New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-07-31
COMMISSIONER FOSD|CK
SENDS IN RESIGNATION
Business Offer in the West Is
Given as Cause of Re. -
tirement.
MAYOR EXPRESSES REGRET
In Spite of Denials Friends
Say Opposition to Graft
Investigations Was
the Real Reason.

The resignation of Raymond B. Fosdick.
commissioner Of Accounts. set great
many tongues wagglng yesterday. COM
ing, as 1t did. on top of the Commission
ors activity respecting the legislative
fund collected from the former doormen
in the Police Department. 1t was thought
that perhaps the Mayor had requested his
subordinate's resignation, either because
of this further embarrassment OF his
administration, or because Of some re-
marks Mr. Fosdick had made concerning
tho Rosenthal case. But both the Mayor
and 1.-The Commissioner denied these
rumors.
From a close friend OF Mr. Fosdick,
however, Il was learned positively that
the retiring Commissioner had often COM
planned of being hampered In his investi-
cations. and that for this reason he had
looked about him for some excuse to give
up his work OF graft hunting.
Commissioner Fosdick laughed at the
idea. He said his relations with the Mayor
were entirely harmonious, giving no
ground for even a hint of friction.
The truth Of the matter u.s." he ex-
plained, that I have received crafty
ing offer to become vice-president and
secretary OF the Lozier Automobile Com
pany. In Detroit, Mich. The offer was such
a fiatterirg one that felt 1t wouldn't
be Just TO myself to let 1t go BY
The Commissioner wrote this letter TO
Mayor Gaynor:
Sir; beg to tender you my Ts,isna a.
take effect September |, 1912. A bust
ness opportunity has developed In the
West which I am not able TO neglect and
cannot satisfactorily fill both posi-
lions
It is hardly necessary for me TO say
that I am giving up my present work
with a great deal of reluctance, partic-
ularly in view of the fact that | Will not
have time TO bring TO successful con-
clusion certain constructive plans al
ready inaugurated which N will take the
balance of your administrS ton to COM
plete. I refer especially TO our newly
established bureau Of efficiency. ] have
several reports In process of prepare
ton, however. dealing with various in
Testigatio which hope TO be able to
file with your honor before the end of
August.
May take this opportunity to express
my appreciation of the courtesy and sup
port which you have extended to this
Office in connection with our work.
With best wishes for the success OF
yours, RAYMOND B. FOSDICK,
Commissioners of Accounts.
Mayor Gaynor's reply read
Dear Mr. Fosdick cannot fully ex-
press TO you the regret that I have that
you must resign your Office as Commits
siorer of Accounts. I congratulate you
OH the private business offer that i'm,
.duces you TO resign, but that does not
lessen my regret that the public is to
lose your services No head Of depart
Iaent whom / appointed filled his place
nth more Intelligence, industry. honesty
and Iidelity than you have done, and
hold all the heads Of departments in the
highest esteem for the services which
they have rendered TO the city. but mono
in higher esteem than 7 hold you.
trust you VIII do your best to help me
I'll the once with some one who will In
some degree measure up TO yourself
Sincerely yours,
W. J. GAYNOR. Mayor.
Commissioner Fosdick said in the az
ternoon that he would recommend to the
Mayor the appointment of Harry n
Rice. now chief accountant in the Com
missioner Of Accountss office, as the new
Commissioner of Accounts. Mr.. Rice
lives ct No. 1879 Maple street, Brooklyn
Mfr. Fosdick was appointed Commits
'sioner Of Accounts on January 10, 1910
ct Q salary Of $1,000 a year.