Page:Men of Mark in America vol 1.djvu/113

Rh show temper, nor does he express great disappointment if his plans do not immediately carry. In him, caution, memory, vigilance, insight, seem mingled in just proportion. His affection for President McKinley was strong, though not frequently expressed. If he does not especially draw the affections of others to himself, admiration of his intellect is a tribute which none can fail to pay him who have watched his methods and their results. He is a tireless worker, remaining at his desk ten to twelve, and sometimes fifteen hours a day. The American people owe him a debt of gratitude for helpfully adjusting to legal principles our new colonial policy.

In February, 1905, having resigned from the cabinet, Mr. Root resumed the practice of law in New York.

President Roosevelt most clearly recognized Mr. Root's value, and wrote him, as Mr. Root retired from the secretaryship, January 1, 1904: “Your duties have included more than merely the administration of the department and the reorganization of the army on an effective basis. You have also been at the head of the department which dealt with the vast and delicate problems involved in our possession of the Philippine Islands. And your success in dealing with this part of your work has been as signal as your success in dealing with the purely military problems. It is hard, indeed, for me to accept your resignation; and I do it not only with keen personal regret, but with a lively understanding of the gap your withdrawal will make in public life.”

In 1902, Mr. Root was made a member of the executive committee of the Carnegie Institute, Washington, District of Columbia. The honorary degree of LL.D. was conferred on him by Hamilton college, 1894, and by Yale in 1900. He was married January 8, 1878, to Clara, daughter of Salem Wales, of New York city.

After the death of Secretary John Hay, Mr. Root returned to the cabinet of President Roosevelt. Official announcement was made of his appointment as secretary of state, and of his acceptance of that position on July 7, 1905.