Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1915-06-10
BRYAN RETIRES,
LANSING TAKES
over PORTFOLIO
Secretary Of State Formally Says
Farewell to Colleagues and
Counsellor Takes Charge
of Office.
TEARS IN EYES AS BIDS ADIEU
Commoner Makes Plain Reasons
for Step After Note to Germany
is On the Way.
RESIGNATION SENT SATURDAY

WASHINGTON. June s.--william
Jennings Bryan formally left his
office as secretary of state today and
Robert Lansing. counselor Of thu
State department, was appointed By
President Wilson as secretary of
state ad interim.
The change in the cabinet at a
critical moment in the nations sis
tory took effect with the dispateh OF
the note to Germany.
Differing, not in the object So aght
the prevention OF war--but In the
method of approaching the problem,
Mr.. Bryan resigned rather than sign
his name to the note, which states in
unmistakable and emphatic terms
the demands of the United States.
Mr. Bryan told his colleagues today as
they gathered about him In farewell that
his affection for President Wilson was
unchanged and that he knew the presi-
dent felt as warmly toward him. Firmly
believing he can advance the cause OF
peace outside of official life and build
up sentiment in the United States that
will assist the president in maintaining
friendly relations with sil nations. Mr..
Bryan today went back to private life.
Question of Policy.
The resignation of the secretary OF
state over a difference on a vital Gues-
ton OF foreign policy-itBelf unusual in
the annals of American history-was
most dramatically touched by numerous
manifestations of his regard for Mr..
Wilson and his own emotional leaving
the office he held 30 dearly.
Tears stood In his eyes while friends
commended his courageous fight for
principles and his determination TO elimi-
nate himself rather than continue In the
cabinet as a possible embarrassment 20
the president
The story OF the fight to sway the
presidents Judgment on the method OF
dealing with the situation with Germany
is as yet untold. He made no effort 10
align other members OF the cabinet with
him. and when he came to the parting
of the wayss ON an iffsconcfiHbfe uues-
tion OF principle. he did not tell his col-
league generally hoping that his action
TO tho last would nor produce any COM
plioations In the cabinet.
Resignation sent Saturday.
For three days-from Saturday to
| Monday--the president had Mr.. Bryan's
resignation under consideration, and the
secretary did not go to yesterdays
cabinet meeting until the presidents
letter of acceptance reached him. Ths
president had invited him to attend after
letting the cabinet know OF the situation.
| Quietly the consideration OF the note
continued. and at the end of the meeting
the president and remaining members OF
tho cabinet expressed 20 Mr.. Bryan their
sense OF personal regret.
The close personal relationship of Mr..
Bryan ana the president will be reflected
In the former secretary's future course. II
was learned today authoritatively. Mr..
Bryan intends to continue staunch
political supporter of Wilson on domestic
affairs and believes he can even assist
him in the sentiment he hopes TO build
up for the principle OF Investigation OF
disputes before hostilities are begun.
Late today after the note 20 Germany
is on it's way To Berlin, Mr.. Bryan plans
to Issue from his homo q statement out
lining his position on the questions that
have arisen on the relations between
tho United states and Germany.
bryan Favored MILD Course.
Mr.. Bryan contends II would be better
10 submit the entire question to an in
yestigating commission and. pending Its
deliberations, have Americans refrain
from taking passage on ships carrying
eontraband or which venture into dan
ger zones on tho high seas.
President Wilson Is said to have been
Iopposed 20 that idea. not merely becauss
he believed the United States In effect
would thereby be yielding its rights
under international law. but because
there was no guaranty that lawful Amer
lean commerce would be free from dan
gers during discussion.
That these principles are not Of suf-
fioient strength I'm American public opin-
ion for the Washington government to
commit itself to 80 firm policy as
|