The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1914-03-07
]. BASSETT MOORE RESIGNS.
RESIGNATION ACCEPTED BY
PRESIDENT WILSON.
NO Announcement as to Probable
Successor Given Out.

sett Moore, counsellor Of the State
department, and the recognized au-
thority on international questions, con-
cluded his service with the govern
ment today when President Wilson
accepted the resignation Mr. Moore |
had submitted month ago. Com
ing when international affairs occupy
the forefront of official and public |
attention, the departure of Mr.. Moore
from a position second only to that of
Mr. Bryan attracted widespread at
tention and comment
Although the resignation had been
in the presidents hands since Feb
ruary 2, to take effect today, tn.S fact
had not been generally kr own. There
had been reports some moths ago
that the counsellor Of the State de-
partment did not find his labors en-
tirely cOngenial and was about to re-
sign, but these reports were promptly
denied. 1t was explained then, and
again officially explained today, that
Mr.. Moore had come into the admin
istration with the definite understand
ing that his tenure was provisional for
year, SO that he could return to his
duties as head Of the department Of
international law at Columbia Uni
versty. This fact was strongly en-
phasiZed in the official correspondence
made public today.
Although the official statements
one from the president, one from Mr..
Bryan and Mr.. Moore's own letter of
resignation-made no mention of the
subject, it is a matter of common re-
port that Mr.. Moores personal view
point on some of the most important
not always in accord with those of his
superiors. At the same time it has
been recognized that he gave un-
swerving loyalty and unprejudiced
counsel to the fulfilment Of policies as
finally adopted. 1t is said in this con-
nection that when the question of
recognizing Huerta was being discuss
ed Mr.. Moore submitted a memoran-
dunn citing precedents by which the
United States would be justified in
recognizing the Huerta government.
Previous to Mr.. Moores appointment,
however, the general policy Of the ad-
! mlnlStration not to recognize govern
ments set up by arbitrary force had
been outlined in a statement from
President Wilson. When it was def
nitely determined not to recognize the
Huerta government Mr.. Moore con-
tributed his energies to carrying out
the policy officially determined upon.
During the diplomatic controversy
with Japan over the California anti
alien land law Mr.. Moore was con-
suited constantly by the president, and
his counsel was reflected in various
notes defining the American attitude
| When Mr.. Bryan was in California Mr.
Moore was acting Secretary of State
and in frequent conference with the
president on the Japanese question AT
all times during Mr.. Bryans absence
from Washington Mr.. Moore was act
ing Secretary of State, and occasion
ally was at the cabinet table M.
Moorc's letter accompanying his res
ignation, under date of February 2,
was as follows:
My Dear Mr.. President: In re-
signing the Office of counsellor for the
department OF State it is proper to
recall the fact that | indicated at the
outset that my tenure was only pro-
visiOnal, my sole motive in accepting
the place being to render to your
administration such service as might
be possible in period of transition.
This design is now fulfilled. My first
term OF departmental services, which
began more than twenty-eight years
ago. lasted somewhat more than six
years; my second, which was follow
ed by special service abroad, lasted |
barely five months. My present term
will, on the day on which my res
ignation is to take effect, have lasted |
more than ten months, while full
year Will have elapsed since the |
close Of the last administration.
Ample opportunity thus having been
afforded for the effective organization
of the departments force, the duty !
which l took upon myself has been
performed.
"PerHit me to assure you that | |
shall always stand ready to serve You
rs far rs may be practicable in any
capacity in which there may seem to
be an opportunity for usefulness.
"BclieVc me to be, my dear Mr. !
President, with constant wishes for
your health and prosperity, and for
|, Il ,;,.t,.