New-York tribune., 1899-07-23
SELECTION PRAISED HERE.
MR.. PLATT TELLS OF HIS TRIP TO
WASHINGTON
HE HAD WITH HIM THE ASSURANCE OF
ACCEPTANCE BY BOTH MR. ROOT
AND GENERAL GREENE

AND GENERAL GREENE.
The announcement that Elihu Root the presi-
dent Of the Union League Club and well known
lawyer OF this city, would succeed General Alger
as Secretary OF War on August ! was received
with expressions OF satisfaction by Republicans
Of prominence in New-YOrk yesterday 1t
said that the Presidents selection Of Mr.. Root
was in part a recognition Of the desirability of
having New-York represented in the Cabinet,
and 1t was said that Mr.. Root would bring 10
his new duties the abilities and training which
should make him a most desirable and useful
member Of the Presidents official family The
decision Of the President to have Secretary
OF War who was trained in the law rather than
q man OF military education and experience
was regarded by the politicians as sure indica-
ton that the President believed in speedy end
ing OF the war in the Philippines. and was look
ing for an early solution Of the legal questions
involved in the formation OF a colonial govern
mcnt for the islands
Many politicians were eager to know what
Nlr Root was doing yesterday. and there We're
frequent inquiries for him at his law office at
No 30 Llberty-st.. at the Union League CLUB
and at his city home. There was one report
that he had come to the city TO meet Senator
Platt and there was another report that he hal
gone 10 Washington to consult with the Presl-
dent. but both reports were contradicted, and 1t
was learned that Mr.. Root was at his summer
home in Southampton, Long Island, and would
remain there until tomorrow.
Senator Thomas c. Platt returned to the city
from WASHINGTON yesterday Afternoon, and
went 10 the Oriental Hotel at Manhattan
Beach. arriving there about o'clock. An hour
later he talked with several newspaper men on
the veranda OF the hotel Il am pleased with
the choice NJ Mr. Root for Secretary OF War
he said and l would have been pleased II the
President had selected General Francis '.
Greene for the place II the President had been
willing 70 appoint a military man TO the once
I feel sure that ne would have considered "a
yorablv the recommendation OF General Greene.
As II was the President wanted man Win
the legal training and ability to decide the ques-
tons Of law that will arise in the formation OF
new colonial governments for our new posses
sions I therefore recommended MT Root as
man we'll equipped for the duties Of the office"
WHEN THE DECISION WAS REACHED.
"yvhen did Mr. Root accept the offer OF ap-
poirtment TO the Office" the Senator was asked.
"r have not seen Mr.. Root or had communica-
ton with him since went t. Washington SEN
ator Platt replied, "and I do not know what
communication he may have had with the Presi-
dent to-day l think the President did not DECIDE
10 appoint Mr. Root until had talked with the
President last evening The President tried TO
get into communication with Mr.. Root by wire
last evening. but Mr. Root could not be reached.
7 was able 10 say TO the President that had
the assurance that Mr. Root would accept the
office Of Secretary Of War II 1t were rendered 10
him. was in the position 10 give the same as
baH faGf fre1 n
General Greene"
Was there any consideration OF Governor
Roosevelt's name?"
Governor Roosevelts name could not be con-
sdered because he announced at the outset that
he could not be induced to take Cabinet place"
While Senator Platt talked with the newspa-
per men he was waiting for the arrival Of Gov
ernor Roosevelt who had accepted an invitation
10 visit with him over Sunday. To e question as
70 possible political Significance Of the visit
Senator Platt said: There IL absolutely no po-
litical reason for the Governors visit His visit
10 me is for purely social reasons have been a
guest at his house. and have dined with him at
the house Of his sister. and wanted him to
come here and enjoy himself as my guest"
do you expect visit from Mr. Root?" the
Senator was asked.
IT understand" he replied. that Mr.. Root is
at his summer place at Southapmton. and In
tends staying here until Monday"
Lemuel E. Quigg. president OF the Republican
County Committee. Joined Senator Platt on the
hotel veranda for a few minutes Mr.. Quigg
said he thought President Mckinley had been
considering Mr.. Roots appointment with favor
since Monday. and had waited only for Senator
Platts acquiescence before making the an
nouncement
Assemblyman Fallows was one OF the Repuo-
iican politicians who were a. the hotel In the