The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-07-09
WOOD AND ROOSEVELT
GENERALS ILLNESS AN EXCUSE FOR COMING HOME TO CON.
 CILIATE HIS OLD FRIEND.
Taft's Going to Manila Bears on Omcial Row - Military and Governor Wright at Odds-WOod is Anxious About Pro-
 motion.

Washington Special to New York
 World.
 The homecoming of General Leonard Wood and the going out to the Philip pines of Secretary Taft are taken by general officers of the army to mean that a crisis in Philippine affairs can not be averted much longer. Trouble has been brewing in the insular pos sessions for more than year. There is friction between Governor Wright and the military officers. Apparently General Wood has become so seriously involved that his need of surgical at- tention has been a most welcome ex- cuse for coming home.
 Enemies of Wood believe he has come so near the line of break with his friend the President. that the General believes his interests need his personal attention. His chief interest is to keep President Roosevelt in the notion of making him Liutenant Gen. eral and Chief of Staff in succession to General Corbin.
 Some time ago it was admitted officially that 1t Is the plan of the President to have General Bates suc- ceed Chaffee and then, when Bates re- tire before he Is really compelled by law to so do. to nave Corbin succeed to the vacancy.
 Up to the President. At the time 1t was expected by Wood and his friends that official &C., knowledgement would be made that Wood had been selected to succeed Corbin. When there was no such &C., knowledgement disturbing fears were communicated to Wood. and in short time he obtained leave to visit the United States.
 Information and belief at the War Department Is that Wood will ask to be transferred to the United States, because he has served for more than two years in the archipelago. But he will not ask for the transfer If there by he places in jeopardy his chances of getting to the head of the army. It is the understanding that he Is go- ing to put the question up to the President in such a way that the lat ter will have a fine opportunity of de- claring himself on the subject whether Wood is still the man he has In mind as the successor of Corbin.
 Just what the friction Is about there Is no clear understanding here. Secretary Taft has kept that anair under cover. and every detail of 1t IS in his hands. The mere fact that the Secretary continues his journey not withstanding the fact that Secretary Hay Is dead and that the chances that he will be asked to go to the head of the State Department are largely in his favor is regarded as sufficient indication of the gravity of the row. Heart to Heart Talk.
 Secretary Taft is represented as being dissatisfied with the course of Governor Wright in many matters. By personal conference 1t Is hoped that a better understanding can be brought about.
 Taft is of the belief that as he has been governor of the islands he is apt to make insufficient allowance for the difference of opinion between him. self and his successor. and that the differences. especially on account of the proposed railroad building, can be adjusted by having a heart-to- heart talk.
 The friction between the military au- thorities and Governor Wright is due to the fact that the latter is not in sympathy with a strong military pol icy of dealing with the islanders. It Is hoped by the administration that Secretary Taft will be big enough to smooth out matters.