The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-02-02
.PINDEL DECLI INES .AMBASSADORSHIP OFFER IN LETTER Says Controversy Might Be
 Misunderstood Tn
 Russia PRESIDENT WILSON, IN REPLY, PRAISES ACT Expresses Keen Regret and Unqualified Confidence
 In Pinde11

Washington, Feb. Z-Henry M. P1n- dell, Of Peoria, Ills, wno was recently nominated and confirmed as ambas- sador to Russia, has declined the ap- pointment, according to a letter to the president made public at the White House today.
 Mr. Pfnden wrote President Wilson that although the Senate had investi- gated accusations in connection with his appointment, he felt nevertheless that no controversy of any kind should surround the appointment Of any ann bassador as. it was liable to be misun- derstood abroad.
 The president, in a. letter of regret, accepted MT. Pindell's decNnatien. The correspondence made public at the White House follows:
 Peoria, Ills,
 s'Jan. 2S, 1914. Dear MT President:
 .'I deeply appreciate the honor you have done me in nominating me ann foassador to Ruas1a and the very great compliment paid me by the Senate in confirming the nomination by unani- n1ol1s vote. I had hoped. and conf dently expected when you asked me to accept the post tIa-r could do so at once and take up the work at a very early date. I am, therefore, the more harassed to find that efrcum- stances 1t impossible for me to undertake the mission.
 ssI have, as you know, been put in a very false light by certain gross ,rr1is- approximations in the public press and, while it is true rnat these have been cleared away aad the nomina- ton accepted in its true light by the Senate after a thorotzsh and dispas- aionate Investigation, I reel that it will be more delicate for me to decline the appointment than to accept It s No controversy of this kind should sur round the appofn tnent of an ambas- sacior ato a country wfllch cannot be expected to be familiar with the real circumstauces as they are known at home. There should De nothing per- sonal to tall about or explained there as far as the ambassador hirnseIf is concerted.
 ..I beg, therefore, that, trusting me to Joe guided by my own instinct in this matter, you will accept my, as surance of deep gratitude for the hon. or you have sought to do me and per- init me-, with genuine regret but with no hesitation of judgment, to decline the appointment.
 consideration, believe me to be, MT. President,
 Your oaoedient servant,
 .HENRY M PnNDELL.'' .''
 The presidents letter to Mir. PindeIl follows:
 'eYour letter does credit to your deli cate sense of propriety and serves to increase, if that were possible, my ad- miEation for you and my confidence in your eminent fitness for the mission which you now decline.
 s1 can but yield to your Judgment in the matter; because it is clear to me that feeling as you do. whether fTIC 6ed ir1 HI1of 70 or not, you would not Oe comfortable or happy. in the post. I, therefore, cannot insist You will allow me, however, I hope, to express my deep regret. know your quality so well and was so anxious ts- see you at St. Petersburg that feel a. keen disap- pointment. It is only g. very imper- feet consolation that may now again express my unqualified confidence in your ability, your character, your dis cretion and your entire suitability for such a. post.
 Cordially and sincerely yours,
 WOODROW WILSON,
 The controversy over MT. PindelPs nomination grew out of publication of what spurported to be d letter from Senator Lewis, of Illinois, to Mir Pin dell, urging the latter 10 accept the post of ambassador to Russia for a year and saying he would be relieved AAAtROA- tant negotiations and could travel freely in Europe Senator Lewis charged that the letter was a, forgery and Secretary Bryan later, in a pub lie statement, revealed that the cir cumstances were that MT. Pinde1l had said he could only accept the post for a year because he did not feel that he could be absent from his business for any longer period. NO mention, it was said, was made of any diplomatic ssk or duties.
 A Senate committee investigated the correspondence and recommended the confirmation of MT. PfndeII.