The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1914-02-02
PINDELL WILL
} NOT ACCEPT
RUSSIAN POST
Peoria Editor Feels That Con.
troyersy Might Impede Him
In Duties
PRESIDENT TAKES
SIMILAR VIEW
RumOred He Will Appoint Dis
tinguished Democrat To
Another Office

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2.-Henry
NJ. Pindell OF Peoria. H., today de
lined the appointment as ambassador
| .c Russia, 10 which he was confirmed
10y the senate last week. He express
ID the belief that the controversy
hat preceded bis confirmation and
embarrassed him SO that ne mifiht not
embarrassed him so that he might not
ambassador The president imme
iiately accepted the declination and
IN letter To Pindell praised him fol
lis action.
In his letter to the president PIN
Tell said
Il deeply appreciate the honor you
awe done me Ia nominating me am
)assador TO Russia and the very greai
compliment paid me by the senate In
confirming the nomination by unani
|nous vote. | had hoped and con
idently expectca when you asked m'
o accep' the post that | could do SC
lt once and take up nv work at 3
cry early date | am. therefore, the
more embarrassed to find that circum
tances have arisen which will render
/ impossible sor me to undertake the
mission.
II have. as YOU know. been put In
very false light by certain gross
Misrepresentation in the public
press; and while II is true that these
pave been cleared away and the nom
,nation accepted in its true light by
he senate after thorough and dis
assionate investigation. / feel that
Il would be more delicate for me 70
ecline the appointment than TO &C
ept 1t. No controversy OF this kind
hould surround the appointment a!
IA ambassador 10 country which
annot be expected 10 be familiar with
she real circumstances as they are
nown a, home There should os
othing personal to talk about or ex'
lain there. as far as the ambassador
imself Is concerned
II beg. therefore that trusting me
b be guided by my own instinct in
his matter you will accept my assur'
noes OF deep gratitude for the honor
on have sought 10 do me and per-
hit me with genuine regret, but with
o hesitation OF judgment to decline
he appointment.
with sentiments OF distinguished
consideration believe me to be, Mr..
resident, your obedient servant.
HENRY NJ. PINDELL.
In reply the president wrote:
Dear Mr.. Pinaell
Your letter does great credit 10
our delicate nense OF propriety and
erves to increase. II that were pos
BILE, my admiration for you and my
onfldence In your eminent fitness for
be mission which you now decline.
Il can but yielc to your Judgment
the matter; because IL Is clear 70
he that feeling as you do. whether
sou are rully justified in that feeling
b not, YOU would not be comfortable
the post |. therefore, cannot insist
on will allow me, however, | hope
express my deep regret. | know
our quality SO we'll and was SO anx'
BUS TO see you at st. Petersburg, tnai
feel keen disappointment. II ia
snly a very imperfect consolation
bat | may nov again express my un
Ialified confidence in your ability
bur character, your discretion and
hour entire suitability for such a pc
ton.
Cordially and sincerely yours,
WOODROW WILSON.
n Is understood that the president
Till appoint pindeil TO an important
ost under the administration. the ma
hire of which mas not yet been learn
IN. The vacancy caused by Pindellt
.tirement as ambassador to Russia
was considered certain today tha'
|.sharles r. Crane. of Chicago, VIII be
hmed.