Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-11-23
Asks President to Relieve Him Now That
War is OVERHEAD Intended to Resign Be-
fore March, 1917 But Remained On
Account Of War==One Reason Given is
Inadequate Compensation Allowed
Cabinet OffiCerS==PlanS Later to
Practice Law in New York==PreSi=
dent Accedes to Request
NO SUGGESTION AS TO
SUCCESSOR TO PLACES

4
liam McAdoo has resigned Of
flee as secretary of the treas
ury and director general of
railroads, to leave the treasury
on the appointment of a sue
cessor and the railroad admin
lstrator on Jan. l next. 1t was
announced tonight that he had
asked President Wilson to re-
lieve him now that the war is
over so that he might return
to private life after six years
in Office.
President Wilson has acceded
to Mr.. McAdoo's request and
accepted his resignation. Re-
tirement was made necessary.
Mr.. McAdoo said, because of
inadequate compensation" al
lowed cabinet officers. The sec
rotary also said that he is seri-
ously in need of a rest, al
though there is no actual i'm
palrmert of his health. The
secretary plans to take about
three months rest and then
may resume the practice of law
in New York.
| Mr.. McAdoo announced his resig-
! nation at a conference with news
| paper correspondents and made pub
! lie correspondence between himself
and President Wilson. The Presi
dent in his letter of acceptance ex-
pressed regret at the secretary's res
! lgnation, rferring particularly to Mr..
McAdoo's distinguished, disinterest-
I ed. altogether admirable service in
the country in both posts. Mr.. Me
| Adoo explained to the newspaper
ospondents that he had intended
TO resign before March 4. 1917 but
! remained because of pressing war
! problems.
| AS yet there is no suggestion IF
| who Mr. McAdoos successor may
/ be either as Secretary of the Treas
| ury or as Director General.
Mr.. McAdoo's letter Of resignation
dated Nov. A. follows.
i Dear Mr.. President:
! Now that an armistice has been
signed and peace is assured feel at
! liberty to address you on my desire
| to return, as soon as possible, to
private life.
! Il have been conscious for some
(! time of necessity for this step, but
Of course could not consider it while
the country was at war. For almost
six years l have worked necessarily
under the pressure of great respon-
sibilities Their eXactions have
drawn heavily on my strength. The
| inadequate compensation allowed by
law to cabinet officers Gas you know
] receive no compensation as direct
| or general of railroads. and the very
| burdensome cost of living in WASH
ington have SO depleted my personal
reserves that I am obliged to reckon
with the facts of the situation. / DO
not wish to convey the impression
that there is any actual impairment
of my health because such is not the
| fact. AS a result Of the government
| work I need a reasonable period of
genuine rest to replenish my energy.
But more than this. / must for the
sake of my family, get back to priv
ate life. to retrieve my personal for
! tune.
| II can not secure the required rest
nor the opportunity to look after my
long-neglected private affairs unless
/ am relieved of my present responsible
+! ity.
| II am anxious to have my retirement
| effected with the least possible inco1-
| venience to yourself and to the public
| service. but it would, I think. be Wise
! to accept my resignation now as secre.
tary of the treasury to become effective
upon the appointment and qualifcali IN
| Of my successor so that he may nave
| the opportunity and advantage of par
ticipating promptly in the formula ion
Of the policies that will govern the fu-
Continued on Pace 4Ecol. ~