Elihu Root

Elihu Root
Elihu Root
Born	Template:Birth date; Clinton, Oneida County, New York, U.S.
Died	February 7, 1937 (aged 91)
Occupation(s)	Attorney, statesman, politician
Known for	41st United States Secretary of War; 38th United States Secretary of State; U.S. Senator from New York; Nobel Peace Prize laureate (1912)

Elihu Root (; February 15, 1845 – February 7, 1937) was a prominent American attorney, Republican statesman, and politician who held the position of the 41st United States Secretary of War during the administrations of Presidents William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt. He also served as the 38th United States Secretary of State under Roosevelt. Throughout his distinguished legal and political career, Root was instrumental in shaping the practice of international law in the United States. He is often viewed as an archetype of the 20th-century political "wise man," providing counsel to presidents on both foreign affairs and domestic issues. Additionally, Root represented New York as a United States Senator and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1912.

As a leading attorney based in New York City, Root alternated between influential government roles in Washington, D.C., and private legal practice. He also held leadership positions in institutions such as the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the American Society of International Law.

During his tenure as Secretary of War from 1899 to 1904, Root oversaw the administration of newly acquired colonial possessions following the Spanish–American War. He promoted a paternalistic governance approach emphasizing advancements in technology, engineering, and public service. Root played a central role in drafting significant legislation including the Foraker Act (1900), Platt Amendment (1901), and Philippine Organic Act (1902). His efforts modernized the U.S. Army by creating a general staff system, reorganizing the National Guard, and founding the U.S. Army War College.

Upon his return to government as Secretary of State between 1905 and 1909, Root implemented reforms to reduce patronage within the consular service, maintained support for the Open Door Policy in China, strengthened diplomatic ties with Latin American countries, and eased conflicts with Japan regarding immigration policies on America’s West Coast. He successfully negotiated 24 bilateral treaties involving international arbitration, which contributed to establishing the Permanent Court of International Justice.

While serving as a Senator from New York, Root aligned with conservative President William Howard Taft, significantly influencing Taft’s renomination campaign in 1912. By 1916, he advocated for increased military preparedness anticipating U.S. involvement in World War I. In 1917, President Woodrow Wilson appointed him to negotiate with Russia’s revolutionary government, although this mission did not succeed. Root backed Wilson’s concept for the League of Nations, supporting Republican-sponsored reservations introduced by Senator Henry Cabot Lodge.

Early life and education

Elihu Root was born on February 15, 1845, in Clinton, Oneida County, New York, to parents Oren Root and Nancy Whitney Buttrick, both descended from English ancestry. His father served as a mathematics professor at Hamilton College.

Root’s early education included attendance at local institutions such as Clinton Grammar School and the Williston Seminary. He later matriculated at Hamilton College where he joined the Sigma Phi Society and earned election to Phi Beta Kappa. After completing his degree, Root spent two years teaching physical education at Williston Seminary followed by one year at Rome Free Academy in New York.

Although his family encouraged him to enter the ministry, Root chose instead to pursue a legal career. In 1865, he moved with his brother Wally to New York City to study law. Enrolling at New York University School of Law, he supported himself by teaching American history at prestigious girls’ schools. Unlike many peers who sought bar admission after one year, Root dedicated two years studying under Professor John Norton Pomeroy, graduating in 1867 with a Bachelor of Laws degree and gaining admission to the bar that same year.

Legal and business career

Following his admission to the bar, Root undertook an unpaid clerkship at Mann and Parsons in New York City. In 1868, he partnered with several young attorneys to establish Strahan & Root on Pine Street. Over subsequent years, through multiple partnerships until 1897, a disagreement resulted in the dissolution of his firm and the creation of Root, Howard, Winthrop & Stimson, which eventually evolved into today’s Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman.

Root’s initial legal engagements were relatively modest but expanded significantly after his introduction to John J. Donaldson, president of the Bank of North America. Impressed by Root’s legal acumen, Donaldson retained him for both personal and banking affairs. In 1869, Root spearheaded the bank’s reorganization to obtain a state charter. With Alexander Compton joining as a partner, the firm was renamed Compton & Root. Throughout the 1870s, the firm gained prominence by specializing in banking, railroad law, estate matters, and municipal governance. Root’s defense of Tammany Hall leader William M. Tweed further elevated his reputation.

In 1881, Root was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States. Two years later, President Chester A. Arthur appointed him as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. In this role, Root prosecuted cases connected to the Ward and Grant scandals that contributed to the Panic of 1884.

