The evening world., 1914-02-02
P|(DEtt DECLINES
APPOINTMENT AS
ENVOY TO RUSSIA
Tells Wilson the Row Over
His Selection as Ambassador
Would EmbarraSs Him.
PRESIDENT PRAISES ACT.
Accepting, He Tells Illinois
\ Editor Decision Increases His
Admiration for Him.
PRESIDENT PRAISES ACT.

WATERMELON. Feb. 3.--Henry NJ.
Pindell Of Peoria, Ill.,. to-day declined
the appointment a. ambassador to
Russia. to which he was confirmed
~ the Senate last week.
He expressed the belief that tho
controversy. that preceded his con-
hrmation had embarrassed him 30
that he might not be able properly
to act a. American ambassador.
President Wilson Immediately &C.
csptsd the declination. and In . letter
to Pindell praised him for his action.
In his letter to the President Mr..
Pindell said:
II deeply appreciate tho honor you
have done me In nominating me Am
bassador to Russia and the very
treat compliment paid me by the
senate In confirming the nomination
b. unanimous vote. had hoped and
Confidently expected when you asked
ne to accept the post that ! could
DO 20 at once and take UP my work
ut very early date. am. therefore,
the more embarrassed to find that
circumstances have arisen which will
render II Impossible for me to under
take the mission.
II have. as you know. been put In
q very false light by certain gross
Misrepresentation In tho public
press, and while 1t Is true that these
have been cleared away and the
nomination accepted in its true light
by the Senate after thorough and
,SispAssionate investigation. I feel that
4 would b moro delicate for me to
decline the appointment than to &C.
sept II.
MOULD be NOTHING PERSONAL
FOR ENVOY 70 EXPLAIN.
no controversy Of this kind should
surround the appointment Of An Am
bassador to . country which cannot
~ expected to DO familiar with the
.c'i circumstances ~ they are known
income. There should b nothing
personal to talk about or explain
there, a. far a. the Ambassador him.
self 10 concerned.
II beg. therefore. that trusting me
TO bs guided by my own instinct In
this matter. you will accept my as
surances Of deep gratitude for the
honor you have sought to do me and
permit me with genuine regret. but
with no hesitation Of Judgment. to
decline the appointment.
with sentiments OF distinguished
consideration. believe me to be. Mr..
President.
'HENRY M. PINDELL."
SGNvGe TO INCREASE HIS 40.
MIRATioK, SAYS WILSON.
In reply. tho President wrote:
Dear MIR. Pindell: Your letter
does great credit to your delicate
rsnss Of propriety and serves to In
crease. II that were possible. my ad-
,NiFatton for you and my confidence
IN your eminent fitness for the mis-
elem which you now decline.
II can but yield to your judgment In
the matter, because 1t IL clear to me.
that feeling AZ you do. whether you
~ fully justified In that feeling or
not, you would not be comfortable In
the post. l. therefore. cannot insist.
Ysu will allow me, however. hope.
10 express my deep regret. ! know
your quality 80 well and was 50
anxious to see you at st. Petersburg
that I feel q keen disappointment.
.'It 10 only very imperfect con-
ISOLATION that ! may now again ex-
press my unqualified confidence In
your ability. your character. your
discretion and your entire suitability
for such q position.
"Cbrdially and sincerely yours.
WOODROW WILSON"
/ 1t II understood that the President
yin appoint Pindell to an important
Goat under the Administration, the
nature Of which has not yet been
learned.
10 tho vacancy caused by Pen
/ deli's retirement as Ambassador to
Russia, 1t was considered certain to-
day that Charles r. Crane Of Chicago
WIN be named.