The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-06-23
ON BEING KICKED UP STAIRS.

The American people like above all
things to enliven the statistical and finan-
cial gloom of a Presidential campaign by
having some nominee for whom they can
shout with enthusiasm.
1t was a vain desire to raise this shout
that led our friend and distinguished Ad-
1niral, George Dewey, to proclaim himself
unasked as the peoples choice. 1t was
due to the understanding Of the value
and power of military prestige that the
New York Times hedged SO carefully on
Dewev's candidacy wnen he first an
nounced himself. and it seems that after
all the Republicans are to have a chance
to wave the flag for the flags sake and
shout themselves hoarse over the hero
of San Juan Hill.
Governor Roosevelt, that strenuous
young rough rider, whose idea Of politics
is similar to his idea of polo and foot
ball. of pig sticking and grizzly bear
shooting, has shown himself to be
power that had to be reckoned with by
the corporate interests in New York and
so identified himself with the people that
ne was a thorn in the side of that
astute political angler, Thomas c. Platt.
But Mr. Platt is not one who bears the
sings and arrows Of outrageous fortune
with resignation. especially when they
come from the hands of such ANA
teur as Governor Theodore Roosevelt
The old adage that there are more ways
of killing a cat than feeding him on but
ter doubtless occurred TO Senator Platt
as he journeyed down to Philadelphia.
To the convention came also Governor
Roosevelt suilclessiy proclaiming that his
duty to the people required him to go
back as Governor to New York, where
sle might watch the bosses.'' d catch
word that was caught by the bosses.
When Philadelphia was reached it dawn
ed upon Mr.. Rcosevelts academic and
virtuous mind that perhaps the American
people would not take it as compliment
i: he declined to start his broncho in
the Vice-Presidential race. None the
aess he hired headquarters, got Conf
Dental clerks, stenographers, emiSsaries
and all other paraphernalia for conven-
tons and set himself to work to avoid
the honor that Mr.. Plat seemed so anx-
ious to thrust upon him.
Gently and persuasively Thomas c.
Plat and Matthew Stanley Quay, the
Castor and Pollux of pure politics, work
ed IN storm that grew to be a veritabe
whirlwind in which Mr.. Roosevelt willy
nilly was borne to the Vice-Presiden-
tial nomination.
The opposition of Hanna solicited the
wavering delegation. for there are few
things more delightful than thwartng a
boss Perhaps Hanna wanted TO be
thwarted, but the delegates believed the
contrary. and yelled the more Justify for
the rough rider.
Thomas c. Platt went back to New
York before the nomination of the Vice
President but he went in the sweet con-
seriousness that Governor Roosevelt would
be kicked up stairs.
The kicking occurred on schedule time,
and for the next four months the SIS
tiers, brothers. uncles, cousins and aunts
of the rough riders, which is to say most
OF the American people. Will cheer them
selves Wild over the broncho who won
the race for the Vice-Presidential nomi-
nation And in New York Thomas c.
Plat will still be king. and the place of
The strenuous young Governor will know
him no more.