The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-04-09
ROOT To RETIRE
FROM CABINET
Is No Longer in Accord With
President in Many Of His
Views.
A FRIEND TO CAPITALISTS.
Has Promised to Remain and
Finish South American and
Canadian Plans.
FRIEND TO CAPITALISTS.
by wALTEI, EDWARD HARRIS.

by WALTER EDWARD HARRIS.
WASHINGTON. d. c., April Sit Is
believed Secretary Root will retire
from the Cabinet at comparatively
early date It is impossible to obtain
verification OF the common report that
lie contemplates resigning the port
folio of State, but several things point
to It's authenticity. not the least OF
which is the circumstantiality OF the
rrmor. 1t ls stated that Secretary
Root has pledged certain South and
Central American countries to remain
in office until he has exhausted every
effort to secure the acceptance OF the
Drago doctrine by The Hague con-
ference This is-sthe. doctrine which
sprecludes the collection of debts by
national force. and naturally enough
the little South American countries,
most OF them up to their eyes in debt
to Europeans. are eager to have the
doctrine recognized by the nations.
II the doctrine should be recognized
universally through the efforts OF AIR.
Root. it would be an achievement
which would link forever his name
with the Monroe doctrine, which this
more modern doctrine supplements
Treaty With Canada.
1t is understood also that Mr.. Root
has in hand the negotiation of two
important treaties with Canada, which
he hopes to complete before he retires
Mr.. Root is wealthy man, but he is
said to have given up the most rc-
muncratve law practice in the United
States. IL not in the world, to become
the head of the State Department. He
is losing money every day he remains
from his practice.
Finally, and this is said to be the real
secret OF the entire matter, Mr.. Root is
not in sympathy with the course OF the
President, rs developed within the pas1
few days. Mr.. Roots, sympathies are all
with capital. although he and Mr.. Har-
riman, as Indicated by the atters now
celebrated letter to Sydney Webster, have
not been in accord for long time.
Mr. Root has been in the employ or
Mr.. Harriman's great rival, Thomas F..
Ryan, for years. Mr.. Harriman's decla-
ration In that letter that Root, Ryan
and Roosevelt We're in combination
against him gave those who knew the
power OF these three men an idea OF the
desperate case with Mr.. Hartman
Now the combination is to be broken,
II reports be true. 1t Is said that Mr..
Root, dcspite his dislike Of Hartman.
opposed the course the President took in
"lltllS suSH lengthy reply to the
charges made in Harrimans letter. IT.
{ is also stated that he disapproved ana
takes no stock in the Presidents decla-
ration of conspiracy, capitalized at
s5.Oo0,00O, to bring about tho nomination
OF a man opposed to the policies for which
Mr.. Roosevelt stands.
Mr. Root was at one time said to be
a Roosevelt candidate for tho presi-
dency, but since then Mr.. Taft has re-
ceived tho imprimatur Of the President.
Mr.. Root has not ceased to be persona
grnta with the President. but his coun-
sci and advice, it is believed, are nc
longer sought, and. OF course, are not
thrust upon the President. It may be
some time before Mr.. Root gets out, but
there Is reason to believe he has definitely
determined to retire.