The Washington herald., 1912-01-14
NO CLASH BETWEEN
TAFT AND BACON
Correspondence of President and
Retiring Ambassador to France
Shows Good Feeling.

Secretary Of State Knox yesterday gave
out for publication the correspondence
between Robert Bacon, Ambassador to
France. and President Taft, regarding
the resignation of the former. The let
ters are most cordial in their tone. As
has been stated before, Mr.. Bacon gives
his appointment to the Harvard corpora
ton as the sole reason for his resigna-
tion at this time.
Here are the letters exchanged between
President Taft and Mr.. Bacon:
American Embassy, Paris,
January 2, 1872
Dear Mr.. President: You will forgive
me, know. for asking for a moment of
your precious time to read personal
letter. for in no other way can / say TO
you what I have 10 say.
The president and fellows of Harvard,
the corporation so-called, have made a
fellow to fill the vacancy in their num-
Der caused by the death OF Judge Lowell,
OF Boston. This service TO my alma
mater I feel that / cannot decline, be-
sides being naturally very proud to be
given the honor of this and Harvard
blue ribbon. This appointment is, as
you know, one Of active service for life,
and as there is much work to be done
every week the corporation must be in
close personal touch with Cambridge and
live within easy reach. For this reason
am obliged mcst reluctantly to tender
my resignation as your Ambassador to
France.
1 cannot begin to express my grateful
appreciation of your great kindness in
having given me this opportunity, of
which have been very proud, and which
1 have enjoyed more than can tell you.
The honor Of having represented you
here, sir, will always be one OF my
brightest memories, and 1 thank you
from my heart. My regret Is very sin
cere, but you will understand better than
anybody the strength Of my association
and my loyalty to my college. and my
unwiIlingness to decline the honor OF her
service.
Although giving up the foreign service
for this reason, / have a strong desire
to take part at home. even in some small
way in the good work TO be done there,
whether 1t be civic, financial, or INDUS
trial.
serve you and the party, shall be proud
to be called upon. My resignation. OF
course, will be at your pleasure and /
feel sure that President Lowell. although
he has been unable to delay longer my
appointment, will be willing to excuse
me until such time as II may be con-
venient for you to appoint my successor.
Thank you again, dear Mr.. President.
a thousand times for the honor you have
done me, and for all your kindly con-
sideration, and. with great respect and
my kindest regards to Mrs. Taft. and a
very happy New Year to you and yours,
believe me, most sincerely, your obedisnt
servant, ROBERT BACON"
The President replied as follows:
''The white House, Washington, Jan y.
MY dear Mr.. Ambassador-I greatly
regret accepting your resignation, but
admit the weight of your reasons for
rendering It. I have a letter from Pres
ident Lowell, in which he insists that
Harvard is entitled to divide with the
government your services. yield.
Il am glad you have been two years
our representative in Paris. / am glad
that you have enjoyed It. You have done
everything well. I hope and believe that
your career at home will be equally sue
cessful and useful. I accept your res
ignation, to take effect upon the ap-
polntment and qualification of your sue
cessor. Sincerely yours,
wM. H. TAFT"
Secretary. Knox said yesterday that
he had not even discussed the appoint
ment of Ambassador Bacon's successor
with the President, and, therefore. could
say nothing as to who might be Sc
lected.