The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1902-02-13
THEODORE ROOSEVELT, JR.
Sketch of IA 14-Year-OId Boy Whose
Illness Attracts World Wide At
fRnfiOn

tent1On.
Washington, Feb. 12.-Theodore
Roosevelt, Jr, although but a lad of
fourteen years, has a strong individ-
uality, and possesses many of the i'm
pressive characteristics of his father.
Those who know him best say that
from his earliest childhood he has dis
played determination and grit in every
thing he has undertaken. Not in an
offensive or precocious manner, but
with an earnestness and seriousess
which oft@ntimes beat down stubborn
opposition.
lie was born at Oyster Bay, Long
Island, and after receiving rudimentary
instruction at his mothers knee, he
was entered in the public school at the
age of years. 1t was the primary
department of what is Familiarity
known as Cove School. While Theo-
dore was a good student he did not al
ways excel in his classes, but he man
aged to hold a good average with his
school mates. When his father became
Governor and went to reside in AL
bany, little Theodore was entered at
the Albany Boys School. where he
made a very good record. This is his
second year at Groton, where he is
preparing for Harvard. He stands No
in his form. consisting of forty boys.
Although of slight figure. he has an
excellent constitution. and has been
exempt from any of the illnesses which
come during the years of childhood.
He is devoted to out-of-door sports of
all kinds, and while not regarded as
leader among his school fellows, he
Is regarded as one of the most earnest
and gritty players in any of the field
games in which he engages. Baseball.
lootoalL cross-country running and
sparring have been his chief sports
while at Groton. In spite of the fact
mat he inherits from his father the
anliction of near-sightedness, he sur
prised all of his schoolmates last year
oy winning a place in the semi finals
IN the school sparrfng contest.
one of his relatives in speaking of
MN recently said: LITTLE Theodore
mas grown like weed during the past
.Wo years. He is quite five feet tall
ana as thin as a rail. Like all OF
me average American boys. he has
gwen and taken some hard knocks
al school, and his record is not to his
mscredit from any standpoint from
when 1t is Viewed. While not ag-
SStessive he knows what is coming to
I'm ana he generally makes a strong
oil 10 secure his just dues"
mere is nothing spectacular in his
appearance or his manner. While al
lays neat, comfortable dresser, his
oahc'es run In the direction OF books
nu personal observation, rather than
~ me direction of stylish clothes. Or
eslsnarily he is rather inclined to be diff
eJent and slow to make close personal
neAds. His friendships. while not
puherous or promiscuous, are sincere
ana lasting.
.Aready he begins 10 display n strong
p,lency 10 become a disciple OF John
No. 'oughs. Books OF bird and animal
l, are hts greatest delight In the
l,eury line One OF the events OF his
,a 70 ne regarsa Il. was recent visit
NJ ,hF home OF John Burroughs. the
mon saint Of nature. Among his
So. charming recollections was his
dAA ana talks with Mr.. Burroughs.
ing mat memorable visitation. Ills
stt collection Of books can hardly be
,b.nned by the term library" never
n.i some ~ hlF priced works are
known authorities on the sub
pi botany and anthology.
n'n home from school one 81 his
latest delights a. 10 receive an inyl.
ia. from bic father 40 take a tramp
~ INTO the country Ne b. familiar
~ noHfiy az ~ the shrubs and
'' 70 be found 10 ths woods In