The age-herald., 1899-07-06
FIGHT MADE ON
 SECRETARY ALGER

severest fire of criticism the president never for moment faltered in his friend ship and protection. Two boards of his ap- pointment vindicated the secretary. It was confidently thought that at that time the secretary would take that opportunity to retire from the cabinet and thus relieve the administration of further embarrassment on that score. It Was no secret to a few that the president himself expected the sec- relary to take this course. It was thought that the president had already chosen a successor. But the secretary chose to think differently. The very vindication which the president afforded him was the very reason why he should remain and removed the only objection to his contln- uance in the official household.
 The situation has changed ma terially. The secretary of war has formed an alli- apce with a freaky republican governor, who is in every way antithetical to the president and to the other members of the cabinet. He has opened, while in the caDi- net, a warfare with strong and powerful supporter of the administration, of which he is part. And now the president thinks that he should retire.
 It is difficult matter for any president to dismiss a cabinet officer, a man whom he voluntarily chose as his ally and friend Presidents have been known to stand a good deal before resorting to dismissal. Whether the president will ask for General Alger's resignation remains to be seen, but he has shown that he is capable of doing it. He used diplomacy and gentleness in removing Secretary Sherman, but he re- moved him, and it is no secret here that he assisted Postmaster-G General Gary to re- tire, oiling the plank, but tilting it con- sideraby.
 A cabinet officer can give much trouble 1T he shows disposition to stick after he ceases to be wanted Poor Ia ry sherman got out, but did not realize what had happened to him until it was all over He behaved beautifully when he found out He could have made it very disagreeable to the president, but he continues to live here, wondering aimlessly about the streets and occasionally visiting the scenes of his former honors
 Alger Is Not Meek
 Secretary Alger possesses none of the qualities of meekness which characterized Postmaster-General Gary nor is he in an enfeebled condition like Secretary Sher- man. He is clever and can whipsaw the situation quite as long as can the presi- dent
 II he retires now it may be said that he was forced out, and thus an advantage will be given to the McMillan men. If he stays Tn, a case of remaining where he is not wanted can easily be made out. Alger is capable of a good deal of harm yet, as mucn by getting out by remaining in possibly more.
 lie has not been at the head of this de- pertinent for over two years for nothing He has friends, possibly of the man,mon or unrighteousness, but he has them and they are willing to receive him and share his resentments.
 A strong effort will be made to have the next congress to authorize the postoffice department to establish a parcel delivery oG European governments. The postoffice de- partment is of the opinion that the people are being made to pay twice or three times for express delivery as it is worth and the only way to force the express companies to lower their scales is for the postoffice de- pertinent 10 establish this branch of the postal business and put the rates at a figure much lower than any now maintained by express companies. Such a bill endorsed by the postal authorities, would meet the united opposition Of the express companies. but would be supported by every book con- cern in the country. every business, in fact which is now a contributor to the express companies.
 Roberts Member
 Brigham Young Roberts, of Utah. is al- ready member of the house of representa q = tivss. if signing the payroll and drawing his salary makes him one Up to the pres ct time he has already drawnfour month 5 salary just the same as the members in fhe highest standing. A copy of the "un- official list" of the members of th@ next congress is now out and Mir Roberts is hC1Gded.
 The question which win arise in his case, is not one of admiting him. but of getting hiIn out. He is as much 2 member of the ravt house IS General Henderson himself an,l ihev enter the organization on equal terms The house is not like the senate, a continuous body.