Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-02-11
Regarded as Being Stronger
With Congress as Result of
Break With Garrison.
QUESTION OF SUCCESSOR
TOPIC MUCH DISCUSSED
Preparedness Legislation Expected
to Make Greater Roadway When
New War Head Is Named.

The second break in President Will
sons cabinet-which he for years de-
scribed as happy family" and be-
lieved would remain with him intact
throughout his Observation-Disclosures to-
day the uppermost subject of conversa-
ton in Washington.
The significance Of the quickly ac-
cepted resignation of Secretary Garri-
son, and gossip as to the probable sue
cessor to the head of the War Depart
ment were the two topics most dis
cussed throughout the day.
There was agreement that the Presi-
dent today stands stronger with Con-
gress than he did yesterday, and that
he Is more likely now to get what he
wants than ever before. The reluctance
expressed In his letters to Secretary
Garrison to attempting the use of the
big stick on Congress and his decla-
ration that there are men in Congress
whose views are worthy of thoughtful
consideration have gone far toward
making him solid in both houses, it is
said.
Did Not Seek to Evade Break.
The correspondence between the two
men will impress Congress and the
country in another important way, it
was pointed out today. This is that
the President. personally fond Of Mr..
Garrison for many years, did not seek
to evade the break he saw coming.
He did not try to conciliate his friend
and official adviser and cover up the
differences. He stood firm. acted quick
ly and decisively and indicated to the
country that he will not permit any
thing or anybody to interfere with
success in getting preparedness, re-
gardless of the exact details or form it
will take.
The Presidents determination was
pointed to today as having greater sig
nificance than most people realize Ac-
cording to those in his confidence he
has reached a mental condition that
to oppose him. His fighting spirit is
aroused. and he is ready to mix it,
with his best friends if they get in his
path.
Republicans found some satisfaction
in the break because they believed it
showed that the much talked of har-
mony in democratic ranks was all on
the outside and that the President is
just starting upon series Of troubles"
that will harass him seriously before
next November. They also made most
of another change of mind" on the
Presidents part. They pointed to the
fact that in his annual address to Con-
gress and on other occasions since he
has practically Endorsed the continental
army scheme of Secretary Garrison.
They charge that he led Mr.. Garrison
to think he would stand for that plan
and then saw different light. threat
| ening to let Mr.. Garrison down. way
down. in the public estimation.
Dead Set on Preparedness.
Democrats believed that the corre-
spondence between the President and
Mr.. Garrison put the President in a
| favorable light before the country; re-
vealed him as the real President and
not the automaton of cabinet officer
or anybody else; as willing to make
concessions to the experience and wis
dom OF Congress, and as dead set on
securing the preparedness he is fight
| ing for.
For successor to Mr.. Garrison many
names were today mentioned, but
| ton or approval. Secretary Lane Of
the Interior Department was strongly
mentioned. Former Gov. Walsh of
| Massachusetts,. Mayor Baker Of Cleve-
land, Representative Swager Sherley
of Kentucky and former Gov. Judson
Harmon OF Ohio were other names put
forward. The only thing conclusive
seemed to be that the President would
pick a democrat and not an independ-
ent. as had been suggested; that his
selection would not be a southern man
and that he probably would not be an
army man. Gen. Cocktails. the builder
Of the Panama canal. had a boom
started for him during the day, but it
did not go far. Joseph P. Tumulty. the
Presidents secretary, came in for
kindly mention. owing to his work in
the executive Offices, but he quickly
eliminated himself.
When the cabinet met at II o'clock
there was a constrained feeling among
| the members. who missed the genial
companion who has sat with them so
i long, but there was at the same time, 1t
| is understood. a feeling that the Presi-
dents preparedness legislation will
make great Roadway from now on and
that the next Secretary of War will
work with the President and not away
] from him.
Firm for Adequate Reserve Army.
The resignation Of Mr.. Garrison. it
was said ut the White House today.