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

Washington. June s.-william Jen-
hlnss Bryan. three times Democratic
candidate for the presidency OF the
United States. and author OF nearly
10 peace treaties with the principal
nations OF the world. resigned today
as secretary OF state. as n dramatic
sequel to his disagreement with Presi-
dent Wilson over the governments
policy towards Germany.
The resignation was accepted by
the president. The cabinet then ap-
Sroved the response which had been
prepared TO the German reply to the
Lusitania note. Acting Secretary
Robert Lansing will sign the docu-
ment and tomorrow II will be cabled
10 Berlin.
Secretary Bryan will return to pri-
vats life tomorrow. when his resig-
nation takes effect II was learned
that he intends to continue his polit-
ical support OF the president.
Rather than sign the document
which he believed might possibly
draw the United States into war. Mr..
Bryan submitted his resignation In n
letter declaring that the issue in
volved Is OF such moment that to re-
main member of the cabine. would
be as unfair to you as II would be TO
the cause which Is nearest my heart,
namely. the prevention of war"
The president accepted the resigna-
uon In letter OF regret tinged
with deep personal feeling of af-
fection. The letters constituting the
official announcement Of Mr.. Bryan's
departure from the cabinet to private
life were made public at the White
House at o'clock tonight.
Secretary Bryan's letter Of resigna-
tion was as follows:
MY Dear Mr.. President:
1T Is with sincere regret that I
have reached the conclusion that 1
should return to you the commission
OF secretary OF state with which you
honored me at the beginning OF your
administration.
"Obedient to your sense of duty
and actuated by the highest motives.
you have prepared for transmission to
the German government a note in
which I cannot join without violating
what L deem TO be an obligation to
my country. and the issue involved is
OF such moment that to remain a
member OF the cabinet would be as
unfair to you as II would be to the
cause which Is nearest my heart,
namely. the prevention of war.
II therefore respectfully tender my
resignation. to take effect when the
note is sent, unless you prefer an
earlier hour. Alike desirous OF reach
Ing n peaceful solution OF the prob
lems arising out OF the use of subma-
rines against merchantmen. We find
ourselves differing irreconcilably as
TO the methods which should be en-
ployed.
1T falls to your lot 20 speak off,
cially for the nation: consider IL To
be none the less my duty 20 endea, or
as private citizen TO promote the end
which you have I'm view by means
which you 10 not feel at liberty TO
use.
In severing the intimate and
pleasant retafiona v.htoh 49, -..,.-,
between us during the past two years.
permit me TO acknowledge the pro-
found satisfaction which II has given
me TO bo associated with you I'm the
important work which has come be-
fore the State department. and 10
thank you for the courtesles extended.
With the heartiest good wishe, for
your personal welfare and for the
success OF your administration. I am.
my dear Mr.. President,
Very truly yours.
(SlgneD Nv. J. Bryan"
The presidents letter to Mr.. Bryan
was as follows:
My Dear Mr.. Bryan:
II accept your resignation only be-
cause you Insist upon It's acceptance;
and I accept II with much more than
deep regret. with feeling of personal
sorrow. our two years OF close ASSOC
citation have been very delightful TO
me. Our judgments have accorded in
practically every matter of official
duty and OF public policy until now:
your support OF the work and pur-
poses OF the administration has been
generous and loyal beyond praise,
vour devotion 20 the duties of your
. aeu.. and your eagerness I'm