The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1914-02-02
PIVDELL DECLINES APPOINTMENT
AS AN ANdBASSADOR TO RUSSIA
Writes President Wilson His
Reasons for Not Accepting
Ambassadorshlp.
PRESIDENT REGRETS Ut
But Writes Him That His Es-
TEEN of Him is Increased
by His Action.
~ AeeeetArep eaEss,

Z
WASHINGTON, Feb 2.-Henry NJ.
PfndeH of Peoria. ILL.,. who was re-
Gently nominated and confirmed AZ
ambassador to Russia, has declined the
appointment according to a letter to
the president made public at the
White House today. Mr.. PindeA wrote
President Wilson that although the
Senate had investigated accusations
in connection with his appointment,
he felt nevertheless that no contro-
versy of any kind should surround
the appointment Of any ambassador
as 1t was liable TO be misunderstood
abroad The president in a letter OF
regret accepted Mr.. Pindell's declin-
alton. The correspondence made pub
lie at the White House follows:
Peoria ILL.,, Jan %.
Dear Mr.. President:
81 deeply appreciate the honor you
have done me III nominating me am
bassador to Russia ami the colnplf-
nent paid me BY the Senate in con-
lrming the nominal lion by unanimous
vote had hoped and confidentally
expected when you asked me to &C
cept the post that l could do so at
once and take up the work Mt very
early date ] am therefore the more
embarrassed to find that circum-
stances have arisen which VII rem
der it impossible for me to undertake
the mission.
Il have, as you know, been put n
very false light by certain gross
misrepresentation in the public press
and while 1t is true that these have
been cleared away and the nomination
accepted in its true light by the Sen
ate after a thorough and dispassionate
investigation, l feel that it would be
more delicate for me to decline the
appointment than to accept 1t. NO
controversy OF this kind should sur
round the appointment of an anbassa-
dor to q country which cannot pc eX-
pected to- be familiar with the real
circumstances as they are known at
home. There should be nothing per-
sonaI to talk about or explain there
as far as the ambassador himself is
concerned.
II beg therefore that trusting rae
to be guided by my own instinct in
this matter you will accept my as
surance of deep gratitude for the
honor you have sought to do me ana
permit me, with genuine regret put
with no hesitation of judgment. TO
decline the appointment.
ssWI.th sentiments of distinguished
consideration believe me 10 be Mr.
President
your obedient servant,
.HENRY NJ. PINDELI." !.
The presidents letter to Mr. Plndell
follows:
delicate sense Of propriety and serves
to increase if that were possible, my
admiration for you and my confidence
in your eminent fitness for the nilsson
which you now decline
AZ can SUIT yield to your judgment
in the matter because it is clear 70
me that, feeling as you do, whether
in hot
or not, you would not be comfortable
or happy in the post. ]. therefore
cannot insist You will allow me-
however, l hope, to express my deep
regret / know your quality so Wen
and was so anxious to see you at 81.
Petersburg that l feel keen disap-
pointment 1t is only very imper-
feet consolation that ] may now aga an
express my unqualified. confidence IN
yolIr ability, your character, Your dls-
cSsffon and your entire suitability for
such aspost. ~
i 1goTdially. and sincerely yours.
t.A1, rHWQODROW WILSON.
4 The, controversy over Mr. PindelPs
nomination grew out of publication OF
what splirDorted to be letter from
senator Lewis, of Illinois, TO MI. Pin
sTsiIs urging the latter to accept the
n6s+ of ambassador to Russia for a
year and saying he would be renewed
Of d,plomatic responsibility for i'm,
portant negotiations and could travel
\ freely in Europe.
Senator Lewis charged that the let
Ter was a forgery and Secretary BY
an later in public statement reVei. reg
that the circumstances we're that Mr.
Pindeu had said he could only accept
the most for a year because he did not
feel that he could be absent from NJ
business. for any longer period. No
mention, it was said, was made OF any
automatic task or duties. q Senate
committee investigated the cores
pondence and recon mendeu the con
: LlinhdoIl