Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-09-11

90 FA@A@NAN~a
W~RITH all sensible people in the
N United States and in the south.
NV heartily rejoice that the pres
fdent escaped violent death
when his carriage was overrun by troll
ley car. and that his life was spared when
others were not so fortunate In the terri
bic catastrophe.
II was an accident that could not have
been anticipated OF all improbable things
IN the world an hour before the accident.
the danger 70 the president from trolley
car In a town composed OF his admtring
friends was the most improbable II was
the last thing 20 be expected.
And despite the fact that the motorman
and conductor have been held under the
charge OF criminal conduct. feel sure
that both OF them were as anxious to Go
honor 70 the president as any citizens OF
that town and were as far from seeking
70 do him or his friends any harm as
myself. thousands OF miles distant. would
have been I am sorry for both those poor
men. because Il means trouble, maybe
danger. and certainly deprivation OF daily
wages for a while
When 1 recoIlect that President Lincoln
was assassinated in a public play house,
and President Garfield was shot down In
a public railway station. and President
Mckinley was the target OF Czolgosz at
a public exposition. and President ROose-
velt risked his neck In a grand parade
on the public streets. IL strikes my mind
that a president is safer, IL not so well
entertained. in his own official residence,
than anywhere else
Then paid detectives might watch out
for anarchists, with a show OF success.
Guiteau had been in Washington for
months storing up hate in his mind
against Garfield. but he could not find
time 70 shoot until the papers advertised
the presidents trip 20 Long Branch and
the hour OF starting. with the various
particulars so dear 70 title-wOrshippers
and political Hck-spitter about the
throne.
II ne had gone quietly 70 the depot, un-
heralded. his chances for safety would
have been much improved, 10 say the least
OF the matter.
In the dark hour Of the south's gloom
and misfortune the appearance OF Presi-
dent Lincoln IN play house was an ag-
zravation to the morbid sensibility OF
Booth. and II fattened on what ii fed up
on. II 8Ir. Lincoln had been quiet in the
executive mansion the main feature Of the
not would have been impossible.
II has always seemed TO me TO have
been a useless outlay Of political pride and
ACKNOWLEDGMENT when Mr.. Mckinley was
conssnting 10 stand before promiscuous
crowd in q heterogeneous mixed assem-
hlage merely 20 be looked at. as happened
ct Buffalo, last year. OF course / under
stand that the exposition expected him
TO be the drawing card for their enter
prise but II was as unfortunate for their
finances as Il was for President McKin-
ley's political househould when Czolg0sz
got IN his deadly work on that fatal day.
What a pity the president had not taken
a vacation in Canton, Ohio. and rested
from his duties ana kept the detectives at
the front and back doors!
President Roosevelt would doubtless
scout the i0ea that he was posing for pub
lie admiration a few days ago. II was
duly considered 10 be a canvas for re-elec-
ton 10 hts present high Office. but IL de-
velops that four prancing horses pulled
vehicle that two might have drawn easily
and the management OF four prancing
steeds. when the drivers self-impOrtance
was IN no wise regulated or diminished by
his opportunity, caused collision which
two trusty horses might have avoided
without dificulty when the street car was
upon them
There is too much grandstand play in
rhis open air display Of our presidents.
They are exceptional persons. OF course.
and q Is In human nature 10 long for
sight OF those who are on the top OF the
ladder, even IN a republic: nevertheless
good common sense would indicate a little
more retirement with somewhat less dan
ger TO the principal actors in the drama.
There should be a law TO make the term
six years. afterwards ineligibility, and
that would insure good work and no rival
rics during the six-year term. The presi-
dent should not be pulled around the coun-
try Ike lion IN the menagarie 10 awaken
political enthusiasm He should travel.
OF course. but not Ike a crowned head
pcrambulates before worsfipping assem-
blics In Europe and Asia
The history CT four presidents in the
United States goes IN prove that detec-
tives are not safeguards 70 their lives. and
the next thing in sight would be a careful
avoidance Of pr0miscuous crowds.