Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1919-01-13
ATTORNEY
GE RAJ
R RESIG Ms
OFFICE
President Wilson Agrees to
His Retirement March 4
Because of "Pecuniary
Responsibilities.

Washington, Japs- r. Thomas
Watt Gregory, attorney general Of
the United States since 1914, has
resigned because of "pecuniary re-
sponsibilities" and will return to the
practice of law. President Wilson
has agreed to his retirement next
March 4.
Mr.. Gregory's letter of resigna-
ton, dated January 9, and the pres
idcnt's 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 no official intimation as 10
who he will be. In speculation to-
day the names of Frank L. Polk,
counsellor of the State department,
and acting secretary, while Mr..
Lansing is in Europe, and Senator
James Hamilton Lewis of Illinois,
were mentioned.
Letter of Resignation.
Mr.. Gregory, in his letter of resig-
nation, says:
Dear Mr.. President:
"In accordance with the purpose
expressed in our conversation just
before you went abroad, I tender
my resignation as attorney general.
mo man ever served leader
who was more uniformly consider
ate, more kindly helpful and more
generously appreciative, no subor-
dinate was ever more deeply grasc-
ful for the numberless friendly
words and acts of his superior.
"Pecuniary responsibilities Of a
substantial nature rest upon me and
my private affairs have long de-
fnanded attention. During the con-
tinuance of actual warfare, l did not
feel at liberty to weigh these per-
sonal considerations in the balance
against the public duties with which
| was charged. By March 4 OF the
present year, the Department Of
Justice win have substantially
brought its war activities to close
and be working under normal condi-
tions. ! therefore ask that this res
ignation take effect on that date.
Faithfully yours.
1T. w. GREGORY"
Reply Of President.
The presidents reply said:
my Dear Attorney General:
1T is with profound reluctance
and regret that l accept your resie-
nation. ! do so only because Won
have convinced me that il is neces-
sary to your own interest for vou
to retire. There has been no One
with whom | have been associated
IN Washington whom / have learned
more to trust nor to whose coun-
sells | have attached more value
and importance. Your adHinistra-
tion of your office has been sinau-
la7ly conscientious and watchful Of
the public interest, and I feel tiat
It IS very serious loss indeed to the
nation that you should find yourself
obliged to Withdraw from public lifc.
My best wishes not only, but nv
attectionate friendship will follow
you into retirement, and I hope with
all my heart that in some way and
at some time l shall again have The
privilege and benefit Of being asso-
ciated with you.
Cordially and faithfully yours
WOODROW WILSON,
Fifth Man to Leave Cabinet.
Mr.. Gregory is the second cabinet
officer to resign recently on account
Of personal financial considerations
William 6. McAdoo having retired
last month as secretary of the treas
ury because he could not support his
family on the cabinet members sal-
ary OF $4,000 a year. Mr.. Gregory
IS the fifth man to leave the cabinet
during the six years of President
Wilson's administration. Others
were Secretary Of State Bryan. Sec,
retary of War Garrison. Attorney
General McReynolds, Mr.. Gregoryf
predecessor. who was appointed to
the supreme court, and Mr.. McAdoo.
Mr.. Gregory has served as at
torney general since August 29. 1914.
fC0ntfmued an poge Tr,.o ss,1v,,,. rrt.,t.t