New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-04-14
JOHN r. STEVENS BACK.
Tired Out" He Says-Denies
RUnlors as to RESIGNATION.

John F. Stevens, who recently resigned as chief
engineer Of the Panama Canal, arrived here yes
Hday with his son, John F., jr.. the steamer
Panama. Mr.. Stevens said he had never been i'll
while ON the isthmus. but that he was thoroughly
tired out and only too glad to give up the
work and take long rest. He censured strongly
the Washington news bureaus and space writer's
OF various newspapers for circulating erroneous
reports concerning his resignation. He referred to
tine newspapers which printed these flights Of
fancy and such rot self appointed censOrs Of
other peoples morals and ethics
MI Stevens declared that he was not asked 70
resign, but that. the contrary he had been Of
fered and urged 10 accept position Of the highest
authority and consequent responsibility next TO the
Secretary of War He added:
Il never had any clash with any of my superior
officers. and their attitude. though not opposing
was not always in support Of my efforts.
The knowledge of and the connection of the
Washington officials with the actual work the
istnmus was too small to offer many chances for
disagreement. have never opposed doing the work
by contract; in fact. year ago last January while
in Washington. and at other times since. advo-
Gated such policy. The plan OF contract under
which bids were received was formulated by myself
In July last. only one month after Congress had
decided upon the type Of canal did oppose let
ting the contract to the Oliver syndicate for good
reasons. but the statement that have ever OPP
posed the letting OF contract is false did not
cable or write Washington that would resign II
inc contract was let.
The matter OF the contract had in no way any
thing 10 do with my leaving the service OF the
Canal Commission The statement OF a dis
grunued bidder, that because opposed the letting
OF the contract was fired is fabrication pure
and simple. ] did not threaten 20 resign IL was
ordered 10 Washington during the last days OF Con-
gress. any time
While should have preferred TO remain on the
isthmus long I was connected with the work,
and while might in my own mind have questioned
the wisdom Of the order. I should have promptly
obeyed il without any conditions. did not leave
the work play golf. 10 read books. nor for any
such fantastic notions. The act not prompted
by jealousy OF any getting credit for my work,
In the position I would have held. had remained
there would have heen no one to have been
jealous Of.
Il did not attempt 10 huff the President. and one
OF the happest moments OF my life was the one
when / found I could be relieved OF the work.
] made suggestion 10 leaving until knew
the work in shape leave and that the or
ganization, personnel plant and system which have
been evolved made up such working machine that
no failure serious delay occur with a con-
tinua ton OF direct business methods"
Mr. Stevens left the Waldorf for washington last
night with his wife and son. Asked II he would see
the President, Mr.. Stevens said: Il can't say.
shall he there X he cares TO see me-"
opinion Of the canals ultimate success.