The record-union., 1899-07-09

WASHINGTON, July 8.-Governor
Theodore Roosevelt of New York is to-
night the guest of the President at the
| White House. He arrived here at 4:10
p. m. to-day, in response to tele-
graphic request from President McKin,
| ley delivered to him at Oyster Bay,
asking him to come to Washington foi
consultation To this summons he
responded promptly, and was met at
the station upon his arrival by the
Presidents Private Secretary. Cortel-
you.
Governor Roosevelt was driven di-
rect to the White House, where he was
received by the President. There was
a short conference between them be-
fore dinner. Afterward, together with
Secretary Long, they sat upon the west
veranda of the executive mansion for
longer consultation. The Secretary re-
manned until 8 o'clock, leaving the
President and his guest to continue the
conversation.
There were various rumors afloat as
to the purpose of the Governors visit
but he declared that the President had
asked him to come to Washington only
because of his desire to consult him
concerning the organization of the new
volunteer force for the Philippines.
Among the reports were those to the
effect that the President had called him
to Washington to tender to him the
office of Secretary Of War; to ask him
to take command Of brigade in the
Philippines, and to ask him to designate
an entire regiment to be sent to the
archipelago.
He was asked whether the President
had rendered him the Secretaryship. He
laughed and declined positively to dis
cuss it. The Governors best friends in
| Washington say that he would mucn
prefer his present position as Chief FIX
ecutive of the Empire State to frac-
| tional term in the War Department,
and his treatment of the question to-
night renders this theory as to his at
titude most plausible.
| Governor Roosevelt dictated the fol-
lowing interview to the Associated
| Press:
'I have come to Washington at the
request of the President TO go over
with him and the officers Of the Wan
Department certain questions affecting
the new volunteer army, particularly as
regards the personnel of the officers.
The President has told me that he
| wishes only recommendations based
upon the efficiency of the men recoms
mended, and that he will pay heed to
no others. Most certainly should give
no others, and I feel that the Presi.
dents attitude in the face of the ter
rife political pressure to which he il
and will be subjected is such as to
entitle him to the support of all men
who feel that politics have no place in
the army; who feel that it is in pecu-
liar sense the property of the whole
country, and that in the giving of COM
missions and promotions alike, abso.
/ lutely no consideration should enter
outside of the merit of soldiers.
MY own recommendations will be
| limited to the men I had under me or
| saw in action, and to the members Of
the New York volunteer regiments. o.
whose merits have, as Governor, not
merely official knowledge, but also the
knowledge gained from personal in.
quiry among their superiors."
| Referring to the general situation in
the Philippines and the policy of the
Administration with reference to those
| islands, Mr. Roosevelt said: "Of course
any American worthy of the name
must stand behind the President in
his resolute purpose to bring the in
surrection in the Philippines 10 an end.
I have no doubt that by the beginning
of the dry season General Otis will be
in shape to stamp out all resistance.
Then the President can and will see
that the reign Of absolute law and jus,
| tice follows"
During the evening Secretary Hay,
Attorney General Griggs and Adjatant
General Corbin joined the party at the
White House. They remained with the
President and Governor Roosevelt until
/ IL o'clock. After they went away the
President and his guest continued the
| talk until few minutes before mid.