The Mena weekly star., 1913-03-13
ROBINSON RESIGNS
 COVERNORSH|P
Executive Surprises All Arkansas by Quitting Office to Become SenatOr-IIiS Last Day
 Is Varied.

Little Rock, March 9-CommuteC the death sentence of w. s. Rhea tC life imprisonment.
 Performed the marriage cere- mony that united Miss Bertha Mer- riwether of Memphis and his for mer priate secretary, Walter G. Hendricks, whom he recently ap- pointed judge of the Third division of the Pulaski and Perry Circuit court.
 Granted six pardons.
 As governor of Arkansas signed his own commission as a United States senator from Arkansas.
 Sent his resignation as governor to take effect at once, to w. K. Old ham, president of the Senate, who shus becomes acting governor.
 Left last night for Washington to take up his duties as United States senator.
 These were the activities of Governor Senator Joe T. Robinson yesterday in one of the most stre- nuous afternoons ever put in by a chief executive of Arkansas.
 Resignation Surprises All.
 Mr. Robinson's resignation came as a surprise to most of the wise acres about the capitol, as it gen. orally was believed he would con- tinue in office until the legislature adjourned on Thursday, at least.
 His resignation, written at 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon, is per- haps the most brief document of it's kind ever written. It was addressed t0 Senator Oldham and reads as fol- lows:
 This is to inform you that I have this day resigned and hereby tender my resignation as governor of the state of Arkansas, the same to take effect at Once."
 Senator Oldham was found in the Senate chamber busily engaged in writing letters, and the letter of resignation was delivered to him and the news broken to him that he was now governor of Arkansas. The resignation was delivered by Judge A. J. Walls, chairman of the Democratic State Central Commit tee, and Senators Martin, Going and Govington
 Senator Oldham hastened to the governors office, which Senator Robinson turned over to him, and a few minutes later hastened to his aome to make final preparations for his departure for Washington.
 Oldham Won't Talk.
 Governor RObinson's resignation was handed to me this afternoon, and as president of the Senate 1 will assume the duties of governor Monday morning.
 This, and only this, was the state ment made for publication last night by Acting Governor Oldham. Whatever else he was made to say ae said he would deny this morn mg.
 He was asked whether he expect ed to be succeeded by the man who IS elected president pro tenn of the Senate.
 He was asked whether or not he intended to call a special election for the selection of a successor to Governor Robinson.
 He was asked whether or not he intended to call a special session of she legislature, should that body fail to pass the necessary appro- priation measures.
 To all of these he gave the same ansWer-nothing. He explained that he was not lawyer and considered sielnce concerning the situation the safest stand. He was told that the people of the state were anxious to have the solution of the riddle. but he appeared in the attitude of not desiring to give out advance infor- nation. He said the newspapers might do all the surmising they pleased but not to quote him as having done any of the surmising.
 May Call Extra Session.
 The acting governor did consent, however, to let it be known as com ing from him that he did not believe 3he legislature would be able in