Mr. Alger, the American Minister of War, has resigned, to
the relief of all who wish prosperity to the United States. Americans are perhaps too ready to believe charges of pecuniary corruption, but of Mr. Alger's incapacity, his mis- management of the supply departments, and his inability to select the right men for command there seems abundance of proof. Mr. McKinley was, however, grateful to him for sup- port in his election, and with that dour obstinacy which the unreasonableness of the multitude breeds in its rulers he kept him in his place until warned that public contempt for Mr. Alger might destroy, not only his own chance of a second term, but the prospects of his party. It is believed that with Mr. Alger General Otis will fall, but it is not proved that either will be succeeded by the right man. The Presidents, in fact, are not very successful as patrons. They have not the serene indifference of strong Kings to public opinion, and cannot help thinking, like weak Kings, of recommendations in their nominees other than their ability to do good service. The Bourbons rarely promoted men disliked by the mistress of the hour, and the Presidents rarely choose men distrusted by the wirepullers. If a man can " carry " a State he can win a campaign or cure cancer,—that is the theory which some- times governs at the White House, and it is apt to prove a ruinous one.
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