The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-02-08
PLEDGED FOR DANIELS.


Washington Special in New York Post.
The discovery of a prison record OF Ben
Daniels, whom President Roosevelt recent
ly nominated, and whose nomination the
Senate unanimously confirmed. for mar
shal of Arizona, comes rather late to make
any difference in the prospects Of the APP
pointee. AS a rule Mr.. Roosevelt will have
nothing to do with jaiIbirds. but this is
subject to modification. One OF his theories
of life is that a man may live down an un-
fortunate past. and another is that the
code of conduct which rules in a commune
ty of one civilization may be both inopera-
tive and Ineffective in a community OF a
different civilization. An editor who had
been imprisoned for blackmail and libel
in Washington ne would romptly refuse TO
consider for even a dOOrkeeper's place.
whereas a reformed h~ighwayman might be-
made a collector of customs at a particu-
larry perilous point on the Mexican border.
His aim is 20 avoid putting square pegs
into round hoes, and the converse.
In Ben Daniels's case IL is doubtful
whether the President knew OF the prison
episode; the Senate committee probably
did not. Daniels's enemies appear TO have
concealed IL till the appointment had actu-
ally been made and the commission pre-
pared, perhaps with a view TO putting the
President lin a hole" The President knew
and frankly told the senators Who dis
cussed the nomination with hin that Dam
iels had been a faro dealer, and other
things which would unfit him for appoint
ment as marshal I'm Boston or New York
or Philadelphia, but the demands of a mar
shalship In Arizona are largely for phys
ical courage which nobody will dare ques-
ton; nerves OF spring-steel; knowledge OF
all sorts OF human nature; personal ac-
uuaintance with most of the bad men"
of the Territory; their habits. associations.
and haunts; and a fashion OF square deal
ing when his word is pledged.
AS a Rough Rider. the President had put
Daniels repeatedly to the test. and found
MIN never wanting, and his splendid mill
tary service was deemed 10 have thrown a
veil over any of his shortcomings in the
past. He is the kind OF a man who, IL sent
to do q thing, counts his life as nothing.
and will either come back with the trophies
of success hanging from his belt. or be
brought home on a stretcher. The selection
was personal with the President, and. I'm
the teeth of the advice of sundry politi-
Clans, il was made on the strength OF DAN
iels's agreement TO let cards and liquor and
dubious companions severely alone as long
as he remains IN the public service.
1t is not generally known that. after the
confirmation OF the nomination. the Presi-
dent wrote Daniels a personal letter. I'm
which he said that he had given. as Presi-
dent. his pledge for Daniels's good be-
havior, and that all the return he 1.-THE
President) asked for this mark OF his es-
TEEN was the best administration as mar
shall that. Daniels was capable of giving the
people OF Arizona. IL was a thoroughly
friendly but earnest letter. in the Presi-
dents own hand. and gave the new ap-
pointee some excellent advice. among other
things urging him to put himself at once
In touch with some of the highest and best
federal officers OF the Territory, whose in
fluence the President knew would be for
good.
The only contingency which would be at
all likely TO influence the President 10
Withhold Daniels's commission now would
be incontestable proof that Daniels had
tried 10 deceive him. This is something he
would not stand for a moment. If Daniels
played fair throughout this deal the
President will undoubtedly stand by him
as long as he behaves himself.