The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-03-15
FORCED TO ACCEPT SANGER
Plat and Depew Yield to the
Presidents Wish.
The New Yorker Appointed to Sue
cecd Mr.. Meil<lejohn - Selection
Made at the Instance of Secretary
Root - The Concessions Obtain Il.

Made at the Instance of Secretary
Root - The Concessions Obtain ii.
President McKinleys appointment yes
terday of Col William Cary Sanger, to
be Assistant Secretary of War. was made
with the approval of Senators Platt ana
Depew. and all danger of rupture De
tween the President and those in control
of the Republican party machinery IN
New York State is thus avoided Inc
conference that preceded the announce
ment of Colonel Sanger's appointment
lasted for an hour and half, and out OF
this grew the report that the agreement
was reached only after a serious con-
troversy. The fact is, however. that the
case of Colonel Sanger was discussed but
a few moments, and that the rest OF the
time was spent in consultation about
large batcs of New York Federal ap-
'pointments that are soon to be made, to
fill vacancies caused by death, resigna-
ton. and expiration of terms. The whole
list was carefully gone over and the ap-
pointments will be made in due time.
The way was made smooth for Colonel
Sanger's appointment not at the White
House conference yesterday, but during
a conversation between the Secretary OF
War and Senator Platt a week or so ago
and a subsequent conversation between
the Senator and Colonel Sanger, in New
York City.
1t is now explained that Senator Platt's
freely expressed opposition to Colonel
Sanger's appointment was due to a mis-
understanding, the Senator having been
told that Colonel Sanger, in supporting
the nomination of Joseph II. Choate to
be United States Senator, made a politi-
cal and personal attack Upon Senator
Plat during his speech to the Repub-
lican legislative caucus. In his CONVERSE
ticn with Secretary Root, after it be-
came known that Colonel Sanger had been
selected, Senator Plat referred to this
speech as the basis of his opposition to
the contemplated appointment. Colonel
Sanger thereupon called on Senator Plat
and demonstrated to him that he never
made such speech, and that if the at
tack was made it was by another person.
Senator Plat had never met Colonel San
ger before, and they had free and frank
conversation. the latter admitting that he
had not been machine Republican at all
times, but giving Senator Plat the i'm
preston that he had always been Re-
publican in fact, and hoped hereafter to
be in sympathy and harmony with the
leaders of the Republican party in New
York State
Both Senator Plat and Senator Depew
appreciated the desire of Secretary Root
to have an assistant with whom he is
personally well acquainted and upon
whom he could unload share of the
great work of the War Department 1t
was suggested that such man might be
found III some State outside of New York,
thus avoiding any controversy over the
question, but the Secretary insisted upon
the selection of personal friend Secre-
tary Root, in selecting Colonel Sanger.
failed to take into account the question
of Senatorial prerogative," but insisted
upon Colonel Sanger as the one man who
would properly fill the bill. Senator Plat
thereupon talked the matter over with
his colleague and with Colonel Sanger,
and it was agreed that both of the New
York Senator's would acQuiesce in the
appointment.
They not only acquiesced, but endorsed
IT, Senator Plat stating that his oppo-
sition grew entirely out of the belief that
Colonel Sanger had made personal at
tack upon him in the legislative caucus
at Albany. The Senator is now of the
opinion that If Colonel Sanger had not
cleared himself of the charge the New
oppose the appointment to the extent of
fighting confirmation in the Senate. and
that the President, under those circum-
stances, would have refrained from max
ing the appointment.
Whether this is so or not peace now
reigns between the President and the
Secretary of War and the New York
Senators. Colonel Sanger is already per-
forming the duties of the Assistant Sec
rotary Of War. and his nomination will
be confirmed without opposition when It
goes 20 the Senate next December.
The next important Federal appoint
meut to be made from New York State
is that of Commissioner of Patents. For
this office the President is DESTROYS of
getting some man who stands at the
very top Of the list of patent lawyers.
The salary of the office is only 5000
year. but the President is hopeful of be-
ing able to persuade one of the various
patent lawyers who now make five or six
times that sum in their private business
to make the sacrifice and take the office.
The appointment has been conceded to
the New York Senators if they can find
such q man and they have the names
now-of two or three good patent lawyers
in New York City under advisement.
Colonel Sanger was at the War Depart
ment when he received the announcement
that his commission had been signed and
executed. and the oath of office was at
once administered to him by Assistant
Chief Clerk Randolph. The ceremony oc-
Cured in Secretary Roots private office
and was quite informal. Secretary Root
Adjutant General COrbin. Chief Clerk
Schofield, and several officers Of the army
were present at the time and warmly
congratulated the new Assistant SeCre-
tary upon his entry into office Colonel
Sanger remained at the Department for
a time yesterday afternoon and will en-
| ter actively upon the discharge of his
| duties this morning.
The resignation of Mr. Meiklejohn
| reached the President two days ago and
| was Immediately accepted. Concerning
| terday issued the following statement:
Some time before the expiration Of the
| last Administration, and before the re-
| appointment Of the Cabinet. Assistant
Secretary Meiklejohn notified the Presi-
dent that by reason OF his candidacy for
| the Senate, the long canvass attending it,
| and the necessity that there should be an
| Assistant Secretary who could be present
| in Washington TO perform the duties of
| the office, he was unwilling to permit his
name to be considered for reappointmant
| Mr.. Sanger has accordingly been appoint
| ed and will Immediately enter upon the
| discharge of his duties.
| Secretary Root has invited all of the
| officers of the army now in Washington
| TO meet Colonel Sanger at 10 O'Clock this
| morning. The officers will appear in uni
form.
Colonel Sanger is a native of Brook
| lyn n Y He was born in that city on
| May q, 1853. He is graduate of Har-