Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1915-06-11
Mr.. BRYAN'S R~ESIGNATION.'

The sensation Of the day, II not of the decade, is the
,ror,ic;nated resignation Of Hon. William Jennings Bryan
from the Presidents cabinet, which occurred Tuesday, June
9Th. and was promptly accepted by Mr.. Wilson.
However Il NAV be regarded by others, the BEACON
regards the action of Mr.. Bryan with a deeper feeling than
mere regret.
Whether the policies advocated by the retiring Secre-
tary Of State during his long time prominence in, and lead
ership of the Democratic party. were always wise or not
NAV be ~debatable; but Of the honesty OF his thought, the
purity Of his purpose and his courage OF conviction, there
;s 40 little room for doubt that few persons, even among his
bitterest partisan political opponents, may be found to ques-
ton either. +.
No assaults of temptation-no ~fattering whispers Of
fancy, nor any pleasing expectancy Of future success. born
Of excited passions, or any allurements Of great hopes and
prospective high rewards, nor p%romptings OF personal or
poltical ambition, swerved Mr.. Bryan from eager pursuit OF
duty, as it appeared to him, or led his footsteps into any
path in which honor and patriotism and self-respecting pride
could not safely walk.
He is both eloquent and logical, and in the discussion
OF any question he has passed through the alembic of his
resourceful mind, he is at once brilliant, entertaining and
instructive.
In the realm of intellect, where minds are swayed
and controlled by polemic argument, he il at home, and is
always conspicuous for force and grace, and especially
felicitous, in that "he touches nothing which he does not
adorn."
OF him it may be ~truthfully said, rs Senator John J.
inPhllB, III u SuptTD tuiobyt u VI Cc a"ch'eu oSho
tor Ben Hill, Of Georgia
1.-The tendency Of bis nature made hs orbit erratic
He was neteoric, rather than planetary, flashing with irreg.
ular splendor rather than ehone with steady and penetrating
RAYS. His advocacy OF any cause was fearless TO the verge
Of temerity. He appeared to be indifferent TO applause OF
censure for their own sake. He accepted ~intrepidly any con-
illusions that he reached, without inquiring whether they
were polite or e%xpedient.'
Az an effective orator he is the peer Of any Of hit
twentieth century contemporaries, and Of his value as
cabinet counsellor no higher estimate can be given thar
that in the just tribute paid to him by President Wilson il
the letter Of acceptance of Mr.. BryAn's resignation.
That letter evidences the highest confidence in MI
Bryan's integrity and it declares sentiments 30 %ennoblinj
and so characteristic of Mr.. Wilson, and in the doing o
that employs words gracious and graceful, we here repro
duce them in full.
The Presidents letter follows
my Dear Mr.. Bryan:
II accept your resignation only because you insis
upon it's acceptance and accept it with much more thar
deep regret, with a feeling Of personal sorrow. Our TIVE
years of close association hgve been very delightful. Gu
judgments have accorded in practically every matter of off
cal duty aud of public policy until now your support of tn
and loyal beyond praise your devotion to the duties of you
greatlofhce and your cagerness to take advantage OF ever
great opportunity for service it offered has been an example
to the rest of US you have earned our atfectionatc admira
ton and Friendship. Even now we are not separated in tn
object we seek, but only in the method by which W
seek it..
1T is for these reasons my feeling about your retire
ment from the secretaryship Of state goes 80 much deepe
thin regret. | sincerely deplore it. Our objects are tn
same and we ought to pursue them together. yield to you
in the parting. We shall continue for the same causes, eve
when we do not work in the same way.
with affectionate regard. sincerely yours,
WOODROW WILSON,"