The Washington herald., 1918-12-15

lions. "pawnbroker for the nations of
the world" closed his desk yester-
day as Secretary of the Treasury.
He walked out of the building where
he had presided during the most troub-
lous financial period of the worlds
history with a small portfolio of per-
sonal papers under his arm. and by
his side, his wife,. the daughter of the
President, whose eyes were still wet
with the tears she had shed at the
tremendous surprise ovation the en-
ployes OF the department had just
given him.
For the second time in American
history a Secretary of the Treasury
retired because he was near broke. ."
Alexander Hamilton left the Cabinet
because "the salary was not suffi-
cient to support a growing family" ."
McAdoo. in his letter of resignation.
said: II have found 1t necessary to
recoup my personal fortune" And
both quit their jobs after six years
Of service.
His Many Duties.
Besides the duties of the Secre-
tary's office, McAdoo has shed these
Federal Reserve Board, chairman
Farm Loan Board. chief Secret
Service. chief Public Health Service,
| director greatest insurance organ
ization in the world. commander-in-
chief of 1000. 900 liberty bond sales
men. chairman American Section.
International High Commission,
chief United States Customs Bureau.
commander Revenue Cutter Service,
custodian OF all public buildings.
directs the printing, engraving and
issue of currency; audits expendi-
lures of every branch of the gov
eminent, commandant of the coast
| guard and supervises the drawin z
! of plans for alls government build
ings.
He is going back to New York to
| the private practice of the law. but
he has announced no definite plans
| save an intent to rest for several
months in Southern California
As he spent the morning in his
| private Office with Carter Glass. his
| successor. his poker face showed nc
| indication of regret at leaving the gov
| ernment service. Only when the 500
| employees OF the department, headed
| by the Bureau OF Engraving band,
! called him out unto the broad portico
| to bid him farewell did he show
| emotion
They stood in the rain and sang and
cheered and wished good luck and
we're for you wherever you are" To
which McAdoo replied:
Just n "Fnde-oua-
I'm fading out as they say in the
movies. but I'm always going to be
the liveliest friend the Treasury has"
| As he paid tribute to their fidelity
and credited to their loyalty the sue
| cess of the Treasury administration
his voice choked. and Mrs. McAdoo
| who stood at his side. wept openly.
| Carter Glass. who will take his oath
| of office tomorrow. and whose commits
sion signed by the President came tC
| the Treasury building yesterday
spoke after him. He paid tribute to
| the McAdoo policies and organization
! and indicated that both would be con.
| tinued. Then the two went back to
Mr.. McAdoo's private Office and con-
| tinued the session which has lasted
now three days. and during which Mr.
Glass has been oriented in the mys.
teries of the Treasury affairs.
| Previous to the farewell, Mr.. Nc,
Adoo and Mr.. Glass had acted a movie
scenario before the camera
Commands Others Loyalty.
Mr.. McAdoo's close associates say
OF him that his most marked char,
acteristic is his ability to command
the loyalty of others. and to get 10
per cent of the individual initiative
OF his associates
In leaving his Office yesterday fol
the last time as Secretary. he pointed
whimsically to a portrait of AIbert
Gallatin, one of his predecessors il
the early days of the country. ThC
portrait is old and faded. and show!
a countenance worn by time and en-
deavCT. IF that's what eight year!
on this job did for Albert Gallatin
I'm using good judgment in gettin.
lout," he said.
His successor, Carter Glass, smilet
rather ruefully, but Mrs. McAdoo pu
her arm within his and said "A few
months at Santa Barbara" and tn,
Secretary smiled again a more cheer!
smile.