The Odanah star. [volume] (Odanah, Ashland Co., Wis.) 1912-1916, 1914-02-06
P|NDELL DECLINES
DIPLOMATIC POST
Editor Declines Russ Post Be-
cause of Controversy.
CRANE MAY BE SELECTED
Letter From the President Pays High
Tribute to lIIinoisan, Who Feels
He Would Be Hampered in
Work at ST. Petersburg.


Washington, Feb. 4.-Henry M. Pin
dell of Peoria, who was recently nomi-
mated and confirmed as ambassador to
Russia, has declined the appointment,
according to a letter to the president
made public at the White House.
In letter sent to President Wilson
Mr. Pindell states that circumstances
have arisen which render it impossi-
BILE for him to undertake the mission.
He asserts he has been put in false
light by certain gross misrepresenta-
tons in the public press
In a reply to the resignation, the
president expressed his unqualified
confidence in Mr.. Pindell's ability.
character and entire suitability for
the Russian post. Mr.. Pindell's letter
follows:
Peoria, ILL.,, Jan. 2S.-Dear Mr..
President: I deeply appreciate the
honor you have done me in nominal
ing me ambassador to Russia and the
very great compliment paid me by the
senate in confirming the nomination
by unanimous vote. had hoped and
confidently expected when you asked
me to accept the post that l could do
SO at once and take up the work at
very early date.
Il am, therefore, the more embar-
raised to find that circumstances have
arisen which will render it impossible
for me to undertake the mission.
Il have, AS you know, been put in
&. very false light by certain gross
Misrepresentation in the public
press, and while it is true that these
have been cleared away and the nomi-
nation accepted in it's true light after
a thorough and dispassionate investi-
cation, / feel that it would be more
delicate for me to decline the ap-
pointment than to accept it. No con-
troversy of this kind should surround
the appointment of an ambassador to
a country which cannot be expected
to be familiar with the real circum-
stances as they are known at home.
There should be nothing personal to
talk about or explain there as far as
the ambassador himself Is concerned.
81 beg. therefore, that trusting me
to be 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, your obedient servant.
"HENRY M. PINDELL."
The presidents reply follows:
Dear Mr.. Pindell: Your letter
does great credit to your delicate
sense of propriety and serves to in
crease, If that were possible. my ad-
miration for you and my confidence in
your eminent fitness for the mission
which you now decline.
Il can but yield to your judgment
in the matter; because it is clear to
me that, feeling as you do, whether
you are fully justified in that feeling
or not, you would not be comfort
able or happy in the post. ! there
fore, cannot insist. You will allow
me, however, / hope, to express my
deep regret. l know your qualities so
well and was so anxious to see you
at st. Petersburg that I feel keen
disappointment. 1t is only a very i'm
perfect consolation that l may now
again express my unqualified conf
dence in your ability, your character,
your discretion and your entire suit
ability for such a post.
Cordially and sincerely yours.
WOODROW WILSON"
The appointment of Pindell caused
much adverse criticism. chiefly be-
cause it was declared he had an un-
Outstanding whereby he was to hold
the post for year, enjoy his time
travelling abroad and then resign.
Senator ]. Hamilton Lewis was al
legged to have written a letter to Pin
dell, outlining the details under which
the ambassadorship was to be accept
ed Lewis. however, denounced the
letter as forgery.
Soon after Pindells declination re-
ports became current in official cir
Giles that Charles R. Crane of Chicago
will shortly be nominated by Presi-
dent Wilson for the Russian post.
------------------------