By 1899, Root’s clientele included influential figures such as Jay Gould, former President Arthur, William C. Whitney, Thomas Fortune Ryan, and industrial magnates like E. H. Harriman. Additionally, he provided counsel to Speaker Thomas Brackett Reed during efforts to reform House procedural rules in 1889.

On January 19, 1898, Root became a member of the executive committee for the newly established North American Trust Company.

After moving to Washington in 1899, Root ended his formal partnerships but resumed legal practice around 1915 as of counsel at his son’s firm, Root, Clark, Buckner & Howland. During this time, he also served as the 38th president of the American Bar Association.

Defense of Tweed ring

In December 1871, Tammany Hall leader William M. Tweed faced indictment for fraud and deceit involving real estate schemes and political corruption. Tweed secured top defense attorneys headed by David Dudley Field; Root joined as counsel for Tweed’s co-defendant James Ingersoll—a furniture manufacturer accused of submitting fraudulent invoices totaling millions to city authorities. Alexander Compton, Root’s partner and Ingersoll’s relative by marriage, delegated the case to Root due to his courtroom proficiency. Despite reservations from family members, Root accepted representation of both Tweed and Ingersoll.

The lengthy trial commenced over fifteen months after indictment and concluded with a deadlocked jury. Subsequently, four additional indictments were filed in November 1873 following an unsuccessful attempt by defense counsel to disqualify judge Noah Davis. Root had a limited role during these proceedings but was involved in juror examination and witness cross-examination. The jury convicted Tweed on 204 charges; Judge Davis sentenced him to twelve years imprisonment along with a $12,750 fine—later reduced on appeal. Three lawyers were fined for contempt during the trial; however, Root was not among them. Addressing the junior attorneys after trial, Davis remarked:

"I understand how young lawyers often follow their seniors... [Elihu Root and Willard Bartlett] demonstrated exceptional skill throughout this trial. I will impose no penalty upon them beyond these few words of counsel: I urge you young gentlemen always to remember that loyalty to your client can never justify disloyalty to your own conscience... it is even more commendable to be recognized as men of integrity."

Root assumed a more prominent role defending Ingersoll by successfully appealing a jurisdictional matter before the New York Court of Appeals. Judge Allen lauded Root’s argument as unparalleled in this case. Although Ingersoll received a five-year sentence, he was ultimately pardoned by Governor Samuel J. Tilden.

Following Root’s rise to national prominence, his involvement in defending Tweed attracted negative press from newspapers owned by William Randolph Hearst, particularly after Root opposed Hearst’s gubernatorial bid in 1906. Hearst exaggerated Root’s participation and insinuated that he had advised Tweed on corrupt practices prior to indictment. Additionally, Hearst publications criticized Root’s legal fee arrangement—which combined cash and real estate—implying that Root inherited Tweed’s mansion; however, Tweed was financially destitute after fines and possessed only heavily encumbered properties as assets.

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District (1883–85)

At the outset of his legal profession, Root became a member of the Union League Club, where he established connections with emerging New York Republicans. He deliberately avoided seeking elected office early on, convinced that political ambitions could undermine his legal practice—a concern influenced by an early associate whose political activities had negatively impacted his career. Following his 1878 marriage and relocation to East 55th Street, Root engaged actively in Republican politics within his prosperous State Assembly district and secured a position on the Club’s executive committee in 1879.

Root’s involvement with the Club brought him into contact with Chester A. Arthur, then the influential Collector of the Port of New York. In 1879, Arthur alongside Alonzo B. Cornell encouraged Root to pursue a seat on the Court of Common Pleas. Considering the race unwinnable, Root refrained from vigorous campaigning, ultimately losing and thereafter never seeking popular office again, except as a party delegate. Nevertheless, his association with Arthur elevated his stature at the national level. In 1880, Root backed Arthur’s successful vice-presidential campaign and was present when Arthur ascended to the presidency in 1881 after President James A. Garfield’s assassination. That same year, Root also supported the political emergence of future President Theodore Roosevelt within their shared district.

Although there was speculation that Arthur might appoint him as Attorney General or to another cabinet role, Root was instead named United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York in March 1883. His appointment encountered minimal resistance amid Arthur’s efforts to oust a political adversary and was confirmed by the Senate; Root was sworn in on March 12. The position required part-time commitment, with Root managing customs duty refund lawsuits during mornings while continuing private practice in the afternoons.

