Evening star., 1909-06-15
FRANCIS f. LEUPP OUT
Resigns as Commissioner of
Indian Affairs.
VALENTINE is PROMOTED
Change Takes Effect at Close of
Business Today.
LETTER TO PRESIDENT TAFT
Retiring Official Explains His Action
Is Based on Ill Health
Reply by Executive.
LETTER TO PRESIDENT TAFT

The resignation of Francis E. Leupp as
commissioner of Indian affairs, which has
been pending since March 4 last, was ac-
cepted today by President Taft, and Rob-
ert G. Valentine, assistant commissioner.
was named to succeed him. Mr.. Leupp
has wanted 10 retire for some time on ac-
count of i'll health.
The acceptance of Mr.. Leupp's resig-
nation today was the direct result of
letter written by him to the President
June s. in which he said:
Three months ago, when at your per-
sonal request l withdrew my resignation
| did so in good faith, believing that !
should find it practicable to continue my
work as commissioner of Indian analrs
for a considerable period still. The ex-
pertinent has not proved a success. l
have found myself more tired than L
supposed, and shall need longer rest
ing spell than / can afford to take with
the responsibilities of office on me. ! am
physically as sound as ever but for my
tagged nerves. Very much to my regret,
therefore, | shall have to ask you to re-
lease me from my promise and let ME
carry out my original plan OF resigning
my commission so that l can spend the
whole coming season in the mountain
country unweighted with the anXieties
which heretofore have proved fatal to my
every attempt at a real vacation.
In Fine Working Order.
"As the Indian Office is now in fine
working order. and its machinery in the
hands of a competent corps of men. all
identified with the progressive poll
cies we have been pursuing, | feel that
there could be no more opportune time
than the present for my retirement. and
80
business. June II, or as soon thereafter
as suits your convenience. / have COM
muncated my purpose to nobody outside
of my own family accept yourself, Secre-
tary Ballnger and Assistant Commission
er Valentine. In maintaining this Sc
crecy ] have had in view not only my
obligation to you, but the desire to avoid
the pain Of taking formal leave of the
members of my official staff. whose loyal
ty has won for them a very warm place
i'll my heart.
The sympathetic approval you have
always given to the work done by the
Indian service during the last four and
one-half years leads me to hope that my
successor may be one who will carry it
forward along the same constructive
lines. If so, he may count upon any
assistance | can give him; for my in
terest in the solution of our great prob
lem is in nowise abated because pru-
dental consideration demanded tnat | lay
aside the direct responsibilities borne so
long.
With thanks for all the kindness and
courtesy l have received at your hands.
and with every good wish for the con-
tinued success of your administration.
| am etc.
Reply by the President.
Following is the Presidents reply:
Secretary Ballinger has handed me
your letter of resignation as commissioner
of Indian affairs. In accepting your
resignation wish to express my appre-
citation of your interchangeable labors in ad-
vancinG the interests of the Indian serv-
ice, and my regret that the condition of
your health impels you to withdraw from
further active connection Herewith.
Il sincerely trust that your relief from
the responsibilities OF this position will
fully enable you to regain your health,
and with the kindest regards and best
wishes, | am etc.
Career of New Commissioner.
Mr.. Valentine, the new commissioner,
after leaving the Boston Institute of
Technology, was engaged for time in
banking, and later in the railroad bus-
ness. He was obliged to give up his
railroad work and 80 south for his
health. His doctor warned him against
going back farther north than Wash
ngton, SO he settled in this city and took
up newspaper work with one of the cor
respondents of a New York paper. While
thus engaged he fitted himself for the po-
sition, and was later made private secre-
tary to Commiss oner Leupp.
In his spare moments he made a syste-
matte study of the Indian bureau and
was soon thoroughly conversant with its
affairs. 1t was this special knowledge
that prompted Commissioner Leupp to
recommend him for appointment as dep
uty commissioner.
Mr.. Valentine is regarded by those who
have come in contact with him as man
of exceptional ability and untiring indus
try, a close student of affairs and one
rl,o ir ohc