The National tribune., 1901-09-19

Copyright by Geo. Prince Washington, D. C., 1900.
Colonel, he taking that of Lieutenant
Colonel. He persuaded the President to
authorize the raising of the list U. 5. Vol.
Cav. on this basis. In about 30 days
from the issuing of this authority the
regiment was recruited, uniformed. drilled,
armed, equipped and transported TO Tam
pa, Fla, ready for duty. The story Of
the Rough Riders is a household word
from Maine to Arizona and from Oregon
to Florida. AS told by Roosevelt him
self, it has been read by millions Of read
ers. 1t is the most picturesque story IN
our military annals. In the first Skin
misb, after landing on Cuban soil, Wood
was promoted to the rank of Brigadier-
General. and Roosevelt was left in com
mand of tie regiment. 1t owed its origin
to him, and he was associated with it
from start to finish.
In September, 1898, the Republican
State Convention met to nominate a can
didate for Governor of New York. RoOse-
welt was then with his regiment at Mon
tauk Point, about to be mustered out of
service He was nominated, and at once
entered upon a vigorous campaign. The
party was then suffering from criticism
on account Of its alleged Encouragement
of the canals, and in the opinion of the
best judges any other candidate would
have been defeated Roosevelt was elect
ed by about 10000 majority.
His election was doubtless due TO his
services in the war with Spain, but these
contributed little or nothing to his quail
fications for the office. These were found
in his experience in the State Legislature,
in the Civil Service Commission, the Po-
lice Department and the Navy Depart
ment, an experience which had given him
an intimate knowledge of the practical
working of Municipal, State and National
Governments; and above all, to his fear
less honesty and tireless energy in deyO-
ton to sound principles of administra-
ton. During his two years of office as
Governor he has set standard which the
people of New York will not soon allow
to be lowered. He has put through a
first-class Civil Service law, ne has framed
and carried through legislation in regard
to the difficult question of taxation, based
on a new principle which Is perfectly
equitable, is particularly suited to mod
ern conditions, and when modified in de-
tails to such an extent as experience shall
demonstrate to be necessary will be &C
cepted by all; he has honestly and eco
nomicaly administered the canals, and has
caused the canal question 10 be carefully
studied so as to bring out all the essential
facts upon which its solution must be
based; ne has resOlutely refused TO ap-
point any unfit man to Office, although
usually ready to accept suitable man
when recommended by the Republican or
ganization, which includes the greater
part of the voters in the party; he has
appointed commissions to study the edu-
cational system, the tenement-house ques-
ton, and revision of the charter OF the
great City of New York. His appointees,
from top to bottom, have been of the
very highest type; from the foundation
Of the State there have been no higher.
Many OF his measures are in a half-fn-
ished condition. The Republicans of New
York would, beyond question, have re-
nominated and reelected him to carry
them to completion. But at this stage
the Republicans of the United States with
singular Unanimity have called him away
from New York, against his personal
wishes aud judgment, 10 take part in Ma
Kinley in carrying out those policies
brought such prosperity at home and such
greatness abroad. He has yielded his
judgment to theirs. and cheerfully ac-
cepted the call.
He has six children-Alice Lee, Theo-
dore, Kermit, Ethel Carow, Archibald
Bullock and Quentin. His home is at
Sycamore Hill, Oyster Bay, Long Island.
In the pages of his books the people OF
this land can read the thoughts that have
been spun out by his brain during the
last Is years, and can see what manner
of man he is. They believe him to be
honest, fearless, straightforward, a tire
less worker, experienced in the admins
tration of city, State and National ar
fairs, q careful student and writer of his
country's history, an American in every
fiber, man who holds his life at his
country's service.