The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-10-28
OCTOBER %, 1902.

duties than did Mckinley. It is doubtful
If he delegates as much as he should, for
it is one of the: marks of a. good executive
to be able to get work we'll done by 9TH
ers. But Roosevelt is not good ex-
ecutive man in that sense. Many Of the
little Earrings which have taken place be
tween himself and his official advisers,
have been the result of his over eagerness
to" interfere, and take their business out
of their hands. His action, in some in
stances, j conveyed an intimation OF in
competency, and has been resented by the
member of the cabinet. 1H."r -,
But the trouble, in every instance, has
had it's origin in well-meaning desire to
cut official red tape and TO see things
done, even If he had to step in and do
them himself. Roosevelt is a hard-Warking
and conscientious president Whatever
may be the verdict Of time as to the
soundness of his Judgment, it is quite Ger
tain that his industry and his unique
personality will not fail to leave their i'm
press.
Not a Gum Shoe Politician.
AS an illustration Of Roosevelt's indie
pendenceSand sincerity there is an Incl
dent which took place while he was pre-
pairing his speeches for the recent TRIP
west. He receivedoa call from a promi-
nent politician who came, to offer little
gum shoe''~ school, believing in stepping
cautiously. and speaking with discretion
rather than truth. Mr.. Politician took
the president into a corner and unfolded
a map of his proposed trip and began
checking off the various places where
speeches were due.
Now he said. you want to be a little
careful at this point not to mention trusts.
That is the home of some Of the stanchest
nd S1nnOrtS. better
them something there on the imperialis-
tic issue or a little patriotic CUFF about
prosperity
The next place the politician suggested
that the tariff might be touched, as the
interests were rural and no harm Woulo
be done; and SO he went through the llst
with his suggestions for trimming and
hedging.
+. With difficulty the president restrainee
himself until the gum shoe gentleman had
departed. Then it is said that he called
Mr.. Cortelyou to him and began to curse
politely Then he had him bring the
manuscript of his speeches and at every
point where the politician had advised
caution the president inserted an extra
dose of tabasco sauce. "'Ihats What the
people there are interested in" said he
land that's what we are going to talk
about" And he made it hot.
- - The President as Father.
Another side of President Roosevelt
which is little exploited is the domestic
one. One reason for this is his own earn
est wish that he be let alone in the prl'
vacy of his home. He does not mind pub
licity in his official capacity-even spec
tacular publicity-but he does not like
the invasion of his kOme. H..
Nevertheless it may be related with all
propriety' that Mr.. Roosevelt is a father
who might we'll be emulated. He is not
the stranger to his children which. sc
many busy American fathers are. the
strike leader John Mitchell, tells story
of; "a hard working miner who was absent
SO much from his family that the children
came to know him only as, that man who
comes here Sunday and who, spanks US
The story. has its application outside OF the
anthracite fields; but. it does not apply te
the president, Of the United States.
Although no man could be much: buster
Mr.. Roosevelt always finds time for his
boys and girls. When he does stop Wori
he is entirely at their disposal. He play:
with them. and he lets them choose tht
play There is nothing too undignihee
for his participation. If it is proper TO,
Kermit and Teddy, Jr., it is proper fo
the: father He will be Indian, or bear
or detective, or soldier, or sea lion, will
equal readiness. And it is the opinion o
all the children that he is an A No. 1 bear
! and equally felicitous in his characterize.
ton of Indian.
He does not require that the member
of his family approach him with batet
! breath, address him in terms OF arti
| fetal respect. He meets the younger one
on plane of perfect equality, and with
| out sacrificing any real respect or LOSING
proper discipline, he gains their conf
| dence and becomes acquainted with thei
real characters. The president does no
issue commands to his children. He sug
gests, and explains. He gives reasons
and if there is any difference of opinion