The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1915-06-12

tunity for service 1t offered has been
an example to the rest OF us: you
have earned our affectionate admira-
tion and friendship. Even now we are
not separated In the object we seek,
but only in the method by which we
seek Ii.
1T Is for these reasons my feeling
about your retirement from the secre-
taryship of state goes so much deeper
than regret. ] sincerely deplore it.
Our objects are the same and we
ought to pursue them together. 1 yield
to your desire only because i must
and wish to bid you godspeed in the
parting. We shall continue to work
for the same causes even when we do
not work in the same way. With af-
fectionate regard.
sincerely yours,
Woodrow Wilson,"
Dramatically the official relations
or Mr.. Bryan with the administration
OF the man whose nomination he as
sisted so materially in bringing about
at the Baltimore convention of 1912
came to an end. 1t caused a sensa-
ton in the national capital scar ely
paralleled in recent years. Ampas-
sadors. ministers and diplomatists
from foreign lands. officials Of every
rank and station, heard the news as it
was flashed by newspaper extras to-
night. They interpreted variously its
effect on the delicate situation that
had risen between Germany and the
United States. The resignation Of the
staunchest advocate Of peace in the
presidents official family spread
broadcast and strengthened belief that
the policy of the United States as
definitely determined upon would as
sert and defend the rights Of the
United States in any eventuality that
might arise.
Originally 1t was the intention Of
the president and Mr.. Bryan to have
the announcement OF the resignation
made simultaneously with the dis
patch OF the note to Germany, but
when Mr.. Bryan did not attend the
cabinet meeting today until President
Wilson sent for him. rumors that the
president had been unable to bring
the secretary of state to his point of
view filled the air. Finally. shortly
before o'clock. the news leaked out
and was confirmed.
Just when the subject was first
broached between the president and
MIR. Bryan Is not known definitely
but the fact that Mr.. Bryan would re-
sign was known TO a small circle of
officials as early as last Sunday. When
the principles on which the note to
Germany should be based were dis
cussed at the cabinet meeting of Fri
day Mr.. Bryan found that he could
not reconcile his own position with
that OF the administration. Work on
the note went forward. however, Mr..
Bryan keeping his stand secret, as did
other officials. awaiting the hour when
the communication would be ready to
be cabled.
Today the cabinet assembled for q
hnal reading Of the note. Mr.. Bryan
was absent. He declined to receive
newspaper men or callers and sent out
word that he had been delayed on ac-
count of important business. At the
White House no word as to the rea-
sons of his failure to appear at the
meeting were given, but after the cab
met had been discussing the note for
an hour Mr.. Bryan arrived, telling
the newspaper men at the White
House that he regretted being late.
1t was learned tonight that with
the knowledge that his resignation
had already been accepted by the
president. Mr.. Bryan felt it would be
indelicate to attend the discussion un-
less his presence was desired by the
president When Mr.. Wilson tele-
phoned an invitation, the secretary
hurried to the White House, his face
somewhat drawn and pale.
When the cabinet adjourned short
~ after i o'clock. Mr.. Bryan enter
taincd seven Of his colleagues. all who
could attend, at luncheon at the Uni
verSity club. The luncheon was i'm
the nature Of farewell.
That there had been friction be-
tween the president and Mr.. Bryan
mas been the undercurrent of COM
nent FOR several weeks. but as the
president heretofore had always been
able To secure the acquicscence of the
A. ia In, l.f a