The times., 1898-09-28

Col. Theodore Roosevelt was born on
the 18th of October, 1858, in the city of
New York. His parents were rich. He
was educated at Cutters noted prepara-
tory school. After finishing in this school
he Travelled in Europe, spending some
time in Germany. On his return from
Europe he entered Harvard College, and
was graduated from that institution in
1850. After leaving Harvard he took up
the study OF law. During the time he was
studying law he entered into literary
work. He first wrote the history of 'The
Naval War of 1872" Within the next
few years he published the Life of
Gouverneur Morris" the Life of Thomas
H. Benton" which were printed as the
American Statesmen series He also
wrote great deal on the subject of hunt
ing. Among the more important of these
papers was The Hunting Trips of a
Ranchman' Ranch Life and the Hunt
ing Trail" and the Wilderness Hunter" 3"
Later he wrote the winning of the
West and Southwest, From the Allegha-
MES TO the Mississippi"
Col Roosevelt had not been long out of
college until he took a lively interest in
politics. He became actively identified
with the local Republican organization in
New York, which he joined three DAYS
after he returned from Harvard. In the
fall of 1881 he was elected to the New York
State Assembly, and served continuously
in the sessions of 1852, SO and 81 During
his legislative career he made for himself
quite a reputation as a reformer He
distinguished himself in the assembly at
Albany on more than one occasion He
was regarded as a hotspur, and the older
members OF the legislature often attempt
ed 10 subdue the young man, but he was
able to hold his own upon any and all
occasions He seemed equal 10 every
emergency.
In the city of New York a number Of
men were sent 10 the assembly who were
known in their local precincts more as
bruisers than as fit persons to represent
thelr constituents in a legislative body
ms element also undertook at one time
TO subdue Col. Roosevelt In a physical
combat as well as in an intellectual con-
test, he was equal to the emergency
A scene took place in the halls of the
legislature which was more exciting than
in Keeping with the decorum of that
body. An attempt was made to whip As
semblyman Roosevelt, but he defended
himself in manly way and came off vic
torlous. In those days the blood in Young
Roosevelts veins ran hot as Wen as
quick. He was unquestonably a fighter.
and probably always will be- He has
championed causes that required fighting
TO achieve success.
Defeated for Mayor by Mr.. Hewitt.
In 1886 he was the Republican candidate
for mayor Of New York city. His suc-
cessful opponent was Abram s Hewitt
Previous to his running for mavor
Mr.. Roosevelt had bought a ranch in
Dakota, where he spent the greater nor
ton of his time. After his defeat for the
mayoralty he again went to his Dakota
ranch, and spent from six to nine
months there every year for the next two
or three years. 1t was in the West that
ne mastered the art of riding bucl,ing
bronchos.
On his arrival in the West he was the
subject of great deal of amusement
Tor the cowboys. until they became BET
ter acquainted with him. At first he was
subjected 10 the same kind of treatment
that is usually accorded to every ten
derfoot' when he strikes that section.
Col. Roosevelt was no less equal TO anv
emergency with the cowboys of the West
than he was at Harvard College or in the
legislative halls al Albany He was an
expert with gun, and could ride any
kind of horse without saddle or bride
During his experience in the West he
contributed number of articles to the
various magazines relative to that sec
ton, all of which commanded attention
and admiration from those who read
them.
Civil Service Commissioners
In 1889 President Harrison made him
president of the Civil Service Commits
sion. 1t was here that Col. RooseveIts 6
lighting proclivities We're again in evil
dence. The commission became involved
in quarrel with Postmaster General
Wanamaker. Mr. Wanamaker, it was
thought, was running the Postoffice De-
partment more for political purposes
than for the good of the service. Col.
Roosevelt found in the Postofice De-
partment a wide field for his fighting tall
ents, where they were most effectively
displayed. He became involved in other
contests with Cabinet officers whom he
believed, were attempting to evade the
civil service law.
After President Harrison retired from
office Col. Roosevelt was still retained bv
President Cleveland as a member of the
commission. He held this office until 1895
when he accepted the presidency of the
New York police commission under Mayor
Strong. 1t was as member of the police
commission that Col Roosevelt had. per
haps, greater opportunity to display his
fighting metal. His administration of
that office, however it may be regarded
from moral or legal point of view. has
achieved for Col. Roosevelt the bitter en-