The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-11-11
Action Comes AS Complete
Surprise to Public and
White House.
TO BE ASSOCIATED
WITH SCOTTC. BONE
Asks to Be Relieved From Duties
AS Soon As Successor Is
Named and Qualified.

Henry Litchfeld West, member
of the Board of District Comnlis.
sioners, today handed his resignation
to President Taft. He viii retire
from office as soon as his successor
is appointed and qualified.
Commissioner Vests action came
as a complete surprise to all Wash
ington, as he had but recently been
appointed to his third term as Com.
missioner for a period of three years.
and this term has more than two
years TO run.
EXPLAINS ACTION.
Mr. Vests explanation of his
decision to retire from the Board
Of Commissioners was made Ia q
public statement. and is to the
effect that he will be associated
with Scott C. Bone in the publica-
ton of the Washington Herald. Mr..
West. a former newspaper man Of
recognized ability, declares he pre-
fers that work to assisting in the
governing Of District affairs.
Commissioner Vests resignation
was complete surprise at the
White House. and the President ex-
pressed deep regret ct his retire.
ment
VIII Be Partnership.
HIS association with AIr- Bone. al
though the washington Herald Is owned
by stock company. VIII in effect be a
partnership between them, It is UNDER
stood, on equal terms. It is the con-
summation OF a plan formulated at the
inception Of this newspaper enterprise,
but which failed TO take shape at that
time. Mr.. Bone and Mr.. West were
colleagues for many years on the Wash
IngtOn Post and share each others
views as 70 newspaper making.
With the great growth OF Washin-
ton" said Mr.. West, in speaking OF mis-
retirement, Il realized more than three
years ago that there was an ample field
here for another morning newspaper.
and the success of the Washington Her
aid Is a demonstration OF that fact.
When the opportunity came TO me,
therefore, at a recent date, to Identity
myself with the enterprise. it is but nat
ural that accepted it.
Newspaper Man First.
Il am first and last a newspaper man.
and. while my official service has been
a most valuable experience. II has not
destroyed or minimized my love Of
newspaper work left II with reIuc-
tance and shall re-enter it with en-
thusiasm AS many OF my friends wen
understand, I endeavored, in 1906, so 70
arrange my affairs as TO become a CO.
founder OF the Herald with Mr.. Bone.
bat circumstances intervened then to
prevent the step. Now I shall take uu
with him the work of further develop
ing the property under conditions alto
gether propitious and prospects most
promising II Is my intention, OF
course, TO give my undivided time %
that work
Goes TO White House.
Mr.. Bone, who accompanied Mr.. West
10 the White House when he rendered
his resignation, stated subsequently
that a slight reorganization of the
Washington Herald Company with this
end in view. had been in process for
change in policy Of the paper. or radf-
cal change In the personnel of the STAFF.
but meant a strengthening OF forces.
nd the realization of a hope which he
and MP. West had entertained for years
of being again associated in newspaper
life and newspaper ownership.
Surprises Officials.
The news Of Commissioner Vests res
isnation was a complete surprise to the
officials and employees Of the District
Building. all of whom expressed regret
at his departure from the District Cow
ernment His entrance again into the
newspaper field has been under consid-
Grafton for three weeks, but so closely
has the secret been guarded that only
few of his intimate friends were aware
OF his intention. He has long been iden-
titled with the newspaper fraternity. ana
said today that IL Is his intention to re-
enter the field with the purpose of max
ing il his life work Commissioner West
was first appointed October I3 1902 lie
was confirmed the second time Febru-
airy ]. 1890. and his third term began
February /. 1909
During his three administrations he
has had charge OF the business and
ends OF the District Govern
ment. including the purchase Of supplies,