New-York tribune., 1908-12-27
WORK FOR Mr.. ROOT
Senate Leaders Want His Services
on Important Committees.
rFror IN. Tribune nuresu. ]


Washington Dec 2s-The Senate leaders are al
ready discussing the committee assignments TO De
given 10 Elihu Root when he enters the upper
house OF Congress, and, curiously enough the
discussion is attended with decided differences OF
opinion and with certain degree OF bitter
ness The leaders have determined among them
selves that Mr.. Root should have place on the
Committee on Foreign Relations and also on that
on Military Affairs two OF the most important COM
mittees In the Senate. The element in the
Senate declares that IL is contrary 20 precedent TO
give such important places to a new Senator; that
Mr.. Root will represent the conservative element
and that they detrmind he shall not enjoy the
special distinction which the leaders purpose TO
confer upon him Mr. Root himself Is. OF course.
taking part in the discussion. even II he Is aware
OF il, which is doubtful, his entire time Is just
now devoted no winding UP. so far as possible
the business of the State Department, aud especial
iy certain negotiations in which he Is particularly
interested
Senator Aldrich has taken the lead In the deter
mination to give 20 Mr.. Root assignments which
shall be in a propOrtionate to his attain
ments and the distinguished service he has already
rendered 10 the country. Senator Cuiom, chair
Of the Committee on Foreign Relations. is
particularly anxious that Mr.. Root shall become
member of that committee He feels that there
is distinct need the Republican side Of the
table for a lawyer of more than ordinary ability
The absence of Senator Spooner is keenly felt and
It is believed that Mr.. Root could I'LL the vacancy
made by the formers resignation. When Senator
Spooner resigned from the Senate Senator Cul-
Iom urged Mr.. Knox TO become member of the
Committee Foreign Relations, but there WAS
opposition Mr.. Knox heard of the opposition, and,
he had received a number of other important
assignments. he declined the additional honor Mr..
Root has been In the habit. Secretary Of State,
Of appearing before the committee to a greater
extent than any OF his predecessors. and by MS
geniality and ability has the regard OF all the
members, that there is not one who would not
welcome him a member. There are. however,
number OF aspirants for the first vacancy whose
ambitions outshne their ability, and they are
bent defeating the plans Of Messrs Aldrleh ana
Cullom.
Senator Warren. chairman Of the Military At
fairs Committee is also anxious to add Mr.. Root
TO the membership of his COMMITTEES. The great
work done by Mr.. Root Secretary Of war
when he reorganzed the War Department. has
especially commended him to the members OF this
committee. and they feel that he would add ootn
expert knowledge and natural ability to their
councils. There a time when this committee
included in its membership three former Secre-
tares OF War but ii includes none who mas
enjoyed that experience. while the need of really
strong and able lawyer was felt especlaliy
during the conduct Of the Brownsville inquiry
when Mr.. Foraker was permitted to have practi-
caIy his own way because OF his methods ana
legal knowledge. 1t may be remarked incidentally.
that the expectation that there will be a vacancy
In the COMMITTEES Foreign Relations Is based
on the conviction that Mr.. Foraker will fail OF re-
election.
There will he a large number Of committee va
cacies when the Senate meets in special session
next March. including three the all-importsnt
Finance Committee. and there promises to be a
lively contest for the best places The younger
and more radical element IS already plotting to
overthrow the old regime, headed by Mr. Aldrich.
with Mr. Hale as his able assistant. and the meet
ing Of the Republican caucus which selects the
committee committees promises to be fraught
with interest.