The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-07-15
a GOOD EXAMPLE.

The Times being a Democratic paper has
of the Republican nominees. but The Times
can recognize personal worth wherever it
sees 1t.
In notifying Governor Roosevelt Of his
nomination for the place OF Vice-President
a few days back. Senator Wolcott made
use of the following language:
Notably during your Two years Of
splendid service as Chief Executive of the
State of New York. you have everywhere
and at all times. stood for that which was
clean and uplifting. and against everything
that was Sordid and base. You have
shown the people of this country that a
political career and good citizenship could
go hand in hand, and that devotion to the
public welfa>e is consistent with party
membership and party organization There
is not "A young man in these United States
who has not found in your life and iniiu-
ence an incentive to better things and
higher Ideals
That was a rnerited tribute to Governor
Roosevelt. and Republican nominee though
ne be. The Times can give it its endorse
ment and declare that it is glad TO see a
public Official set an example 20 the young
men of the country such as Governor
Roosevelt has set, whether ne be Repuh-
lican or a Democrat or a Populist official.
The important, part of Senator Wolcotts
invocation. so TO speak, was mis- declara-
ton that Governor Roosevelts career had
shown that a political career and good cit
izenship can go hand in hand, and that
devotion to the public welfare Is consistent
with party membership and party organi-
cation.
Politics have become so much trade,
the people are so accustomed 10 seeing poll
ticians viewing their business as system
of machinery by which the public is to be
guled, while the politician fakes it out
OF money, that they have come to look
upon all politicians as fakirs more or less.
engaged In the business Of tumbusgins the
public for their own private benefit. Such
an example as Governor Roosevelt's public
career has set is, therefore, d distinct gain
for public morals. His public career has
been absolutely unselfsh, except as it has
involved that laudable ambition to distin-
guish himself for worthy deeds which all
good men may and generally do have, and
in leading a public life, in the very glare
of day, which is example of how man
may be honest and still ambitious Of pub
lie distinction. He has done a. service to
American institutions that is too far reach
ing to be measured.
We take much pleasure in recording
these views because Governor Roosevelt is
dramatically opposed upon many public
questions to The Times, and because we
have seen in several quarters disposition
to beiittle him and sneer at him. One
newspaper, particularly, omits no oppor-
tunity to do this, even going so far as to
charge that his services as a soldier in
Cuba were really nothing but what Roose-
welt himself and a gang OF newspaper
But we have been at some pains to exam
Inc the official records in connection with
this matter, and it is as certain as any
thing can be that Roosevelt personally
commanded his men in as hot fighting as
the Santiago campaign offered, and that
he played the part there of a fearless,
painstaking and most consderate soldier.
Governor Roosevelt is an American citi-
zen who does credit to his citizenship, and
The Times will never fail to do justice TO a
character Of that sort, whether we agree
do not