Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1910-06-01
Roosevelt Talks Freely Of
Egyptian Situation.
|Ex-PTesident Accepts the
Freedom Of London,
His Speech Creates a Sensation at
Old GulIdhaII,

"iint 10 COilSlOeIeu ny TLHSllSIn1en as
severe arraignment of the nation in
its attitude towards Egypt. Something
picturesque was looked for from the
former President of the United States,
but in view of his utterances in Egypt,
in which he gave praise in full meas
ure to the British government for the
development that followed British rule
there, it was not anticipated that he
Woull revert again to that subject, es-
pecially for the purpose of taking
England to task.
But with a frankness that caused
stir among those who had gathered
in ancient Guildhall to witness the
ceremony of comforting upon him the
freedom of the city of London, Mr.
Roosevelt declared that while England
had given Egypt the best government
it had had in 1000 years. yet recent
events following the assassination of
Premier Boutrous Pasha had shown
that in certain vital points the British
government had erred and that Eng
land must repair this error, if she
wished to do her full duty.
He called attention to the fact that
Englands primary object in taking
of order. Either you have or you have
not the right to remain in Egypt and
esta blish and keep order. If you have
not the right and have not the desire to
keep order. then by all means. get out.
But, if, as | hope you feel that your
duty to civilized mankind bids you to
stay. then make the fact and the name
agree and show that you are ready to
meet in every deed the responsibility
which is yours.
when a people treats assassination
as the corner stone of self government
il forfeits all rights to be treated as
worthy of lf-government. Some ma
ton must govern Egypt and 1 hope
and believe that the English nation will
decide that the duty is theirs
Mr.. Roosevelt dwelt upon the baleful
influence of the Nationalist party III
Egypt which had shown in connection
with the murder of the premier that
it was neither desirable nor capable
of guaranteeing justice. Nor had Eng
land shown enough of her strength.
You have tried to do too much" he
said. lin the interest of the Egyptians
themselves. Those who have to do with
uncivilized peoples especially fanati-
cal peoples, must remember that in
such situation as that which faces
you in Egypt weakness, timidity and
sentimentality may cause infinitely
more harm than violence and injustice.
Sentimentality is the most broken reed
on which righteousness can lean"
With reference to the Sudan. Mr..
Roosevelt said he felt as he did about
tIn Althtupl If might
not nay, it was Great Britains duty
to stay there. In, his opinion the Sudan
would pay anyway. 1t was not worth
while to belong to big nation unless
that nation was ready to shoulder
big task.
Henrefaced his remarks on Egypt
with the statement that he spoke as an
unpre JUDGED outsider. as an American
and a real democrat whose first duty
was to war against violence. injustice
ana wrong doing wherever found. he
preferred his advice only IN accord
ance with the principles on Whlch he
had acted as President in dealing with
the Philippines and he declared that
the present condition of affairs III
F,gypt was a grave menace to the Brit
jsh empire and to civilization.
London, May 31.-Theodore Roosevelt
was today presented with the freedom OF
the city of London. and he accepted the
honor with liberalism that led him INTO
frankness of speech which created a
sensation in Old Guildhall,
AS the former President of country
that once paid tribute to Great Britain
the American statesman gave the moth
erland some bold advice as to her duty
toward her most troublesome dependency
in Africa.
AS whole, the speech constituted the
most forcible expression on foreign top
les that the distinguished visitor has
made during his European tour. The
British policy in Egypt is today one of
the most discussed of Great Britain's
colonial questions. His outspoken views
sent thrill through the 1000 auditors
which is likely to be felt outside the walls
of the ancient council halls.
Mr. Roosevelt was driven in state from
Ambassador Reds home to Guildhall,
but the weather was not propitious and
comparatively few persons witnessed the
procession. Rain fell throughout the
morning. keeping most people indoors,
and only few hundred persons were
gathered in the vicinity of Dorchester
House to witness the departure. or in
King street when Mr.. Roosevelt arrived
at the halE He occupied the lord may
or's coach and this was followed by
the coaches of the sheriffs, who wore
their uniforms of office.
The guests of the city government at
Guildhall included many American and
English business men besides the officials
Of the city The latter were in uniforms
and occupied seats on the platform to
which Mr.. Roosevelt was conducted.
The parchment conveying to Mr.. Roose-
welt the freedom of the city was con-
tanned in a beautiful gold casket. The
presentment was made by Sir Joseph
Cockfeld Dimsdale, the city chamber
lain, who, extending his hand to the
city's guest. spoke briefly. Sir Joseph
dwelt particularly upon Great Britain's
friendship towards the United States.
Following the exercises, Sir John Knill,
the lord mayor of London, entertained
Mr.. Roosevelt at a private luncheon at
which many prominent personages were
present