New-York tribune., 1907-12-15
WISE ACT OF PRESIDENT
so REGARDED IN FRANCE.
Belief That 1t viii Increase Future
Popularity.
Especial ty French Cable to The Tribune-l
Copyright 1907. by The Tribune Association.

Paris Dec 14-President Roosevelts deter
mination not to stand as candidate 1or aho'hei
term is eagerly discussed in the French news
papers. In diplomatic and financial circles the
trend of feeling is that he has acted wisely III
respecting the spirit of the tradition estaonsheo
by Washington. and that the American people
will think all the better of him for keeping to
the promise he made on the day OF his eiectloh'
and that his present decision will increase MS
popularity should events require him to become
a candidate for the Presidency some years hehce.
The Temps" in its leading article CONSIDERS
that Mr. Roosevelt being still young man. II Is
premature to sum UP his Presidential career
and that even as an ex-President he VIII nave
many opportunities of rendering enormous ser
vices to his country.
Adrien Hebrard, editor of the Temps" states
that Mr.. Roosevelt has proved himself 10 De
more than a President; great statesman ne
struck ont his policy he said what he wanted
to saw and he did what he said. Moreover, MS
programme was thoroughly national one' rls-
ing above mere considerations OF party. Inc
| Temps" points out that Mr. Rooseveit was 'he
first to recognize that the war or the IlaiiSN' 'H
and that between Russia and Japan were wars
arising from commercial industrial competition
and economy and that Mr.. Rooseveits measures
of naval preparation are thoroughly patrlouc' lof
no one could foretell the outcome OF the prop
labor of which Japan was compelled 10 oo'
whether she wants to or not the champion
The journal des Debats" commends MT.
Roosevelts integrity of character In keeping ms
word and predicts that he will retain "hat Is
called in France his popularity of the piensci'e'
his firm hold the heart of the masses ho'-
withstanding the opposition of the highest IMAM
cial groups which. according to the Depais'
| are in close touch with the influential leaders
thinks
President will be either the man who has the
personal support of Mr. Roosevelt or else some
dark horse who will make the running at the
last moment.
The Figaro" finds that Mr.. Roosevelts pop
ularity and influence will be increased by MS
refusal to become candidate, and says that III
politics as at the theatre the only sure way VI
not going off the stage too late Is 10 go away
too soon.
In lecture on the results Of the Hague con-
ference at the Ecole des Hautes Etudes, deilV-
cred at the Sorbonne by Andre Tardieu. a prom
fnent French dipomatist, who was close friend
and chief of the Cabinet OF the late NJ. Waldeck-
Rousseau and who at the end Of January VIII
go to the United States to lecture at Harvard
and Yale universities. It was pointed out that
the most striking consequence OF the deilpera-
tions at The Hague was that every great power.
with the sole exception of France. had forthwith
| set to work 10 make formidable increase Oh
naval strength. Andre Tardieu highly praised
President Roosevelt for his clear acumen IN
appreciating the necessity of tho United States
| becoming leading naval power. and that Tor
| this alone which under the new conditions on
the Pacific Ocean the imperative duty or
the head of the nation. Mr.. Roosevelt deserves
I the affection and loyalty of his countrymen M
| Tardieu is regarded the most brilliant and
promising OF the younger men in active political
1 life here. - l. D.