The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-09-20
The Travelling Administration.

'SAA~N>~~~~A
Roosevelt through the great republic since
the adjournment Of congress has been the
subject of some adverse criticism, chiefly
on the part Of those who dissent from the
views Of public questions he has expressed
so perspicuously. He has even been charged
with doing something resembling per
nicious political activity" but the public
generally recognizes the full right of the
president Of the United States, and espe-
cially such an able president as Roosevelt,
to instruct the people upon problems, the
most important which have been presented
for the consideration and determination Of
American voters since the arbitrament Of
arms became the final resort to settle the
| question of limitations of state sover
! eighty. 1t Is manifest that President
| Roosevelt has thrown more light on the
| national problems, more Intelligent inter-
pretation than is possible through the
| distribution of thousands Of tons of dull
campaign literature including much of
what Carlyle used to call printed stupor,"
which is embodied in the stale speeches of
mediocre statesmen.
People will listen closely and intelll-
gently to him who would not read single
page Of a printed speech on trusts" or
reciprocity" The living voice and the
flashing eye convey intelligent apprehen-
sion to the nearer, and logic which would
fail to convince the plodding reader Of a
campaign document, finds reception and
acceptance when the president talks from
| no oIotf ~ n.
dresses assembled thousands in public
building.
AS matter Of fact, the president has,
since he began his progress through the
country, brought about the most earnest
and practical discussion Of current prob
lens, and has, by his own earnest presen
tation, stimulated the thought of the peo-
pie in a way which will inevitably compel
the formulation of remedial agencies
worthy Of the intelligence of the Ameri-
can nation.
The president is simply availing himself
Of a great opportunity to instruct voters.
You may call it making stump speeches
or what you will. He is doing a splendid
educative work. He sees that he has some
thing more to do than to utter "taffeta
phrases, silken terms precise" and -laud
the national greatness.
Before the war it was against tradition
for a. president, or even presidential can
didate, to appear ION the stump" as the
phrase puts it, the case of Stephen A.
Douglas being exceptional, as he took the
stump in his own interest In 1860. Lin
l.,
his own behalf although the republican
campaign managers urged him to come
out with all his great persuasive powers
and help them. In 1864 he participated in
the presidential campaign only to the ex-
| tent Of sending letter to the Illinois re.
publican convention, which was, of course
| republishad all over the north and splen-
didly stimulated the activities Of the party
of the union. His personal appeals In the
field would have had a larger influence
\ but he was averse to such action.
President Roosevelt rightly thinks that
} if he can serve his fellow citizens ant
l his country by a ripe experience in prac
) teal craftsmanship and deep study O.
/ methods Of reforming state and nationa
ABUSES IL Is Ills uuty W pledu Ill puUllC III
he is doing. Coming from such a source
l the head of the nation, in whose public
r record no flaw can be found by his bitter
est enemies, his pleadings and Suggestion
$ necessarily have great weight. There il
i no use denying this. If he Is becomins
t more popular as candidate for renomi
g nation by openly chanpioning essential re
: forms he cannot help it. He is, beyon,
p question, Swinging round the circle Ii
i the interest Of his country, the welfare o
r the people. And the people recognize tn
= fact.
e Next Thursday there will be a might
n gravitation to Minneapolis from all til
S northwest to see and hear the statesman
y whose courage mounteth with occasion
s There are thirty three populists left fl
u Minneapolis. It Is surprising that Their