Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1899-07-25
MR.. ROOT IS APPOINTED
New York Man Succeeds Alger
in Presidents Cabinet.
NEW WAR SECRETARY.
Sketch of His Life and Career AS a
Lawyer-His Strength in
New York.

Washington, D. c., July 22.-Elihu
and has accepted, the appointment as
secretary of war.
The selection Of Mr. Root is considered
a good political stroke, because it will
help to hold New York state in line for
the Republican nominee for President
next year. Mr.. Root has been president
of the Union League club of New York
and has been leader in reform move
ments that have been run counter to
Senator PAtts programmes but for sew
eral years past these two men have been
working III harmony. Mr.. Root repre-
scented the Platt element in the constitu-
tlonal convention of New York. and Sen
ator Platt is said to have taken a friend
~ interest in his desire to go to the court
of ST. James
While Mr.. Root is too big a man to be
an humble tool of the senator, their rela-
tons are friendly. and Mr.. Roots selec-
ton Is calculated to promote harmony
between the factions in the Republican
party of New York.
Ellhu Root was born at Clinton, Oneida
county, \. Y, February Is. 1915. His
father was Oren Root. for many wears
professor of mathematics in Hamilton
college. In his youth he taught school
subsequently, studying law there and he
completed his course at the University
Law school in New York. He then en-
tered the law office of Mann Il Parsons
HIS trst partnership was formed with
John II. Strain and the next with Will
taru bar1lett, VINO became judge of the
Supreme court. Mr.. Root was connected
with the municipal reform movement in
New York city in 1871. In 1879 he
was the Republican candidate for judge
of the court of common pleas, but was
defeated, though polling large vote. He
was chairman of the Republican county
committee in 1886 and 1887, and for
many years executive member of the
Iwenty-hrst Assembly district He was
appointed by President Arthur gaS Unitod
States attorney for the Southern district
of New York. and served two years. Dur
Ing his long career as a lawyer Mr.. Root
has been leading counsel in many noted
cases, notably for Tweed and Ingersoll
on the exposure of the frauds perpetrated
upon the county of New York by the
Tweed ring, for Judge Hilton in the
Ste--art will case, for the executors in
the HOyt and Havemeyer will cases. and
for the contestants in the Hammersley
VIII case. He Is now counsel for and
director in several banks, is attorney for
several steam railroads and the chief
adviser Of the syndicate controlling the
broadway railroad. He is also counsel
for many large private corporations. Mr..
Root was chairman of Gov. Roosevelt's
campaign committee last year. He made
4 vigorous attack on the Van Wyck
forces, and was considered Mr.. Roose
velts most able lieutenant in the battle
against Boss Croker and Judge Van
WICK.
The announcement of Mr.. Roots ap-
poinment was made at the war depart
ment. 1t was stated that Senator Platt
came to Washington last evening with
authority from Mr.. Root to accept in his
name the war portfolio. 1t is not eX-
pected that acceptance will make any
change in the plans of Secretary Alger,
and he will remain on duty here until
the end of the present month, being as
sisted by Mr.. Meikeljohn, who is expect
Ell to reach Washington this afternoon.
Secretary Alger had confidently expect
ed the appointment of Mr.. Root, and was
very much pleased at the Presidents
choice. This was evidenced in the fol-
lowing letter which Secretary Alger ad-
dressed yesterday to his successor:
Washington, d. c., July IL 1s99.-My
Dear Mr.. Root: All l know is what the
Newspapers say that you pa are !, to succeed me
l most urgently urge you to make the sac
rifce and accept the position. With your
knowledge of law and your excellent health
you can serve the country in way given
to few men. Sincerely yours,
Hon. Elihu Root, New York.
Detroit, Mich. July 22.-At a largely
attended nonpartisan meeting of leading
citizens, held in the mayors office this
afternoon, a reception was planned in
honor of Gen. Ayers return home.
Washington. d. c., July 22.-Secre-
tary Alger called at the white house today
and was with the President for short
time discussing some appointments to
commissions in the volunteer army He
drove from the white house direct to the
station, where he met his wife. To-
gether they left for Thorndale, Pa, to
~ 81 i