The Washington times., 1924-02-18
ROOSEVELT
IS GOING,
REPORT

IIOIn dS0eJ
Roosevelt's resignation would fol-
low Denby's in the natural course
Of events, inasmuch as his con-
nection with the leasing Of the
naval oil reserves is not dissimi-
lAr to that Of Denby's. It was
reported this morning that Roose-
welt had placed his resignation
at the disposal Of the President
also, but this could not be con-
firmed either at the White House
or at the Navy Department.
Should President Coolidge &C
cept the designations Of both the
Secretary and the Assistant Sec
rotary, control Of the Navy De-
partment would automatically re-
vert temporarily to the highest
ranking officer-the Chief Of OPP
erations, Admiral R. E. Coontz.
Leaves by Side Door.
Shortly after it was announced
at the White House that Denby's
resignation had been submitted
to the President scores of news
paper men and photographers gath
cred about Denby's office in the
Navy building and demanded fur
tier details Of the Secretary's re-
tirement.
Attaches said that DENLY would
have nothing to say.
A few minutes later, DENLY
left his office by a side door to
evade the correspondents and
started to walk toward the CEN
trail part of the city. He was fol-
lowed by the correspondents on
foot and in automobiles. They
finally cornercd him about a
block from the Navy building.
White House Must Talk.
While movie cameras clicked. the
secretary was interviewed" but
he had scant information.
whats the dope ON this?" one
reporter asked.
"No dope at ALL" DENLY replied,
with a broad smile. you'll have
to get all the dope from the White
House, I haven't a thing to say
and won't have until later this
afternoon"
"But the White House says you've
put in your resignation" the re-
porter persisted.
''Then the White House will
have to do the talking" said DENLY.
Anyway, you. shouldn't bother a
man so much on his birthday. I'm
fifty-four,' he added proudly
while congratulations were extended.
Are you going to the White
House any more today" he was
asked.
Going to Birthday Party.
The questioning was becoming
too personal and the smile faded
from the face of the secretary, but
It was back again in an instant.
"Oh, don't know" he said.
"'Maybe I will. Right now I'm go
ing nome.
"Are you going to have a birth
day party" was the final question.
''You bet" he said. I'VE have a
birthday party every day at my
house."
And away he went-alone-as
the reporters and cameramen turned
away.
DENLY himself declined stead
lastly to discuss any phase OF his
retirement, referring all question
ers to the White House. He looked
careworn and tired, but said he
was going to enjoy his birthday
anyway. He is fifty-four years old
today.
The resignation Of the Secretary
wen demanded one week ago today
by the Senate by vote Of Al to
50 This vote was preceded by bit
ter denunciation of DENLY on the
floor of the Senate. Democrats and
Republican insurgents joined hande
in roundly denouncing the naval
head for his turning the naval oil
reserves over to Albert B. Fall.
Integrity Not Attacked.
None OF the Senator's, howevr
raised any issue against Secretary
Denby's personal integrity in the
transaction; on the contrary even
his detractors agreed that he had
not profited personally in any way