New-York tribune., 1901-03-16
PITY THE EMPEROR.

Those pessimistic persons who have found in
President Hadey's misunderstood remarks a
text for mournful musings on the drift of the
American people toward despotism should take
heart. The situation may not appear so seri-
Gus they suppose if they will only beg, bor-
steal a trife of that of humor
which it is well recognized they do not them
selves possess. When that impending shape of
empire is illumined by a single fash of humor-
Gus insight, such as that displayed by Sir Henry
NJ. Stanley, ii is seen to be only thin mist.
Asked in London what he thought Of the pros
poets of setting up this pre- iicted emperor the
great explorer said: Il pity the emperor |
would rather be the most common man in
''the street than such august parsonage 1t
already requires considerable courage TO be
President
Pity the emperor Well he might. The very
righteousness of the imperial conception is the
best possible defence against such an establish
ment. If the temper Of the American people
were such that they could take seriously the
idea Of an emperor in the White House, even
though they opposed it bitterly, empire might
be remote possibility at the end of some posi-
bic revolution. usurper can contend with
opposition, but no usurper can climb TO power
by making himself laughing stock and a
person putting on the imperial purple in Wash
ington would be much more the laughing stock
| than the fear of his fellows Before the en-
peror can be crowned he will have TO eradicate
| the prevailing American humor and irreverence.
Pity the emperor who would have 10 face not
armed insurrecrions but unrestrained laughs.
As Sir Henry NJ. Stanley says, it already re-
quires courage 10 be President If a simple
we'll behaved gentleman In that office cannot
make journey in a private car. or take ride
Il
every incident of his going and coming being
made the text for the funny mans cartoons.
what chance would he with ambitions for
velvet robe have TO try on that garment be-
fore he was laughed off the stage? Imagine a
President returning to the stateliness of
Washingtons republican court. If he were
TO suggest to those about him the adoption of
the routine observed in the household of the
French President whose powers are insignifi-
cant as compared with his. the merriment of
para graphers and people would be so loud that
he would never be heard of again In American
| politics. statesman can do almost anything
bur make himself ridiculous without forfeiting
| influence Even national hero cannot with
| out grave danger touch the funny bone of the
American people. They may love him after
| ward but never again will he be a serious leader
| for them.
| The crown and sceptre belong solely to the
carcaturists in this country, so ridiculous is the
/ idea OF empire thought. When an artist wants
to turn laugh against any man he puts a
| crown on his head and a mantle on his shoul-
| ders. Washington. Adams, Jackson Van Buren,
| Lincoln, Grant Garfield Cleveland and Nc
| kinley have all beer dressed I'D in that costume
| in the attempt 10 make them ridiculous by
persuadng people that at heart they wanted to
| wear ii. So deep seated is the contempt for
pomp and vanity in office that even the dignity
becoming the representative of the people is fire.
quently Invaded. With a populace so accus-
toned 10 the idea that they are Just as good as
and even little better than their 'hired man
as some of them delight TO call him. it is hard
enough to be a Chief Magistrate under the pro-
lection Of simplicity. Heaven help that hired
man who should brave the loud guffaw of those
ne tried to lord ii over as an emperor. The
American
whose biundering heel instnctiyely finds out
Inc Coulter foot of speechless dignitiee
Who, meeting Cssar's SELF would Sian his hack
Call him "Oid Horse" and challenge 10 a drink
] would make short work of any rinchbeck Casar