The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1899-07-10
SAW THE PRESIDENT.
Gov. Roosevelt Has Long Interview
With Mckinley.

Washington, July S.-0ov. Roosevelt
of New York is tonight the guest of the
President at the White House. He ar
rived here at 4.l0 p. m. today in response
10 telegram from President Mckinley,
delivered to him at Oyster Bay, asking
him to come to Washington for consuita-
ton. He responded promptly. He was
met at the station here by the Presidents
private secretary, Mr.. Cortelyou, and was
driven directly to the White House, where
he was received by the President. There
was short conference between the two
distinguished men before dinner. After
wards with Secretary Long, they sat up
on the veranda of the executive Mansion
for longer consultation. The Secretary
remained until about o'clock, leaving
the President and his guest to continue
the conversation. There were various
rumors afiost 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 forces for the Philip
pines
Gov. Roosevelt declined to discuss any
of the rumors concerning the purpose of
his visit. 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
to take command of a brigade in the
Philippines and to ask him to designate
an entire regiment to be sent to the
archipelago. When asked whether the
President had rendered him the secretary
ship, Gov. Roosevelt laughed and declined
to discuss the matter. The Governors
best friends in Washington say that, re-
CARELESS of the facts as to the present
tender or failure to make one, the Cover
nor would much prefer his present posi-
ton as chief executive of the Empire
State, to fractional term In the war
department. Gov. Roosevelt dictated the
following interview TO the Associated
Press:
81 have come to Washington at the re-
quest Of the President to 90 over with
him and with the officers Of the war
department certain questions affecting
the new volunteer army, especially as
regards the personal OF the officers. The
President has told me that he wishes
only recommendations based upon the
efficiency OF the men raised and that ne
will pay heed to no others. Most certain
ly should give no others and feel that
the Presidents attitude In the matter in
the face Of the terrific political pressure
to which he is and will be subjected, ia
such as to entitle him to the support of
all men who feel that politics have no
place in the army, who feel that 1t is In
a peculiar sense the property of the whole
country ana that in the giving Of com
and promotions alike absolutely
no consideration should enter outside OF
the merit of the men as soldiers.
my own recommendation will be lin
tied to the men ] had under me or saw in
action and to the members of the New
York volunteer regiments, of whose mer-
its have, as governor, not merely official
knowledge, but knowledge gained from
personal inquiry among their superiors. .
THE PHILIPPINES.
Referring to the general situation In
the Philippines and the policy of the
with reference to these
islands, Gov. Roosevelt said:
"Of course any American worthy of the
name must stand behind the President In
his resolute purpose, to bring the insur-
rection in the Philippines to an end.
have no question that by the beginning
OF the dry season, GEN. Otis will be in
shape to stamp out all resistance. Then
the President can and will see that tha
reign of absolute law and justice follows.
1t cannot be too clearly kept in mind that
the whole trouble is due TO the men who
for two months. prevented the ratifioa-
tion 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 move.
ment to oppose the treaty have on their
souls the guilt Of most of the blood shed,
both that of our own troops and that Of
the natives Of the Philippines; and the