The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1903-08-15
ROOT WILL STEP OUT
SECRETARY OF WAR TO TENDER
RESIGNATION BEFORE SAIL
ING FOR LONDON.
DESIRES TO PRACTICE LAW
BELIEVED GOVERNOR TAFT OF
THE PHILIPPINES WILL BE Of
FERED THE PLACE.

Washington, Aug. 12.-Before Sec.
with the Alaskan commission he will
place his resignation in the hands of
President Roosevelt in order that the
president may appoint a secretary OF
war if it is deemed necessary during
Secretary Roots absence. 1t is eX-
pected, however, that the resignation
will not be acted upon until after con-
gress meets. The appointment of Mr..
Roots successor will depend somewhat
upon the length of time that Secre-
tary Root will be engaged in the
Alaskan boundary commission.
1t has been known for some time
that Secretary Root intended to re-
tire, but he did not wish to leave the
department until the general staff bill
was in operation and other matters
pertaining to the department were
we'll under way.
1t is understood the matter Of his
successor had been discussed, and
while nothing official can be obtained,
it is believed the position will be ten
dered Governor Taft.
While Secretary Root is in London
he will remain in communication with
the war department and matters per-
tanning to the general staff and other
important affairs will be referred to
him.
If the sittings of the Alaskan COM
mission extend beyond Dec. /, it is
likely that the secretary's resignation
will be accepted and his successor ap-
pointed at that time and if the situa-
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such that a secretary is needed to
take charge Of affairs. one will be ap-
pointed immediately.
Considerable Delay Expected.
1t is believed here that there will
be a great deal of delay in considera-
ton Of the Alaskan boundary case and
the United States commissioners may
be detained in London several months,
Secretary Roots desire to leave the
var department is based entirely upon
personal grounds. His family does
not like the life in Washington and
the secretary desires to return to his
law practice in New York. The great
questions that were pending in the
war department relating mainly to the
administration of the islands acquired
from Spain and the establishment of a
government in Cuba have been ac-
complished during Secretary Roots
administration. The reorganization Of
the army under the general staff plan
Is now we'll under way and the secre-
tary feels that he has accomplished
the work he was called upon to dc
when he became secretary of war.
That Governor William II. Taft will
be Secretary Roots successor there
can be little or no doubt. He is fa-
miliar with many of the problems
which the secretary of war will have
to meet and solve: he is a persona!
friend OF the president. who has an
abiding confidence in his ability and
competence, and it is certain he will
have a warm reception in Washington.
The appointment of Governor Taft
as secretary of war will necessitate
the appointment Of a ley president of
the Philippine commission. In all
probability General Luke Wright will
succeed to the presidency of the com
mission. his work as a member Of
that body having been eminently sat
isfactory to the administration. Sew
eral other changes would be involved
in the appointment of Governor Taft
as secretary of war. but nothing def
mite concerning them can be said at
this time.