Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1904-09-23
ROOSEvELTS WORDS
Presidents uTTERANCEs MA
LlCloUSLY MlSCONS TRuED.
Ludicrous Attempt by Seif-En-
throned Democratic Leader 10 Make
safe Man Appear a. Dangerous to
the Country -Puiitxor's Letter.
(CAicago l'ril,une. J


Chicago Trihune.)
The New York World is probably the
most enthusiastic Parker paper ia the
country. To an extent 1t il striking the
keynote OF the Parker chorus in the
east, Two OF its editorials are to be
reprinted and circulated hy the Demo
cratic committee as campaign dacu-
ments. These two editorials are in the
form OF open letters addressed by Joseph
Pulitzer, editor OF the World. TO Theo-
dore Roosevelt. The first one occupied
page---the second nearly two pages.
The third may take up three pages.
In the words OF Mr. Pulitzer, The
paramount issue of this campaign is not.
as YOU would have it, free trade or free
silver, but YOU YOuRSELF--Theo-
dore Roosevelt. This issue is forced
upon the country by your unusual tenn
permanent and talent--your own strong,
able, ambitious, resourceful militant.
passionate personality, your versatile and
surprising genius"
This issue was framed by the World
in its first letter. July 30, 1904. But as
that document did not seem to frighien
anybody to Parker. the hot blood OF
strong desire denied mouated TO the
brain OF Mr.. Pulitzer. and his emotions
ruvished his judgment. His second let
teir--the one two pages long. printed on
August 23--is addressed to Theodore
Roosevelt Candidate for President OF the
United States and the Western Hem
sphere The headlines ask if the Pres
ident Is military megalomaniac." He
is accused OF 'monomania" 10 be the
grand lord protector" OF the two Amer
sicas.
Gibbet Of Folly.
This letter is interesting--frst, be
cause the World is generally recognized
as the chief Parker spokesman; second.
as an exhibition Of that gihbet Of folly
70 which partisan zeal untempered b,
common sense. can on occasions, elevate
man ordinarily so level headed as Jo
seph Pulitzer.
Roosevelt's record. contends the World.
clearly indicates that his return to pow
or would be vested with the ruin OF
orr free institutions II proceeds to
examine all his despotic procedures and
unconstitutional usurpations. seratm.
But ii unquestionab bly, omits much that
would make its case stronger For in
stance. it does not show how the Presi-
dent has increased the standing army
so that il has become a menace TO the
liberties Of the citizens. U'or. in fact.
during President Roosevplt's ndministra-
ton the army has been diminished. no;
increa sedl
Ii does not prove how the ambitious
costly. and bloody wars conducted during
the present administration we're begun.
not as the constitution provides by an
ac, Of Congress. but at the imperial die
tation OF the ruler. iFor. In fact, there
has been no war VI any sort Curing
President Roosevelt's administration
Always for Peace.
Ii does not even show how the Presi-
dent has brought the country TO the
verge of a desperate war. which was
prevented only by the retreat OF the
country which he threatened. as it might
have proved against it's favored Presi-
dent Cleveland. (For. in fact. the Pres
ident has at no time brought the country
near war His efforts and those of his
Secretary OF State have been consist
emily directed toward the peace of the
world. and the circumscribing OF the area
OF hostilities once wars have begnn.l
Ii does not show how President Roose-
welt had used either corruption or force
To influence elections in any State so
abasing the principle of local self-gov-
ernment nor how he has depoSed re-
calcitrant governor. or dissolved hos
tile State assembly after the fashion
OF certain reconstruction Presidents.
(For he has done more OF these things.l
II does not show how he influenced
judicial decisions. reversed decree of
court. or suspended a judge who had
striyen TO limit the presidential usurpa-
ton. This is always the first symptom
OF the dissolution OF constitutional gov
eminent. (But President Roosevelt has
not been guilty OF it.)
II does not show how. when the leg
islature. maintaining its independence
refused to divest itself Of it's authority
and humbly accept the "adyice" OF the
man on horseback. he filled the halls of
the lawmakers with bayonets, overawed
the tribunes OF the people. dissolved the
sitting. imprisoned the ringleaders As
is well known. the terrorizing OF the
legislature is the twin forerunner with
the control of the judiciary in the down
fall of free institutions.
mas Dono none OF This,
1t does not show how the President
annnled the right of free speech and i'm.
posed a vexatious censorship upon the
press. The Worlds own articles are hv-
ing proof that he has done none of this.
Ii does not show how. like the great
est OF our Presidents, he has. under the
plea of national duress, suspended the
writ OF habeas corpus--the very spirit
of civil liberty (For President Roose-
welt has not suspended the writ OF habeas
corpus.l
Thus the record shows President
Roosevelt has. in no single way, even
embryonically exceeded his constitutional
functions. He has not turned his face
in the direction of single one OF that
set of actions whereby the usurpers OF
history have established themselves in
power on the ruins Of freedom New
ertheless, the World reitcrates that. by