New-York tribune., 1899-07-25
RETROSPECT AND FORECAST.

1t has been gratifying to observe the kindly
expressions which Secretary Ayers resignation
has evoked, and we have remarked win much
interest that they are by no means cohnneo 10
those who during the critical period OF the
war refrained for patriotic reasons from Sc
yerely condemning the conduct OF his Depart
ment. General Alger has many excellent
qualities which have not been obscured at any
time, and which especially deserve to be recog-
nized at the moment of his withdrawal from
office under circumstances not entirely con-
ducive TO his personal satisfaction 1t is an
amiable habit Of the American people TO Keep
their minds free from unnecessary resentments
and to signify their appreciation OF any good
characteristic as often as suitable opportunity
arises Nor Is the current illustration OF this
National trait discredited by slight sugges-
ton of anxiety on the part of some or the
Secretary's eulogists to avert possible In
clinatlon on his part to give the country fuil
and free account of his stewardship.
In comments on General Algers retirement
we do, however, find one point Of view some
what frequently represented TO which 1t seems
desirable to make emphatic objection. IL the
demand for his resignation had been based
upon considerations of mere convenience to the
Republican partisan organization 1t would have
been much less respectable and authoritative
than II actually was We should be exceedingly
sorry to suppose that any such calculation in
spired the Presidents desire to make change
In his Cabinet, or, If presented to his attention,
was heard by him with patience. Fortunately,
1t is not necessary to assume anything of the
sort and we hope that those Republicans at
least who have been rather eagerly taking that
~, Aaot hot hn q
publican party. whose only reason for existence
is the desire and expectation Of serving the
whole country Is not commended to public
respect and confidence by attributing an official
act of National Importance to mere partisan
| motives. The prevalent understanding is that
| General Ager's retirement is consequent upon
| conscientious judgment of what the common
welfare and credit require, and we trust there
| Is no warrant whatsoever for seeking to disturb
that impression.
Mention Of the Secretary's resignation and
| the reasons for it naturally suggests a regret
that in certain quarters so much pains should
| apparently have been taken to include in the
| record Of bis successors career Mr.. Croker's
| bitter illusions to Mr. Roots early professional
| relations with Tweed, his services to private
| interests in connection with the Broadway
| Railroad scandal. his appearance as counsel for
the Whskey Trust, and his promotion of or
hostility to measures before the Legislature last
winter concerning which Governor Roosevelt
felt compelled to reject his advice. We should
not wish to detect a sinister purpose In such
specifications, but 1t hardly seems kindly and
timely to rehearse them In the case of man
who is willingly taking up heavy burdens
which his fellow citizens earnestly hope he
may be able to carry with advantage to the
| country and satisfaction to himself.