Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1914-03-05
BRYAN LOSES HIS
RIGHT HAND MAN
John Bassett Moore, Authority
on Foreign Questions,
Resigns.
FRICTION IS HINTED
COunsellor's Views, 1t Is Said,
Differ from Those of His
Superiors, to Whom He
Has Been Loyal.
FRICTION IS HATED

Washington, March 4.--John Bassett
Moore, counsellor of the state department,
and the recognized strong man Of the
present administration on international
questions concluded his service with the
government to-day, when President Will
son accepted the resignation. Coming at
time when International affairs occupy
the forefront of official and public atten-
ton the departure Of Mr.. Moore from a
position second only to that Of Mr. Bryan
attracted widespread attention and COM
ment
The resignation mad been in the presi-
dents hands since February last to take
effect to-day although this fact had not
been generally hnown. There Nad been
reports some months az, that :he crun-
sellor cf the state Department H. not dnd
his labors entirely congenal and was
about TO resign, but these reports We're
promptly denied at the time 1T was then
explained, and again officially explained
to-day that NJ GtDlr. had come into the
administration with a definite under
standing that his tenure was provisional
for year, so that he could return at the
expiration of that period to his duties as
head Of the department of international
law at Columbia University. This fact
was strongly emphasized in the official
correspondence made public tonight
NOT IN FULL ACCORD.
Although the official statements-one
from the President, one from Mr.. Bryan
and Mr.. Moore's own letter of resigna-
tion-made no mention of the subject, it
is matter of common report that Mr.
Moores personal viewpoint on some of
the most important policies relating to
foreign affairs Were not always in ac-
cord with those of his superiors. At the
same time, it has been recognized that
he gave answering loyalty and un-
prejudiced counsel to the fulfilment of the
policies as finally adopted.
When the question ot . f-Dgnizing the
Huerta government was being discussed.
Mr.. Moore when called upon for an opln-
ion submitted memorandum citing
precedents by which the United States
would be justified in recognizing the
Huerta government. Prior to Mr.. Moore's
appointments however, the general policy
of the administration not to recognize
governments set up by arbitrary force
had been outlined in 4 statement from
President Wilson. When it was definitely
determined not to recognize the Huerta
government, Mr.. Moore contributed his
energies to carrying out this policy.
During tie diplomatic controversy with
Japan regarding CALIFORNIA; S anti-alien
land law, Mr.. Moore was constantly con-
suited by the President, and his counsel
was reflected in the various notes defn
ing the American attitude.
SAT WITH CABINET.
At all times during Mr. Bryan's alb
sences from Washington. Mr.. Moore was
acting secretary Of state and OCCASION
ally sat at the cabinet table.
In concluding his letter Of resignation
Mr.. Moore said
Permit me to assure you that | shall
always stand ready to serve you as far
as may be practicable, In any capacity
in which there may seem to be an oppor-
tunity for usefulness"
The President, in statement accept
ing the resignation, said it was with
the greatest reluctance and regret" that
the administration was deprived of Mr.
Moore's further services. II can only
say" the statement concluded, that the
administration loses a man with whom
| was proud to be associated and who
deserves the thanks of the country for
the work he has done in the department"
Secretary Bryan in statement also
expressed regret over Mr. Moore's
resignation.
THE resignation of Mr.. Moore leaves
two important places in the department
Of state to be filled. The other Is that of
solicitor, from which Joseph w. Folk
resigned a few days ago The duties of
the places are so large and the work is
accommodating so rapidly that II is ex-
pected there will not be much delay in |
filling them"
For the position of counsellor among |
those mentioned as being under con- |
sideration are; Hannis Tayloh OF Ala |
bama, minister to Spain under former |
President Cleveland; Henry White. form |
er ambassador to France. and John Lind |
President Wilson's special representative |
in Mexico.
Mr. Moore said tonight he would re-
main In Washington for month or six |
weeks to complete the work he Is doing |
for the Carnegie endowment for inter-
national peace and then resume his place |
at the head of the department of inter- |
national law at Columbia University.