New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-02-18
KELSEY WON'T RESIGN.
LETTER TO GOVERNOR.
Superintendent GiUes Reasons for
.4ttitude-HugheS's Reply.
rRr Telegraph to The Tribune.


If Insurance, whose resignation has been re-
1uested by Governor Hughes. made public to-
dav the letter of last week in which he refused
n resign. and gave his reasons for that refusal.
Having conducted his department to the salts
faction of Governor Higgins, and having re-
ceived no intimation that his administration of
the department was unsatisfactory to Governor
Hughes until the request for his resignation
csrne. he would be recreant to his duty, to him
self and his family. he said, TO resign under fire.
Any resignation at this time. Superintendent
Kelsey maintained, would in the eyes OF the
public be an admission OF wrongdoing. of which
he vas not conscious. While the possibility Of
p removal by the Senate remained. and such
removal would blight his future he felt COM
PEELED 10 refuse TO resign and to uphold his off,
clal record.
This letter was sent 10 the Governor on Feb
ruary L. The next day Governor Hughes re-
Piled in = brief note. declaring that he had
endeavored TO consider. TO the fullest extent
compatible with public interest" Superintendent
Kelseys personal position. and regretted the
attitude taken in his letter
If the Governor can get 10 it. I'm spite of the
press Of official business, II IS believed he win
send the request for Superintendent Kelsey'S
removal TO the Senate tomorrow night. This
will be accompanied by a memorandum of his
reasons Whether at that time he will go into
the case as fully as II will be laid before the
Senate committee 10 which his request is re-
ferred Is ar this time somewhat in doubt
There is little doubt. however. that he will say
enough 10 make his position in the affair abso-
iuteIy and Enthusiastically clear, giving his rea-
Sons as he gave them 10 Superintendent Kelsey,
when be asked that official 70 resign.
SUPERINTENDENT KELsEY's LETTER
Superintendent Kelsey's letter to the Gov
ernor follows:
Albany, February Il. 1907.
Hon. Charles E Hughes Governor, Executive
Chamber, Albany, New York.
Dear Sir: I am unable 10 comply with your
request for my resignation from the office Of
Superintendent of Insurance for the State Of
New York
The office was assumed by me May i. 1906.
after appointment by Hon. Frank w. Higgins,
then Governor, and confirmation by the Senate.
the vote being unanimous therefor.
have served faithfully through months of
srising from the San Francisco confagration
affecting the branch Of fire insurance and new
statutes and changed circumstances resulting
from the legislative investigation and report
upon the affairs OF life insurance The depart
Tnent supervision of the election Of directors in
domestic life insurance corporations added
immense volume of technical la bOr 10 the Ordf-
nary routine, and under new laws preparation
vas necessary for the extended and complex sta
tisticsl statements, standard forms and reports
hereafter. required from life insurance corpora
tions. and the rulings and Interpretation Of new
PROVISIONS regulating the transaction or their
business exacted continuous deliberation upon
and decision Of questions presented.
In the arduous task 1 consulted frequently
with the Attorney General and advised Gov
ernor Higgins fully as TO progress in the de-
partnent- In several conferences and their re-
suits advice was sought and obtained from
prominent member of the former investigating
committse. ny official conduct has received the
approval of Governor Higgins. and has never
been censured by any responsible person IA
niliar with the facts and thereby appreciating
the difficulties encountered.
Within q few weeks after my accession 10
ofdce a plan for reorganization of certain
branches Of the department suggested by
me and has been since determined upon and will
ne carried out with the assistance OF the Legis-
lature and State Civil Service Commission. In
formation Of this intention also given 10
Governor Higgins and was approved by him.
! most deeply regret what l believe to be a
mistaken opinion upon your part prompting a
demand for my resignation. There is no OBJ
Stacle 70 your receiving from the insurance de-
paTment under my charge the most cordial.
disinterested and effective cooperation in all
measures for the betterment OF administration.
There Is 10 other desire in serving the people
of the state than to discharge my full duty to
them and TO the officers they have placed in con-
tTol Of the state government.
May respectfully allude 10 the fact that until
the moment Of announcing your purpose that l
retire from Office no intimation had ever
reached me Of your dissatisfaction with my de-
paTtment? You will recall that Immediately
after your inauguration as Governor / ad-
dressed TO you brief letter stating my readi-
ness at your pleasure and convenience 70 advise
you as 10 affairs of the Insurance Department,
effect that you hoped to make an appointment
FOR within a few days thereafter. Subse-
Quently, at my suggestion, you received type
written copy of the text Of my official report,
and expressed a favorable comment upon il.
Between the time Of your taking office and your
request for my resignation you have not given
10 any expression Of your views Of my con-
duct Of the Insurance Department. have you
called my attention to methods needing correc-
ton, nor to changes Of plan policy to bring
the department closer 10 a different conception
of practical administration So far as am
aware, there has been opportunity afforded
upon any matter to test the promptness
Willingness Of the present Superintendent Of In
Eurance 20 conform with the views of the pres
ent Governor relating to the department.
Having entered upon term OF office fixed by
statute at three years. and conscious Of no
strste against the proposed summary djsDos-
ton OF my official life. and invite the Justice Of
considering the details Of my administration
prior 10 January I, 1907 and q stating OF your
criticism and wishes with view Of bringing
The department into accord Herewith. II pos
sible.s To resign under executive compulson a
would To the public appear as an admission Of
wrongful conduct in Office, and would leave my
character and reputation defenceless against
AnN odfous Caiun1ny inspired by anV purDOSe
and from anv souce. For wears 7 have
horne active part in state affairs and have
steadily endeavored TO merit the favor and con-
"st reward 10 feel that had succeeded IN a
roeasurs BILE degree. From my noint Of view
surrender ~ nos't'on in the manner re-
Iuire6 would fo~Seif nv Seif-TpSpect and IN
evitablv incur distrlst IN nv those whose
good 0pinion value feel most l5eenly that
such action would ne held in dishonor and I
70 such q sacrifice. In so deciding recoPnize
That fhe alternative Of a removal bv the Senate
Clouds NV after life wift Fusnioion. hut I can
not as honest do oth@~yvise than abide
ny my convictions Of duty. R"sDectfullv.
OTTO KFT .SFY.
Superintendent OF Insurance.