Arizona daily citizen., 1901-11-22
SPECIMEN
OF HOW
ROOSEVELT
MET,TS PEOPLE
He Adroitly Dodges
a Bore and Defes
the Threat of a
Politician.

WASHINGTON, Nov. q. Visitors
had further revelations duringt he week
as to the methods aud democracy OF
when they went to the White House
The President met all with the same
hearty handshake and cordiality, but
demonstrated On one or two occasions
that he could cut short an interview
which threatened to be too long drawn
out, or which concerned a matter on
which he had already reached con
clusion. The most striking illustration
of this was his reception OF party of
Chicago men, They came 10 Washing
ton to urge reciprocity legislation aud
the creation of q department OF cont
merce and manufactures.
The President had already determin-
ed upon the portiors OF his message
dealing with the questions, but the
Chicago folks had not come so far wiIh
an intention OF being sIde-tracke,,
They presented themselves at the
White House. and IL was arranged
they should see the President NJ
COrtelyoii. secretary to the President,
told the callers that the President
would be glad 10 see them. but had
only faw minutes tn snare from tn
duties of the day The leader OF thr
delegation had prepared a set and fl
NAL speech. which he was determined
To deliver. As soop as the Presid sut
entered the room he began In impress
sive tones:
Mr.. President. coming from thf
greatest city of the Northwest. VIII cb
from her proud" but the President
interrupted with, GLAD to sec va
g"ntlemen." and started around tie
room shaking hands with his callers
The spokesman of the delegation be.
gan again;
Mr. President, coming from the
greatest city OF the Northwes-
The President did rot seem to know
that an attempt was being made To
unload half hour speech ON him. for
he turned with courteous gesture 10
Mr. Cortelyou and inquired: Let's
see. these gentlemen wish to see about
a department OF commerce and manu-
factures?" This was a cue 10 the
spokesman. and he started In again.
Mr.. President, coming from the
greatest city OF the Northwest, which
from her proud station at the head
But the President advanced on the
spokesman with his nervous, energetic
stride, and. grasping him warmly. If
not effnsively, by the hands. said
All yes, | know what you want.
You want to talk about department
Of commerce and manufactures Now,
have given the subject much thought.
and while. of course It would be mani
testify improper for me TO tell you any
thing about what is In my message. |
am sure you will be satisfied with my
references to the subject In which you
are interested"
Before the spokesman had time to
start In with his speech again Mr..
Roosevelt WAS shaking hands and bid
ding callers adieu.
Quite different was the reception re-
ceived by prominent New York poll
'ician who called upon the President
TO urge certain appointments. When
the President indicated that he could
not accept the recommendation the
politician made, the politician made
yelled threat as to the influence which
the organization he controlled might
weld against the President when he
sought further favors from his party
The President caught the import of the
remarks Immediately. With rervousij
switching lips and hands clenched, tht
the President sprang clenched, the
President sprang from his chair, say
ing; If you have come to threaten me
our Interview is ended"
The two stood facing each other fol
moment. anu the tense expression
did not leave the face of the President
His caller withdrew.