The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-04-03
~ RunoLpH DE zAPP.


America may well feel proud of the
manner in which one of her own sons is
being honored by emperors, kings. and
all the nations of the world. and it may
be said in this connection that no pri-
vate citizen OF the United States either
Of the present or past age has ever
been the recipient Of greater honors than
are now bestowed upon Col. Theodore
Roosevelt, wherever his itinerary takes
him
Never before In the history of peace of
this country has such close attention
been paid by the whole universe to the
utterances Of a single private individual,
as the world is now paying TO those
which the former President chooses to
make Never before has royal etiquette
and customs received such a setback as
at this time. Etiquette and customs at
the courts OF sovereigns the world over
are observed with traditional sacredness
and TO deviate therefrom even In the
slightest detail is regarded by those
bound by Il with feeling bordering on
sacriiege
History records but few instances where
etiquette and tradition were thrown TO
the winds. and when this occurred IL
was done to gain the good will and favors
of those higher in power for whose con-
venience the change was effected.
In the case Of Col. Roosevelt etiquette
as prevailing at royal courts is a mere
bauble. With true American independ-
ence he does not regard himself as a
subject of forms and formulas. The
doughty colonel is everywhere so much
in demand that he can well afford TO
dictate his own terms" Exceptions are
readily granted in his favor and, customs
are changed TO suit his convenience. It
is he who determines the hour Of the
audiences which royalty is anxious to
grant him, out which in fact he grants
to royalty. It is he who determines the
programme which has been arranged in
his honor by pope, emperor, king, and
society. 1t is he who selects the stop
ping places. and instead % his sugges-
tons receiving the sanction Of the courts
which he has been asked to honor with
his visit. it Is the plain American private
citizen who either approves or dlsap-
proves the imperial or royal programme.
1t is Roosevelt and America who is the
king Of kings.
What Is the cause of all this? Is there
an idea abroad that Mr. Roosevelt on
his return to this country viii proclaim
himself emperor OF the United States?
has the notion taken root upon foreign
soil that the mighty hunter entertains
ambitions TO again occupy the White
House? Nothing OF the sort The world
has long ago recognized that Col Roose- /
welt is one Of the strongest and most
popular men in the United States and
therefore Yields a powerful influence on
public opinion. The world Furthermore |
t4at he is in the prime OF
with many years before him
which he will exploit as only he can. !
And last, but not least, and that seems |
TO be the solution of the whole question |
smperors, kings, nations, and peoples |
that with Roosevelt as friend |
they would have a worthy champion at |
the American court OF public opinion 1
whenever occasion arose. 1t Is 10 gain |
he friendship and good viii Of this great |
American and that of the country which /
gave him birth that the potentates and /
anointed of the Lord are bending their /
knee and are breaking precedents and /
setting rules Of etiquette at naught.
It is a shrewd and a good move.
or not Mr. Roosevelt has any
political ambitions for the future, those
abroad who are honorlng him are there
by honoring the United States, and the
-esult of this royal pageantry in honor
If Our own Teddy is a better under
standing among nations, the strengthen
ng Of the ties which bind humanity into
me common brotherhood, and universal
peace.
The strenuous European programme Of
Eol. Roosevelt begins this Tuesday, when
he King of Italy viii dine the American
II the Quirinal Palace in Rome This Is
IN honor heretofore conferred on kings
MY The day will include military re-
news. and inspection of the government
lrt treasures and probably a gala per-
ormance at the royal opera house. Mr..
Roosevelt viii not make any addresses
n Rome. Although the time Of the year
n which Queen Helena grants audiences
5 now over, she gladly made an excep-
ion for the wife of the ex-President of
he United States. The Dowager Queen
dargherita has also made an exception,
Is she is very anxious to receive the
President.
On Wednesday Col. Roosevelt will have
n audience with Plus X at the Vatican.
he Pope, as rule, fixes the dates Of
he audience himself even If the ap-
licsnts happen to be prominent Ameri-
ans. In the case of Roosevelt. however
he Vatican officials obligingly waived
he rule and granted an audience on the
ate he himself suggested, thus making
special concession, Col Roosevelt will
o to the Vatican accompanied by Mrs.
Roosevelt and all the members Of his
amily and party. Plus X has expressed
desire TO see them ALL There will be
othing ceremonious. No guards of
onor will line the staircase, courtyard.
nd anteroom to the Pope's apartments.
bishop Kennedy, the rector of the Amer
IAN College, will escort the party and
yill act as interpreter. The Pope does
OF speak French well. and he would
therefore, be unable to understand Mr..
The conversation will be con-
ucted In Italian.