New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-07-28
THE PRESIDENTS ACCEPTANCE.

No man who is competent to pronounce an
opinion can honestly deny that President Roose
velt's speech in acceptance of his nomination is
enlinently wise and patriotic. Some of his op-
ponents may think that they are bound, or M
least privileged to refer TO il in terms Of dis
pa 'agenent in the hope of diminishing its eff
fectiveness.> but they cannot succeed in effacing
tie impression which it will forthwith make
upon the country. Il will be recognized every
where. by members of all parties. a speech
tit for a President of the United States to make.
Its dignity and courtesy will especially appeal
to the American people, who are always dis
posed 10 fight their stiffest political battles with
good temper ana who desire that their Chief
Magistrate. while taking that share in the con
flict which custom and proprety assign TO the
leader OF his party. should clearly reflect the
national spirit.
But though the Presidents speech contains
not a single word which his political adver-
saries can resent it does not lack frankness and
pungency. Indeed, it would be hard 10 find in
the voluminous records of campaign oratOry n
more effective combination Of suavity and
vigOr. Mr.. Roosevelts speeches and writings
have usually been more distinguished for other
valuable qualities than for deXterity of phrase;
but his address 10 the notification committee
aboupds in passages which send their meaning
home with extraordinary force and felicity.
Every idea TO which he gives expression had
perhaps, been expressed hundred times al
ready before and since the campaign began. but
nobody has made excellent n use of words as
the President made. for example, in this sen
tence: Our opponents, either openly or secret
''ly, according 10 their several temperamentS
NOW ask the people to trust their present prom
Uses in consideration of the fact that they in
tend 10 treat their past promises as null and
void" The Stoutest partisan opponent if he
possesses a sense of humor. cannot fail to enjoy
that straight thrust of polished rapier: nor il
he has an honest tongue, will he deny that he
was hit.
Nj. Roosevelt is not less sklfuI in many other
single sentences, but ii would be doing great in
justice to his speech TO convey an impression
that il is merely a collection of epigrams. 1t IS
such a well ordered statement of impregnabe
facts as constitutes the strongest kind of argu-
ment. The case for the Republican party will
not be more effectively put from now until the
election Its position is logically secured against
successful attack ar every point. and we do not
believe that it can be overborne by the forces
Of unreasOn. so long rs the Republican party
is in power the gold standard is settled not as
a matter OF temporary political eXpediency,
not because of shifting conditions in the pro
'duction Of gold in certain mining centres, but
in accordance with what we regard as the
fundamental principles Of national morality
and wisdom" In the Philippines the govern
ment is carrying out with infinite patience a
policy Of the highest justice and benevolence
with the effect of giving 10 their people the
largest measure Of autonomy which they are
capable Of utilizing, and with the purpose Of de
veloping their capacity 10 manage their own af-
fairs. We have established in the islands n
government by Americans assisted by Fill
'pinos. We are steadily striving to transform
this into self government by the Filipinos as
sisted by Americans"
1t is favorlte and a enthusiastically fra
tional contention Of Democrats that. while the
President has thus far succeeded in enhancing
the respect and good will with which the United
States is regarded by all other nations. he has
a natural propensity for creating dangerous sit
uations. Doubtless they will continue to pro-
claim a fear which they do not feel, out they
VIII make no Roadway against the solid facts
which sustain this noble declaration by the
PRESIDENT; We seek international amIty for
tho same reasons that make us believe in peace
within our own borders; and we seek this
peace not because we are afraid or unreadv.
but because we think that peace is right as
Wen as advantageous" With full conviction
the Republican party stands by the principle of
lndustr!al protection which it has enacted into
law with results Of inestimable value TO the
American people, and. above all. to American
labor That whenever the need arises there
should be 4 readjustment of the tariff sched-
'ules Is undoubted'; but "the reimbursement
when made must maintain and not DESTROY the
protective principle" and must therefore be
made by those who hold protection in honor. NOT
by those who denOunce it as robbery.
In the great theatre of action the President
has served the country with perfect fidelity and
large wisdom for three years In the field Of
discussion also he has served it we'll, and never
teller IMAM by the delivery OF this just temper
ate and generous speech.
AFFAIRS AT pOPp spTuT-D