The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-07-09
STARTED MANY RUMORS
Roosevelt Has Conference
With Mckinley
REGARDING THE NEW ARMY
The Rough Riders Advice Sought by
the War Department--Conf1ict
in the Philippines viii
Soon End.

Washington, July 8-Governor Theo-
dore Roosevelt Of New York is tonight
the guest of the president at the white
house. He arrived here at 4:10 p. m.
to-day in response to a telegram re-
quest from President Mckinley, deliv-
cred to him at Oyster Bay, asking him
to come to Washington for a consulta-
ton. To this summons he responded
promptly and was met at the station
upon his arrival by the presidents pri-
vate secretary, Mr.. Cortelyou. Cover
nor Roosevelt was driven direct to the
white house, where he was received by
the president. There was a short con-
ference between them before dinner
Afterward, together with Secretary
Long, they sat upon the west veranda
of the executive mansion for a longer
consultation. The secretary remained
until O'Clock, leaving the president
and his guest to continue the conversa-
ton.
Ihere were various rumors af1oat as
TO the purpose of the governors visit,
but he declared that the president had
asked him to come to Washington only
because of his desire to consult him
concerning the organization of the new
volunteer force for the Philippines
Among the reports were those to the
effect that the president had called him
to Washington to tender him the office
OF secretary of war, to ask him ito take
command of brigade in the Philip
pines and to ask him to designate an
entire regiment to be sent to the archi-
pelago. He was asked whether the
president had rendered him the secre-
taryship. He laughed and declined
positively to discuss it. The governors
best friends in Washington say that he
would much prefer his present position
as chief executive of the Empire state
to a fractional term in the war depart
ment, and his treatment of the question
tonight renders this theory as to his
attitude most plausible. Governor
Roosevelt dictated the following inter-
view to the associated press:
Il have come to Washington at the
request of the president to go over with
him and the officers of the war depart
ment certain questions affecting the
new volunteer army, particularly as re-
CARDS the personnel of the officers. The
president has told me. that he wishes
only recommendations based On the eff
ficiency of the recommended, and that
he will pay heed to no others Most
certainly l should give no others, and
l feel that the presidents attitude in
the face of the terrific political pressure
to which he is. and will be, subjected
is such as to entitle him to the support
of all men, who feel that politics have
no place in the army, who feel that it Is
in a peculiar sense the property Of the
whole country and that in the giving
of commissions and promotions alike
absolutely no consideration should en-
ter outside of the merit of the soldiers.
MY own recommendations will be
limited to the men / had under me, or
saw In action, and to the members of
the New York volunteer regiments of
whose merits i have, as governor. not
merely of the knowledge, but also the
knowledge gained from personal in
quiry among their superiors."
Referring to the general situation In
the Philippines, and the policy of the
administration with reference to those
islands, Mr.. Roosevelt said:
'Of course, any American worthy OF
the name must stand behind the presi-
dent in his resolute purpose to bring
instruction in the Philippines to an
end have no question that by thu
beginning of the dry season General
Otis will be in shape to stamp out all
resistance. Then the president can and
will see that the reign of absolute law
and justice follows.
During the evening Secretary Hay,
Attorney General Griggs and Adjutant
General Corbin joined the party at the
white house. They remained with the
president and Governor Roosevelt until
II o'clock After they went away, the
president and his guest continued 'the
talk until a few minutes before mid
.rht