Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1900-06-27
THEODORE ROOSEVELT.

Soldier, Statesman.
Theodore Roosevelt was born in New
York city, October u, 1868. Eight gener-
ations OF his fathers family have lived in
New York, and have always been promi-
nent In business, social and political af-
fairs, many Of its members having taken
active part In all the wars Of our country.
from he revolution to tue Spanish war.
OF mingled Dutch, Scotch, Irish and
French Huguenot ancestry, Theodore
Roosevelt was born in a home OF some
wealth, but not to life of idleness. He
was brought up with the constant in
junction to be active and industrious.
He was graduated from Harvard in 1880,
and then spent some time in European
travel.
On his return home he began the study
OF law. In the fall OF 1881 he was elected
to the state assembly, and continued in
that body during the sessions of 1888 and
1884. He introduced important reform
measures, and his entire legislative career
zeal with which he assailed political
abuses.
In 1886 Mr.. Roosevelt was The repu blican
candidate for mayor against Abram s..
Hewitt, united democracy, and Henry
George, united labor. Mr.. Hewitt was
elected. In 1889 Mr.. Roosevelt was ap.
pointed by President Harrison a mem Der
OF the United States civil service COM
mission. His ability and rugged honesty
In the ministration OF the affairs OF that
office greatly helped to strengthen his
hold on popular regard. He continued in
that Office until May 1, 1895, when he re-
signed to accept the Office OF police COM
missioner OF New York city, from Mayor
Strong. Through his fearlessness and
administrative ability as president OF the
board, the demoralized police force was
greatly improved.
Early in 1897 he was called by the presi-
dent to give up his New York office to
Then again his energy and quick mastery
OF detail had much to do with the speedy
equipment Of the navy for its brilliant
feats In the war with Spain. But soon
after the outbreak OF the war his patriot
ism and love OF active life led him to
leave the comparative quiet OF his gov
eminent office for service in the field
AS lieutenant colonel OF volunteers he
recruited the 1st volunteer cavalry, popu-
larly known as the Trough Riders"
The men were gathered largely from
the COW boys OF the West and Southwest
but also numbered many college brec
men OF the East.
THE ROUGH RIDER.
In the beginning Mr.. Roosevelt was
second in command, with the rank OF
lieutenant colonel, DR.. Leonard Wood
being colonel. But at the close of the
war the latter was brigadier- general
and Roosevelt was colonel in command
Since no horses were transported to Cuba
this regiment, together with the rest OF
the cavalry, was obliged to serve on foot
The regiment distinguished itself in the
Santiago campaign, and Colonel Roose-
welt became famous for his bravery in
leading the charge up San Juan hill on
July /. He was an efficient officer, and
won the love and admiration OF his men
His care for them WAS shown by the circu-
lation OF the famous ground Robin
which he wrote, protesting against keep
ing the army longer in Cuba.
Upon Colonel Roosevelt's return to New
York there was popular demand for his
nomination for governor. Previous tc
the state convention he was nominated
by the citizens union, but he declined
replying that he was a republican. The
democrats tried to Illustrate his nomina
tion by attempting to prove that he hac
lost his legal residence in the state. That
plan failed, and he was nominated in tn,
convention by vote OF 753 to 21S for Gov
ernor Black. The campaign throughout
the state was spirited. Colonel Roosevelt
took the stump and delivered many
speeches. His plurality was 1909. Hi
ad administration since Jan. l, 1897 has beer
one OF conspicuous ability and chara cter
istic fearlessness.
AS A WRITER.
In the midst Of his intensely active lif,
Mr.. Roosevelt has found time to do con
siderable literary work. The year ate
lished his "Naval War of 1872. In 1855
there came from his pen Life of Thorn
as II. Benton, published in the "Ameri
can Statesmen Series'. The following
year he published a"Life Of Gouverneu
Morris" which was followed in 1855 by hi
popular "Ranch Life and Hunting Trail'
In 1889 were published the first TIVE
volumes of what he considers his creates
work, "The Winning OF the West" Ii
1890 he added to the series OF "Historit
Towns" "History OF New Y ork City"
Essays on Practical Politics." published
in 1892, was followed the next year by
"The Wilderness Hunter, while in 1879
he added third volu me to his swimming
of the West". In 1898 he collected
volume OF essays, entitled "Americar
Political Ideas. Since the Spanish wal
he has written a book on 1.-THE Rough
Riders" and series OF articles on Oliver