Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1909-02-25
THURSDAY. FEBRUARY 25. 1909.
TWO GREAT PATRIOTS.


Theodore Roosevelt and Andrew Jack
son are truly considered two of the great
est patriots who have ever been Chief
Executive of the United States. They
are frequently spoken of as remarkably
alike in mental force and processes.
Recently, while looking over an old vol
ume IN our possession, we came across
the following, which appeared in the ed
itorial columns of the New York Times
in the month of October, 1894. Speak
ing of Andrew Jackson, who was then
President, the Times said:
There is mysterious light that di-
reefs his intellect, which battles all
speculations upon the philosophy of the
mind, and the channels through which
conclusions are reached without the aid
of that mental operation which can
alone shed light upon the pathway of
research. He arrives at conclusions
with rapidity which proves that his
process is not through the tardy ave-
nues of syllogism, nor over the beaten
track of analysis or the hacknied
walk of logical induction. For whilst
other minds vigorous and cultivated,
are pursuing these routes, he leaves
them in the distance, and reaches his
object in much less time and with not
less accuracy. His mind seems to be
clogged by no forms, but goes with
lightning's flash and Eliminates its oW
pathway"
The paragraph might have been ap-
priately written today about Mr.. Roose-
welt, as it was written about Andrew
jackson seventy-five years ago. Train
ed amid entirely different environments
and conditions, these two great Ameri-
cans were endowed with mental quick
ness and accuracy peculiarly alike and
with promptness of action that few
men have ever possessed.
Andrew Jackson was the son of a
poor farm laborer and was boIl in a
primitive section of North Carolina in
1867, and after the death of his father.
His childhood, boyhood and early youth
were surrounded by poverty and devoid
of educational opportunities He was
but eight years old when the battle of
Lexington was fought, but before the
war of the Revolution was ended he
took an active part on the patriot side.
And during his entire life he manifested
that courage, quickness of thought and
action and devotion to his country that
made him not only one of the grandest
citizens of his own land but one of the
greatest men the world has ever
known.
Theodore Roosevelt was born in q
cultured community and attended by all
the advantages that come from asso-
citation with refinement aud wealth.
He, too, from his early boyhood exhib-
tied the same resolute spirit and devo-
ton to his countIy's welfare that was
part of the life and being of Andrew
jackson.
Another striking resemblance is found
in the fondness of these two great
American citizens for horses and ath-
letic sports. General jackson loved
horses and so does Theodore Roosevelt.
"Old Hickory" was never happier thar
when mounted on swift, spirited horse
and Mr.. Roosevelt fairly sparkles with
joy when he mounts his trusty steec
end dashes over hill and through vale
They also resemble in the quality Of
physical courage and daring. Though
alike impetuous in disposition, wher
confronted by serious danger they
proved themselves cool and fearless
ever ready for any emergency.
AS patriots, devoted to their country
its institutions and its welfare, they are
strikingly similar. Each, as President
of the United States, was always keen.
ly alive to the interests Of the masses Of
his fellow-countrymen, and strived fol
the uplifting of the people. Even wher
duty required they defied the will o.
their party leaders, and at times defieC
a majority Of the Congress. 1t was 6
sublime devotion to duty which moved
Andrew Jackson to issue his celebrated
proclamation to the people of South
Carolina in 1892, when they threatened
to nuIlify the laws of the Federal Gov
eminent and to secede from the Union.