New-York tribune., 1909-01-27
MR.ROOT'S VALEDICTORI
attends His Last Cabinet Meeting
and Takes LeaUe of Subordinates.
IFrorn The Tribune Bureau-I ]

Washington Ian as-Secretary Root delivered
what bis colleagues described as his ValeolctorS d.
the Cabinet meeting this morning. and to-iHorro"
morning he will appear before the Senate Commit
tee on Foreign Relations to perform practically
mis- last public Secretary Of State FOR the
benefit of the President and the members OF the
Cabinet Mr.. Root this morning reviewed the en-
tire foreign relations of the United States, dealing
with the subject in a manner which commanded
expressions of the highest admiration for his great
ability from his hearers. His wide knowledge. MS
breadth OF view and his perfect command OF every
detail excited wonder well as admiration
Tomorrow Secretary Root will appear BEFORE the
Foreign Relations Committee to explain the terms
Of the agreement he has reached with the British
Ambassador and the representatives OF CANADA ana
Newfoundland with regard 10 the hsheries arol-
tration and to answer, Secretary Of State. any
questions which may be put 30 him by the mem
bers of the committee. Incidentally, it is under
stood Mr.. Root will urge the confirmation OK Rod
ert Bacon who has been named as his successor,
and of John {. O'Laughlin. who has been nomi-
mated as successor to Mr.. Bacon.
The erroneous report that Mr.. Bacon was con-
6rmed Yesterday grew of the fact that some
Senators close the administration urged that be-
cause he was named member of the Presidents
official family his nomination should not be re-
ferred to a committee, that being the custom when
new President sends in the names of mis- Cabinet
selections but TIE regular order insisted upon
and the reference made.
There has been some opposition 10 these nemina-
tions particularly that of MIR. OLaughlln, not for
personal reasons but because it has been ques-
toned whether II was in full accord with the dig
nifty OF the Offices to name for them men whose
incumbency would be short. Senator Hale is
one OF those who have criticised Mr. OLaughlins
selection saying he would hesitate TO vote for
his confirmation if he were TO remain in the office
three months more, but that his successor.
who will take office March 1. has already been
chosen in the person OF Beekman Winthrop
Assistant Secretary of the Treasury. the nominee
would hardly have time TO learn his duties before
he would be out of Office. Mr. Hale has however.
withdrawn his opposition. and as both Secretary
Root and Senator Knox are understood 10 urge the
confirmation, 1t seems likely to go through With
out difficulty.
Mr. Root bane farewell 10 the chiefs of the bu-
reaus IN the State Department this afternoon. He
thanked them for their loyalty. faithfulness and
efficiency and for the help they had rendered in
conducting the affairs of the department. The
scene was affecting and It is said there not
a dry eve In the when the reception ended
Mr. Root also bade the newspaper VINO call
on him daily goodby. He asked them TO extend
to those absent his hearty thanks for their con-
siderste treatment of him. and said their attitude
entirely justified the confidence he had reposed In
them
Mr.. Root will leave Washington at noon to-mor-
raz for Albany. and in a day will go To Hot
Springs Ark. where he viii receive treatment for
his injured knee. which still troubles him.