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WHAT FISH SAID Text of Letter Which He Wrote to the Comptroller in Resigning. When Frank L. Fish, candidate for Congress, was requested by the comptroller of the currency to resign or withdraw from the canvass, he wrote the following letter:May 20, 1908. Comptroller of the Currency, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir:In answer to your letter of the 16th of May, 1908, advising me that it had been reported to your office that I have announced myself as a candidate for United States Senator from Vermont. and have entered actively upon a political canvass for that position, and asking me to either withdraw my candidacy or forward my resignation as a national bank examiner, as national bank examiner will not be permitted to become candidates for any political office or take any active part in politics while holding such positions, and must keep entirely aloof from political activities. I beg leave to report, that I have decided to resign my office as national bank exami ner and do hereby resign the same. I am a candidate for Congress from the First District of Vermont, not a candidate for the office of United States senator, as you have suggested. I was not aware of the rule of the Department which forbids a candidacy for any other office by a national bank examiner, and have to beg your pardon for this transgression. It has been my purpose for eight years and more, during which time I have served you and your efficient predecessors, to perform faithfully and well all duties which the office required of me, and to obey all the rules and regulations pertaining to the discharge of my duties. The option which your letter extends to me flatters me in the belief that you are of the opinion that my usefulness would not be at an end If I desired to renounce my candidacy for Congress. This in justice to both my friends and myself I cannot now do. I am fairly embarked on the voyage and must not return to port. It would not be just to my feelings nor generous to you not to add at this time my deep personal regard for all the officials of your office with whom I have come in contact during the terms of my service. As examiner of the fifty banks in Vermont and of the nineteen banks in Massachusetts which were added to my list and kept in my field, as receiver of the banks in Vergennes, Greenfield and Swan ton, and as attorney at times for the General Receiver of all inactive trusts at Washington, I wish to bear witness to the uniform courtesy. kindness and good will which have always been shown me. While I regret that I must part company with duties which were pleasant to me, and men whose relationship I cherish, I cannot but feel that it is a worthy ambition to seek the office for which I am an aspirant, and I gladly comply with your requirements in respect to my resignation. The examinations in my district are almost completed. The following banks only remain for examination: Merchants' National bank, St. Johnsbury, Vt. Barton National bank, Barton, Vt. Newport National bank, Newport, Vt. Derby Line National bank, Derby Line, Vt. e Island Pond National bank, Island Pond, Vt. I had hoped to examine these and had planned to tender my resignation on receiving a nomination for Congress. I shall be pleased to turn over to my successor all letters, blanks and files which should go to him, and shall d esteem it a favor to render any possible service by advice or otherwise when he begins the discharge of his duties. I am with great personal respect, Yours very truly, FRANK L FISH
