The President's News Conference

RESIGNATION OF JUSTICE OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES

THE PRESIDENT. I have the following letter from Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes this morning:

"In accordance with the provision of the Judicial Code as amended Section 260--Title 28, United States Code 375, I tender my resignation as Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States of America. The condition of my health makes it a duty to break off connections that I cannot leave without deep regret after the affectionate relations of many years and the absorbing interests that have filled my life. But the time has come, and I bow to the inevitable. I have nothing but kindness to remember from you and from my brethren. My last word should be one of grateful thanks."

I have replied to the Justice:

"I am in receipt of your letter of January 12th tendering your resignation from the Supreme Court of the United States. I must, of course, accept it.

"No appreciation I could express would even feebly represent the gratitude of the American people for your whole life of wonderful public service, from the time you were an officer in the Civil War to this day-- near your ninety-first anniversary. I know of no American retiring from public service with such a sense of affection and devotion of the whole people."

JAMES H. WILKERSON

I am sending up to the Senate today the name of Judge Wilkerson of Chicago, by way of promotion from the district to the circuit bench, as a part of a recognition of the service of the members of the Department of Justice in Chicago in breaking up the gangster life of that city.

Otherwise, I have no further news for you.