Quotes and anectdotes from the wise to the foolish, and the courageous to the drunk

Elihu Root US Congressperson

  • Gender: Male
  • Citizenship: United States
  • Born: Feb 15, 1845
  • Died: Feb 7, 1937

Elihu Root was an American lawyer and statesman who served as the Secretary of War under two presidents, including President Theodore Roosevelt. He was the prototype of the 20th century revolving door, shuttled between high-level appointed government positions in Washington, D.C. and private-sector legal practice in New York City. He was elected by the state legislature as a US Senator from New York and served one term, 1909 - 1915. Root was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1912.

Root was a leading lawyer, whose clients included major corporations and such powerful players as Andrew Carnegie. Root served as president or chairman of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the Carnegie Institution of Washington, and the Carnegie Corporation of New York. As Secretary of War under McKinley and Roosevelt, Root designed American policies for the new colonial possessions, especially the Philippines and Cuba. His role in suppressing a Filipino revolt angered anti-imperialist activists at home.

Men do not fail they give up trying. men

Secretary of War Stanton used to get out of patience with Lincoln because he was all the time pardoning men who ought to be shot. patience