The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-07-11
ALGER'S DAYS NUMBERED.
MS RESIGNATION NAY he dN-
NOUNCED UI7HIN 4 FEW DAYS.
Tho Presidents Dissatisfaction with the
Secretary Caused by His Alliance with
Pingree-IIas Practically Ignored Him
Since His Return from Michigan.

Pingree-Has Practically Ignored Him
Since His Return from Michigan.
WAsHINGToN. July 1O-Sccrctary Ayers
days as Il member Of President Mckin-
leys Cabinet appear to be numbered. There
is report in circulation tonight that his
resignation and the appointment of his success
sor will lie announced in q few days. and while
1t is impossible to get direct confirmation Of
this report, there is high authority for the
statement that the present condition OF affairs
cannot last many DAYS longer Tho comhi-
nation or alleged combination between Gov
Pingree and Gen. Algcr. by which the latter
hopes to be elected United States Senator to
succeed James Mcmillan. whose term will ex-
pire March L. 1901 is the straw that has broken
tho camel's back.
1t is understood that Secretary Alger has
been urged to counteract the feeling against
him by a public announcement to the effect
that he has made no combination with
Gov. Pingree. that in view Of what he has
learned OF the situation in Michigan he will not
be candidate iorthe Senate. and that he iavors
the recollection Of Senator Mcmillan. 1t is not
known that the Secretary has decided to make
such an announcement as this. and indeed
it would probably be too late for him to do so
now President Mcknley's dissatisfaction with
him dates from the time OF mis- com bination
with Pingrce, and there is every reason to be-
licvc that prior to that time their relations were
OF the most friendly and sympathetic character.
Now, the least that can lie said is. that these re-
lations are strained to the breaking point. and
that the Secretary. having only within the last
day or two become aware of the Presidents
state Of mind. has determined to resign. 1t is
understood that the President has not yet ask ed
Gen. Alger for his resignation. and that may
not be necessary. in view Of the Sccretary's
appreciation of the fact that. in making pOlit-
ical combination with man who is not "a Re
publican and not friendly in any sense to the
Mckinley administration. he took u step that
renders it unbecoming and even impossible
for him to remain a member OF the Cabinet.
Since Gov. Rooscvelt's visit to the President
on Saturday there has been q great deal Of
comment over the fact that the Secretary Of
War. although in the city at the time.
was not asked to participate in the
conference between the President and the
Governor of New York State over the
policy Of the Administration with regard to
continuing the war in the PHILIPPINES. There
is every indication. moreover. that the Socfe-
tarys eyes were opened by the failure Of the
President to invite him into this conference.
and when 1t took place without him he realized
for the first time the true state OF affairs. The
fact is. however. as above stated, that the Pres
ident has practically ignored Secretary Alger
in the conduct OF the affairs of the War Depart
ment since the Secretary returned from his
visit to Michigan, and has himself been the real
Secretary of War
The President and the mem bers Of the Cab-
net. all Of whom, it is said. sympathzc with the
Presidents feeling, regret very much. indeed
the turn affairs have taken. The situation
is all the more unfortunate. they think. be-
cause the dissatisfaction with Secretary Algcr
is in no sense due to his conduct OF the affairs
OF the War Department. The President and
Secretary acted in entire harmony all dur
ing the war. and the President has
Loyalty supported the Sccretary'S policy
then and since. and defended him from
the criticism of it. With one or two
Gen. Alger with having done the best that any
man could do during the war and they also de-
fcud him Loyalty against the attacks Of his enc
mics. The present break has come because they
al! feel that Gen. Alger cannot be member Of
Mcklulrys Cabinet and at the same time be in
putica. alliance with an avOwcd and Open
enemy Of the Republican party aud the Repub-
lcan Administration
Personally President Mckinley is still Sccre-
he will hesitate before asking him outright
to retire from the Cabinet. Moreover. it is the
opinion Of those who know Gen. Alger well and
who are informed If the present situation that
he will relieve the President OF all embarrass-
ment in the matter by voluntarily handing in
his resignation.