Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1914-02-06
DECLINES RUSS POST
ILLINOIS EDITOR REFUSES TO BE
AMBASSADOR BECAUSE OF
CONTROVERSY.
CRANE MAY BE SELECTED
Letter from the President Pays High
Tribute to Peoria Man, Who Feels
He Would Be Hsnpered In Work
at ST. Petersburg.


Washington, Feb. 4.-Henry nj. Pin
dell OF Peoria. who was recently nomi-
mated and confirmed as ambassador to
Russia. has declined the appointment
according to a letter 60 the president.
made public at the White House on
Monday
Ia 4 letter sent to President Wilson
Mr.. PindeIi states that circumstances
have arisen which render it impossi-
BILE for him to undertake the mission
He asserts he had been put in false
light by certain gross misrepresenta-
lions in the public press.
In a reply to the resignation, the
president expressed mis- unqualified
confidence in Mr.. Pindell's ability,
character and entire suitability for
the Russian post, Mr.. Pindelfs letter
follows:
Dear Mr. President: ! deeply ap-
preciate the honor you have done me
IN nominating me Ambassador TO Rus
STA and the very great compliment
paid me by the senate ia confirming
the nomination by unanimous vote.
had hoped and confidently expected
when you asked me to accept the post
that / could do so at once and take
up the work at very early date
II ann, therefore, the more embar-
rassed to find that circumstances have
arisen which viii render it impossible
for me to undertake the mission.
Il have as yon know been put in
a very false light by certain gross
misrepresentation ia the public
press: and while it is true that these
have been cleared away and the nomi-
5fation accepted. in rits.,t true light after
a thorough and dispassionate investi-
cation. | feel that 1t would be more
delicate for me to decline the ap-
pointment than to accept it. No con-
tfoveFsy of this kind should surround
the appointment OF an ambassador to
a country which cannot be expected
70 be familiar with the real circum-
stances as they are known at home.
There should be nothing personal to
talk about or explain there as far as
the ambassador himself is concerned.
Il beg. therefore, that trusting me
10 be guided by my own instinct in
this matter. you win accept my as
sarances OF deep gratitude for the
honor you have sought to- do me and
permit me, with genuine sregret. but
with no hesitation Of Judgment, TO
decline the appointment
with sentiments OF distinguished
consideration, believe me to be, MIR,
President, your oDedient servant,
HENRY M. PINDELL."
The presidents reply follows:
Dear MIR. PindeIi: Your letter
does great credit to your delicate
sense of propriety and serves to in
crease. if that were possible. my adj
Eniration for you and my confidence in
gaur eminent Fitness for the mission
which yfu now decline.
IL can but yield TO Your judgment
IN the matter: because 1T is clear to
zoe that, feeling as you do, whether
ycu are fully justified ia that feeling
s1r not, you would not be comfortable
or happy ia the post. therefore can
not insist You viii allow me. how
ever. hope. to express my deep re-
greet.
Cordially and sincerely yours,
WOODROW WILSON
Soon after Pindell's declination re.
ports became current in official cir
Giles that Charles r. Crane OF Chicago
will shortly be nominated by Presi'
dent Wilson for the Russian post.
Mr.. Crane had luncheon with Presi-
dent Wilson fast friday aud at that
tiae a report spread that he would
soon be nominated for some impor-
taRt diplomatic post.