Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1904-08-04

individual merit. 1t is a practical
impossibility for Roosevelt to be indo'
lent. All tasks are willing tasks to
him that promise results, whatever the
difficulties involved. If this is a con-
stitutional trouble. il would be well Il
more persons suffered it. A pres
ident whose activity leads him to paths
of Justice and well doing is not TO be
Ireprobated. 1t is not a question II
Roosevelt does too much, but if what
he does is better done than undone, OF
done otherwise. BY results is he to
be judged. And the greater the mass
of good things done the more they will
outweigh the mistakes that all men
make. Roosevelt is not inert. The
country counts it to his credit, not his
discredit.
As an active personality, be en-
counters the criticism that all men OF
like temperament do, OF obsequious-
ness. Yet the fault is generally In the
critics in all such cases. They snap
at the heels OF those with whom they
find it hard to keep abreast. Roose-
welt has never been a self-seeker 10
compare with many milder mannered
men. He has cleaned the Augean
stables when the task brought him
execration instead OF commentator,
but he faltered not because he felt the
strength OF his position. But be has
never unduly pushed himself to the
front for the sake of prominence or
notoriety. Nor has he hesitated to
answer the summons when there came
a call for him.
In manner, Roosevelt is too strenu-
Gus TO suit those who like the blase.
He doesn't sleep during his waking
hours. He speaks out, sometimes to
the hurt of those who could be
by the softened or deoeitiul
tongue. He doesn't belong 10 the
school of diplomacy, but
says what ne thinks. As 70 the
charge that he is conceited, he may
plead guilty without fear, Tor il is a
fault many suffer who have less
Tor entertaining good opinions
OF themselves. 1t is but minor
factor anyway, and only impresses
those who set up a standard most
difficult to attain. In none Of his
public acts or utterances does Roose-
welt show lack Of modesty. albeit
be does not play the Uriah Heep in
The men who are said to iawn in
servitude 70 Roosevelt
are such men as John Hay, our match
less secretary of state, whose diplo-
macy is the marvel OF the world
Elihu Root, great as a lawyer, I'M
as an administrator TAFT
shaw, Wilson, Lodge. Foraker and
host Of others who could never be
accused honestly of subordinating
heir own opinions to inferior, wrong
ones because the latter came from the
president, whoever he was. Enough
% say of that.
President Roosevelt. despite the
has not been arbitrary in
carrying out his views. Had he been
hus, be would have encountered
lot only the opposition OF the Demo-
rats. but he would surely have melted
rouble within his own party such
las been the case frequently Even
presidents like Cleveland
md Harrison met with this expert
ence. But Roosevelt has not only
been supported by his partisans in
Congress, but in most cases has even
secured Democratic votes for the
OF his>projects, so popular
lave they been II he has been
successful in legislative
the only conclusion is that
lis suggestions have been wise and
lis methods polite. Congress has
lot been subservient, but has Co
perated, as il ought, toward the
accomplishment of proper ends.
The most common criticism of
Roosevelt used to be that be was rash. |
and apt to rush into
elioate situations needlessly. Moth
NC in his official record justifies this.
lie acts quickly, for it is bis nature. |
ut seldom takes a position in haste
nat he cannot defend successfully. |
me of the elements OF Roosevelts
trength is that of quick perception
nd ability to reach an early decision
: to matters that other minds would 4
Ct on slowly. A correct Judgment
! better the sooner formed and acted
pom. 1t cannot be shown that haste