He resigned, effective April 1, 1906, to become United States Ambassador to Japan.

In my opinion, the acceptance of his resignation at this time was one of the gravest mistakes ever made in the Philippine policy of the United States.

The islands were deprived of the services of a very able and distinguished man, thoroughly conversant with their needs, who had the courage of his convictions, and whose convictions were thoroughly sound.
Certain Filipino politicians openly boasted that they had secured his removal, and they and their ilk were encouraged to put forth new and pernicious efforts.

Had General Wright returned to the islands much of the political unrest from which they have since suffered would have been avoided.

He was beloved by his associates, who felt a sense of personal loss when they learned that the places which had known him in The Philippines would know him no more.
He was succeeded for the brief period of five and a half months by Judge Henry C.Ide, vice-governor and secretary of finance and justice, who had performed his duties while he was on leave.