The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-11-16
President Roosevelt and Secretary
Root Issue a Letter Stating that
Influence Counts for Naught.
NO RECIPROCITY WITH CANADA
GALLINGER HOSTILE TO REDUCTION
OF DOMINION DUTIES.
Sending of Seeds to the Philippines
Discussed at Cabinet Meeting
Appointments Held Up.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15.-It was an
nounced at the War Department to-day
that the names of the officers to fill the
vacancies in the grade of brigadier gen.
eral will not be announced until Congress
meets, as it is not deemed desirable to
make ad interim appointments. In addi-
ton to this statement, and in view of the
great pressure that has been brought to
bear, it has been deemed proper to make
the following official declaration:
The secretary of war and the President
have had informal discussion on army
matters on several occasions, and ii is un-
derstood that the President has expressed
himself most positively on the use of po-
litical and social influence by officers, for
the purpose of obtaining changes of sta
tions, leaves of absence, notifications of
orders, etc. OF course, it is understood
that officers often need to have attention
called to their cases by political friends,
for appointments, especially cases of the
young volunteer officers who recently have
been appointed. 1t is safe to say, however,
that at no period in the history of our
government has the matter of record been
used to such good purpose as during the
present reorganization Of the army, when
the greatest possible care has been taken
in the selection of persons for appoint
ment in the reorganized army.
The President has not hesitated TO inform
Senators and others who have APPLIED to
him that no officer will improve his chances
by sending his friends to annoy the Presi-
dent in his behalf. On the contrary, the
effect which will be produced probably will
be directly opposite that which the can
ddate hopes for. Several Senators and
Representatives have had some disappoint-
ment because the persons in whom they are
interested have not received tn appoint
ments and stations applied for by them
but the administration a whole is evil
IDENTIFY of the opinion that the good sense
and judgment of public men will lead them
to the same conclusion as that arrived at
by the President and secretary of war;
that is, If a system OF records be thoroughly
established at the War Department, IL
will be far better for the officers and men,
as well public officials, that such a
register be made the guide for selections,
details, etc, rather than influence. The
personal influence cfOny ponj ponjonp
appeals of individuals to their Congress
men their personal influence necessi-
tateS public men giving up great deal of
their time in locating the proper Office "A
which to apply for information and the
filing of appeals This takes them away
from their legitimate duties while Con-
ly with the public business of the depart
ments. 1t is fully recognized by public Of
ficials that as the proper men in the first
instance to establish the character of an
applicant for office are the Senator's and
Representatives from their own homes, il
is eminently just and proper that. their
influence should be respected and they
should be responsible for the character OF
the persons recommended for office; but
once I'm the public service Ii is only fair
TO the administration that not only army
officers. but all other classes of public Of
ficeholders, should rely their own merits
and not on the further use of political in
fiuence
Senator Gallinger. Of New Hampshire,
who was one OF the Presidents callers to-
day, not only opposes a revision Of the
tariff bill. also any tariff concessions to
other countries through reciprocity trea-
ties He Is especially hostile to any treaty
looking to the reduction OF duties Ca