The state herald., 1904-09-23
WAITER . OMAN Wall
THIS TIME IT'S ROOSEVELT THAI
HE'S AFRAID OF.
The cassandra OF American Politics
Utters Dismal Aowis and Direfni
Predictions About Roosevelt aud
Republicans.

On the evening Of Sept 7, 1904, tn.
land was at peace, and no auguries of
dread possessed it. Vermont had said
Its say, In no unmeanins manner. and
all was calm in city and country. while
In New York was gathering a band. just
q few faithful editors of Democratic
antecedents, to talk over the political ait
uation, and incidentally devour that
square meal which, when eaten in public
and accompanied by speeches, is called
banquet.
Among the chivalry which gathered
there was Henry Watterson of Ken
lucky. The moment he was seen at the
festive board those editors aud specta-
tors who are accustomed to observe the
usual progress OF events knew that some
thing was going TO happen. They di-
vined that Henry had been seeing
things 1t is way he has. And then
he says things.
Time rolled on. The rich New York
viands, prepared for the maccustomcd
palates OF the visiting editors. the fiery
cocktails, the generous wines, the nips OF
strong waters, all these had met the
fate prepared for them. And then came
Watterson, as chief speaker of the even.
ing.
Watterson is at times an excitabe
man. This was one Of the times. He
was not only excited, he was painfully,
morbidly, scared. And of all things In
the world, this brave. loyal. chivalrous
American gentleman was afraid OF an
other brave. loyal, chivalrous American
gentleman-the President OF the United
States, Theodore Roosevelt
There was rant about raising tho
black flag" "scuttling the ship OF civil
service" 'and cutting the throat Of re-
ciprocity" which made Watterson's hear
ers turn pale. though they knew no mora
than did the speaker to what these trucu-
lent words referred.
The trembling editors listened, appall'
cd. Watterson lowered his voice and
muttered forth charges OF ruth and ruin
against Roosevelt past, Roosevelt pres
ent. Roosevelt future. Again he paved
che earth. shook his fists aloft and bel
lowed his predictions Of an everlastin:
candidate for the presidency, and an ev-
erlasting President in the person of The
odnre Roosevelt. II the Republicans con-
tnue In power Watterson's auditors
thought of Carter ii. Harrison |. and Car
ter Ii. Harrison H., perennial and ever
biuViulHE haAuIN ol NHlChS', uuls ~
these examples OF political longevity be-
long to the Democratic party, 1t Gained
the nerves of the wrought-up banquet
ers. and they were able to brace up and
listen TO the impassioned gentleman from
Kentucky.
The flood OF oratory went on and on.
and when II was over the editors felt re-
lieyed, because no seizure OF fatal
character had made fitting climax to tho
utterances of the choleric speaker. whose
eloquence has been whetted for years,
upon the obtrusive angles OF his own
party.
Aud then the ;elegraphic wires bore.
as upon the wings OF the wind. the
words of Wattersnn. to be printed In tho
morning papers that there could be read.
by the toiling millions. the fatal wonis
of objurgation. adjuration and divina'
ton.
The public read the burning words
OF Watterson with that fatal apathy
which greets the efforts Of those who. In
the first place. talk too much. and In tho
second place, habitually overshoot the
mark. There was a Good.natnred laugh.
perhaps, Ms some stalwart American
glanced over the scare heads" OF tho
morning papers. aud one or another OF
the great army OF freemcn said to his
neighbors. ns he looked up from tho
warnings, denuncintlons and predictions
Of the hystericnl orator OF Louisville,
"Watterson's broke loose again"
Aud that was all.