The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-07-09
Teddy Declines to Discuss the Report
HIS visit to the White House.
WHEELER SAYS GOODBYE
WILL SAIL FROM SAN FRANCISCO
FOR MANILA ON THE 2sTH INST.
state Department Hopeful that n Hos
tile Clash Over the Alaska boundary
Question Will Be Averted.

WASHINGTON, July s.-Governor Theo-
dore Roosevelt, of New York, Is tonight
the guest CT the President at the White
House. He arrived here at 4:10 p. m. to-
day I'm response to a telegraph request from
President Mckinley, delivered TO him at
Oyster Bay, asking him to come to Wash
ington for a consultation. To this sum-
n ons he responded promptly, being met ct
the Pennsylvania station his arrival by
the Presidents private secretary, Mr..
Cortelyou.
Governor Roosevelt was driven directly
60 the White House. where he was received
by the President. There was short con-
ference between them before dinner After
ward, together with Secretary Long, they
sat on the west veranda of the executive
mansion for a longer consultation. The
secretary remained until about o'clock.
leaving the President and his guest to con-
tinue the conversation. There were various
rumors afioat as to the purpose Of the Gov
ernor's visit. but he declared that the Presi-
dent had asked him to come to Washing
ton only because OF his desire to consult
him concerning the organization of the new
volunteer forces for the Philippines. Gov
ernor Roosevelt declined to discuss any Of
the rumors concerning his visit.
Among the reports were those to the ef-
feet that the President had called him to
washington TO tender him the Office of Sec
rotary OF War, to ask him to take COM
mand OF a brigade in the Philippines and
TO ask him to designate an entire regiment
20 be sent to the archipelago. He was
asked In so many words whether the Presi-
dent had rendered him the secretaryship.
He replied to this question with laugh,
and declined TO discuss it. The Governors
best friends in Washington say that. re-
CARELESS OF the facts as to the Presidents
tender or failure 10 make one. the Governor
would much prefer his present position as
chief executive OF the Empire State to a
fractional term in the War Department
and his treatment of the question tonight
renders this theory as to his attitude most
plausible.
Governor Roosevelt dictated the following
interview to the Associated Press: IT have
come to Washington at the request of the
President to go over with him and the off,
GERS or the War Department certain ques-
tons Affecting the new volunteer army
especially as regards the questions of the
personnel OF the officers. The President has
told me that he wishes only recommends
lions based on the efficiency Of the men
recommended and that he will pay heed to
no others. Most certainly should give no
others, and feel that the Presidents atti-
tude In the matter. 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 poll
tics 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 CIV
lxs~ -
absolutely no consideration could enter out
side Of the merit Of the men as soldiers.
My own recommendations will be limited to
the men I had under me or saw In action,
and to the members of the New York volun-
teer regiments. of whose merits / have as
Governor not merely official knowledge, but
also the knowledge gained from personal
inquiry among their superiors"
Referring TO the general situation in the
Philippines and the policy Of the admins
tration with reference TO those islands, Mr..
Roosevelt said: "Of course any American
worthy OF the name must stand behind the
President in his resolute purpose to bring
the resurrection in the Philippines to an
end have no question that by the be-
ginning 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 fol-
lows. 1t cannot be too clearly kept in mind
that the whole trouble is due TO the men
who for two months prevented the rati-
fcation Of the treaty Of peace and
TO those who declined to give the
President the troops he needed upon the
terms he asked. Those who took part in the
first movement TO oppose the treaty have
on their souls the guilt OF most OF the blood
shed both in our own troops and that of the
natives OF the Philippines; and the would
be traitors who have since been encouraging
Aguinaldo and his followers TO the limit of
their small capacity share the guilt so far
as their feeble powers permit. Those who
opposed giving Us the forces We needed
thereby showed themselves the enemies OF
their country. Every man who 30 voted in
the Senate may have the satisfaction OF
knowiLg that he has cone all that he could
to bring discredit on the flag and disgrace
upon our arms. 1t Is all the more to the
credit OF the administration that Il has
steadfastly pursued the path OF national
honor and steadfastly upheld the interests
and the good name OF the Nation as a
whole in spite OF the way IL has been ham,
pered by those who sought TO betray the
Nation. We have a right TO demand the
support OF every true American for the adj
ministrauon's policy In the Philippines and
every American who Is far-sighted and pa
triotic should join In denouncing alike the
men who strive 10 give aid and comfort 10
the foes not only OF America but of civiliza-
ton In the Philippines. and also those other
men who would prevent our army being
: made equal to the national need"
During the evening Secretary Hay. Attor-
nsy General Griggs and Adjutant General
corbin joined the party at the White