entered into his assimilation of knowledge — and although not naturally an orator, his persistent and conscientious efforts have made him one. When he was nineteen years old he took the Clark prize for his oration on “The Jew of Dickens, Scott, and Shakespeare.”
He was graduated from Hamilton college in 1864; and he taught with his brother, Oren, in the academy at Rome, New York, for one year, and was graduated from the law department of the University of New York in 1867. He was at once admitted to the bar, and entered into partnership, first with John H. Strahan and afterward with Judge Willard Bartlett. His assets, on going to New York, were not much more than his diploma and his Phi Beta Kappa pin; and to his credit be it said he lived most economically. His study was often prolonged far into the night.
His law practice grew rapidly and he was retained by many corporations as counsel. President Arthur appointed him United States attorney of the Southern district of New York, which position he held from 1883-85. He was a member of the Republican county committee, and its chairman from 1886-87. In 1894 he was delegate-at-large to the state constitutional convention of New York, and was chairman of the Judiciary Committee of that body.
William M. Tweed employed him as counsel when on trial for the “Tweed Ring” frauds; but it has been said that Mr. Root felt constrained to accept this position as he was urged to this course by one who had in former years acted a most friendly part to Mr. Root before he had attained prominence, and when friends were rare.
Judge Hilton availed himself of Mr. Root's services in the Stewart will case; and he has been attorney for the sugar trust and in other important litigations.
August 1, 1899, President McKinley appointed him secretary of war, as successor to Russell A. Alger, and he was continued in the office by President Roosevelt, and was reappointed March 5, 1901. His public career as secretary of war has made him known round the world. President McKinley's choice was vindicated as soon as Mr. Root began to apply his well-trained legal mind to our national problems. The war department immediately felt the pressure as well as the inspiration of his presence. Intellect is said to be impersonal; and this characteristic is not without great weight in questions concerning the most efficient men and methods.
