The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-08-02


Washington, Aug. 1.--Elihu Root
took the oath of office as secretary OF
war at 1916 o'clock today. The cere-
mony was performed in the large office
Of the secretary of war in the presence
of Secretaries Gage and Hitchcock,
Assistant Secretary Meiklejohn, large
number of army officers in uniform and
employees and officials. The oath was
administered by Judge Cole of the Su-
preme court of the District of Column
bia.
Secretary Alger arrived at the war
department at 1910 o'clock, accom-
panied by Mr. Root for whom he had
called in his carriage. They went i'm
mediately to the seCretary's private
office, where Secretaries Gage and
Hitchcock were waiting. Soon they
were Joined 10y Adjutant General Cor
bin and Major Hopkins. the latter be-
ing the military secretary of Secretary
Alger. A moment later Assistant Sec
retary Meikleiohn and Judge Cole en-
tered the room. and the judge was pre-
sented formally to the new secretary.
BY the time that had been done all the
army officers on duty in the depart
ment had gathered in the main office,
and Mr.. Root and Secretary Alger and
other members of the party entered the
room.
Takes Oath of Office.
1t was 1045 o'clock when Mr. Root
stood up and took the oath of office.
Judge Cole then addressed him as "Mr.
Secretary" shook hands with him and
congratulated him. General Alger ad-
Vanced and shook the new seCretary's
hand most cordially. Addressing him
with evident feeling the general said:
with all my heart ] congratulate
you and the administration. You will
find around you here men who will help
in the arduous duties of your position.
May God bless you and give you
strength"
Secretary Gage then stepped forward
and congratulated Secretary Root. Mr.
Gage was followed by Secretary Hitch
cock, Assistant Secretary Mciklejohn
Adjutant General Corbn and Chief
Clerk Schofied.
General Alger picked up the commits
sion signed by the president and at
tested by the secretary of state ap-
pointing Mr. Root secretary of war.
with a smile handing it to Mr. Root,
lin which you lose your identity and
become Mr. Secretary. | go back to
become a sovereign citizen of the Uni
ted States and become Mr.. Alger.'
II sincerely wish it were the other
way" said Mr.. Root as he accepted
the parchment.
Officers Presented.
Then the officers were presented to
Secretary Root by Victor L. Mason,
the confidential secretary of the Sec
retary of war. As soon as, they had
been introduced they passed on and
shook hands with General AlSer Al
most all stopped to express their re-
gret at his retirement and wish him
great success in the future. They also
thanked him for his consideration
and many acts of kindness and uni
form courtesy during the time they
had been associated with him.
General Miles appeared with his
staff in the full dress uniform of the
major general commanding the army.
He stopped to talk with Secretary
Root for some time longer than any
of the other persons.
Following the presentation of the
officers the civilian officials and clerks
of the department came in and shook
hands with Secretary Root and said
farewell to General Alger.
Secretary Gage, before leaving the
room, went up to General Alger, shook
him cordially by the hand bidding
him good bye. General Alger left at
12.45 o'clock today for his home in
Detroit.
The last official act of Secretary AL
ger was to sign repuisition for the
allotment of 100000 for transports.
Secretary Root did not perform any
official business today AS General
AlGer is secretary and draws the sal
ary for today it was believed to be
best to avoid any legal complications
by havsg the business OF the depart
ment performed by Mr.. Meikeljohn as
acting secretary.
PITTSTON,