Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-02-11

chair fo- the first time since Mr.. Bry-
ans resignation. The departure of Mr..
Garrison. with it's possible effects on
the administration and the prepared
ness program, was discussed thorough
ly.
Reports that there might be other
designations from the cabinet were
met with general denials.
Supporters of the President declared
that he and Mr.. Garrison agreed on the
underlying principles of both the mill
tary and Philippine questions, but DIFF
fe-cd on the methods of carrying out
their policies. They pointed out that
since Mr.. Garrison wrote his first let
ter, in January. urging vigorous sup
portof the continental ar-ny the Presl-
dent had toured the middle west III ITS
advocacy and was still trying to get
Congress to adopt il.
Policy of Concession.
The President his friends said.
worked with congressional leaders on
the currency. tariffs and other bills. and
through making some concessions was
able to get bills which he finally ap-
proved. He still feels that it is best
to pursue the same policy in dealing
with the army and Philippine ques-
tions.
Members of the Presidents cabinet
generally expressed regret today at Mr.
Garrison's resignation. He was very
popular with his colleagues.
Confusion at War Department.
today were all AT siXes and sevens in
consequence of the unexpected resiG :
nations of Secretary Garrison and AS
sistant Secretary BreckinrdSe For
several hours there was no responsible
head of the department. 1t had been
supposed that Maj. Gen. Hugh L. Scott
chief of staff. automatically would be-
come acting secretary of war, but an
examination of the laws on the subject
by Brig. Gen. Crowder. judge advocate e
general of the army, showed that there
was considerable doubt of his author
ity to do SO.
That doubt was based Oh the langua ge
Of an executive order issued by President
Wilson November r. 1915. directing Maj
Gen. Scott ito perform the duties of Sec
rctary Of War during the illness or
temporary absence from tie seat of gov
ernment of the Secretary of War. when
ever during such Illness or absence the
assistant secretary of war is also absent ''
Judge Advocate General Crowder held
that such authorization did not apply to
Il case like the present. when there is no
Secretary of War assistant secretary
Of war either i'll or temporarily absent
Gen. Scott Put in Charge.
\ brief statement of the situation
was forwarded to the White House
early in the afternoon by Gen. Scott
for the purpose of ascertaining the
wishes of the President in the matter
and the President issued a new ex-
ecutive order authorizing Gen. Scott
specifically to act as Secretary of War
at this time pending the appointment
| of Secretary of War and an assistant
secretary of war.
Gen. Scott remained in his own Of
flee all day and attended to all routine
business, but did not sign any official
mail.
Former Assistant Secretary Breckin-
ridge visited the department this morn
ing and spent an hour or so clearing up
his desk and arranging for the removal
of his private correspondence and his
personal effects. He is not in the best
of health at present. not having fully
recovered from a recent attack of grip,
which incapacitated him for duty for
a day or two. He declined today to
discuss his resignation saying hat the
story was contained in his correspond =
ence with the President