The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-04-15
DR.. HILL RESIGNS
PO ST AT BERLIN
Surrenders Position as
Ambassador to
Germany.
ACTION COMES
I AS ST. X P RIS E
No Official Intimation Given as
to Cause, but 1t Is SurnNsed
That Expenses of Position
Are Too Hcavy-Sone
Scent Shake-Up Among
Diplomats.

Washington, D. C., April 14.z-After a
brief conference to-day between Pres
ident Taft and Secretary of State Knox.
the resigna tion of DIR. David jayne Hill
as an.ba ssador 10 Germany was an
nounced al the white House. The only
intimation of the proba BILE reason for
the resignation came from DIR. Hill to-
night. when he pointed to the second
part OF his letter to President Taft.
made public earlier to-day, which read
that he had resigned "at this time" to
take effect July L. lin order that. If you
desire to do SO. you may be able to
make another appointment TO that
post"
DR.. Hill was en- route from New York
TO Washington when the announce
ment of his resignation was made at
the White House, and on his arrival to-
mig hUhe was advised that rumors were
current tina, ne had IN view some other
high position in public life or in the
academic world in which he always
has been interested.
All that am prepared TO say att
this time" said Or. Hin. is that have
no plans or engagements
DR.. Hill said he intended to return to
Berlin about May TO arrange his
household effects for departure about
July next.
Following imme diately the announce
doris TO Russia and China, Washington
scented shakeup as in prospect.
President Tafts comment to callers to-
day was that Or. HITS period of SER
Vice had been entirely satisfactory tol
both the State Department and him
self.
The two letters. constituting the
formal exchanges between the Pres
ident and DIR. Hill on the subject, were
sent to DIR. Hill early to-day bafbis
hainE made puhlEc. but he first Learned
ot their announcement at noon while
en- route here. The President, In mis-
letter to Dr.. I'M. said he accepted
tn resignation with reluctance.
4 Various views were held by officials
to-day concerning DR. Hill's resigna-
ton. II came as surprise TO mem
hers of the Senate Committee on For
eign Relations. although some declared
that they understood a change in Ber-
lin had been in contemplation.
DR.. Hill in his letter pointed out that
half OF the Taft administration al
ready having passed. II was hitting for
him to tender his resignation. Count
Ing his OCCUPATION OF the position of
Assistant Secretary OF State he has
been in the diplomatic service more
than twelve years.
While not hint Is Officially given as
TO the cause of the resignation OF Dr.. F.!
Hill. the belief prevails that he is
retiring because of the heavy EXPENSE
attached to the Berlin embassy. IN
expense that means thousands of dol
lars loss to the pocketbook of tho
American who becomes the amba ssador
OF this country TO that post.
Dr.. Hin Is not considered a rich man.
In 1908. when DR.. Hill was transferred
10 Berlin from The Hague mission.
where he had been for three years,
re no "a llf hot ba I-H
be acceptable to the Berlin court he
cause he would not be able to maintain
himself in the lavish style that had
characterized his predecessor, Charlie
magne Tower. wealthy Pennsyivan-
Ian. Whatever feeling there might
have been on this score Dr. Hill was
cordially greeted by Emperor William
and the German court
Before going to the Netherla nds as
minister in 1905, Mr.. Hill had spent
two years as minister of this coun-
try to Switzerland, and for five years
prior to that had been Assistant SEQ
retary of State, having been appointed
TO that position by President McKin-
ley in 1850
DR.. Hills most important work In
Berlin recently had been in connection
With the potash controversy. The fail
tire to obtain concessions from Ger
many had caused some criticism Of
Dr. Hill.
The Correspondence
Tho letters of resignation and ac-
ceptance are as follows:
Washington ID. G.. April ~. 1911.
Dear Mr. President: have the honor
to remind YOU that at the beginning
of your term of office as President I
expressed to the Secretary of state NV
readiness TO terminate my mission s
ambassador to Germany, which Your
predecessor had intrusted to me. 1t
was your pleasure soon afterward to
communicate to me in person your
wish that I should continue at that
post and was very happy. especially
In view of The short time had been
a Berlin. to receive this mark OF your
confidence.
The half of your administration hav-
ing already passed. 1t appears to ME
fitting that should express to YOU
sideration you have shown me. and
that should at this time place my
resignation in your hands. to take eff
feet July l next. which I now do. in
order that II YOU desire to do so. YOU
may be able TO make another appoints
ment to that post.
It has been a great pleasure to me
to serve my country in this honorable
and highly responsible office. which I
have endeavorcd to fill to the hest of
my ability
Please to accept, dear Mr.. President,
the assurance or my great esteem and
loyal sentimenta.
Your obedient servant.
tsigned) DAVID j. HILL.
The White House. washington,
April Is. 1911.
Ny Dear Mr.. Ambassador;
In acknowled ging your letter of the