The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1899-07-21
OFFERED ELIHU ROOT.
Belief New York Has Been Ten
dered War Portfolio.
ALGER LEAVES EARLY NEXT WEEK.


Charge Saturday. Griggs Settles
Rumors In Regard to oHimself-Rcsigna-
tion Correspondence.
WASHINGTON, July 21.-No definite
information is obtainable as to the
president's selection of a successor to
Russell A. Alger as secretary of war.
Ihls may be due to the fact that a
tender of the Office is under considera-
tion by the gentleman chosen.
There is a desire on the part of the
president that General Alger's sue
cessor shall be a lawyer of attainments
and high standing in his profession be-
cause of colonial and other questions
Involving legal constructions constantly
arising in the war department., now
that the army is administering affairs
in the islands relinquished by Spain. 1t
is felt advisable from Il political point of
view that the new man should come
from New York, which has been with
out representation III the cabinet since
Secretary Bliss resigned.
The gentleman whose name has been
under most consideration as meeting
these professional and geographical re-
quirements is MIR. EIhu Root, but
whether he has been communicated
with on the subject cannot be learned
definitely, though there is good ground
for believing he has been.
The talk that Attorney General
Griggs will be shifted from the depart
ment of justice to the war department,
was put down very effectually last
night by Mr.. Griggs himself The at
torney general has no thought of be-
coming General Alger's successor and
it is almost certain that he would de-
cline the war portfolio should the presi-
dent tender it to him.
Secretary Algef will probably leave
Washington early next week, severing
his official connection with the war de-
partment on Monday, when he expects
to turn over his Office to Assistant Sec
retary Meiklejohn, who will reach here
from the west on Saturday, and act as
secretary Of war until a permanent sec
retary assumes the Office. Secretary
Alger will spend the remaining days Of
his services in closing up a number Of
matters, including some knotty bridge
and engineering projects. 1t is under
stood, if he takes the public at all into
his confidence, it will not be until after
he is entirely out Of Office
The following is Secretary Alger's
letter of resignation and the presidents
reply to it:
July 10. 1s99.-Sir: beg to tender to
you my resignation of the Office of secre-
tary of war, to take effect at such time
In the near future as you may decide the
affairs of this department. will permit.
In terminating my official connection
with your administration 1 wish for you
continuous health and the highest meas
ure of success in carrying out the great
work entrusted to you.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully,
your obedient servant, Il. A. ALGER.
To the President.
The president replied:
EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, July
20.-Hon. r. A. Alger, Secretary of War:
Dear Sir-Your resignation of the Office
of secretary of war under date of July 10
Is accepted, to take effect the 1st of Au-
gust. 1899.
In thus severing the official relation
which mas continued for more than two
years, desire to thank you for the faith
tul service you have rendered the country
eta most exacting period and to wish you
along and happy life. With assurances
pf'high regard and esteem. am, yours
sincerely, WIN. MCKINLEY.
.-sSenator Thurston had an interview
with the president yesterdayin behalf Of
Meiklejohn as Alger's successor.