Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1904-11-17
THEODORE ROOSEVELT,

The confidence which the FREE PRT.Ss,
las felt ana SO often expressed, in the
election of Mr. Roosevelt, was not based
so much on his POSITION as an exponent
Of the excellent principle of protection
Of American industries. or of the gold
standard, or on the size OF the republican
campaign fund (Which was much smaller
than heretofore) or on the Eeneralshir of
Cortelyou as the manager of the national
oampaign-though all these elements
largely contributed to the result-as on
the fact that the people well know Mr..
Roosevelt, estimate rightly his character.
and approve his course as an executive
and as a man.
Beyond question Theodore Roosevelt
people when he was nominated, than any
other candidate for the presidency at his
first election. since the Republican party
was organized. Fremont had some fame
as an explorer, but none as a politician
Lincoln had come into notice as a de-
batter of remarkable force and ability
knew much about his executive capacity
Grant had worldwide fame but 1t WIS
purely military fame. Hayes. Garfield
Cleveland. Harrison-not one of them WAS
us well known to the masses before his
election rs Roosevelt. Mckinley came
nearer to it than his predecessors; but
he, when nominated, did not equal his
successor III public knowledge of his
career. and esteem for his personal char
acter
Though the youngest of the Presidents,
Theodore Roosevelt has been longer in
public life than most of his pred ecessors.
tie was but twenty-five when he made
luis mark in tho New York Assembly.
Next he was doing high service to the
nation as United States civil service COM
and executive capacity as head of tho
Police Board of New York city--a posi-
ton which when administered ne Roose.
welt administered it, requires great exccu-
tive ability and power of command.
From that position he stepped into the
assistant secrctaryship of the navy, and
was more of force in that department
than his chief. Then he had his term of
actual military service and of marked dis
tinotcn in Cuba. Then ne was Governor
Of the Empire State-an office only Sec
ond in responsibility to the Presidency
OF the Nation. Then he was forced into
the Vice. Presidency; and then became
l1ented death Of Mckinley, which no one
deplored more than he.-and the people
know we'll with what nerve, integrity.
and high purpose to be the President OF
the whole people he has borne himse'.
as tho head of the Nation. His books Of
history. biography and wild life have
leen read by hundreds of thousands and
have disclosed not little Of tho qualities
of their author. If there had been moth
| ing else in this remarkable career IN
| make him known to the masses. his ac-
| ton In the great coal strike alone would
have commended him To them. They
thanked Roosevelt when they got coal
10 burn. and they will rot soon forget
the service he rendered in that matter.
The fact that Mr.. Roosovelt's competi.
tor was wholly unknown to the great
| ublic when he was selected to head the
| democratic ticket, and the further fact
that the disclosures OF Judge Parker a
haracter and qualifications. since his
nomination. have lowered instead of rails
| ii him in the estimation OF all but the
| hick-and-thin partisans of his party OF
course have contributed to the great re
suit; but after all it is upon his personal