Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-11-26
NEW PUBLIC PRINTER
John S. Leech Resigns; S. B.
DonneIly Succeeds.
PROBABLY TAFT'S CHOICE
Outgoing Official May Return to
Philippines.
SAYS HEALTH IS IMPAIRED
Declares He Quits of His Own Ac-
cord-New Head Is Old Typo
graphical Union Chief.
SAYS HEALTH IS IMPAIRED

The resignation of John s. Leech as
public printer and the appointment Of
Samuel B. Donnelly of New York to sue
ceed him was officially announced today
by Secretary Loeb.
The change in the government printing
office is somewhat of a surprise. although
1t has been rumored at different times.
each time being denied at the White
House.
There is known to have been some dis
satisfaction. however, with Mr.. Leech.
Complaints as to his management of the
Office have come from a number Of
sources, including several United States
senators.
President Roosevelt. it is stated off,
cially. will give Mr.. Leech his old place as
public printer in the Philippines He left
this position to come to Washington as
public printer. He will return shortly after
December /, when the change is to take
place.
Organized Philippine Office.
Mr.. Leech organized the Philippine
printing office, and managed it with sue
cess. He won the regard and confidence
Of w. II. Taft, then governor of the
islands
Samuel B. Donnelly, the new public
printer. was formerly president of the
International Typographical Union. He
is now secretary OF the general arbitra-
trades. with offices at 1923 Broadway.
The President knows him personally and
believes his selection will put a stop to
much dissatisfaction that has existed for
several years as to the operation of af-
fairs in the big printing Office. This dis
satisfaction was strong during the regime
of Charles A. Stilings. eliminating in the
removal of NJ. Stillings and the appoint
ment of Mr.. Leech.
The new public printer has had expert
believed to be qualified in every way for
the work. He is credited with having
done good work for w. II. Taft in the
last campaign.
pointment is with the knowledge and de-
sire of Mr.. Taft He would naturally not
come on here to accept the place, leaving
good position in New York, if he had
any doubt as to his retention under the
new administration.
Voluntary, Says Leech.
Speaking of his resignation today, MIR.
Leech emphasized the statement that he
had never sought the position of public
printer, but came here reluctantly upon
a cabled order from the President sent to
him while he was public printer of the
Philippines. He said he was also reluctant
about accepting the position. but obeyed
the order Of his superior officer and came
here.
II took charge of the government print
ing office on the order of the President,
Mr.. I,eech added, land found the estab-
llShment in diSorganiZed state. l at
once set about to reorganiZe it, to place
it upon a business basis, and to systema-
tize accounts in the office. And now that
/ have accomplished this and the reor-
ganiZation is completed and everything
is running smoothly, l feel that l have
fulfilled the mission for which l came
here"
In accomplishing these tasks lie says,
he has broken down his health. and ten
dered his resignation to President Roose-
welt to become effective at the President $
pleasure. The resignation was voluntary
on his part, he said. In sending it to the
President Mr.. Leech indicated his willing
ness to return to the Philippines and again
take charge of the faraway printery to
which he was SO welded.
Il have everything ready to turn Over
to my successor" he said. LAS / have
rendered the new appointee any assist
ance / can in the duties of the Office.
will be perfectly content to lay down the
reins.
Il feel satisfied. from reports 1 have re.
ceived from people who are in d position
to know, that my efforts have been sue
cessful and appreciated, and that the
working force of the Office is contenteG
and happy with the conditions that sur
round them
Has Refused Offers.
Mr.. Leech said further that he had been
rendered several flattering offers from
outside sources, but that he has arranged
to take needed rest before undertaking
any other work, by direction of his ply
sician.
arrangements have been made he
added, Ito undertake the increase OF worn
at the government printing office lnciden,
to the annual meeting of Congress. EST,
mates for the next fiscal year have beer
completed. Work of the establishment is
up to date. l have kept considerably
within the current appropriations"
Public Printer Leech did not indicate
that he had received a hint from the
White House that his resignation would
be acceptable as has been unofficially
reported. but said he resigned for the rea-
sons given by him. His friends declare
that no such hint was given him, anC
that the complaints made by senators anc
others were of the same character tina,
have been made against every preceding
public printer and will perhaps be made
against future public printers.
Mr. Leech says he will remain on duty
until his successor qualities and takes
is ready to turn over.
A high official of the government print
ing Office speaking today of the resigna-
ton of Public Printer Leech. said:
HE has completed the herculean task of
reorganizing the office and bringing order
out of chaotic conditions that existed
when he took charge. Now. after that
accomplishment and the breaking down
of his health. he has resigned.
He was brought here practically
against his will. and only came in re-
sponse to positive orders from the Pres
ident owing to his reputation an Or
ganizer. which was we'll known to Judge
Taft under whom he served in the Phil
ippines.
He found matters in the government
printing Office here in most deplorable
condition. 1t needed a man of his ability
and nervous energy to complete the task.
He worked hard to carry out the Pres
idents plans. l believe he has sue
ceeded.'
Harvard Professor Dies