New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-09-17
THE PRESIDENTS LETTER.
Production of a Wise. Capable,
Patriotic and UnseIfsh Executive.

To the Editor Of The Tribune
Sir; President Roosevelts letter Of acceptance
rang true. 1t was characteristic OF the man
through and through-hoRest, frank. straightfor-
ward fearless and patriotic
His letter may we'll be perused b1, Ali pood GIFT
zens All will agree. although they may not agree
with all OF the Presidents views that every sub
ject is frankly discussed that there is no lurking
IN the dark, no skulking. ambiguity nor insin-
cerity. Mr.. Roosevelt has something important to
say. and goes about it IN a straightforward manly
way True. his letter may not abound in fgurative
language and literary elegance but it is the prod
uct Of man deadly IN earnest, possessed Of the
highest motives.
At the outset Theodore Roosevelt was beset and
probably viii continue 70 be beset with adverse
criticism from the Democratic party and in every
instance he has boldly defended himself; in fact
indicated himself The Panama question, the
pensions matter, the government expenditure and
others are ably defended and justified.
Some papers complain of and criticse Mr.. Roose
velts letter Of acceptance for being too egostica
and savoring too much of infaIhbiuty; but this is
Unjust for AIr Roosevelt in his enthusiastic pride
Of the Republican party's record and in his firm
belief OF having done what IS right, naturally is
proud 10 stand his record and the record OF the
administration.
Certainly his attitude toward the Philippine ISL
lands question Is just, equitable and sensible He
would give the inhabitants self-gOyernment and do
everything possible 10 better their condition. but
he would be slow to make rash promises, 70 break
tlith with the people Of the Philippines. Mr.
Roosevelt points with pride 20 Governor Tafts ad-
mirable administration I'm the Islands and shows
how disastrous II would be TO do anything that
would again tncite instruction, now that AFFAIRS
are progressing so well there
President ROOsevelts stand on the money queS-
ton is also admirable straightforward and certain
10 waFering no equiyOcatiOu. He justly criticlses
the Democrats party for its stand the currency
question. Absurd says Roosevelt. that the gold
standard IS irrevocaby fixed WHAT assurance OF
stable currency have WEE What could we De
sure OF with party IN power that was not honest
enough 70 Insert the au-mportant plank-Jhs
money plank-in its platform?
Last. but least. President Roosevelt IS highly
respected and admired BY the nations abroad he
IS an ail-around man. with snap and gO-not a
puppet-who has come into international promi-
Even in England, where the Republican
party's principles not especially popular ar
Roosevelt IS greatly admired A man with mega
tive personality one insncere unpatHouc and
selfish could never have gained this Worldwide
popularity.
Il will be well. then. IN the coming campaign. TO
guard against Wholesale aspersions upon the char
acter and personality OF Theodore Roosevelt &C
Cept them with a pinch OF salt No man Is perfect
and many OF those reflections will be FOUND 70 ne
untrue. and what is worst OF all. unpatrioucally
conceived and incapable OF proof
one thing can be unquaIihedly said Of Theodore
with noble purposes. who IS frank and honest
enough 10 know his own mind. and not afraid To
express h. he IS also fac type OF the GOOD amer
iaaa citizen. whose example young men would DO
well emulate T. W ,
FORK sept. Il 1904.