The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-08-11
GOV. TAFT
TO SUCCEED
SEC. ROOT
Secretary Of Wars Berth, Il Is
Said, VIII 30 Filled by Gov.
ernur Of Philippines.

New York, Aug, 1.-THE Commercial
Advertisers Washington correspondent
says:
When Secretary Root leaves Washing
ton on Aug. %, 10 take UP in London his
duties as a member OF the Alaskan Boun-
dairy commission. he will practically bring
10 an end his services as secretary OF war.
Although he will return 20 Washington
In the fall, after the work on the boun-
will probably be merely for the purpose
OF preparing his last annual report and
winding UP the affairs OF his administra-
ton.
The secretary does not expect 20 remain
In the cabinet after the first of the year.
His purpose to retire was formed several
months ago. II was not carried into ef-
feet partly on account or the added
weight which will be given TO his coun-
sci In the boundary commission through
his connection with the administration.
1t has been the presidents earnest wish
also that he should remain at the head
OF the war department just as long as
he could without too great O. sacrifice
OF his own interests.
William II. Taft, governor OF the Phil
ippines, will be Secretary Roots sue
cessor. II the present plans OF the admin
istration go into effect. This has been
on the cards for some time. II was under
consideration even at the time a place
on the supreme BENCH was offered TO
Governor Taft.
II Is felt that Governor Taft has had
Just the executive experience best cal
culated to At him for the position He
knows the insular problem better than
any other man, with its intimate relations
10 the military administration. and he
has the legal qualifications which have
come to be regarded as essential in the
head of the war department He is thor
oughly In harmony with the president In
all his plans.
HEALTH rs BETTER.
The special work for which Gov. Taft
went TO Manila has now advanced 30 far
that Il can safely be left In other hands.
and the condition OF Gov. Tafts health 10
such that his continuance at Manila Will
be at a very heavy sacrifice. Moreover,
there is ready at hand an experienced ad-
ministrator who can take Tafts place
without any serious break.
Luke Wright has served as acting gov
ernor during Gov. Tafts visit TO the
| United States, and he can continue Gov.
Tafts policies with every promise OF
| success. II has been planned for months
| that II anything should happen to bring
| Gov. Taft back TO this country Luke
| Wright should succeed TO the governor
! ship OF the Philippines. The president has
| a high regard for him, and would not
| think OF seeking elsewhere for Tafts
| successor This will leave a vacancy on
the Philippine commission.
w w. Rockhill, chief OF the bureau OF
American Republics. has been considered
for this vacancy. but IL Is possible that
before any change comes In the Philip
pines commission a vacancy may occur in
the mission 10 China. Minister Conger IL
not expected 10 remain at Pekin very
much longer. although there Is no imme-
diate prospect OF his resignation. It Is
planned, whenever he retires, that Mr..
Rockhill shall take his place. Should the
vacancy at Manila occur first. however. IL
is probable that Rockhiil will be sent
there instead
Secretary Root will return to his prac-
| tice in New York. and he Is looking for
| ward eagerly to relief from adminstra-
| tive routine in order that he may go back
| TO a more congenial and profitable pro-
| fession.
WITHOUT FOUNDATION.
Oyster Bay. Aug. 1.-THE attention OF
| the president last evening was directed "a
| circumstantial statement published
| yesterday afternoon that Secretary OF
! War Root expected soon 10 retire from
the cabinet and be succeeded by Gov
Taft OF the Philippines. 1t can be said
that there is no definite foundation for
! the story.