Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-08-12
MR. ROOT WILL RESIGN
The Secretary Admits Truth
of the Rumor.
TO RESUME THE LAW
THAT GOV. TAFT WILL
SUCCEED HIM.
In That Case Gen. Luke Wright Would
Become the Head Of the Philip
pine Commission.

pine Commission.
All doubts as to Secretary Roots retire.
ment from the cabinet of President Roose-
welt have been dispelled by the frank.
though reluctant, acknowledgment Of that
gentleman that he will place his resigna-
ton at the disposal Of the President before
his departure from New York next week
for London, where he goes as a member of
the Alaskan boundary commission. 1t was
explained that he would tender his resigna-
ton as Secretary of War now, in order
that the President might have ample time
for the selection of his successor before
the meeting of Congress, If it should be
deemed necessary. Secretary Root left here
this afternoon for New York, and it is
more. than probable that the matter will
be the subject of conference between the
President and himself at Oyster Bay. The
Secretary Is expected to return to this city
Friday night in time to complete arrange
ments for the organization of the general
staff, which begins its legal existence next
Saturday. He sails from New York on the
steamship Cedric on the 21st instant.
While Secretary Root is in London he will
remain in communication with the War De-
partment, and matters pertaining to the
general staff and other important affairs
will be referred to him. If the SttttngS or
the Alaskan commission are extended be-
yond December 1t Is likely that the Secre-
tary's resignation will be accepted and his
successor appointed at that time, and If the
situation In the War Department is such
that Secretary is needed to take charge
of affairs one will be appointed earlier. 1t
is believed here that there will be great
deal of delay in the consideration of the
Alaskan boundary case, and the United
Gfafo fcc{n ha n
London several months
Recent Conference With the President.
At the recent conference between the
President and the Secretary of War, Presi-
dent Roosevelt was informed of Mr.. Roots
determination to leave the cabinet as soon
as possible.
It was then determined that as Secretary
Root might be kept in London for some
time as a member Of the Alaskan boundary
tribunal, he should place his resignation in
the hands of the President before his de-
parture, so that his successor could be Sc
lected at any time and give his attention
to the important matters in regard to the
Philippines that may require legislation by
the next Congress. 5zss-s-4<t -
Under the circumstances no date could be
named when the resignation should take
effect, but It was explained to the President
that in any event Secretary Root desired to
leave the cabinet early in next January.
At the same time, should he be unable to
return here before November 8, when Con-
gress meets, 1t Is understood that the Presi-
dent will accept the resignation and imme-
diately select Secretary Roots successor.
Wants to Resume Law Practice.
Business reasons have caused the Secre-
tary to leave-official life. His law practice
in New York city has suffered severely
since he entered the cabinet of President
Mckinley as the successor Of Mr.. Alger. in
1899. At the earnest solicitation Of Presi-
dent Roosevelt upon the latter's accession
Secretary Root consented to remain in the
cabinet until the more important problems
before the department had been solved.
With the Republic Of Cuba on its feet, the
insurrection of the Philippines at an end
and the military supplanted by the civil
authority in the archipelago, with the new
militia law put into effect and the creation
of the general staff Of the army, to all OF
which he has devoted his best ability and
judgment Mr.. Root feels that his promise
has been kept to the administration and
that his duties to his family demand that
he return to private life and renew the
practice of his profession.
Until Mr.. Roots resignation has been
formally accepted the President. it is said,
will make no announcement as to his sue
cessOr.
Personal Reasons.
Secretary Roots desire to leave public
lil0 ID UdSCo ldi SCAy Oh OASoioA 6AooAeS'
His family does not like the life in Wash
ington. and the Secretary desires also to
return to his law practice in New York.
Mrs Root has been desirous for year
and a half that her husband should return
to the practice of law. He made consider
able sacrifice when he succeeded Secretary
Alger, for he had to practically abandon
his law practice. Mr.. Root is not a wealthy
man and he has a family. Mrs. Root was
never fond of Washington society and she
felt that her husband should follow his pro-
fession for few years before retiring.
Talk Of Root for Governor.
What plans Secretary Root has for the
future can only be speculated upon. There
are those in the republican party, however,
who believe him too valuable a man to lose
from public life, and his friends have said
more than once that they hope to prevail
upon him later to take an active part In the
political life of New York.
There has been some talk of nominating
Secretary Root for governor of New York.
This is an honor which 1t can be said with
authority he has never sought and does not
him he would, it is said, decline 1t because
of his determination to enter again upon
the practice of law.
Taft His Probable Successor.
1t has been known for some time that
Secretary Root intended to retire, but that
he would not leave the department until
the general staff bill was in operation and
other matters pertaining to the department
were well under way. It is understood
that the matter of his successor has been
discussed and while nothing official can be
obtained here it is generally believed that
the position will be rendered to Governor
Taft.
The President, since the possibility of the
retirement of Secretary Root was sug