The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1916-05-27
MIR. ROOTS QUALIFICATIONS.
Another Estimate Of u Great states
mans Fitness for President.

To II EDITOR OF THE SUN-Sir: 1t is
n foregone conclusion that Mr.. Wilson
will again be the nominee Of the Demo-
cratic party for President. How basely
and ignobly the administration has
failed to meet the duties, responsible
ties and opportunities that have con-
fronted it in our foreign and domestic
affairs. The verdict of the future his
torian aud of posterity will be that u
was weak. vacillating. Incompetent and
un-American.
The times call imperatively for a
change. and the momcntous question Is.
who. of contemporary Americans. IL
best qualified by ability and experience
in public AFFAIRS 10 replace Wilson,
That man Is Elm Root. lie Is the
ablest OF living Americans. In temporal
inent. learning. ability and experience
no other Is so well equipped for the
Presidency. or So qualified TO correct the
blunders and follies OF the present Adj
ministration. to deal sanely and efec-
lively with the foreign n domestic
questions hat are now pressing, and
which with increasing gravity will con-
tinue to press upon us.
AS Secretary Of state he recognized
our diplomatic and consular services
and greatly increased their efficiency.
Thu General STAFF OF the Army and the
War College. Indispensable in any
scheme OF national defence, were among
the many valuable fruits OF his service
rs Secretary of War. His influence In
the Senate was commanding He llumi-
mated every subject he discussed. aud
exercised a wholesome power and a re-
straining effect upon vicious measures.
As counsel for our Government in many
important arbitration cases with foreign
countries he greatly distinguished HIM
self and brought them TO n successful
close for our Government.
lie has received tho Nobel prize for
his contributions to the cause OF uni
versal peace. he is recognized as one
of the greatest authorities on questions
OF international Jaw. There is nothing
"heroic' IN his moods, temperament or
makeup. and " our people in this hour
are looking for "A hero | fear they would
he disappointed In him, as he IL only "A
sane. well poised. d!gnihed. patriotic
American gentleman.
with MIR. Root as President. backed
by a Republican Congress, the American
people could look forward with conf
dence to achievements and results. His
election would restore the prestige OF
our country. and our citizens and flag
wouid not only be protected. but would
he respected throughout the world. There
would be enacted a tariif law which
would no; only meet the exiseucles re-
sultn from peace In Europe, but would
protect our Industries and laborcrs.
We should not only witness under him
an end to the horrible conditions IN
Mexico. hut n policy 50 firm, wise and
consistent that peace. order and sta
hility Will again prevail.
Under him we would see a diplomatic
corps equal 20 its high responsibilities
and Allied by men who will reflect credit
upon our country. We can rest assured
there will be no Bryans or nanielses In
his Cabinet. but men worthy the confi-
dence Of their fellow citizens. and fully
equal to the duties Of Office.
No living American Is better sr-
ausinted with the bench and bar of the
country than Mr.. Root. or has "A higher
conception Of the dignity. Importance
and responsibility Of the courts IN their
relation to the people and our scheme
of government. and especially OF the SUI
preme Court Of the nation. II ~pcrchance
Il should fail to his lot TO Ill any
vacancy In that tribunal the American
people could rest assured that no person
would be appointed by him whose char
actcr was not above question. and whose
legal and Intellectual attachments were
rot the best our bar affords.
Under him there would be no base
conprom'ses with labor or capi,al. hut
all citizens would meet with evcnhanded
justice. and stand with absolute equality
before the law.
His character. hs experience. his
brains make him at this time the na-
TONS most valuable citizen. I cannot
believe that our people are so unm.ndful
OF their interests as to prefer the lesser
men who are now engaged In a scramble
for their p~referment for the most inn
pOrtant office In our Government.
ALEXANDER SIDNEY LANILR.