The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1902-11-17
Tho President and the Secretary Of
War,

Reports Of further changes in the near
future in the Cabinet Of President RoosE-
Welt have been current for several
weeks. Speaking in general way, and
without reference 10 individuals, il may
be said that there is nothing inherently
improbable in these rlmors, and nothing
necessarily disturbing.
The progressive reorganization OF the
Cabinet after the death Of Mr.. MCKINLEY
Vas among the things that could be
counted as reasonably certain of occur
renee after a decent interval. Changes
we're inevitable. whatever might have
been tho expressions to the contrary
prompted on the part of the new Presi-
dent by modest first impulses or by a
sense OF the amenities proper to the sit
uation. The people recognize the fact
that every Chief Magistrate is justly en-
titled TO be surrounded by advisers Of his
own selection; that the Cabinet Of his
predecessor can never be quite his own.
In the case Of President ARTHUR the
natural process Of withdrawal and re-
placement went on gradually until, IL
memory serves us, the only remaining
member of Glen. GARFIELDs Cabinet
was the Secretary of War. the Hon.
ROBERT T. LINCOLN
So far as contemporaneous reports
concern the possibility Of the retirement
OF the present Secretary Of War, We most
earnestly hope that there is nothing in
them II does not affect the principle
above stated to point out the peculiar
and exceptional reasons which make it
desirable that Mr.. RooTs connection
with the Administration Of THEODORE
ROOSEVELT shall not be severed at this
time or for an indefinite period to come.
II may be assumed that this is a matter
which rests wholly with the Secretary.
Everybody is aware that Mr.. Roof has
held his place thus long and has accom-
been his fortune to render the country
at a sacrifice Of personal and professional
interests seldom equalled in the records
of unselfish craftsmanship. Upon this
aspect Of his recent career his friends are
no more inclined to dwell than he himself
would be.
On the other hand, We are sure that
there cannot be the slight est pressure or
even the vagliest unformulated desire
on the side Of the President for the trans
fer to other hands of this particular
portfolio Not only does Mr.. ROOSEVELT
appreciate at their full worth the abii-
ties of mind and character which ELIHU
Roof contributes TO the Executive coun-
ellis; not only does he fully understand
that the Secretary's relation to such
problems as those Of the Philippines and
OF Cuba makes him as nearly indispens-
able as any one man can be. not only this,
but the President. being an observant
person and dilgent student Of public
opinion, must ais be profoundly i'm
pressed with the imm ense political value
TO him and his Administration of the con-
tinued presence in tho Cabinet Of an
associate and adviser who ill commands
the unqualified confidence Of the con-
sentative elements and solid business
interests Of the country.
The departure from the Cabinet of such
an adviser. sane, firm, far-seei ng, with
convictions clearly defined and well
grounded in the fundamental principles
on which rests the prosperous future Of
this Republic, would be an inestimable
loss to any Administration at any time.
To the Administrative Of THEODORE
ROOSEVELT at the present time it would
ne an irreparaDle misfortune a yet
greater calamity to the country, Not at
all for the sake OF the Hon. ELIHU Roof,
partly for the sake Of President RoosE-
WELT, but principally for the sake Of the
nation, we trust it is not to occur.
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