The Washington times., 1902-12-21

the military service.
----ss-
In the event the senior officer is not Sc
iected for chief Of staff. provision is
made that he shall have a command
commensurate with his rank and expe-
Tience. The eXacting duties OF admins
tration and detail may not always ap-
peal 10 the senior general In such in
stances only would the provision OF the
detail of another than the senior apply.
That there has been friction no one can
wonder. That there has not been more
is o matter for congratulation. Perfect
harmony OF administration is no more
possible under existing conditions Of law
and regulations conflicting with consti-
tutional provisions than the placing Of
two pegs in one hole.
In the war with Spain the depart
ment was presided over by a Secretary
who had served with honor and great
distinction for full four years in the
war for the Union. and who in business
affairs in civil life had achieved marked
suCcess-General AlRer. OF Michigan
Under Secretary Ayers administration
war was carried TO fun and complete
success. The business relating 10 active
operations OF war being done. the work
OF building up civil government in Cuba.
Porto Rico. and the Philippine Islands
was next in order.
President Mckinley determined that
the head Of the department should now
be presided over BY one Of marked legal
ability and training one distinguished
for his knowledge Of constitutional law
az he of q "a rn
questions. that these acquired posses
sions should have governments builded
on solid and lasting legal foundations
The consensus OF opinion OF those con-
suited as TO the one possessing in the
highest degree these qualifications de-
termined the Presidents selection Of the
present Secretary OF War. The wisdom
OF that selection is questioned by none
and recognized by all
Great Personal Sacrifice
"Mr. Root was called upon to assume
these responsible duties without seeking
or even without his expecting IT, His ac-
ceptance called for a great personal sac
rihce. He laid aside a law practice thai
was attractive and lucrative and re
sponded in the spirit that prompted
your President to call him. and from
the lst Of August. 1899. until today has
he given the country the best efforts OF
his great abilities and untiring ener-
gies. He has studied the dlfnculties and
problems coming tefOre him With unu-
sual care and reached conclusions and
results that awaken a lively sense OF
gratitude in the heart Of every patriotic
-. 4 60 q
being helpful IN every direction and
hurtful in none.
To no question has Mr.. Root ad-
dressed himself with more earnestness
and intelligence than tc the betterment
of administration. The stan and militia
bill he regards the most important OF
all his work. They are the result OF
more than three years experience. and
Of thought and research. In taking the
war folio ne recognized the fact that as
lawyer he had undertaken the most
important case Of a distinguished legal
career He has more nearly mastered
the legal questions OF the department
than any OF his predecessors, many Of
whom have been those most distin-
guished .n their day and generation.
His views are those born OF long
experience and investigation. free from
any feeling Of partiality toward any Of
fcer or officers OF either the line or
staf. in the department OF out Of it,.
His first thought has been the satisfac-
tory solution Of perplexities that have
for long years confronted the country
and the department. He hnds faulty ad-
minlstratiCn due 10 a lack Of proper or
gauization and coordination He offers
bill that in his judgment viii cure the
existing evils and make harmony. intel
ligence. and efficiency take the place OF
confusion and apparent contention. the
blame for which cannot rightfully be
charged TO men, but 20 the conflict or
law and regulations. with the most clear
~ defined provision Of the Constitution
"Just so long as the Constitution
stands just so long must the command
of the army rest under the President
and his constitutional representative
and executive officer. the Secretary OF
War, Upon these conditions not only
the Secretary Of War. but the President
should have the advice and counsel OF
the best military experts that can be
given them by a chief OF staff, who will
be selected by the President from among
the general officers Of the army. and
supporting the chief OF stan board OF
military experts.
A Democratic plan