Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-11-04
CABINET CHANGES.
Rumor Says That Two Members Will
 Soon Retire.

Washington, D. C., Nov An important and, in sense, a surprls- ing change is imminent in the caDl- net of President Roosevelt. From time to time, in the past few months, it has been rumored that both Sec retary Metcalf, of the navy, and At torney-General Ronaparte, of the de- partment of justice, were likely to retire from administration hfe' While the rumors have been denied' it is not unlikely that one, and per haps both, of those officials may leave the cabinet before the presl- dent completes his present term.
 The latest information as to change in the cabinet affects neither MT Metcalf nor MT Bonaparte. It relates to the retirement of no less a parsonage than the secretary Of state, Elihu Root. Any direct state ment that Secretary Root was con sidering his resignation. from the presidents official family probably would be denied, but it nevertheless is known to be Q fact.
 MT Root is not a well man. Prior to his trip to Mexico he spent several weeks at a health resort in an et- fort to recuperate his depleted strength. His sojourn at the resort was beneficial to him, notably so, but it did not effect a complete restora- ton of the distinguished patients physical abilities. He expressed him self, just before starting on the trip to Mexico, as feeling better than he had felt for long time, and he cer- tainly looked better than he had for year or more. The trip, however, was a most trying one and the sec retary returned to Washington con siderably run down in physical vigor.
 It is only since his return that he has thought of leaving the cabinet. His health is impaired and he is in clined to feel that he ought not to ieopardize his remaining strength, mental and physical, by the per formance of the exacting duties of secretary of state. There are other reasons, too, why he should feel that it no longer is necessary for him to continue in his official position. He has worked out many of the prob, | lens in the state department which President Roosevelt and he held close to their hearts. The diplomatic and consular services now are in better shape than ever in the history of the country, many intricate and difficult problems have been solved and Americas relations with for eign countries are on a firm founda. tion.
 In addition, Secretary Root may be pardoned for feeling that he has performed his full quota of patriotic service to his country. He entered the office of secretary of state in the shadow of the death of the late Sec retary Hay and was confronted with many delicate end important ques. tions. President Roosevelt leaned upon him as upon no other member of his cabinet and it has been onl! by the most earnest persuasion that Mir Root has been induced to remain in public life st long. Now, many of the great questions have been dis posed of and, wi;h the passing of the approaching winter. he could relin auish his official duties to othel hands without serious embarrass ment either to himself or to the ad ministration.
 Who might succeed Secretar! Root is as yet prOblematical. Rob ert W. Bacon, first assistant secre tary of state, recently declined tht | American amOassadorship to Ger many. because he preferred to re main beside Secretary Root An af fectionate regard exists between Ml Root and Mir Bacon and it is not i'm probable that the latter might sue eeed the present secretary, if M Root should retire.
 l It is not likely the change will takt place before Dext spring. as Secre taTy Root has some matters he de sires to bring tO the attention O congress during the approaching ses sion. but there is strong ground fo the belief thst it will take plso