International law

During his tenure as U.S. Attorney, Root acquired significant experience in international law, which later defined much of his public career. He prosecuted cases involving violations of U.S. neutrality statutes against ships supporting Haitian and Colombian insurgents and defended the government in the Head Money Cases. These cases challenged assertions that the Immigration Act of 1882 conflicted with treaties signed with the Netherlands; ultimately, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the government’s position.

Ward and Grant prosecutions

Root’s highest-profile case centered on prosecuting James C. Fish, a partner in Ward and Grant—a fraudulent scheme that exploited former President Ulysses S. Grant’s name and precipitated the Panic of 1884. Both Fish and the Grants professed ignorance regarding the fraud. Root dedicated six weeks to this trial, securing a conviction against Fish and a ten-year prison sentence following testimony from former President Grant, who passed away before sentencing.

This verdict significantly bolstered Root’s reputation, earning media acclaim for his legal expertise and comprehensive understanding of banking matters. He was recognized for protecting President Grant’s legacy against conspirators’ attempts to implicate him.

Prior to resigning, Root also obtained an indictment against co-conspirator Ferdinand Ward. After stepping down on July 1, 1885, he continued to assist in prosecuting other individuals involved in the scandal.

Secretary of War (1899–1904)

In July 1899, President William McKinley selected Root to serve as Secretary of War amid dissatisfaction with his predecessor’s handling of the Spanish–American War aftermath. Although initially hesitant, Root agreed to take charge of administering the newly acquired territories.

During his tenure, Root implemented civilian administrations in Cuba, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico while advancing modernization efforts within the War Department. His success in these areas positioned him as a prominent contender for the Republican vice presidential nomination in 1900; nevertheless, McKinley preferred to retain him in the Cabinet, and Root chose to remain. Ultimately, the nomination was awarded to Theodore Roosevelt, who assumed the presidency following McKinley’s assassination.

In 1900, amidst the Boxer Rebellion, Root temporarily assumed foreign policy responsibilities due to Secretary of State John Hay’s illness.

Root stepped down on February 1, 1904, returning to private law practice and was succeeded by William Howard Taft.

Military reforms

When Root took office, the War Department was plagued by inefficiency and corruption inherited from Alger’s administration. He made military reform a priority, recognizing its critical role in managing new territories and preparing for future conflicts. Despite recent victory over Spain, the Army remained structured for peacetime conditions; Root sought to establish a permanent wartime posture. He worked closely with Adjutant General Henry Clark Corbin and William Harding Carter in these efforts.

Root’s chief challenge came from Commanding General Nelson A. Miles, as the roles of Commanding General and Secretary of War had traditionally vied for control. To resolve this, Root advocated for a General Staff system headed by a Chief of Staff of the United States Army who would report directly to both the Secretary of War and the President. This Chief of Staff would be responsible for executing the Secretary's orders and supervising discipline and maneuvers. Congress approved this reorganization on February 14, 1903. Additionally, Root revamped promotion protocols and introduced rotational assignments between staff and line positions. In partnership with Secretary of the Navy William Henry Moody, he fostered enhanced Army-Navy cooperation through a joint board established under General Orders No. 107.

To improve military education, Root expanded the United States Military Academy, founded the U.S. Army War College, and developed further training facilities, including Fort Leavenworth. He extended instruction programs at Fort Leavenworth for the National Guard, aligning their equipment with regular forces and instituting examinations to certify eligibility for higher command roles.

Territorial administration

Following victory in the Spanish–American War, control over Cuba, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico fell under U.S. authority. As Secretary of War, Root administered martial law across these territories while guiding their transition toward civilian governance. Pursuant to the Teller Amendment, Cuba was intended for return to its inhabitants; meanwhile, armed resistance persisted in the Philippines against American rule.

Root devised processes to facilitate Cuba’s transition to self-governance, secured a governmental charter for the Philippines, and removed tariffs on Puerto Rican goods entering the United States. In response to critiques from the American Anti-Imperialist League, Root contended that such opposition only served to extend hostilities in the Philippines.

He depended heavily on legal counsel Charles Edward Magoon, who restructured departmental legal interpretations to require Congressional legislation for territorial governance—a position later affirmed by the Supreme Court in the Insular Cases. In Cuba, Root supported establishment of its first republican government under Leonard Wood through the 1901 constitution, which paved the way for American withdrawal in 1902.

