Evening star., 1918-11-23
Mr.. M'ADOO QUITS
AS TREASURY CHIEF
AND RAILROAD HEAD
Continued from First Page.)

gested John Barton Payne, now coun-
selor Of the railway administration:
or Walter D. Hines, assistant director
general, with large field OF dark
horses" in railway paddocks
Secretary McAdoo was originally
chosen for director general of rail-
ways because the most exigent prob
lens concerning the railroads was
one Of financing, peculiarly within the
purview of the Secretary of the
Treasury and the ex-officio head of
the Federal Reserve Board.
It is contended that in the future
the big problem for the roads will be
ment is to release its grip upon them
and restore them to their owners OF
record, the stockholders and bond
holders.
Politicians also discussed today the
retirement from public life of Secre-
he has been regarded as presiden-
tial possibility in 1920. Two views
we're presented in these comments,
one that possibly Mr.. McAdoo consid-
ers that President Wilson will be the
logical candidate Of the party. fore
and another that if Mr.. McAdoo really
continues to cherish political ambi-
tfons, he would find himself in better
case two years hence for being out OF
the troublous times that will attend
governmental administration in the
interim.
Mr.. McAdoo's Resignation.
Mr.. McAdoo's letter of resignation,
dated November IA. follows:
Dear Mr.. President: Now that an
Is assured. I feel at liberty to advise
you Of my desire to return, as soon
as possible, to private life.
Il have been conscious for some
time Of the necessity for this step,
but, of course. could not consider
1t while the country was at war.
For almost six years have work.
ed tncessantly under the pressure of
great responsibilities. Their exac-
tions have drawn heavily on my
tion allowed by law to cabinet Off
GERS Gas you know. l receive no com
pensation as director general of rail-
roads) and the very burdensome cost
of living in Washington have so de-
pfeted my personal resources that I
Of the situation.
II do not wish to convey the i'm
preston that there is any actual i'm
pairment of my health, because such
is not the fact. AS a result Of long
overwork I need reasonable period
ergy. But, more than this, 1 must,
for the sake Of my family, get back
to private life, to retrieve my per-
sonal fortune.
II cannot secure the required rest
nor the opportunity to look after my
long-neglected private affairs unless
I am relieved Of my present respon-
sibilities.
Il am anxious to have my retire.
ment effected with the least possible
Inconvenience to yourself and to the
public service. but it would. I think,
be wise to accept my resignation
now, as Secretary of the Treasury,
to become effective upon the appoint
ment and qualification of my sue
cessor so that he may have the op-
portunity and advantage of partici-
pating promptly in the formulation
Of the policies that should govern
the future work Of the Treasury. I
would suggest that my resignation
as director general Of railroads be-
come effective January I, 1919, or
upon the appointment Of my sue
cessor.
IT hope you will understand. my
dear Mr. President, that I will per-
init nothing but the most imperious
demands to force my withdrawal from
public life. Always shall cherish
as the greatest honor Of my career
the opportunity you have 50 gener-
ously given me to serve the country
under your leadership in these
epocha1 times.
'"Afectionate1y yours,
wv. G. McADOO."