The Indianapolis journal., 1899-08-14
SECRETARY ROOT'SGRASP
NEW CHEF STIRS UP DRY BONES IN
THE WAR DEPARTMENT.
Surprised the Employees by Remain-
ing at His Desk Three Hours
After Others Had Departed.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 13.-Secretary Root
is beginning to get firm grasp on the
administration of the War Department. He
has been at the head of affairs only ten
days, yet this has been sufficient 10 show
his methods and the influence which his
vigorous personality exerts throughout the
military establishment. At the outset Mr..
Root set about familiarzing himself with
the more important details of the depart
ment much as a lawyer first prepares his
statement of facts as basis for his legal
analysis. From Adjutant General Corbin he
secured data showing at a glance broad
outline of the army in the field. From the
quartermaster General he learned the num-
ber of transports. the capacity and readi-
ness TO carry troops and the exact status
Of stores, clothing and equipment, particu-
larly as 10 General Otis's forces in front
OF the enemy. OF the commissary general
he asked just how many rations were in
actual stock at Manila, how long this sup
ply would last, how quickly it could be re-
plenished and whether there were ample
margin for every emergency. The same in
formation has been drawn as to ordnance,
medical and hospital supplies, engineering
and signal equipment. Euch bureau officer
submitted succinct tabular statement and
this was supplemented by a personal talk
with the secretary. Not only the officials
here, but those at Manila and Havana have
been consulted by cable whenever il has
been necessary to add to the completeness
of the information at hand here. In this
way Mr.. Root has speedily brought him
self into touch with every branch of the
military service and has gathered a most
complete and analysed resume of military
affairs.
While getting in hand this administrative
machinery Mr.. Root has at the same time
made careful inquiry into the military
situation in the field. Probably the most
important military inquiry he is pursuing
is as to the exact fluctuations of the in
surrection in the Philippines since the day
1t began. For that purpose a military map
is now being prepared by the adjutant gen.
erals Office for the private use of the Sec
retary, showing the advance of our forces
from day to day throughout General Otis's
campaign, the position and movements on
different occasions, the retreat of the enemy
and its position and force from time to
time. 1t will be a birds-eye view of the
military operations throughout the insur-
rection. Dates will be written in to show
the position of the army as the campaign
proceeded and as far as possible Ii will
convey TO the eye an idea of the scope of
the military operations in the Philippines
IN of Major f
chief of the Bureau of Military Informa-
ton. who has been giving his undivided
attention to making 1t complete and COM
prehensive.
While going over the military phases of
the work the secretary has conferred with
na hs Sh vSe m %
command, on the military problems present
ed and besides the military results of these
tween the executive head of the War De-
partment and the ranking officers Of the
army. Meanwhile the secretary has an
ceeds slowly while the facts, on which poll
cies rest. are being assembled. If there
has been some loose and rather careless
have probably been as much surprise to
him as to the public. So. too, the reports
set afioat before he entered office. that he
would confine his attention to Cuban affairs,
leaving the Philippines to ''the military
authorities" have not been borne out, but,
on on the contrary. the military exigencies in
his most earnest solicitude.
Concerning Cuba and Porto Rico, the de-
its multitude of minor issues. IS being Taf left
largely with his assistants and chiefs and
he is concerning himself with the larger
OF these islands and with the substitution Of
orderly civil government for the military
regime now In force.
When former Premier Rivera urged yes
terday that an order be speedily issued for
municipal elections in Porto Rico the Sec
retary replied that he hoped these elections
would occur as soon as the present unhappy
and storm-swept condition of the island
would permit. When 1t was suggested that
the desolation in Porto Rico made oppor-
tune remission Of duties articles OF
prime necessity the secretary said he was
already comforting with General Davis, Gov
ernor Of the island, to that step.
Mr.. Root has little time for the crowd of
callers with small requests. He Is a la.
borious and methodical worker. When there
was some surprise at his remaining at his
desk until o'clock Thursday evening, three
hours after the building was deserted, he
explained that 1T was his habit to concen-
trate his attention on important work from
10 In the morning until II at night, usually
without the distraction of meals. He has
been making his studies at home during
most of the evening since he has been here.
The secretary is quite reserved to callers
listning and inquiring rather than talking.
His Cabinet associates speak Of his calm
and deliberate manner and his ready per-
ception Of affairs.