He greatly desired to leave the Philippine government service and return to the practice of his profession.

His resignation was reluctantly accepted, about a year after he had tendered it, and he left the service on November 10, 1909.
He was succeeded by Vice-Governor W.Cameron Forbes, a republican from Massachusetts, who had accepted appointment as secretary of commerce and police on June 15, 1904.

A man of independent means, Mr.Forbes entered the public service only because of the opportunity for greater usefulness which was thus afforded him.

He brought to bear on the problems which confronted him as secretary of commerce and police intelligence and ability of a very high order.

Wide practical experience in the management of large business interests had admirably fitted him to improve the organization and increase the efficiency of the insular police force, and to mature and carry out plans for bettering means of communication and otherwise facilitating and stimulating the normal, healthful commercial development of the islands.