The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1908-07-30
Mr.. TAFr AND THE TEDDY
WAYS"
Baltimore SUM-


Mr.. Taft seems to be in imminent
danger of falling into what is popu-
larly known as "Teddy's way" The
other day he was reported to have
made his debut as a waltzeT. Before
his appearance in the ballroom as a
devotee of the two step" he had been
seeking the bubble reputation on the
baseball field. The latest recognition
of his versatility is his election to hon
orary membership in the National
Union of Steam Shovelmen It is clear
that Mr.. Taft is making progress on
the spectacular side of his campaign.
He is adapting himself to the Teddy
way" with celebrity, if not with praise
worthy discretion. Before he goes
farther he should stop and think. He
is in peril of coming into conflict with
the American sense of humor.
There is only one statesman in the
United States that can do as Teddy"
does without exciting suspicion and
provoking derisive comment. That
statesman is Hon. ThNs1ore Roosevelt,
President of this republic. Mr.. Roose-
welt, in the seven years in which he
has been Chief Magistrate, has done
many unconventional things. We do
not believe there is any phase of the
spectacular, any exploit of impulsive-
ness, any manifestation of the bizarre,
from which Mr.. Roosevelt would
shrink If the spirit moved him. His
desire to have bully" time or a
"corking" time is thoroughly under
stood by the people and they make
duo allowance for 1t. If President
Roosevelt should stand on his head on
top of the Washington Monument, or
if he should walk on the tight-rope at
public exhibition in the White
House grounds, the people would
merely say, THAT is Teddy's way"
But the eccentricities which "go' in
President Roosevelts case might bring
upon the imitator of the Teddy way"
the derisive laughter of the public.
Next to the wrathful disp.easure OF
the American people nothing could be
mere disastrous to candidate for
public favor than their derision.
There is fable handed down from
days of old which seems to be perth
nent in this connection. certain
man had donkey and dog. The
donkey was jealous animal and en-
We'd the freedom which the master al
lowed the dog. IF my master" rea-
soned the donkey, likes the dog to
jump on him and get into his lap
and cut all sorts of antics, why
shouldn't he enjoy the same manifes-
tations of affection from his faithful
donkey?" So at the first opportunity
the donkey rushed his master into a
corner, placed his hoofs in his masters
face and otherwise proceeded to de-
monstrate his fondness for his mas
ter, as well as his own versatility
and aGaptiveness. 1t was fun for the
uInkty, Uul uiodolSl- lOl MS O"hVi'
The donkey was beaten with rods and
henceforth was kept tied in his stall.
This fable teaches that the liberties a
smart dog may take with impunity
will, not be tolerated in an amiable
and self-seeking donkey.
Mr.. Taft ought to cut all the> TEDDY
ways out of his program. If he
should try them on the American pub
lie as the donkey tried the dogs ways
on his master, the result might be to
his confusion The Teddy ways" are
adapted only to President Roosevelt,
whose privileges and immunities do
not extend to any other citizen of the
United States. Mr.. Taft ought to know
enough to stand in terror of the loud,
coarse laughter of the American cleo
torate.