Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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TAYLOR SM ITH/THE GAMECOCK Patrick Scott, rare books director for the Thomas Cooper Library, shows off the Fitzgerald room in the mezzanine of the library. ■ DONATION Continued from page 1 mezzanine level of the library will be renovated, Willis said, and although the rare book staff will be relocating, other administrative offices will remain. Students will use the floor for studying and searching databases. When asked whether the construction will be obtrusive to library goers, Willis said, “The work shouldn’t be too disruptive.” Some of the special collections that will be relocated include the Joseph Heller Papers, the Mathew J. and Arlyn Bruccoli Collection of F. Scott Fitzgerald, and the G. Ross Roy Collection of Robert Burns and Scottish Poetry, with works such is a Book of Psalms from the 1400s and John James Audobon’s “Bird in America” valued at more than $8 million. “People do not recognize this as a library of international importance, and if we use it right then it could be a major asset,” Scott said. “I would use the vault space differently, but would not necessarily need a much bigger vault.” Comments on this story? E-mail gamecocknews@gwm.se. edu Check it out five days a week www.dailygamecock.com Ashcroft, Evans quit Bush administration By TERENCE HUNT THE ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON —Attorney General John Ashcroft, a fierce conservative who generated controversy with his tough tactics in the war on terror, and Commerce Secretary Don Evans, one of President Bush’s closest friends, resigned Tuesday, the first members of the Cabinet to quit before the start of a second term. Ashcroft and Evans have served all four years of Bush’s administration, which has been marked by little turnover. Ashcroft said he would remain until a successor is confirmed, which could take months. Evans said he would stay well into January. In a five-page, handwritten letter, Ashcroft told Bush, “The objective of securing the safety of Americans from crime and terror has been achieved. Yet I believe that the Department of Justice would be well served by new leadership and fresh inspiration.” Ashcroft, who suffered health problems earlier this year and had his gall bladder removed, dated his letter Nov. 2, Election Day. Evans, a longtime friend from l exas, wrote Dusn, wnile tne promise of your second term shines bright, I have concluded with deep regret that it is time for me to return home.” Ashcroft’s critics cheered his departure. “We wish John Ashcroft good health and a good retirement. And we hope the president will choose a less polarizing attorney general as his successor,” said Sen. Charles Sehumer, D-N.Y. Anthony Romero, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union, said, “Mr. Ashcroft’s legacy has been an open hostility to protecting civil liberties and an outright disdain for those who dare to question his policies.” Speculation about Ashcroft’s successor has centered on his former deputy, Larry Thompson, who recently took a job as general counsel at PepsiCo. If appointed, Thompson would be the nation’s first black attorney general. Others prominendy mentioned include Bush’s 2004 campaign chairman, former Montana Gov. Marc Racicot, and White House general counsel Alberto Gonzales. Bush issued statements of praise for Ashcroft, 62, and Evans, 58, and for the policies they advanced. “John Ashcroft has worked tirelessly to help make our country safer,” the president said. “John has served our nation with honor, distinction, and integrity.” Bush’s farewell to Evans was more effusive and more personal, in fitting with their more than three decades of friendship dating to Midland, Texas, where they worked in the oil business, attended church together and met for a daily three-mile jog. Evans partied with Bush the night in 1986 when they celebrated their 40th birthdays and Bush swore off drinking. “Don Evans is oqe of my most trusted friends 2nd advisers,” Bush said. “Don has worked to advance economic security and prosperity for all Americans. He has worked steadfasdy to make sure America continues to be the best place in the world to do business.” A preacher’s son, former Missouri governor and one-time U.S. senator, Ashcroft was a favorite of the religious conservatives who make up a key part of the Republican political base. At the same time, he has been a lightning rod for criticism of his handling of the U.S. end of the war against terror, especial!) the detention of terror suspects. A former Ashcroft aide sought tt dispel talk that health was a factor ir the attorney general’s departure, sayinf the decision to leave came only aftei discussions with the president. “He would have been pleased tc consider staying in the Cabinet,” saic Juleanna Glover Weiss, who workec for Ashcroft in the Senate and is also ; former aide to Vice President Did Cheney. White House officials saic neither Ashcroft nor Evans was askec to leave. Evans, 58, was instrumental ir Bush’s 2000 campaign and came witl him to Washington. Evans has tolc aides he was ready for a change. One name being mentioned foi Evans’ job at Commerce is Mercei Reynolds, national finance chairmai for the Bush campaign, who raisec more than $260 million to get him re elected. Meanwhile, three high-ranking Bush administration officials said the) would like to remain on the job Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman Interior Secretary Gale Norton anc Environmental Protection Agenc) Administrator Michael Leavitt all sai^ ♦ Please see RESIGN, page 6 THE ASSOCIATED PRESC Ashcroft and Evans resigned Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2004, the first members of President Bush’s Cabinet to leave as he headed from re-election into his second term. Not Your Basic Sign Language Class « Due to the success of the fall semester's American Sign Language class, the university is offering a more advanced level class during the spring semester. Course Code: ASLGE122 Section: 300 Meeting Time: Tuesday & Thursday 5:30 p.m.-7:15 p.m. COCK THE VOTE! Help Cocky win back-to-back National Mascot of the Year championships. Set ivww.capitalonebowl.com as your homepage and vote everyday! ■ I Safety Fair 2004 1 Please join the Student Goverment Safety Board H I TODAY, November 10, 2004 on Greene Street from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. for Safety Fair 2004. There will be giveaways, safety demonstrations, and much more!