The herald., 1898-11-05

1t was unfortunate that the scheme
did not work out perfectly. Duffield
got the yellow fever, which prevented
his serving as military governor OF
Santiago, and. as for Shafter, 1t was a
mere accident that he was not driven
with his army off the island.
Those who know Alger best say that
he is a weak man. Changeful of mood.
1t is hard to tell where to have him at
a given moment. Vanity with him Is
a dominant trait. Distinguished Of as
pect, and at all times well-dressed, he
is extremely proud of his personal ap-
pearance. His manners are most
graceful. mingling suavity with an
engaging frankness. What he says so
frankly and ingenuously. however, Is
very apt to be contradicted by facts.
Correspondents unacquainted with this
trait of his have often been led into
embarrassing positions. accepting
what they took for gospel from the
secretary's lips and wiring Ii to their
newspapers-only to discover later
that the information was the exact op-
posite of the truth. On this account
Mr.. Alger has gained in some quar-
ters the reputation of being ignorant
of the conduct of the war.
Instead of returning the fire Of his
critics, the secretary has made a point
of treating them individually with a
more than ordinary courtesy. 1t may
be that he thinks in this way to dis
arm them. AS an illustration of this
trait, reference may be made to the
case of John Sherman. The latter,
years ago, denounced Alger in no
measured terms, md in his book of
"reminiscences has accused the Michi-
gan man of political treachery toward
himself. So his astonishment may be
imagined when. just after his appoint
ment as secretary Of state by McKin-
ley, he (Sherman received a visit
from Alger. Such was the unctuous
tact employed by the latter on this oc-
casion that Alger's appointment as
secretary of war followed a few days
later. He was undoubtedly helped to
the place by Sherman, whose regret
for the mistake is evidenced by his re-
cently-published recommendation that
Alger should be impeached.
1t often happens that man who has
risen from a humble station is
ashamed Of his origin and early pow
erty. Not so-be it said to his credit
is it with Alger. On the contrary, he
is exceedingly proud of the fact that
he is self-made-that he began life as
poor boy, born in a log-cabin on an
Ohio farm, and that he has risen by
his own exertions to political eminence
and the possession of millions of
money. 1t is recorded that his son,
who was made a captain recently on
Miles staff while in college sent him
bill of $40 for a dress-suit. AS ne
wrote check for the amount, he OBJ
served: MY boy, at your age 1 worked
two years at the forge for s70." The
secretary himself says that his first
earnings were four cups of -four re-
ceived from farmer for days labor.
At twelve years of age he was getting
So month on a farm, and six years
later he earned only SIS month-far
less than is paid to the meanest mes
senger in the great government office
over which he now presides. 1t was
Algers first distinction to win a prize
by pitching a load of hay in five min
utes. He was then a lusty fellow, six
feet tall and remarkable for muscular
strength.
This article Is not intended to be
biographical, but merely to bring the
lIilO ClOSeT acquaintance WITH
the three men who controlled the man.
agement Of the war with Spain, so far
as land operations were concerned.
Any remarks which throw light upon
their personal traits and characters
tics as individuals cannot be otherwise
than interesting at the present time
Alger's history is familiar enough, and
most people know that he first became
conspicuously identified with Michigan
when he was made captain Of the Sec
ond Regiment of Cavalry from that
state in the Civil War. Charges of
cowardice were brought against him,
but never came to trial. His millions
were made in the lumber business. He
became governor eventually, and fin
ally, in the national convention which
Benjamin Harrison, it
seemed for one dazzling moment as if
he was going to reach the ultimate
ambition of an American citizen.
1t is rather a relief to pass from AL
ger to the discussion Of a far stronger
-ood,, hos roi1rood ho vuo1, ooroeS