The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-10-09
IL ROOSEVELT SINCERE. =?

Editor Van Yalkenburg OF the Philadelphia
sorsA Amertoaa- ardent supporter of Thee
do-e Roosevelt recognizes that one Of the
campaign is the sincerity of Roosevelt. He
recognizes that while the Bull Moose platform
Is admirable In many respects, and that while
ass ais-eahraclne2s Is calculated TO catch many
rotes. ths platform Is discounted with many
because OF the who wrote it. stands spon-
scr for it. and who. IL elected. will be en-
trusted with its redemption by legislation He
recognizes that one might accept the platform
In its entirety and still cast his ballot for viii
SCI or even for Taft because of his distrust
OF Roosevelt.
Accordingly, Mr. Van Valkenburg is devot-
ing series OF editorials to an elaborate de-
Tense OF Roosevelt's sincerity. thus recognizing
also that this sincerity is widely questioned
In his latest editorial he deyotes four col
umns OF space to an analysis of the mans
character and TO defense of his sincerity.
He takes three specific instances. crises"
rs he calls them, and by explaining his views
Ct the action of Colonel Roosevelt in each
makes our specifically strong case for his
client. He deals in The psychology of Roose
yelt consciously and of himself unconsciously.
IL is his ovn Interpretation of Roosevelt's de-
termination TO become a candidate for a third
term, dismissing the idea OF a pre-arranged
plan as absurd; OF Roosevelt's action in bolt
ing the ticket at Chicago and OF his decision
TO remain in the race after the nomination of
q progressive by the Baltimore convention of
Democrats. His Interpretation of Roosevelt's
decision 10 displace La Toilette leader of
the progressive movement is sympathetic and
III a measure convincing. His analysis of
Rooseyelte motives bear witness TO the mans
anseIfishness. For Roosevelts action In these
TWO crises he makes an explanation which
will satisfy all the friends of the presidential
candidate, but his long dissertation his
words and thoughts when Wilson was nomi-
mated and his reasons for not retiring from
the race then is full OF sound and signifies
nothing The froth is there, but substance.
Ills words are evasiye. He calls this Colonel
Roosevelt severest test. but does not show
that he met IT, re refia of Il heart-to heart
talk with the colonel on the morning follow
Ing Wilson's nomination.; admits that the
event had inspired "a hasty view in many
quarters that the progressive cause had be-
come merged with the Democratic cause and
stops. True. he writes more-much more
but says nothing. He does not tell why the
view "hasty; does not tell what Roose-
welt thought of It, does not tell why Roose-
velt did not retire. BY bringing up the sub
ject and calling 1t a test he admits that there
was apparent cause for the belief that the
colonel should retire in favor of Wilson. but
SteIls US nothing of Roosevelts reasons for
holding the assigned be falaclous
acoutenting himself with his personal impress
sion OF Roosevelrs manner OF talking 1t was
tree from egotlsm, Ae says, but egotfsm was
mot under discussion. Why did not the colonel
awithdrav? For good reasons. he answers, but
OF those he Is as silent as the tomb
From the standpoint OF the editor of the
yeyfh Ams,ioaa, the long editorial is master
piece. IL Is convincing those already con
fasced AM strong paper tor the pergssl Of