Philippine-American War

During his tenure as Secretary of War, Root faced the significant task of asserting American authority over the Philippine Islands. Although sovereignty over the islands was internationally recognized through the Treaty of Paris, local opposition hindered effective governance. The considerable distance and the lack of established institutions posed greater challenges compared to American administration in Cuba or Puerto Rico.

Root sought to transition from military governance to a civilian-led administration by appointing a governor-general, emphasizing the importance of educating the indigenous population before making this shift. In 1900, he played a key role in establishing the Philippine commission under William Howard Taft, which aimed to promote self-government by initiating municipal administrations and organizing administrative districts based on principles derived from the Virginia Declaration of Rights.

Alaskan boundary dispute

Root also participated in an international arbitration tribunal appointed by President Roosevelt, alongside Henry Cabot Lodge and George Turner, tasked with resolving the territorial dispute between Alaska and Great Britain, which had intensified due to the 1900 Klondike Gold Rush. On October 20, 1903, British jurist Richard Webster, 1st Viscount Alverstone issued a decision that fully favored the United States.

Secretary of State (1905–1909)

After a short period away from public office, Root continued to exert influence by endorsing Roosevelt’s policies in Panama and supporting the Northern Securities case. Although he declined prominent leadership positions within the Republican Party, he contributed significantly to Roosevelt’s 1904 nomination by delivering the convention’s keynote address.

Following the death of John Hay, Roosevelt appointed Root as United States Secretary of State on July 7, 1905. Root implemented reforms in the consular service by integrating it into the civil service system and maintained a firm stance on the Open Door Policy in Asia.

During a diplomatic tour in Latin America in 1906, he secured commitments for participation in the Hague Peace Conference. He negotiated with Japan to restrict immigration to the United States through the Root–Takahira Agreement. Additionally, Root cooperated with Great Britain on arbitration matters concerning Alaska’s border and disputes over North Atlantic fisheries. His dedication to advancing arbitration earned him the Nobel Peace Prize.

Overview

In January 1909, Root was elected by New York’s legislature as a U.S. Senator from New York, serving from March 4, 1909, until March 3, 1915. He was an active member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and opted not to run for another term in the 1914 election.

Throughout his Senate career and afterward, Root served as president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace from 1910 until 1925. In recognition of his work promoting international arbitration and cooperation, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1912.

Notable Policy Positions

In a letter published by The New York Times in 1910, Root expressed support for the proposed amendment introducing an income tax, which eventually became the Sixteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution:

It has been observed that a substantial portion of any income tax levied under this amendment would be borne by New York citizens...
This is because New York City functions as the primary financial and commercial hub for a vast nation rich in resources and industrial activity. Over many years, Americans accumulating wealth across the country have turned to New York for capital acquisition, securities marketing, and supply procurement. Numerous individuals who have amassed fortunes elsewhere have relocated to New York due to its lifestyle or because their businesses require representation at this financial center. The incomes generated in New York largely reflect wealth originating from across the nation. A steady flow of capital moves toward this metropolis from mines, manufacturing plants, and railroads located outside New York.

1912 Election and Judicial Authority

In the course of the 1912 presidential race, Root found himself navigating tensions between his associates William Howard Taft and Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt openly questioned the absolute power of judicial review, criticizing the Supreme Court for invalidating progressive laws, as seen in rulings such as Lochner v. New York (1905). Taft, who had served as a judge and would later become Supreme Court Chief Justice, opposed Roosevelt’s stance, viewing it as a challenge to constitutional stability.

As a constitutional conservative and legal expert, Root sympathized with certain aspects of Roosevelt’s critique but regarded direct attacks on judicial authority as hazardous. He regarded judicial review as "the most valuable contribution of America to political science." Acting as chairman of the 1912 Republican National Convention, Root officially tallied delegates who nominated Taft and delivered remarks that positioned the Republican Party firmly in defense of the Supreme Court’s role. Roosevelt’s decision to run under the Progressive "Bull Moose" Party banner fractured the vote and led to his defeat. Following this, Root and Taft played key roles in shaping the Republican Party’s identity around principles of constitutional conservatism.

