The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1901-11-01
AN AMERICAN FIRST.


Governor Thomas G.. Jones of Alabama,
a gold democrat to federal judgeship
in that state has called forth criticism
in the north, and has been received
with enthusiasm i'm the South. Con-
nected with this appointment is the
Presidents remark to "a late visitor at
the White House. President Roosevelt
is reported to have said: "Only the best
men shall be appointed to office in the
Southern States, and if in seeking for
the best men / fail to find them in the
Republican party l shall not hesitate
60 make selections from the Democra-
tic party. ! intend to make such ap-
pointments as will induce every South
ern man to respect the Republican
party"
The following comments from the
Democratic Press Of the South are very
significant. The Montgomery Adycr-
tiser says:
1.-THE selection of so prominent a
Democrat by Republican President
reveals at one bold stroke Mr. ROOse-
yets great capacity for the high Office
he holds. He demonstrates i'm the most
emphatic way that he is not merely the
President of one party or of one sec
ton, but of all parties and Of all sec
tiOns. He declares his purpose to use
his appointing power, not for the bene-
fit of one party or of one faction Of
that party, or for his individual politi-
cal advantage, but for the purpose for
which it was vested in him by the Con-
stituuon-the welfare Of all the people
and especially of those directly affected
1.-The Presidents selection Of Cover
nor Jones was most happy. He has
been for years one Of the ablest and
most respected Democratic leaders in
the State, and has made national re-
putation by his breadth and force. He
has always been governed by his brain
and conscience, and while some Demo-
Gratis here in Alabama have at times
differed with him, he has always COM
manded their respect He has been
conservative, fair, and considerate of
all factions and views. It is general
ly accepted view of him that he will do
right as he sees it, no matter what the
political or personal consequence
Furthermore, he is a very able lawyer
and of a judicial type
The Atlanta Constitution writes as
follows:
'The Constitution has yet to notice
a genuine Democratic newspaper criti-
Ching the course of President Roose-
welt. He was elected to Office as a
Republican but on assuming the Presi-
Dental chair he has assumed the role
of an American seeking the good Of
his country. He has not invited Demo-
cratic renegades into consultation, but
has made the call for assistance and
advice upon Democrats in good stand
ing. There is no sailing under false
colors on either side. Such an appeal
from the President is addressed to the
patriotism of every American"
The chorus of satisfaction might be
prolonged, but it is unnecessary. 1t
may be said in this connection that
had President Mckinley not been cut
off untimely, his policy towards the
South seemed likely to be put on SINH
lar lines to those of Roosevelt To
conciliate the South, and to arouse
spirit of support towards the Republic
can party, instead of an unreasoning
hatred and opposition to that party is
an achievement worthy of a man as
broad as Roosevelt. The President may
he regarded as solid in the West, he
has the strongest kind of backing in
the East, and now the South comes
forward in his support. 1t is too early
in the administration to predict how
popular it may be, but it IS safe to say
that it will be a very popular one The
keynote has been struck, and that key
note will ring clear during the ensuing
three years. If it's tone takes deeper
force it will ring so clear and forceful
that it will chime in to second term.
Roosevelt's aim is to be an American
first, and a Republican afterwards.
Whether that is a rock upon which his
bark will split, depends upon whether
the machine politicians can get the
upper hand of the people or not. While
giving all due weight to the out and
out party men, Roosevelt himself is not
a party man at any price. This he has
shown throughout his career Indeed
his election to the Presidency was
engineered with view of preventing
his being elected President in 19O4-5.
He is by no means the favorite of the
machine politicians. He is too apt to
cut the Gordian knot instead of fun
bling with the strands, and leaving it
for other hands to tumble with in the
future.
The attitude of President Roosevelt
is very important to us here AS long
as President Mckinley was in the
White House, Hawaii knew that she
had good sterling friend, who had
reasons for having a strong bias in her
favor. When Mckinley passed away
and Roosevelt took his place, Hawaii
was not by any means so sure. The
new President knew little about the
Islands, and it is difficult to realize
their status without some knowledge
from personal friends. But President
Roosevelt is eminently fair and will
show to us the same spirit of fairness
which he has shown towards the South.
Hawaii may feel satisfied that she will |
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