The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-07-20

of his programme, that is, his oft-re-
peated assertion: 1 will not retire I'M
der fire."
General Alger read the extract from
the paper silently and carefully.
While he was thus engaged Mr.. Ho-
bart remarked that four or five people
wanted to talk with General Alger on
this subject, but that he had stead
tasty declined to say a word Then
Mr. Hobart spoke of his own health
and how much his sojourn down here
in his native air had improved him.
During the conversational aside, Cen
eral Alger rear, reread and thought over
the statement before him. His face
was a study. There was a look of deep
concern Upon it, observing which the
vice president said. reaching out his
hand: Let me see that"
General Alger handed the extract to
Mr.. Hobart, who in turn read it. Then,
just as he might have done in the trial
of any case before a court. he held the
excerpt between his fingers as he would
summons and complaint or any legal
document, and looking at the Times
man as he might have done at opposing
counsel. said:
1T appears to me that this concerns
Secretaries Hay and Gage more than 1t
does Secretary Alger. Let them be in
terviewed about 1t. do not think that
Secretary Alger should be called upon
~ say any tuiLS Oh TIE SUBJECT uo"
Secretary Alger had recovered mis-
composure by this time. and quickly
added: Yes, that seems to be the
proper way. Let Secretary Hay make
the statement public that shall affirm
what took place at that interview. I
have no statements to make"
"Cerainly not!'' emphatfcally ejacu-
lated Mr.. Hobart in the same tones he
has doubtlessly often used in court.
Once more your representative apollo
getically stated that many people had
heard and believed to-day that the sec
rotary had made up his mind to resign
now, because his colleagues in the cab
met and the president himself wished
him to do so. Would it hot be well to
say something to set the matter right ?"
mo- said the vice president quick
ly, General Alger has nothing to say.
Ask the other side
Your representative suggested good.
| humoredly, You will pardon me, Mr..
Hobart, for saying that / am not ask
| ing these questions as a lawyer, rs
| your reply would suggest. My inquiry
| is for the Times, and / had hoped to
| succeed in getting an interview with
General Alger on a topic of such broad
national interest"
The vice president promptly said.
with a good natured smile, II think
| you have been very successful
so 10 l." said Secretary Alger. 81
think you have succeeded. had made
up my mind not to speak one word
with anybody on this subject"
Have you been very busy to-day,
general?" asked your representative.
Many people to see you on official
business?"
Yes, l have been very busy" replied
the secretary in a weary voice.
The vice president then changed the
conversation to subjects of a personal
nature, recalling former meetings with
your representative, who, after few
words of pleasant parting, descended
the steps to his cab and received the
smiling adieux of the vice president
and the secretary of war. who remain.
ed seated with Mrs. Hobart to watch
the twilight deepen into the restfu
night which brought peace to the deni.
zens of Norwood-perhaps to the har
assed secretary of war.