World War I

When World War I erupted in 1914, Root opposed maintaining neutrality and championed the Preparedness Movement to ready the United States for potential involvement. He urged American participation alongside Britain and France, concerned that German militarism endangered both global peace and U.S. strategic interests. In 1915, Root presided over the New York State Constitutional Convention. By mid-1916, he dismissed rumors about pursuing the Republican presidential nomination, citing his advanced age. At that convention, Root garnered a peak of 103 votes on the initial ballot; ultimately, Charles Evans Hughes secured the nomination but was defeated by Democrat Woodrow Wilson.

Root Commission

In June 1917, at age 72, Root was appointed by President Wilson to lead a delegation to Russia aimed at coordinating with the Russian Provisional Government under Alexander Kerensky. Spending nearly a month in Petrograd, Root expressed doubts regarding the government’s durability. He made American financial support contingent upon Russia’s continued engagement against the Central Powers: "No fight, no loans." This position influenced the Provisional Government’s ill-fated July 1917 offensives, which undermined its authority and facilitated the Bolshevik takeover during the October Revolution.

Root also served as founding chairman of the Council on Foreign Relations, which was established in New York in 1918.

Later career

During the 1919 Senate discussions on U.S. participation in the League of Nations, Root endorsed Henry Cabot Lodge’s reservations designed to maintain Congressional control over declarations of war. Although America never joined, Root supported the League’s goals and contributed to forming the Permanent Court of International Justice. In 1922, at age 77, President Warren G. Harding named him a delegate to the Washington Naval Conference, where he worked alongside Secretary of State Charles Evans Hughes. Root acted as a presidential elector for Calvin Coolidge in 1924.

Collaborating with philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, Root advanced efforts for international peace and scientific progress, becoming the inaugural president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. He was instrumental in founding both the American Law Institute in 1923 and The Hague Academy of International Law in the Netherlands. Furthermore, Root held the vice presidency of the American Peace Society, publisher of World Affairs, one of America’s longest-standing journals focusing on international relations.

Resistance to women's suffrage

Root was notably against women's suffrage. Serving as chairman of the judiciary committee during the 1894 New York State constitutional convention, he actively opposed granting voting rights to women and sought to prevent their inclusion in the state constitution. He maintained that voting was not an inherent right but rather "a means of government," emphasizing that women differed fundamentally from men and therefore should not participate in elections.

"Today, woman governs through the gentle and noble influence of her character. Introducing her into the competitive arena causes her to forsake these powerful tools that shape society, instead placing in her hands fragile and ineffective weapons unfamiliar to her and beyond her skill to manage. In conflict, woman becomes stern, severe, unlovable, and repellent; utterly unlike the tender being to whom we all owe respect and allegiance, as distant as heaven is from earth."

Throughout his life, Root consistently opposed feminism.

Family

In 1870, Root journeyed to Europe with his brother Wally, who was battling tuberculosis. They were in Dresden amid the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War, tracking its developments while Wally’s condition worsened. Elihu carried his ailing brother back to Clinton, where Wally passed away on November 15, 1870. Root took responsibility for settling his brother’s financial obligations.

Root married Clara Frances Wales in 1878; she was the daughter of Salem Howe Wales, a Republican from New York. Their family included three children:

Edith Root (born December 1, 1878; married Ulysses S. Grant III)
Elihu Root Jr. (born May 7, 1881; married Alida Stryker)
Edward Wales Root (born July 23, 1884)

Like his father, Elihu Root Jr., a graduate of Hamilton College and practicing lawyer, wed Alida Stryker, daughter of Hamilton College president M. Woolsey Stryker.

Religion

Root was a committed Presbyterian, reflecting his early religious upbringing. After relocating to New York City, he became involved with the Young Men's Christian Association, serving as its vice president, authoring essays on Christian ideals for men, and teaching Sunday school classes.

Friendships and professional affiliations

Root maintained a lifelong friendship with Willard Bartlett, Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals, dating back to their early legal careers in New York.

He shared an enthusiasm for western big game hunting with President Roosevelt.

Root was affiliated with the Union League Club of New York, holding its presidency twice (1898–99 and 1915–16), and led the New York City Bar Association during 1904–1905. In 1917, he succeeded mentor Joseph Hodges Choate as president of the National Security League. In this role, he supported U.S. involvement in war while opposing women's suffrage. Additionally, Root was a member of the American Philosophical Society.

Death and legacy

Root passed away in 1937 in New York City surrounded by family members. A modest funeral service took place in Clinton under the direction of Episcopal bishop E.H. Coley. He rests beside his wife Clara (who died in 1928) at Hamilton College Cemetery.

He was the last living member of President McKinley’s Cabinet and the final Cabinet official who had served during the 19th century.

