New-York tribune., 1901-09-29
THE PRESIDENTS SAFETY AND DIGNITY

A sense OF duty impels to recur to a topic
which we discussed soon after President Nc
hinley was shot and when it was believed that
he would recover. His death and the accession
of Mr.. Roosevelt do not render it less impor-
fent- 1t is impossible. and if il were possible
u would be undesirable, that President of the
United States should be as closely guarded as
the occupant of an autecratie throne. whose
comparative seclusion and constant surveillance
sre traditional and consistent with the form of
government which he administers But there
Is an opposite extreme which IL seems quite
practicable 10 avoid in the case of the Pres-
dent and which it would be well TO avoid. out
OF consideration alike for the dignity of his
once and the welfare of the country
No doubt President Roosevelt is aware that
ae has already repeatedly exposed himself TO
stacks upon his person since the shooting Of
Els predecessor made his life pre-eminently val
liable. not TO speak of his perilous night ride
through the Adirondacks following an urgent
sus1mons to Buffalo. His high personal cour-
sge and impatienee of irksome formaIities are
qualities which have largely contributed to the
~ liration which he has won in all narts of the
- ntry, and il was readily foreseen that he
~ I'D be dsinclined TO change his habits radi-
rally, even under the constraining effects of 2
tragedy which profoundly concerned himself
ana all the people. They understand character
and temperament which they have always found
'aagng, and they would naturally prefer 10
him enjoying the freedom Of movement and
~ intercourse with all sorts and conditions of
men 10 which he has been accustomed all his
fa. But IL is 10 be considered that among the
obligations which the President has contracted
Is he obligation to avoid needless risks and 10
ms ke some personal sacrifices to that end. His
safety could not be guaranteed even by such
rigid measures of protection as would be intoI-
ers.bie 70 him and probably repugnapt to the
people. but it might be increased by simple pre-
cautions 10 which he is frankly averse and by
the REIMBURSEMENT OF pleasures which NAV be
100 dearly purchased. He NAV rest assured
that such ordering of his life would be
deemed perfectly suitable and cordially an
proved by his fellow citizens and we respect
fully entreat him 10 weigh the matter carefully
and disinterestedly.
There is another branch Of the general subject
concerning which there seems to be even less
room for differences Of opinion. We refer again
10 the Presidential custom OF hanashak;ng.
which has survived from period when the de-
mands upon the time and strength of the Execu-
tive were not onerous and the possibility of an
assault upon his life had never been conceived
II has become grave injustice TO him and 10
the people, in whose service he desires to en-
ploy bis highest powers. Only minute proper
fion Of them can ever enjoy the privilege from
which circumstances inevitably debar all the
rest, and we are persuaded that most of those
who are able to secure the opportunity would
admit that 1t is foolish ambition and cheer
fully forego II for the Presidents sake. II is
earnestly 70 be hoped that Mr.. Roosevelt will
consent 10 abandonment of this wearisone.
Irrational and dangerous practice. which would
certainly be as little congenial to him as 1t can