Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-12-29
The Youthful-Lool<ing New Assistant
Secretary of War.

The Y0uthful-Looking New Assistant
Secretary Of War.
General Joseph B. Doe Of Wisconsin, the
new assistant secretary Of war, is a COM
parative stranger to Washington. He has
all the attributes Of popularity, however,
and those who have already come into off,
cial contact with him at the War Depart
ment cay unhesitatingly that he is a good
man for the place, and that Secretary La
mont has made a wise selection.
Gen. Doe is one Of the rising young dem
ocrats Of the country. He was born in
GAINESVILLE, WIS.,, thirty-eight years ago.
He is a lawyer by profession. having grad
uated with honors at Racine College in
1874. being second in his class. Two years
later he began the practice Of law in his
native city and remained there In active
business until he received his present APP
pointment. For some years past he has
been the senior member Of the law firm of
Doe & Sutherland. His successful expert
ence as an amateur soldier will stand him
In good stead in the administration Of the
military affairs of his present office. He
first became connected with the Wisconsin
National Guard in 1878. by enlistment as a
private in company A of the first regi-
ment. The following year he was made a
corporal and then sergeant, serving his
company as first sergeant for four years.
At the end OF that time he was elected
second lieutenant, and being promoted first
lieutenant. became a captain in 1885. In
1887 he was made inspector OF small arms
practice of the first Wisconsin infantry.
which office he filled with honor to the
service and credit to himself. In December,
1880. he was appointed adJutant general
on Gov Peck's stan and made a most cred
liable record in that trying capacity.
In politics he has been identified with
0 k.a III ax,1 hac A1x
service. He rendered valuable service on
the stump in the campaign OF 1882 which
resulted in the election Of John Winans to
Congress.
democratic state convention and was the
party nominee for Congress In the FIRST
district in the same year.
The choice OF q successor to Gen. Grant,
the late assistant secretary. was delayed
On account of Secretary Lannon'S difficulty
In finding q man properly equipped for the
place. The assistant secretary of war Is
really the working man Of the executive
branch of the department Upon him falls
much Of the responsibility and all the rou-
tine work. He must be a man with a great
capacity for details. able to give his per-
sonal attention to many things at the same
time and fully qualified to treat difficul,
questions from a legal as well as from q
military standpoint. Mr.. Lamont's close
political and personal relations with the
President make his position somewha,
peculiar. and II is necessary for him al
times to transfer most of the regular bust.
ness Of the department to the consideration
Of his assistant. Gen. Does friends pre-
dict that he will meet all the requirements
Of the office.
During the war the ONCE was held by
Mr.. Charles A Dana OF New York. Then
IL was allowed to lapse, various bureau
officers acting as secretary whenever &C.
casion required ii. until the office was re-
established during the Harrison administra.
ton. when Gen. Grant was appointed to It
Gen. Doe has made a most favorable i'm.
preston at the War Department SO far
He is frank and open In his manner and
has a pleasing address. entirely free from
affectation. He is slender and handsome
and like Controller Eckels. has an exceed
ingly youthful appearance.