The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1906-12-20
The SQUARE DEAL.

~ ~
1t requires a strong man to properly
| fill the chair OF Chief Executive of the
United States. The office is a storm
center that makes the heart of cyclone
look like summer zephyr. The duties
of that exalted position become more
trying and onerous each year. This
country is the biggest thing on earth in
the shape Of a government, and the
essential spirit Of its system affords
the greatest opportunity to the individ-
ual to criticise and Obstruct the efforts
OF its chief officer. AS this spirit can
not and must not be sacrificed or cur
tailed the position of President of the
United States becomes more trying,
nerve racking and demanding each day.
The President is put there to do the
best he can for the whole people. He
cannot make move that does not clash
with or meet the violent opposition of
some interest or persons. Protests, de-
nunciation, adverse criticism and all the
storm of noise that arises whenever the
President does anything signifies moth
ing except he is trying to do the best
any man can do for the country. We
are particularly fortunate in having
strong, brosdminded fearless patriot at
the head Of the nation during these
critical times and the more he is criti-
cised the clearer his motives should be
kept in mind. If this is done fairly
there can be but one opinion of Mr..
Roosevelt that he is a man discharging
the duties of his Office without fear or
favor He brings all his wonderful and
uneXcelled abilities into play in serving
the people. Mr.. Roosevelt has not done
single thing while President that does
not plainly show on its face that it was
prompted by the desire to further. and
backed by his honest conviction that
1t was for the best interests of the
people and of his country. 1t is not
claimed that Mr.. Roosevelt has always
been right or has acted with the highest
order of wisdom in everything he has
done, yet it is possible that he has. For
IN nearly every instance when the storm
of abuse has passed by Mr.. Roosevelt's
public acts stand out as beacon lights
encouraging the nation and the people
TO better things.
Every President of the United States
is far more generally abused than prais-
ed. He is painted in such hideous col
ors that a disinterested observer would
be compelled to wonder why the worst
men Of the nation were always selected
for the highest office. This abuse and
Vllllfication increases with the real
worth and effectiveness of the man. If
he does things. If he sees dangerous
and threatening growth and calls the
power he is vested with to stamp it out,
he Is called a tyrant. Ii he sees and
avoids a dangerous foreign complication
or sees and seizes a valuable one he is
called an lmperator. If he out maneuv-
ers a gang of plotters against the peo-
pies interests and welfare in a battle
where tinesse is required he is charged
with dupfcity. A President is elected
generally by the people, and in addition
to doing his duty, in itself mighty
task, task worthy the abilities of the
greatest man, he is the point of attacl,
from the horde of politicians who exist
by serving special interests, interests
which in nearly every case prosper BY
grinding the people. Mr.. Roosevelt is
not afraid to do what he thinks is right.
He does not care if the criticism is adj
verse. He strikes out boldly and is far
better for US all that he now and then
puts little too much steam in his blow,
rather than if he were over cautious.
tlmld and overwhelmed by the magni-
tude of his task. Nothing has been &C
complished in this world by holding
back for mere possibilities or for fear
OF hurting over-sensitive feelings. 1t
is, first be sure you are right, then go
ahead. Our President does that and
while ne is President neither this nation
nor the big world is going to waste
much time sleeping.
Mr.. Roosevelt is the open champion
Of the square deal. He advocates it for
everyone. He tries to give it to every
one. 1t does seem in the light Of that
fact and because it is essentially right
and fair, he should have square deal
and should be judged by his motives
and not by the clamor of abuse hurled
at him by those who are jealous or hope
to profit by the confusion of the peo-
pies trusted leader