The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-09-20
THE PRESIDENTIAL TOURS.
Recent Statement About Mr.. Cievc-
land Is Denied.

Chicago Evening Post
Several Eastern papers have been en-
gagged in discussion OF the financing OF
the tours which the Presidents OF the
United States have deemed IL their duty or
privilege TO undertake in the interest OF
their high Office or of the people. 1t is a
proper subject for honest and earnest con-
sideration, and We are bound TO say that
some of our contemporaries have dealt
with it in a commercially nonpartisan and
helpful spirit Ii is equally true. however.
that the discussion originated in malice and
in preversion of the facts
1t is manifestly one thing to say that
no President of the United States ought
to accept favors from transportation COM
panies, and that the uniform practice OF
our chief executives in this respect is open
to serious objections. 1t is very different
and extremely unjust and mischievous
thing to say that Mr.. Roosevelt, with re-
spect to this matter of accepting favors
from railroad corporations (Which are pro-
hibited by law from carrying passengers
or freights at less than published rates..
has acted less honorably or less discreetly
than any of his predecessors I'm the presi-
Dental office.
With those who make the former aver
ment, and who are led TO suggest better
provision for the President-an increase
of salary or a special appropriation to en-
able him TO tour the country when and as
he sees fit-it Is impossible not 10 SYM
pathize. Whether the cost OF such tours
should be made a charge upon the national
treasury, to repeat. is a proper subject
for disnified and sober discussion by the
press and the Congress OF the United
states. But no reouke can be too severe
for those who have singled out President
Roosevelt for venomous and grossly unfair
attacks on account of his alleged depar-
ture from the course of other chief execu-
tives.
Here is specimen of the style and tenor
OF these assaults, taken from a paper
which cannot forget and has not forgiven
Mr.. Roosevelt's action in the great anthra-
cite strike:
when the Hon. Grover Cleveland was
President Of the United States he affected
this royal pose. He paid his fare. He
fancied at times that his political exigencies
demanded that he should visit various parts
of the country TO show himself TO his con-
stituents and make speeches to them. lie
ordered special trains for the purpose, but
he paid for everything at full regular rates.
We take the liberty of suggesting that had
| he asked for a free private car or for free
| special train the railroads would not have
| hesitated to grant the favor"
Now, what is the truth OF the matter
None of Mr.. Roosevelts predecessors paid
| for everything at full regular rates." Mr..
| Cleveland, like General Harrison and Mr..
Mr.. Hayes and General Grant, permitted
| the railroad companies to furnish gratis
| special trains or special cars for touring
purposes as a courtesy TO the chief magis-
| trate Of the Nation. The Evening Post is
authorized to state by railroad officials In a
position to know that Mr.. Cleveland did
| not, when ordering special trains, pay FOR
| everything at full regular rates" This
| fact completely destroys the ground for any
| personal and particular attack on Mr.
| Roosevelt.
| 1t should be added that the President, OF
| taking the oath of office. was at pains 10
! ascertain whether IL was customary fol-
| the executive to allow the railroads TO fur
| nish special trains gratuitousiy, and that
| he was Informed that the companies WED
| with one another I'm offering 10 render such
services. and that his predecessors had
| never hesitated TO accept them. Are those
| who are rejecting on Mr.. Roosevelt's
standard of official propriety ready TO ex-
tend their structures to Mr.. Cleveland and
| to the late Mr.. Mckinley and the late
General Harrison? IL so. innuendo, mis-
] representation and Justification should form
| no part of their complaint.
| II there are valid reasons for abandonine
4 the custom in question, Mr.. Roosevelt vii
| be prompt and eager to recognize theli
| weight and to welcome a change. He can
| not defray the cost of special trains out oi
| his own pocket, however. and therefore the
| financing of the presidential tours that the
| people certainly deem necessary and bene
ficial requires the attention of Congress.