Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-07-08

tions of his predecessor, Secretary Al ger, there were charges of grating in the war department, the Miles feud was on, the new colonial policy had to be formulated, the Cuban situation had to be dealt with. and reforms were de manded in the army itself. The new head of the war portfolio turned to these various problems as he would to knotty points in a law case. First he found a man on whom he could rely, subordinate in the department who knew things and was honest Then the began posting himself, until he knew the situation. Next he worked out the questions as his father had worked out mathematical problems.
 The Philippine situation, of course, was the first thing that had to be met by Secretary Root. The decision had already been made to keep the islands. He frankly said in an interview that if he had been consulted at the time the treaty of Paris was being signed and had foreseen the complications he probably would not have advised the taking over of the archipelago, but since the policy was settled he had to make the best of it, put down the in- surrection, esta blish civil government and prepare the natives so that uld- mately they could govern themselves. Resolutely and thoroughly he under took the task, and he did not leave the cabinet until he considered that he had it practically accomplished.
 At one trying time in this work he was criticised from one end of the country to the other over certain al legged acts of army officers in the Phil ippines. At first the secretary paid lit tie attention, but finally issued a gen era denial The representative of an important and friendly paper went to him to get more specific statement of the case.
 Why should I pay further attention to these reports" asked the secretary. ''They are not true. have said so; that is enough"
 But" said the reporter, they affect public opinion. You ought to have the support of the newspapers"
 ''What for:" replied the imperturb- able Root. Docs that make any diff ferenceT'
 Not very complimentary to the press that, but rather luminous sidelight on the character of Elihu Root.
 Witty and Keen at Parrying Questions.
 Perhaps the reputation which the secretary gained for coldness came somewhat from his treatment of news paper men. Always polite, but never betrayed into saying one word he did not wish to say, he parried questions like the keen lawyer that he is. Ere quently a witticism would serve his point. When one young reporter want ed to know whether the president would dismiss Minister Conger, and, if so, how, Root quickly responded.
 T suppose he will send him a poi soned letter"
 Again when Aguinaldo was captured, the same reporter wanted to know how Funston brought the Filipino chieftain in.
 He probably brought him in in his mouth,' flashed the secretary.
 Any one who remembers how Roose- welt had to reprimand Funston for talking too much may see more than one point to that joke.
 Some Creek Indians were hunting for Secretary of the Interior Hitchcock and by mistake strayed into the war department When steered into the presence of the secretary, Root told them they had come to the wrong man.
 "I have jurisdiction over navigable rivers" he said. but not over Creeks
 Mr. Root is not much of a story teller. but here ts one that he is said to have told:
 A western judge about to pronounce sentence asked the prisoner:
 Have you ever been sentenced be- fore:"
 "No. your honor" said the criminal. bursting into tears.
 We'll said the judge, don't cry. You're going to he now" Trim and Wiry. Never Demonstrative.
 In personal appearance Mir. Root is small. trim and wiry. He is never demonstrative. and his face often is so serious it is almost sad. He wears his hair like no other man on earth. but then be is not just exactly like any other man on earth. His eyes are keen and dark, his nose straight. his mouth firm. but concealed under an iron gray mustsche. his chin round. but strong One of the most notable things about his face Is a wen on one cheek. and doubtless. like Cromwell. he wants to he painted as he is. warts and all
 Al the time he was made secretary of war Elihu Root was receiving from his practice sum many times as great as his salary in the cabinet. It has been said that his yearly income then