The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1907-02-03
THE THIRD TERM MICROBE,
BY oLIvER 7. REAuMoNT.

BY OLIVER T BEAUMONT.
Eminent scientists who have carefully
diagnosed the disease caused by the intro
ductiOn Of this micrObe have definitely
determined the fact that it assumes two
different forms or conditions. In the OPP
timistic man, one who sees nothing but
success and continued prosperity with the
reelection Of President Roosevelt, the mi
crObe causes enthusiasm. But when the
microbe attacks the pessimistic citizen.
one who views with alarm such a posi-
bility, there is vast difference. Gloomy
fOrebodings OF the country's ruin haunt
him night and day. His peace Of mind is
destroyed. DC. But we who have not
been impregnated with the virus do not
take much interest in the symptoms OF
political hydrOphobia seen here and there
In connection with the denomination Of
President Roosevelt. II is especially no
ticeable that II is the professional poll
ticians that show the most marked con-
Germ about his relations TO the next elec-
tion for President. The real great pollti-
cal leaders and the leading political pa
pers have been reticent on the subject.
But another class, the smaller fry, pessi-
mistic in character. seem 10 be much sx-
ercised last something terrible were about
10 happen No matter what President
Roosevelt may do or say, II all certainly
means something to the opumist or the
pessimist, thus showing the effect Of tho
deadly microbe Wherever the President
goes, capital and labor, scholars and di-
vines, artisans and operatives united 10
honor him, all of which he accepts as the
leading representative Of this great re-
public. when ne makes speech. no
matter what may be his subject. the op-
timist sees but one result, the reelection
of the man Of nerve and iron; while tho
pessimist scents danger in the afr. When
the common people everywhere greet him
and the great and the learned join in the
general acclaim, the effect on the two
classes enumerated is entirely different
And for all this unwarrantabIe proceed
ing, President Roosevelt is not 10 blame.
II he had even permitted his optimistic
friends 10 90 ahead and form Roosevelt
leagues. he would have indeed been very
naughty. But by no deed or word does
ne encourage such action. He has given
HIS word, which IS irrevocable. that no
condition can arise that would make him
a candidate for reelection.
He has spoken without waiting to be
formally assured that any great body Of
men are seriously thinking Of Offering
him again the Presidency.
We are not the keeper of those troubled
spirits who appear TO be so painfully ex-
ercised az the sight Of what they deem
to be the shadows Of coming events, else
We might suggest that the utteranCes Of
prophecies have sometimes brought about
their fulhllment. The people. that IS. the
sensibJ. ones, have got used 20 the alarm
cry about the third term" and are no
longer frightened at f. The trainers
OF the Constitution, with ali their careful
ness. failed TO see in a possible third term
the dangers of which we are 50 soIemnly
warned by the pessimistic microbe There
is no argument against the third term
that is not just as applicable against a
second. Like other Unsubstautial phan-
toms. this stalking-hOrSe OF q third term
ceases 70 alarm as soon as II is intelli-
gently looked at. The good sense of the
people my be trusted. and whatever they
may do, or not do, they are not likely TO
be frightened by the Senseless cry OF
"Caesarism." nor 10 be startled out of
their prOprieties by the proposition TO
elect for a third time the IMAM who has
never failed in any duty devOlved upon
him %