The Mellette County pioneer. [volume] (Wood, Mellette County, S.D.) 19??-1971, 1920-02-20
LANE WILL LEAVE
CABINET MARCH |
RESIGNATION SENT TO WILSON
AND ACCEPTED BY HIM.
Fl YEARS IN PUBLIC SERVICE
Retiring Interior Chief Declares After
Long Term in Harness II Is Time
to Think of other Duties-Presi-
dent Praises His Work.

Washington, d. president Will
resignation of Franklin X. Lane, for
nearly seven years secretary OF the
interior. The necessity that after
twenty-one years Of public life, he
must think Of other duties" was the
reason assigned by Mr.. Lane for his
withdrawal, and in reply Mr.. Wilson
wrote his hope that your future car
eer will be as full of honorable success
as your past"
Mr.. Lanes resignation was submit
ted last Thursday, his letter shows.
but it had been known for many weeks
he intended this action as soon as
President Wilson could spare him.
In discussion OF his probable success
sor, Alexander T. Vogelsang, also of
California. was mentioned.
Secretary's Letter.
Secretly Lanes letter follows:
MY dear Mr.. President: IL is with
deep regret that l feel compelled to
resign the commission with which you
saw tit to honor me by appointing me
TO a place In your cabinet, now almost
seven years ago. II it will meet your
convenience l would suggest that I
be permitted to retire on March 1.
with the conditions which make
this step necessary, you are familiar.
l have served the public for twenty
n years, and that service appeals
to me as none other can, but l must
now think of other duties.
The program Of administration and
legislation looking to the development
or our which l have sug-
gested from time to time, Is now In
large part in effect, or soon will come
into effect through action of congress.
II return this department into your
hands with very real gratitude that
gave me the opportunity to know well
a working force holding so many men
and women of singular ability and
rare spirit.
Il trust that you may soon be so
completely restored to health that the
country and the world may have the
benefit OF the full measure Of your
strength in The leadership OF their at
fairs. The discouragements of the
present are, / believe, only temporary.
The country knows that for America
to stand outside the league OF nations
will bring neither pride to us nor
confidence to the world.
Believe me, My dear Mr.. Presi-
dent, always, cordially and faithfully
yours,
Franklin X. Lane"
President Wilson's Reply.
In reply, the president wrote:
February z. 1920.
MY dear Mr.. Secretary: 1 need
not tell you whit what regret I accept
your resignation as secretary of the
interior, for our association has been
very delightful. / have admired the
spirit in which you devoted yourself
to the duties Of your department, as
! am sure that all attentive observers
have, but the reasons you give for
your retirement leave me no choice
but to acquiesce, and /, Of course ac-
cept your suggestion that the resig-
nation take effecton the LIST OF March,
since that will serve your conven-
fence.
May / not add how sincerely l
hope that your future career will be
as full OF honorable success as your
past? My best wishes will follow you
throughout all the years that appar-
emily must now separate US, and / beg
to subscribe myself,
Cordially and sincerely your friend,
Woodrow wilson,"