Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1907-01-04

we give besew the platform pr0mul-
gated by the association not that we
endorse 1t, but as a matter Of news.
PLATFORM.
We, the members of the Roosevelt
Third Term National League, having
at heart the great social and political
problems now confronting the people,
and in order that the rights of tn e
masses be protected and that national
harmony be preserved, deem it imper-
alive that Theodore Roosevelt be re-
elected to the Presidency in 1908.
We have come upon days in our So
cial and political life, fermenting with
distrust ard requiring firm control.
We view with alarm the evils al
ready grown from the abuse of corpor-
ate power and see In these evils a fer
tile field for the demagogue, from
which might readily spring political
and social structure intact.
To the people irrespective of party
lines is due the credit that their Presi-
dent, today, is Theodore Roosevelt. A
new era of real freedom and vitality
in our institutions Of government and
politics was demanded, and they wise
ly saw in him a means to attain it.
So valiantly and intellectually has
this man reflected the wishes of the
people, and his personality has entered
into and become a part of every de
partment of our national life.
He has won the confidence of the
people; and this fact alone, makes him
the most potent factor in the solution
Of the present disturbing conditions.
Te eliminate this personality which
is to eliminate that confidence-ata
time when the people, as Il whole, are
FESTIVE and trembling with apprehen-
sion, is to invite national disorder.
SO closely woven is this bond be-
tween the President and the people,
that he has become to them public
necessity, an essential part of things
in the social and political fabric.
Therefore Theodore Roosevelt is not
only the one logical candidate for NOM
ination, but manifestly sthe only log
ical President for the people.
Already has it been demonstrated
that the frightened and vengefu
wealth controlling forces of the coun-
try, will resort TO any means to defeat
his nominatiun for a Presidential
Third Term. We, therefore, must be
on the alert and quick to action if we
would save that which has already
been accomplished by our illustrious
President.
We are not unmindful of the fact
that Theodore Roosevelt himself de-
clared in 1904, that ''under no circum-
stances should he be candidate for,
or, would he accept another nominal
tion.o
We challenge, however, his right to
refuse to accept the Presidency of the
United States for Third Term, in the
face of the peoples demand, especially
at time when so many undertakings
of the highest importance have been
breught about and set in motion by
him, and so subject them to the danger
of an untriea and improved successor,
to whom public confidence would be
reluctantly extended, if at all.
Manifestly, the selection of it's Presi-
dent rests with the people. The public,
slone, is judge. No man shall say he
will not accept. 1t is not the province
of Theodore Roosevelt to say he will or
will no: be the President. He, who
acts as President, acts solely as a SER
want OF the people, and when called by
them, must come.
We further hold, that in point of
fact his reelection in 1908 would not
constitute a Third Term. He has been
elected to the Presiden CIV but once. In
asmuch, however, as the issue has been
SO generally spoken of as Third Term,
the League has adopted the title.
We, therefore, in the interest of pub
lie welfare, demand that Theodore
Roosevelt be nominated for the Presi-
deney and be reelected in 1908, and to
she end hereby pledge our support.
Edward A. Horner, President.
Il. G. Hayek, Secretary.
n. b. The Secretary Of the League
would like to hear from everybody in
terestsd In the progress Of this move