[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 11 (Monday, March 21, 1994)]
[Pages 525-526]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Letter Accepting the Resignation of Webster L. Hubbell as Associate 
Attorney General

March 14, 1994

Dear Webb:

    It is with profound sadness and regret that I accept your 
resignation as Associate Attorney General.
    I know better than anyone the spirit of citizenship and devotion to 
the law that inspired you to join our Administration and to take part, 
as Holmes said, in the actions and passions of our time. In the last 
year, these values came shining through as you worked for civil justice 
reform and immigration enforcement, fought to end discrimination in 
public housing, and to protect the civil and voting rights of all 
Americans.
    In these tasks you affirmed our commitment to justice, always with 
keen judgment and good humor, especially at vital times of challenge for 
the Department. The Attorney General and I will miss the service and 
advice you gave us. And I know your accomplishments in office will 
outlast any interest in the private matters that have arisen from your 
prior law practice and that motivated the difficult decision you 
announced today.
    Like you, I hope that you will return one day to public service. I 
remain, as always, grateful for your long and lasting friendship.
    Sincerely,
                                                  Bill Clinton

                              B___________
                              

Dear Mr. President:

    For over a year, I have had the privilege of serving you, the 
Attorney General, and the nation at the Department of Justice. I am 
deeply grateful and honored for this opportunity to serve as the 
Associate Attorney General of the United States. I have tried to serve 
with honor and distinction and to follow your lead in trying to make a 
difference in the every day lives of the American people.
    As a public servant, I owe it to you and to the American people to 
evaluate constantly whether my continued service can be as effective as 
you would expect of me, whether it furthers or distracts from your 
agenda, and what effect being in the public eye is having on my family 
and colleagues.

[[Page 526]]

Over the past weekend I have undertaken such an evaluation, and I have 
decided to submit my resignation as Associate Attorney General. My 
resignation shall be effective as soon as possible, allowing the 
Attorney General the time to effect a smooth transition at the Justice 
Department.
    I am proud of the reputation I have established over the past 20 
years as a private lawyer, Arkansas Supreme Court Justice, public 
official, and private citizen. Unfortunately, because of public 
speculation about me and my former law firm, I will have to spend a 
significant amount of my personal time on an internal matter with my 
former partners. I am confident of the outcome.
    I will leave the Department of Justice with great admiration for the 
Attorney General, high regard for the professionalism and dedication of 
its employees, and with great pride in the Department's accomplishments 
during the past year.
    Public service has always been one of the greatest joys of my 
professional life. It is my sincere hope and belief that by devoting 
sufficient time and energy now to my family and other private issues, I 
will reenter public service in the future. Thank you for allowing me 
such a wonderful opportunity and, most of all, thank you for your 
friendship.
    Respectfully,
                                            Webster L. Hubbell

Note: Originals were not available for verification of the content of 
these letters.