Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1919-01-16
ATTORNEY GENERAL
GREGORY RESIGNS
He Says Poor Pay Forces Him to
Quit.
GOSSIP AS TO SUCCESSOR
S. j. Graham May Get Place, 1t Is
Said-Other Cabinet Officers May
Resign to Earn More Money
in Private Life.

General Thomas W. Gregory has re-
signed, to take effect March 4. Presi-
dent Wilson has accepted and will an
nounce his successor soon after his re-
turn from abroad.
Mr.. Gregory sent his resignation to
the president last Thursday. The ac-
ceptance was received on Friday.
It is understood that Mr.. Gregory's
action was decided upon at confer
ence with the president shortly be-
fore the latter went abroad.
In his letter of resignation Mr..
Gregory says that for pecuniary rea-
sons it is essential he leave the public
service. Also for some months his
health has not been of the best.
Talk of S. J. Graham.
Already there is considerable specu-
lation as to his successor. Many
names are mentioned, chief among
them being Samuel j. Graham of Pitts
burgh, one of the five assistant attor-
neys general, who have been intrusted
in large measure with administrative
functions in the department of just
ice.
In some quarters here the predic-
ton is made that other members of
the cabinet may resign and resume
more remunerative careers in civil
life. The cabinet members receive
only $4,000 a year, and when the So
cial duties of the position are COM
piled with an incumbent finds it hard
to meet the expenses necessary to his
position in the official life at Washing
ton.
Letter of Resignation.
Mr.. Gregory's letter of resignation
reads:
"In accordance with the purpose ex-
pressed in our conversation just be-
fare you went abroad, tender my res
ignation as attorney general.
"It has been not quite six years
since I became connected with your
administration and more than four
years ago, a few days after war was
declared by the European nations,
became a member of the cabinet.
ut can be fairly said that during
no other six years in the history of our
country have so many problems been
presented and solved.
"The reflection that at such a time
| have been permitted to stand by
your side and assist in a modest way
in dealing with these national and liz
ternational issues is now and will al
ways be my greatest source of pride.
Praise for Wilson.
mo man ever served a leader who
was more uniformly considerate, more
kindly helpful and more generously ap-
preciative. No subordinate was ever
more deeply grateful for the number
less friendly words and acts of his SUI
perior.
"Pecuniary responsibilities of sub
stantial nature rest upon me and my
private affairs have long demanded my
attention. During the continuance of
actual warfare did not feel at liberty
to weigh these personal considerations
in the balance against the public du-
ties with which was charged.
"By March 4 of the present year the
partment of justice will have sub
stantially brought its war activities to
close and be working under normal
conditions. I therefore ask that this
resignation take effect on that date"
Wilson's Acceptance.
The reply of President Wilson, writ
ten in Paris under date of January 10,
follows:
''It is with profound reluctance and
do so only because you have con-
vinced me it is necessary in your own
interest for you to retire.
'There has been no one with whom
have been associated in Washington
whom 1 have learned more to trust nor
to whose counsels I have attached
more value and Importance.
"Your administration of your office
has been singularly able and singular
ly conscientious and watchful of the
public interest, and I feel that it is q
very serious loss indeed to the nation
that you should find yourself obliged
to withdraw from public life.
"My best wishes not only, but my
affectionate friendship will follow you
into retirement, and / hope with all
my heart that in some way and at
some time I shall again have the priv
ilege and benefit of being associated
with you"