819.154/83
The Minister in Panama (Price) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 17.]
Sir: In my cable No. 115 of June 22nd, 9 a.m. [June 21st, 2 p.m.] I had the honor to inform the Department of the contemplated resignation of Mr. Beardsley, Chief Engineer of the Central Commission of Roads, because of the President’s petty interference and attempted domination of his work and also of Mr. Ruan’s letter to the President stating that he would resign unless a retraction and explanation of his (the President’s) criticisms as to the auditing of the road work was made. Mr. Ruan has received a satisfactory explanation, but Mr. Beardsley who though receiving an explanation, sees no change in the President’s attitude has sent in his resignation, at the same time asking for a thirty days leave with pay, his resignation to take effect at the conclusion of the leave. As the enclosed correspondence indicates,12 the resignation has not been accepted but the leave has been granted and Mr. Beardsley plans to leave Panama for the United States on September 22nd, leaving Mr. R. H. West, Assistant Chief Engineer, in charge of the road work.
In a conversation which I had with Mr. Beardsley recently, he assured me that his decision was final and that he would not return to Panama. He hoped that Mr. R. H. West, who will undoubtedly apply for the position, might be his successor and heartily recommended him.
[Page 616]I have the honor to enclose (enclosure No. 1) herewith, a letter from Mr. Beardsley enclosing the correspondence which has taken place between him and the President of the Republic in this regard.13
I have [etc]