West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1915-06-10
FIRST CHANGE IN CABINET
William J. Bryan Resigns rs Secretary
Of State-Did Not Approve Cone Of
the Note Sent TO Germany -Rela.
lions With President Cordial

OF State Bryan handed his resignation
to President Wilson Immediately after
the cabinet meeting today. It was
accepted.
Mr.. Bryan's resignation came as a
climax to the cabinet crisis over the
German note.
Immediately upon the acceptance of
MIR. Bryan's resignation by the Pres
ldent, Counselor Robert Lansing be-
came the acting Secretary of State.
IL will be Mr.. Lansing's name which
Will be signed to the American note
to Germany, which was put I'm its
final form at the cabinet meeting to-
day, and which the President said this
evening through his secretary, Mr..
Tumulty. he hoped would go forward
tomorrow.
1t was the decision OF the President
and the majority OF the cabinet on the
FORM and language OF this note which
induced Mr.. Bryan to tender his re-
signation.
Mr.. Bryan in his letter, gave as n
specific reason for his decision TO
retire from the cabinet the irrecon-
cilable difference between him and
the President as to the best method to
be employed to reach peaceful solution
OF the problems arising out of the use
OF submarines against merchantmen
When the President and a majority
OF his cabinet decided that the United
states In the new note to Germany
Would stand firmly for the broad hu-
manitarian principles upon which
President Wilson's first note was bas-
ed Mr.. Bryan decided he could not
ccnscientiously give his approval TO
SUCH course. AS it is necessary that
any note of the Importance of the Ger
man note should bear the signature of
the Secretary OF State, Mr.. Bryan had
to decide whether or not he would
affix his signature to a declaration alb
solutely opposite to his conscientious
views. He deci"td that lie could not
do 1t and his resignation then became
inevitable.
Following is Mr.. Bryan's letter of
resignation:
Secretary of State,
Washington, June s.
MY Dear Mr.. President:
1t is with sincere regret that have
reached the conclusion that 1 should
ret-rn to you the commission OF Sec
rotary OF State with which you honor
ed me at the beginning of your admin
istration.
"Obedient to your sense OF duty and
actuated by the highest motives. Won
have prepared for transmission to the
German government a note in which 7
cannot join, without violating what I
deem to be an obligation to my coun-
try, and the issue involved is OF such
moment that, to remain a member of
the cabinet would bo as unfair to Won
as IL would be to the cause which is
nearest my heart, namely, the preyen-
ton OF war. 1 therefore respectfully
tender my resignation to take effect
when the note is sent, unless you pre-
fer an earlier date.
Alike DESTROYS of reaching n neace-
ful solution OF the problems arising
out OF the use of submarines against
merchantmen we find ourselves differ
ing irreconcilably as to the methods
which should be employed. 1t falls
10 your lot to speak officially for the
nation; 1 consider il to be none the
less my duty to endeavor, as a private
citlzen, to promote the end which Won
nave In view by means which you
don't feel at liberty to use.
In severing the intimate and pleas-
ant relations which have existed be-
tween us during the past two vears
permit me to acknowledge the pro-
FOUND satisfaction which IL has given
me to be associated with you in the
important work which has come be-
fore the State Department and to
thank you for the courtesies extend
ed.
With the heartiest good wishes for
your personal welfare. and for the
success Of your administration. I am.
my dear Mr.. President,
Very truly yours.
wv. ]. BRYAN"
Inc president replying to Mr.. Bryan
said:
MY Dear Mr.. Bryan:
Il accept your resignation only he
cause you insist upon its acceptance
and / accept It with much more than
deep regret, with a feeling OF personal
sorrow. Our two years OF close asso-
citation have been very delightful to
me. Our judgment has accorded in
every matter OF official
iuty and Of public policy until now.
Your support OF the work and pur-
poses Of the administration has been
generous and loyal beyond praise
Your devotion TO the duties OF your
great Office. and your eagerness to
axe advantage OF every great oppor-
unity for service Il offered, has been
IN example to the rest OF us. You
ave earned our affection, admiration
md friendship. Even now we are not
separated IN the object we seek. but
'nly in the method by which we seek
{.
IL is for these reasons my feeling
'bout your retirement from the secre-
aryship Of State goes so much deeper
nan regret. sincerely deplore It.
Our objects are the same, and we
ought 70 pursue them together.