Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-09-01
James B. McReyno|ds,Atty.
Gen. Of U. s., So States.
Feels He Is Subject 10 Unjust
Cfliicism--To Much for Him.
Positive Statement Made 10 Re.
porter by Senator.frlsnd Of Atty.


B. McReynolds soon will resign as at
torney general of the United States
was a positive statement made. Satur-
day, to a reporter by a senator, who
said Mr.. McReynolds very recently
expressed TO him this intention.
While feeling he has been subjected
to unjust criticism, said McReynolds
to this senator, he also believes that
his presence in the cabinet is a handi-
cap to President Wilson's administra-
ton. and he proposes to retire from
his office.
1T is too much for me-" said Nc
Reynolds TO his visitor, land feel
that | must retire
As he further explained his position,
he has been worried by criticism in
connection with the Union Pacific
Southern Pacific dissolution case and
the Diggs-Caminetti case, of several
of his recommendations for appoint
ments and for his advocacy of GER
tain pardons, to say nothing of many
minor matters. He maintains he has
been right in every instance, and he
resents being made the goat" of the
administration.
AT the same time another line of at
tack To force his resignation was
opened, today, by members of Con-
Sress from the West, in no wise allied
with other interests who are working
to the same end, the latest eoterie Of
enemies being headed by Delegate
James Wickersham of Alaska AL
though not actively seeking Mercy
ro'ds' retirement. Senator Miles Poin-
hexter of Washington also is interest
ed in this latest case
On his return from New HAMPSHIRE
President Wilson will be visited by a
delegation headed by Wiekersham to
protest against the pardon of John II.
Bullock and Charles F.. Houston. SEN
fenced to Alaska to one years i'm
prisonment and fine of $1,000 for con-
spiracy to defraud the government on
contract for coal for military gar
rlsons in that territory. Henry Jar
Vis, who also was indicted, committed
suicide before his trial.
Despite the fact that Judge Cush
man, who tried the case, the United
states prosecuting attorney and every
member of the trial jury refused to
recommend a pardon, in spite of the
TACT that Ex-Atty. Gen. Wickersham
opposed II, and that President Taft re
fused clemency. McReynolds favors a
pardon for these men and has sent his
recommendation to President Wilson
The papers now lie in the Presidents
files.
On McReynold's invitation, Senator
Poindexter called to talk over the sub
jet with him and opposed the par
dons most vigorously. Delegate Wick
ersham wrote a strong letter of oppo-
sition, and all involved in the trial of
the cases are understood to have done
likewise. But McReynolds has ignored
their protests and has placed the case
in the hands of the President
beyond the pardon phase, moreover.
lies the outcome of a suit for 800, 900
brought by the United States against
the coal concerns whose representa-
tves We're convicted. and in event OF
their pardon. it is said the govern
ment will be obliged TO drop it's case
and will not recover the money OF
which it is alleged to have been de-
frauded.
And neither McReynolds nor Asst.
Atty. Gen. Graham even knew of tho
existence of this suit" says Delegate
Wickersham, "and / had to obtain a
telegram from the clerk of the court
to convince them that 1t had been in
stituted."
Evidence will also be submitted to
President Wilson by Wickersham and
others that the coal concerns at in
terest have lobbyist now in Wash
ington, and Wickersham also Will re-
late alleged insults from the depart
ment of Justice to which, he says, he
and his friends have been subjected"