New-York tribune., 1905-07-20

covers the chair and desk used by Secretary
Hay until the thirty day period of mourning
expires, and that room VIII therefore remain IN
occupied and sacred to the memory OF John Hay
until August L
The oath OF office was the usual one prescribed
by statute, and in subscribing to II Secretary
Root solernly swore to support and defend the
Constitution of the United States against all
enemies. foreign and domestic; that I will bear
true faith and allegiance to the same; that I
take this obligation freely. without any mental
reservation or purpose Of evasion, and that I
will well and faithfully discharge the duties Of
the Office which I about to enter So
help me God"
Those present when Mr. Root was sworn in
included Senator Charles Dick. Of Ohio. and his
law partner Major Bryan. of Columbus; So
Iicitor ". L PenfieId, Of the Department OF
State; Frank W. Hackett. formerly Assistant
Secretary Of the Navy; E. J. Babcock who was
private secretary to Secretaries Sherman. Day
and Hay. and Will continue IN the same capac-
ity with Secretary Root; several newspaper men
and Edward Savoy the veteran messenger of
many Secretaries Of State.
AS soon as the oath had been administered
Senator Dick stepped forward. extending his
hand.
I want to be the first to congratulate the new
Secretary Of State. and congratulate the coun-
try he said.
You are very kind. Are you here to repre-
sent the miIitary?" Mr.. Root inquired, with
smile, and everybody laughed at Senator Dick.
who is a militia general
One Of the newspaper men, who had witnessed
the installation of Mr Root as Secretary of
War six years ago, remarked:
II want to have the pleasure of seeing you
sworn in President in 1909," whereupon the
Secretary waved his hand deprecatingIy
ted ura Ilyy all he
and afternoon TO consideration of the venezuelan
situation With Solicitor PenfieId Mr. Russell
Minister TO Venezuela, and William ]. Calhoun
who was recently designated by President
Roosevelt TO investigate the asphalt claims and
concessions, the Secretary went over the
documents and papers file in the department.
with a view to formulating definite instructions
TO the Special Commissioner. Mr.. Calhoun will
have 10 gather additional information in Wash
ington and New York before he is fully equipped
to perform the mission for which he has been
selected
Mr.. Roots visit to Washington at this time
was unexpected, as 1t had been generally un-
derstood until last night that his private en-
gagements would prevent him from assuming
the duties Of the Office until the first of next
month.
1T was necessary under the law for me to take
the oath within thirty days after my appoint
ment was announced, and this was the most
convenient time" the Secretary said. II will
acquaint myself with some of the details and
routine of the office to be able to answer num-
Der Of questions that are being asked OF me and
10 keep in touch with pending affairs. But
have had year Of hard work in New-York and
as there is nothing Of pressing Importance just
at present. and most Of the members OF the dip
lomatic corps are away, l propose to take my
vacation now. When I come back to Wash
ington I intend tC follow the rule Of Secretary
Hay-transa citing all routine official business IN
tco morning and keeping away from the office
III the afternoon, except on special occasions
Secretary Root was personally congratulated
by large numbers Of friends, and late in the
day received many cordial kilograms from we'll
wishers all over the country He intends to 20
to New-York tomorrow morning on the 10
o'clock train, and as soon possible will go 10
his farm, Clinton. N. Y to rest, holding him
self in readiness however. to return to this city
il anything Of Importance occurs He viii prob
ably arrange 10 be at Oyster Bay about the first
Of August, in order 10 assist the President in
receiving the peace plenipotentiaries Of Russia
and Japan, and will return 10 Washington about
the first of September, fully prepared TO enter on
the active discharge OF the duties Of his new
office