with department red tape
and hampefing executive orders, which
have led Mr.. Wallace to accept posi-
ton Of as great Importance as the head
OF great railway system.
This latter version contradicts the
assertion that his resignation was de-
manded, or that he was recalled TO
this country, and sets forth that he
came at hisaown request, and announced
to Mr.. TAFT at the Hotel Manhattan
last Sunday morning his intention of
dropping the canal work,
Had Stormy Session.
Accounts agree that the conference
was stormy after Mr.. Wallace had an
nounced his reasons for coming,
Mr.. Taft, it is said, lost his temper
and made certain remarks which Mr..
Wallace was inclined to resent.
The discussion thereafter was frank
and open, Mr.. Wallace telling Mr.. Taft
that if they wanted the canal dug right
they must change their present system
OF management and supervision by
placing one strong man at the head Of
the work, allow him to come and 90
as he chose, cut away the red tape
that binds everything, apply ordinary
business methods and hold him respon-
sible. -
Mr.. Taft accused the engineer of
handlcapping the administration by
various actions, particularly in getting
out, and announced that he did not care
how soon the resignation was present
ed: 1t was presented on the spot, &C
counts say, but being directed to the
president, it had to go to Washing
~. Serious Differences.
That serious differences in the con.
arisen between the chief engineer. The
administration and some members Of
the canal board was known almost the
first week after Mr.. Wallace arrived
at Panama. Delay in obtaining SUP.
plies, methods in advancing the plans
according to procedure at Washington
were all strange to him and became irk:
some. Being chief engineer of the great
undertaking, knowing that he would be
held responsible for failure, he insisted
that he should be put in a position tc
have absolute control, and objected tc
orders prohibiting his leaving the 18th
mus unless he obtained permission from
the war department.
These matters are said to have beer
discussed at the Su1saay cu.aference with
Secretary Eaft wtaefs followed NJ. Wal W.!
liam Nelson Cromwell was present. Be
ing man of Independent means, the
100000 annual salary was no object t.
the chief engineer, and no means hav
been ouia TO %b %1e the cag as
should be conducted, his resignation
| was presented: