The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1913-06-05
"Quit, Z Says McAdoo to
Gen. George Stone, Dun
can E. McKinlay and
John G. Mattos
PRECEDENT FROM
CLEVELAND'S TIME
Naval Officer and Appraiser
Say They'll Obey Sur
veyor May Fight

kilograms requesting the resignation
OF General George Stone, naval officer
of the port OF San Francisco, Duncan e.
McKinlay former congressman and now
surveyor of the poft, and John G. Mat
ceived here yesterday from Secretary OF
the Treasury William G. McAdoo. The
kilograms stated that the request was
made at the behest of President Wilson
and would take effect on the Qualifica-
tion OF their successors
1t has been understood right along
that Appraiser Mattos would lose his
Office, but some doubt has existed re-
garding the ofiices held by Surveyor Me-
Kinlay and Naval Officer General Stone.
The Office of appraiser is held at the
pleasure of the president and can be de-
two. however, contended they could not
be disturbed until their terms had ex-
pired, arguing that they serve under the
tenure OF office act.
RECALL OLD .PRECEDENT.
With the exception of Surveyor Nc
way gracefully to the reigning demo-
cratic power. This might be slightly
modified in the case of General Stone
who was inclined to think 1T was
little unfair and precedent" that had
disappeared when Grover Cleveland
went out OF Office.
At that time Cleveland requested
the resignation of the republican off1ce
holders. Twelve failed to comply with
his wish and he issued special ex-
ecutive order removing them. AS the
law requires that they be removed for
| cause. Cleveland, in his order charged
them with "ofrepsive political partis-
anship'' ssaa
So far as General Stone and Mattos
are concerned they will resign. Stone
received his notification yesterday at
noon, but Mattos left his office too early
to get the telegram.
STONE VOTED FOR WILSON
Il have no desire. said General Stone,
TO oppose the administration. But /
can never be charged with offensive
political partisanship,' because, if the
facts must be known, i voted for Wood
row Wilson for president of the United
States. I will admit that | had no
choice in the matter, as the Taft eiec-
tors were not on the California bal
lot and T did not purpose to lose my
vote or cast ballot in favor OF Roose-
Welt"
The telegram to General Stone read
as follows:
by direction of the president I am
instructed to request your resignation.
to take effect on the qualification of
your successor"
1t was signed by Secretary McAdoo.
General Stone further said that he
knew of no charge that could be pre-
ferred against him, unless 1t was mot
being a democrat"
Il will not stand OUT he continued
IL will resign. although this is estab-
fishing an unheard OF precedent Cleve-
land removed a few republicans when
he was president I had understood
that those holding Office would be al
lowed to remain until their terms ex-
pired."
TELEGRAM NOT RECEIVED
Appraiser Mattos was INTERVENE ed
in his home in Centerville, Alameda
county but he had not received his
telegram. although he said 1t might
have been delivered at hts office after
he left for home.
II will resign as soon as my sue
cessor is appointed" said Appraiser
Mattos "I would like to be relieved
Of the office before July I, as I have
private business interests to attend to
personally at that time
II there is any opposition to the
request of President Wilson ii will
come from Duncan McKinlay, who de-
clined to make any statement when
seen at his home in Berkeley.
II have not received the telegram
requesting my resignation" said Sur
veyor McKinlay.
When asked il he would resign he
would make no statement. Il Will wait
until receive the telegram before I
will state what i Will do
NO ACTIVE FUNCTION
The Offices of surveyor and naval
officer have had no active function
since 1912, but have been held as sine
cures since that time. The salaries are
SIS. 600 each. while that of the appraiser
OF customs Is $1,000.
The last congress recommended and
directed former President Taft to abol-
ish the Offices. This recommendation
was Incorporated In the provision for
reorganizing the customs service and
abolishing certain customs districts and
colIectorehips- At the eleventh hour
former President Taft signed the order
but before doing 50 cut out that which
related to the abo1ishing of the naval
once and the surveyor of the port.
His action was attributed to his per-
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