Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1919-01-13
Attorney General
Gregory Resigns
"Pecuniary Responsibilities"
the Cause - Resignation
Becomes Effective March q

Washington, Jan 12-Thomas Watt
Gregory attorney general of the United
States since 1914, has resigned because
Of "pecunary responsibilities" and
will return to the practice of law.
president Wilson has agreed to his re-
tirement next March 4.
Mr.. Gregorys letter of resignation
dated January 9, and the presidents
reply, cabled from Paris the next day,
were made public tonight at the White
House The attorney generals letter
disclosed that he had long considered
retiring from office and had discussed
the matter with the president before
Mr.. Wilson went abroad.
Mr. Gregory's successor has not yet
been appointed and there has been na
otfician intimation as to who he will
be. The names of Frank L. Polk. coun-
sellor of the state department, and
Acting Secretary while Mr. Lansing is
in Europe, and Senator James Ham
ilton Lewis Of Illinois, We're mention
ed today.
Mr.. Gregory's letter of resignation
follows:
Dear Mr.. President; In accordance
with the purpose expressed in our
| conversation just before YOU went
| abroad, l tender my resignation as at
| torney general.
1T has been not quite six years since
| ! became connected with your admin
| istration, and more than Wour wears
ago, few days after war was declared
| by the European nations, ! became a
member of the cabinet. It can be
! fairly said that during no other siy
years in the history of our country
! have so many great problems been pre-.
| sented and solved. The reflection thai
| at such a time I have been permitted
| to stand by your side and assist in 9
modest way in dealing with those ma.
| tional and International issues is now
and viii always be, my grea atest source
of pride.
no man ever served a leader wht
was more uniformly cOnsiderate, more
kindly helpful, and more generously
| appreciative. No subordinate was eve
more deeply grateful TOR the lumber
less friendly words and acts Of hi,
superior.
! ''Pecuniary responsibilities of a sub
stantial nature rest upon me and m,
private affairs have long damanled al
tention. During the continuance c
actua. V2Tfart, d9d n. f,."1 ut libclt,
TO weigh these personal coush;c: Il
tl'rs ir RE balana2 agai Is a, publu
duties itr which I vas -nargad. =,
arch of the p : l. yer the g..
'.fi,i of Jus ice VII hf!s Sub,t1n
TALLY brought its war activities to
close and be working under norma
conditions. I therefore ask that thi
resignation take effect on that date"
The president replied
My Dear NJ. Attorney General: I
is with profound deluctance and regre
that I accept your resignation. I do s.
only because YOU have convinced m
that it is necessary in your own inte
rest for YOU to retire There has bee
no one with whom ! have been associ
ated in Washington whom I hav
learned more to trust nor to who's
counsels | have attached more valu
, and importance. Your administrator
of your office has been singularI
able and singularly conscientious an
Watchful of the public interest. and
, feel that it is a very serious loss in
deed to the nation that YOU shouldfn
Yourself obliged to withdraw fror
public life.
My best wishes not only. but nv af
fectionate friendship will follow yo
/; into retirement and I hope with a
my heart that in some way and a
!, some time I shall again have the priv
ilege and benefit of being associate
with you"