The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-03-02
NO PRESSURE BROUGHT TO
BEAR TO CAUSE ACTION
Crum Declares He Has Quit Because
He Does Not Wish to Embarrass
Taft at the Outset of His
Service.

Charleston, S. c., March with the
resignation of DR.. William d. crum as
collector of customs at this port. the
resignation to take effect March 4, a
situation which threatened to cause
President-elect Taft considerable en-
oarrassment is avoided No appoint
ment made by President Roosevelt dur
ing either of his administrations has
given rise to as much discussion IL
that of DIR. Crum, whose appointment
as collector at Charleston was vigorous
ly opposed because of the fact that he
Is negro. long and hard fight
against his confirmation was made bv
senator Tillman and others. when he
was first named for the positton hv
President Roosevelt in 1903. and within
the last Few weeks. following his re-
appointment, Senator Tillman con-
Quoted successful flibuster against
his confirmation by the Senate.
DR.. Crum says that no pressure has
been brought to bear upon him now to
cause him to resign, but that he does
so In part because he wishes to save
Mr.. Taft, for whom he entertains great
respect, from any possible embarrass-
ment as to his reappointment. and
chiefly because he feels that he has
been especially identified with Presi-
dent Roosevelt's administration. and he
wishes to retire with his chief. In his
letter to President Roosevelt. after
thanking the President for appointine
him six years ago, and for renominat-
ing him recently for second term. he
says:
Since assuming the duties of this
position l have striven diligently to
Justify the confidence imposed in me
During all these years, SO far as T
Know not a single charge has been
brought against my moral character. or
a single adverse criticism made In re-
gard to the performance of my official
duties I wish further to add that
those employed in this office under me.
composed of both races, have been. at
all times. courteous, kind and inter-
ested, and we have all worked together
to make the office work successful and
satisfactory
When | became collector of the mort
the annual receipts of the office were
SS'-- SN'S F-"'VVV All SId0 TO say that
they have shown a 1attering increase
each year, the total for the fiscal year
1908 being almost 81. .ooo and for the first
eight months of the present fiscal year
are more than $4,000. L do not claim
credit for this increase in business much
of 1t would have been brought about
through the natural growth of the port.
but cite these facts to show that l have
striven in every way possible to increase
the usefulness of the office, and the posi-
ton which l hold
Before closing feel that l should add
that during all these years / have been
treated with kindness and courtesy by
all those who have had official business
with the office and have not had un-
pleasant contact with anyone In the city.
I'm conclusion, permit me to thank
you again for the trust imposed and to
wish you, as you end your official ca
reer, hearty God-speed and long life.'
No Statement Given Out.
Washington, March DIR Crums res
tgnation did not reach the White House
today and no statement was given out
there in regard to the matter. Secretary
of the Treasury Corteyou. when informed
tonight of the resignation said it was
the first he had heard of it and declared
that If DR.. Crum's successor is not ap-
pointed before his resignation becomes
effective, the special deputy collector of
the port will fill the place temporarily.