The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1899-07-26
E6hu Boot Chosen
to Succeed A|ger.
Appointment Quickly Fol
lows Platt's Visit to
President.

Washington, July % -Elihu Root
of New York has accepted the war
portfolio in President McKinley's
cabinet. The telegram of accept
ance was received shortly after noon
today while Secretary Long was with
the president. Secretary Alger had
just ief.
The tender of the war portfolio
was made to MIR. Root last night
after the conference at the White
House AS the president will leave
for the Adiroudacks Wednesday or
Thursday of next week it is hardly
| probable that Mr.. Root will come to
Washington to confer with him
before that time. 1t is regarded as
| more likely that Mr. Root will meet
the president at Lake Champlain the
latter part of the week.
The announcement of Mr.. Roots
appointment was make at the wa:
department. It was stated that
Senator Platt came to Washington
last evening armed with authority
from Mr. Root to accept in his name
the war portfolio. 1t is not expected
that the acceptance will make any
! change in the plans of Secretary
Alger and be will remain on duty
here until the end of the present
month, being assisted by Mr.. Nickel
John, who is expected to reach Wash
ipgton this afternoon.
Secretary Alger had confidently
expected the appointment of Mr.
Root, and was very much pleased at
the presidents choice This was
evidenced in the following letter
which Secretary Aiger addressed yes
terday to his successor
Washington, July 81, 10 m
My Dear Mr.. Root All I know
is what the newspapers say that you
are to succeed me as secretary of
war. Should it come to you I most
earnestly urge you to make the
sacrifice and accept the position.
With your great knowledge Of law
and your excellent health. you can
serve the conntry in way given to
few men Sincerely yours,
r. A Alger.
To Hon Eiihu Root, New York.
Secretary Alger called at the
White House today and for short
time discussed with the president
some appointments to commissions
in the volunteer army He drove
from the White House direct to the
station, where he met his wife.
Together they left for Thorudale, Pa /,
to spend Sunday with their daughter.
Secretary Alger this afternoon
addressed the following telegram to
Mr. Root at Southampton upon
hearing of his acceptance of the war
portfolio
"Accept my best congratulations
aud thanks !"
Secretary Alger is in receipt Of
q great many letters and kilograms
from persons in every station in life,
all touching upon his retirement from
the cabinet. So numerous are they
that the secretary finds himself physi'
calIy unable to make proper separate
responses and has requested the
associated Press to convey an
acknowledgment of his deep appre
citation of the sentiments expressed.
EIihu Root was born Feb Is,
lS45. at Cincinton, Oneida cousty,
N Y. He graduated from Hamilton
college in the class of 1864 and
entered tue New York university
law school. He was admitted to the
bar in 1867, since which time be has
been 10 the active practice of his
profession in New York He was
United States attorney for the south.
ern district of New York from March
1883, to July. 1885 He was vice
president of the association Of the
bar of the city Of New York for
number of years. vice president of
the Grant Monument association. at
one time president of the Republican
club aud is the president OF
the Union league club He has
been trustee of Hamilton college
since 1883 and has served 90 presi
Gent of the New England society in
the city of New York. He was one
of the most prominent members of
the last New York State constitu
tional convention, where be served
as chairman of the judiciary commit
tee.