Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1899-07-21
Letter Of the War Secretary,
Resigni6. His Portfolio.
WHO WILL SUCCEED HIM?
New York Lawyer May be Called to FIJI.
the Vacancy. Elihu Root, General
Horace Porter and Attorney
General Griggs Mentioned.
(By Telegrapll.)

(By Telegraph
WASHINGTON, July 2O.-Sccretary
Aiger Will rclinquish the war portfolio
before August !. He called upon Pres
ident Mckinley at the White House
this morning shortly before noon and
was with him for few minutes. When
he left he appeared to be in excellent
spirits. His face was wreathed With
smiles as he expressed to several news
paper men who gathered about him his
appreciation Of their good wishes
You feel relieved Of Il great burden 2"
one of them suggested.
Yes. 1 10" replied the Secretary
Hereafter 1 will only have my own
burden to carry.
TO RETIRE THIS MONTH.
The Secretary said that he would re-
linquish his portfolio as soon as the
pending routine matters OF the depart
ment were cleared up and Assistant
Secretary Meiklejohn. to whom the war
office is to be turned over pending the
appointments OF General .Alger's sue
cessor is ready to assume charge. Mr.
Meiklejohn wired this morning that he
would be back on Saturday
II shall retire before August L." said
the Secretary. General -Alger said he
would go back to Michigan and for the
present at least devote his attention to
his health. The Secretary said he
knew nothing about his successor
HIS SENATORIAL CANDID CY.
Asked as to whether he would press
his Senatorial candidacy. the Secretary
replied: Il cannot tell YOU
The following is Secretary Ayers
letter of resignation and inc Presidents
reply to it:
July 49, 1899: ,Sr:-I beg to tender
to you my resignation of the Office OF
Secretary of War. to take effect at
such time in the near future as you
may decide the affairs of this depart
ment will permit.
IN terminating my official connection
with your administration wish for you
continuous health and the highest
measure of success in carrying out the
great work entrusted to you.
Il have the honor to be.
Very respectfully your obedi-
ent servant.
IRA. ALGER
TO the President"
MKINI!EYiS REPLY.
The President replied:
Executive Mansion.
Washington. July 20. 1899
AAoli II. y. - lSeI, secretary OF w ar
Dear Sir: Your resignation of the
office of Secretary of War under date of
July 10, is accepted TO take effect the
first Of August 1899
In thus serving the official relation
which has continued for more than two
Years. desire to thank you for the
faithful service you have rendered the
country at most eXactng period and
to wish you long and happy life.
With assurances of high regard and
esteem, I am
Yours sincerely.
'WTILLIAtM M@KINLEY."
Secretary -Alser maintained the ga mo
reticence today that he adoped yes
terday after the resignation had been
presented He would make no state
ment and every inquiry was met with
the declaration that this same silence
would be preserved so long as he was
member OF the cabinet
AI-GE1R'S SUCCESSOR.
The most absorbing and generally
discussed topic here today was the
choice OF a successor to Secretary Al
ger. Many names were mentioned in
the speculation, but it can be stated
with authority that as yet the Presi-
Gent mas made no selection. Both Sec
rotary Long and Postmaster General
smith, who We're with the President
Tor short time expressed the belief
that no member of the cabinet would
care to be Shifted to the War Depart
ment. among the names most promi-
nentiy mentioned was that of General
Horace Porter, ambassador to France
Senator Thurston. OF Nebraska, called
at the White House during the day
and urged the promotion of Assistant
Secretary Meiklejohn. Nearly every
general who figured in the recent war
has been mentioned as possibility.
that of General James H. Wilson being
about the most prominent in that class.
MAY COME FROM NEW YORK.
strong belief expressed in certain
circles is that the successor Of Mr.. AL
ger will come from New York In this
connection Mr. Elihu Root has been
suggested. a high administration Off
cial today said that the next Secretary
or war VIII not only be a New Yorker.
but lawyer as we'll. The authority
1or this statement was in consultation
with the President today and he stated
that while it may be said that as vet
the selection has not been finally pass
ed upon, New York, now without rem
resentation, has the strongest claim for
recognition. The belief gained ground
inns afternoon that Mr.. Root will be
rendered the portfolio.
Tot Eliistmen..