New-York tribune., 1905-07-01
WALLACE ANSW Frs TAFT
DENIES BREAKING FAITH.
Says He Did Not LeaUe the Canal
for "Mere Iucre.

John F. Wallace. who has resigned as member
and chief engineer of the Panama Canal Com
mission, and was charged by Secretary Taft
with leaving the canal work at a critical mo-
ment for mere lucre," made statement last
night, replying to Mr.. Taft and denying the
charges made by the Secretary. After making
the statement public Mr. Wallace left the city.
He said he was going to take a much needed
rest and vacation and did not expect to return
this summer
John F. Stevens. of Chicago, well known
engineer and railroad man, has been appointed
chief engineer of the canal.
Mr.. Wallace would not make public any of
his plans for the future, saying that the work
he is to take up win be announced by the offi-
cials Of the organization with which he is TO
become connected when they consider it proper
Mr.. Wallace's statement follows
The primary causes which led me 10 tender.
my resignation chief engineer of the 18TH
mian Canal Commission were underlying and
fundamental, and l must emphaticaly resent
the charge that my motive in leaving the work
was a financial one.
A careful consideration of the entire subject
had brought to the decision that L should
disconnect myself with the work at the earliest
possible date that it could be done without en-
barrasSment to the administration injury to
the work. 1t is unnecessary to state the rea-
sons for this decision. except that in fairness
should say that they involve no criticism of any
act OF the President the Secretary of War
My finat decision was arrived at the result
of the sig days uninterrupted thought which
vas able to give the subject III all its bearings
during my voyage from NewYork to Colon, in
May. Furthermore. 1 had pledged myself to
my family to give the matter of my resignatio;1
as chief engineer. or of any position which
would require my continuous residence ON the
isthmus serious consideration.
Ii was at this psychological moment that |
received a cable message from New York offer
ing me a business opportunity which 1 was
bound to consider. therefore Immediately
yofy Mar 1aSti a
ference and arrived in New York for that pur-
pose on THURSDAY. June %.
In the mean time 1 had addressed a lette- to
the Secretary, liz which confirmed the request
for an interview, and also requested my annual
leave of absence which part of my original
understanding with the ISthmian Canal Com
mission and which | had requested from Ad-
1niral Walker in March, to take effect at our
mutual convenience some time later in, the sea-
SON. which request. however was not complied
with answered, owing probably. to the SUD
den change made in the commission on April l.
On my arrival In New-Iork was met by Mr.
William Nelson Cromwell who stated that ne
was delegated by the Secretary to arrange for
nersonal interview with me. and asked me II l
would meet him at the Manhattan Hotel at 10
" m sunday June % While Mr.. Cromwell
treated me with the suavity and courtesy for
which he is noted, he endeavored 10 draw from
me my reasons for desiring to see the secretary
I told him frankly that / did not consider II
1couId he proper for to discuss the matter IN
advance of my interview, and L also requested
him to arrange for me with the Secretary that
4ba interview should be absolutely private, ana
that no one but the Secretary'and myself should
be present.
THE INTERVIEW WITH Mr. TAFT.
ON arriving at the Manhattan on Sunday
was met by Mr.. Cromwell, who 'ushered me INTO
tbs secretary's private apartment, accompanied
bv- NV son Assuming that arrangements haq
been made for a strictly private interview, my
son Withdrew expecting Mr.. Cromwell to do the
same However the Secretary in rather per-
1ltorv manner directed Mr.. Cromwell to re-
lain This action. of course, caused irritation
ana apprehension on my part that the interview
.r,,ta he unpleasant and unsatisfactory ana the
tuitation under which the Secretary was evl-
IDENTIFY Iaboring had tendency 10 PfeVe,t pre- astio s1
@ ~, its bearings which should have been given
it,. ,L..eod mo 70 say that |
had accepted position in York ne an1reu ht1,,
na1 1aI - q rnisapprehension. did state 10 MIN
na desired 10 accept one. but under such CIR
cumstances and conditions and ar such time I'm a
.n,,ia cause the least embarrassment 10 the ao-
Iotetration and the least injury 10 the Work,
@ 3hat was even willing TO 90 TO the extent
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