The Calumet news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 1907-1938, 1912-07-03
SENSATION IN
OFFICIAL LIFE
AT CAPITAL
A. Piatt Andrew Resigns as AS
sistant Secretary Of Treasury
in Letter to TAFT
MAKES ATTACK ON MACyfACH
Scores Secretary's Administra-
tion Of Government Affairs
"FIRED" SAYS The PRESIDENT
MAKES ATTACK ON MACvtAGH
"FIRED" SAYS THE PRESIDENT
Work Of Subordinstss Hsmpered by
Chief of Dept. Says Dis
missed Man.

Washington, July 3.-A. Piatt An.
drew today rendered his resignation
to President Taft as assistant secre-
tary Of the treasury. In a spirited let
| ter TO the president, Andrews writes
of the condition of the treasury le-
partment. which he alleged To be due
to the attitude OF Secretary Mac
Veagh toward many of his subordin-
ates.
The letter charges the subordinates
have been hampered and discouraged
at every turn by MacVeaghs idiosyn-
cracies. and his incapacity for deci-
sion.' Ii contains a scathing arraign-
ment OF MacVeagh's administration of
government AFFAIRS and created a
profound sensation in official circles.
Scores Maevsash's Course.
Andrew tells the president that for
long time much treasury business
has been at standstill because OF
delays for which the secretary alone
was responsible. but for, which peo-
pie outside harshly criticized his sub
ordinates. The secretary himself was
even more harsh whenever he discov-
cred his subordinates had ventured tn
act upon matters OF minor import
ance without waiting his decision. An
drew says. They had been unable
10 carry on business entrusted 10
them, he continues. and were often ON
the point of resigning.
Decisions. he declares. upon urgent
questions have been held up months.
Andrew also charges MacVeagh with
being distrustful ana suspicious OF
many of the higher treasury officials.
and for months at time persistently
refused even To speak To these officials
of his departure. with whom he should
naturally have been i'm constant per-
sonal communication. In this connec-
tion he mentions the names of Mr..
Hilles, formerly in the treasury de-
partment. but now secretary 10 the
president; Treasurer McClung; Di-
rector of the Bureau of Engraving
and Printing Ralph. and says there
are others besides himself.
Maeveagh Intended to Resign.
Andrew refers TO MacVeagh's "as-
founding capacity for procrastination''
and cites instances i'm which he says
matters submitted To the secretary
Cor decision were held up so long that
they settled themselves before a del
cision was made.
There has never been time" An
drew soes on, since have been i'm
the treasury department when he has
not labored under the delusion that
some Of those working loyalty and
conscientiously for him were i'm cabal
and conspiring against him. This has
led him TO treat some OF his most
effective aides with harsh ingratitude.
and with lack of consideration that
was little short OF brutal"
Andrews letter to MacVeagh, adj
vising him of his resignation, dis
closes hitherto unpublished, fact that
MacVeagh was on the verge of leav-
ing the cabinet in December, 1910.
This" Andrew says. was when the
White House, without consulting you
and entirely without your knowledge.
entered into negotiations for the issue
of Panama bonds" He reminds the
secretary that in order 10 save him
humiliation he offered 20 leave the
service IL the secretary's resignation
became necessary.
Andrews Resignation Asked.
The White House made public the
following statement written by Presi.
dent Taft:
Andrews resignation as assistant
secretary Of the treasury was request
ed submitted and accepted in view
of his failure TO obey orders given him
by the secretary"
This was the only comment the
president had TO make. Andrews
resignation becomes effective at once
George f. Roberts director Of the
mint, is prominently mentioned as
his successor.
Prior 90 Andrews appointment as
assistant secretary. he had been di-
rector of the United States mist. also
special assistant 10 the national mone-
tary commission. Prior TO his en-
trance into political life ne was as
slstant of finance az Harvard. Tie Is
writer Of wide reputation upon r.
nancial topics.
Andrew assembled the bureau
chiefs In his office 10 advise them OF
HIS resignation and bid them good bye.