Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-05-13

OF War. w
time to his business affairs in Tennessee.
that Secretary Dickinson would sooner
or later find it necessary for him to re-
sign from the Taft cabinet because Of
his politics. He is free trade democrat,
open and aVOwed.
1t was stated at the White House that
the President fully expects credence to
be given to reports that he felt the resig
! nation Of his democratic cabinet officer
ing campaign.
Only Democrat in Cabinet.
Mr.. Dickinson's presence in the cabinet
Of republican President has not been
| looked upon with favor by some Of Mr..
Tafts political advisers, who were of
the opinion that the office of Secretary
Of War should be held by some one of
the Presidents own party. and who also
pointed out that Mr.. Dickinson might
prove source of embarrassment when
the 1912 presidential campaign begins.
Naturally. Mr.. Dickinson also found the
discussion in the cabinet of party meas
ures often a personal embarrassment.
There were others who thought that
Mr. Dickinson had incurred some criti-
cisms by his conduct Of the war Office.
AS was pointed out recently, there have
been reports of friction over the Mexi-
can situation between the State Depart
ment and the War Department.
Unof1cially Washington discusses with
relish the resignation Of the Secretary
of War. Unoficially also there are those
who find other reasons than that given
in his letter. In some quarters 1t was
asserted that Secretary of State Knox
was being overshadowed by Mr. Dick
inson, and there were reports that the
former contemplated resgning. but these
met with official denials. There had been
no hint that Mr. Dickinson contemplated
retirement.
The President moved swiftly when he
found that he had to select q new Secre-
tary Of War. Wednesday night Secretary
haste. He met sp M stimson nth the next day.
but the latter wished to consult with his
father. who was then on the Atlantic
bound for Europe. Mr.. Hilles came
back to Washington and Mr.. stimson
advising him to accept came yesterday.
and late yesterday he called up the
White House on the long distance, and
said he would be glad to become Mr..
deal was closed right then, and the Pres
ident, who was waiting to go to a garden
party in the White House grounds. gave
a sigh Of genuine relief.
give New York two members of the cab
inet, Attorney General Wickersham be-
ing resident of that state.
Dickinson Writes to President.
Following is the correspondence between
President Taft and Secretary Dickinson:
Secretary Dickinson's letter:
Washington, April IS, 1911.
Dear Mr.. President As my affairs have
recently so changed as to require my per-
sonal attention In Tennessee. ] herewith
tender my resignation as Secretary of
War. to take effect as soon as may be
compatible with the public interest. l
cannot express to you how much / appre
| ciate the honor and confidence which you
have bestowed upon me and the uniform
kindness with which you have always
treated me. The memory Of having en-
joyed the privilege OF being associated
with you and my colleagues Of the cabi-
net in the discussion OF so many great
questions affecting the welfare Of our
country will always be cherished by me
as inestimabie.
With all good wishes for you and with
the hope that one able patriotic and
devoted may long be spared for the serv-
ices of his country, | am. very sincerely,
(Signed) j. NJ. DICKINSON.
Mr. Taft Replies.
The White House,
Washington May 8. 1911
My Dear Secretary Dickinson: 1 have
your letter of resignation and am sorry
that the personal considerations, as you
have explained them at length to me-
leave me no alternative and require me
to accept it. Since you wrote it, you
have signified to me that il l thought
your leaving the War Department would
embarrass me, In view of conditions in
Mexico you would request to be allowed
to sacrifice your personal interests and
continue in office While l fully appre-
ciate the high sense of duty that prompts
your offer. l am glad to say that recent
developments indicate that no crisis is
likely to arise making your withdrawal
now any more Of an embarrassment than
at later date, or justifying my asking
from you such a sacrifice.
In conserving to a severance of our
official relations l wish to tell you how
satisfactory your administration of Your
great department has been. 1t involved
the care and control OF the army. the
Rico. the construction of the Panama
canal. and, incidentally. the government
of the Canal Zone. In every way your
work has been admirable, and entities
you to the gratitude Of your countrymen.
Regrets he Is Leaving.
Personally. wish to thank you for
what you have done, and for your in
variable sense of loyalty to the admin
istration, and to expuress my deep re-
gret that our delightful intimacy growing
out of our Official family relation is to
end.
I sincely hope that you may be able
to achieve success in the important per-
sonal business tina. now claims your
earnest effort. Believe me that you carry
with you into private life my high respect
and affectionate regard. Sincerely yours.
/! WILLIAM H. TAFT.
]. NJ Dickinson, Secretary OF War.
p. ST. make this acceptance to take
effect as of time of the qualification OF
Your successor. which. at your request, l
hope to secure May Is. 1911.
| Secretary Dickinson, May 5, wrote:
Dear Mr. President: When I offered
my resignation it seemed that peace
would be restored in Mexico. The situa-
ton is now SO alarming that 1t might
be unwise to make a change in the Office
l hold While I have no right to with
draw my resignation, and II could,
would not take a step that would en-
L 20 &l~A