Legacy

Professor Alfred McCoy identifies Root as the United States' inaugural "foreign policy grandmaster," attributing to him the pivotal role in elevating America to a global power status. Throughout his service as Secretary of State and Senator, Root maintained a steady American engagement in international matters and played a key role in fostering the Special Relationship with Great Britain. He successfully united influential business leaders and intellectual figures in support of an interventionist approach to foreign affairs.

Beyond receiving the Nobel Prize, Root was honored with the Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown (Belgium) and named Grand Commander of the Order of George I in Greece. In 1895, he became a member of the Empire State Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, tracing his lineage to Lieutenant Elihu Root (1772–1843) of the Continental Army, and was also a second cousin twice removed to publisher Henry Luce. In 1912, he attained honorary membership in the New York Society of the Cincinnati.

Memorials

During the Second World War, a Liberty ship constructed in Panama City, Florida was christened in his memory.

Root’s residence in Clinton, acquired in 1893 and known as the Elihu Root House, received designation as a National Historic Landmark in 1972. Additionally, the United States Army Reserve Base located in New York Mills, New York carries his name.

The Elihu Root Gold Medal is presented to the six top civilian performers in the National Trophy Rifle Team Match, who are then appointed as team members. The leading civilian team’s captain and coach earn corresponding titles, with all eight individuals awarded Elihu Root gold medals.

Works by Elihu Root

Articles

“A Requisite for the Success of Popular Diplomacy”. Foreign Affairs, vol. 1, no. 1, September 15, 1922. (pp. 3–10)
"Statesman and Useful Citizen" Vanity Fair, 1915
"The Government and the Coming Hague Conference." The Advocate of Peace (1894–1920) 69, no. 5 (1907): 112–16.
"The Need of Popular Understanding of International Law." The American Journal of International Law 1, no. 1 (1907): 1–3.
"The Sanction of International Law." The American Journal of International Law 2, no. 3 (1908): 451–57.
"The Basis of Protection to Citizens Residing Abroad." Proceedings of the American Society of International Law 4 (1910): 16–27.
"The Real Monroe Doctrine." The American Journal of International Law 8, no. 3 (1914): 427–42.
"The Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Nations Adopted by the American Institute of International Law." The American Journal of International Law 10, no. 2 (1916): 211–21.
"The Invisible Government." The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science 64 (1916): viii–xi.
"The Outlook for International Law." The American Journal of International Law 10, no. 1 (1916): 1–11.
"Theodore Roosevelt." The North American Review 210, no. 769 (1919): 754–58.
"PERMANENT COURT OF INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE." American Bar Association Journal 6, no. 7 (1920): 181–85.
"The Constitution of an International Court of Justice." The American Journal of International Law 15, no. 1 (1921): 1–12.
"The Codification of International Law." The American Journal of International Law 19, no. 4 (1925): 675–84.
Root, Elihu, and J. Ramsay MacDonald. "The Risks of Peace." Foreign Affairs 8, no. 1 (1929): i–xiii.

Books

The Citizen's Part in Government. Yale University Press, 1911.
Experiments in Government and the Essentials of the Constitution. Princeton University Press, 1913.
Addresses on International Subjects. Harvard University Press, 1916.
The Military and Colonial Policy of the United States: Addresses and Reports by Elihu Root. Harvard University Press, 1916.
Miscellaneous Addresses. Harvard University Press, 1917.
Men and Policies: Addresses by Elihu Root. Harvard University Press, 1925.

Published addresses

“Theodore Roosevelt”. The North American Review, November 1919. — Presented at the Rocky Mountain Club on October 27, 1919.
The Short Ballot and the “Invisible Government”: An Address by Elihu Root. New York: The National Short Ballot Organization, 1919. — Delivered at the New York Constitutional Convention on August 30, 1915; it advocated for reducing elective state officers and consolidating from 152 departments into just seventeen under the “Short Ballot” reform plan.

External links

including the Nobel Lecture Towards Making Peace Permanent
Elihu Root
About Elihu Root on www.nobel-winners.com
State Department Biography
Cathedral Building: An Index of National Character, by Elihu Root 1922
CFR Website - Continuing the Inquiry: The Council on Foreign Relations from 1921 to 1996 History of the council by Peter Grose, a council member.
Elihu Root Papers, 1845-1937 (Papers, 1904-1937) from Hamilton College Library, Clinton, New York.