The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1909-10-13

crane OF chicago, Hlltlistei W ,Aitia,
today was practically deposed by
demand from Secretary Knox for his
resignation. Thus new chapter in
American diplomacy was written. A
citizen, chosen with special regard for
his qualifications for, the post. was
recalled before he had embarked from
San Francisco and discharged from hi.
high office because of alleged indis-
Greet disclosures through the press.
Moreover, this minister, breaking
through all the old traditions, insisted
on defending himself from the asper-
sions cast upon him by the secretary
of state by the issuance of state
mcnt commented upon here as certain
to be embarrassing to the aiministra-
ton.
The history of this extraordinary
affair, which began about a week ago
with the announcement that Minister
Crane had been stopped. ut San Fran
cisco at the moment of embarkation
by a demand from Secretary Knox for
his return tn Washington. reached, at
least. its first crisis today, when the
secretary. in a formal statement. an
nounccd that MIR. Cranes resignation
had been invited. and the minister has
replied in a formal statement that,
while his resignation already had been
rendered to the president, he felt him.
self unjustly treated.
Makes Reflection.
Moreover, Mr.. Crane in his statement
reflected severely upon the state de-
partment officials, charging that not
only had they refrained from giving
al ~
a minister or ambassador about to
leave for his post but that he had been
denied access to them, even after he
had made repeated appointments with
them He enters sweeping denial of
the charge that he gave out news
paper story, which Is said to be the
cause of his deposition. and placed
sauare,y upon the shoulders of Presi-
dent Taft the responsibility for the
various utterances he has made re-
garding conditions in the far east
which have aroused the ire of Secre-
tars Knox and for final action upon
his resignation.
Crane Talks.
Mr., Cranes statement is as follows:
The statement issued by the de-
i'm saying that the secretary has in
formed me that my resignation Will
be accepted. The letter received from
Mr. Knox at noon today says he has
recommended to the president that
the president accept my resignation.
Before this letter had been received
by me l already had sent to the presf-
dent through his secretary. Mr
Carpenter. the following telegram:
Washington. D. c.. Oct. 12.-Presi-
dent William II. Taft: The state de-
partment objects to certain things l
have done in the effort to carry out
my understanding of your wishes as
expressed by you To me. l have care
fully considered the entire matter. In
my Judgment no mistake has been
made. except as the department has
made il a mistake. However. l did
not and cannot guarantee to make no
mistakes and especially unless | have
the cordial support and cooperation
of the government.
THE manner in which the depart
ment has proceeded, and is proceeding.
is inconsistent with my own self
respect and my conception of the
dignity of the position and with un-
derstanding upon which | accepted, l
appreciate the personal consideration
1 have received from you and under
all the circumstances have decided to
await Information.
Statement lnaccurate.
The statement of the department
is further inaccurate in saying that |
gave out Il newspaper story about
the preparation of protest in regard
10 the agreement between China and
Japan. II would have been more ac-
curate III the statement had said. as
was indicated in its own closing
paragraph. that a brief conversation
of mine with = newspaper representa-
tive contributed to the publication by
him of Il discussion of this agreement
and the possibility of a protest by
This government and that the depart
ment regarded this conversation as
.indiscreet.' The publication did not
mention my name. nor in my judg-
ment would il have been a mistake /
ii the department of state had not
chosen to youch for its accuracy and
give to it an official significance by !
its OWN conduct.
1T certainly contained nothing of
substance that Vas not matter of
common knowledge or deducible by
any competent newspaper reporter
from facts commonly known. The