devoted himself to it with his customary diligence. Many large corporations engaged his services, and his counsel and advice were sought concerning many important cases.
In 1899, at the close of the Spanish-American War, President McKinley invited Elihu Root to become Secretary of War. The War Department was badly in need of some one who could take hold with a vigorous hand, clean out a lot of incompetents, institute some radical reforms, and place the department on a new basis, with efficiency as the ruling idea. Many people were surprised that a civilian should be appointed to the war portfolio. "Why," they said; "he is a mere theorist; he never smelled gunpowder in his life!"
But McKinley had acted neither hastily nor blindly. He was satisfied that he had found the right man, and it was not long until people generally acknowledged the wisdom of his choice. The new Secretary plunged at once into the work of the department, giving it his whole attention. He encountered much opposition, especially from military men, many of whom would rather see him fail than have their pet theories overthrown. Affairs within the department were in great disorder, and there was bitter rivalry between some of the bureau chiefs. By strict discipline, and by the application of civil service rules, he soon brought order out of chaos. He prepared a plan for the reorganization of the army and submitted it to Congress. It met with violent opposition, and was defeated. At the next session of Congress Mr. Root brought it forward again, and this time it was adopted. On being complimented for his perseverance, he said, "I took the army for my client, that's all."
A great deal remained to be done in the way of settling up affairs after the Spanish-American War. As a result of the war a new element had been introduced into American politics, that of territorial expansion; and as a feature of this question there was in the Philippines an insurrection of no mean proportions that must be suppressed. In conjunction with General Leonard Wood Secretary Boot made the arrangements for the transfer of Cuba back to the Cubans. Under his direction, also, an army of seventy thousand men
