New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-06-13
AMERICANS IN EUROPE
REGRET 7. RS METHODS
Judue Slocum. of Massachusetts,
Says Spectacle Degrades
us in Foreign Eyes.
CRITICISMS HUMlLIATlNG
Believes Colonels Intemperance
Of Speech and Discourtesy
Indicate Personal
Grievance.
fBr Cahle 70 The Trihunc !

London. June 12.-Judge +. r. Slocum,
II Massa chusetts, who is sailing for
home on Saturday after several weeks
on the Continent, said that the prevail
ire sentiment of Americans abroad was
regret at the exhibition before foreign
ors which the contest for the Republican
nomination was affordng. Many for
eigners also made comments and criti-
cisms on recent political developments
which were often humiiating to the
American spirit. Foreigners spoke slight
iugly Of the youth and lack of poise or
Americans.
Judge Slocum thought that Colonel
Roosevelt was chiefly to blame. adding:
He has lost many friends and admirers,
especially among those who have had
an opportunity to witness from dis
lance the spectacle he has made of HIM
self. Instead Of distance lending en-
chantment TO the view the reverse is in
this case true. Those at home are too
near the centre of turmoil fully to APP
preciate the position of Colonel Roose-
Welt.
ITO say that the ex-President is plac-
ing the country to a remarkable use IS
4 mild expression of his conduct. On
this side of the Atlantic a true perspec-
tive can be obtained one can see his
performance in its true light Mr..
RCosevelt's intemperance Of speech may
indicate that he is actuated by a per-
sonal grievance. I have heard it said
that Colonel Roosevelt asked President
Taft TO make him major general and
that he was told It was impossible, that
10 be promoted to such a position ne
must have remained a trained soldier. At
any rate. whatever the reason may be.
Colonel Roosevelt has gone so far be-
yond the bounds of ordinary courtesy
and proper behavior that it seems Ger
tain there is some cause for il all be
sides patriotism; something personal.
Colonel Roosevelt IS evidently ready
snd willing TO take up any cry that is
popular in order to gain votes. His only
thought is 10 gain votes.
+ met a Democrat, a judge from Nir-
ginia. while ] was on the Continent who
said he was formerly great admirer OF
governor Wilson. but that the latter
had forgotten all he had written and all
the books he had taught from durin :
Years t. pursue any popular vagary. He
added that if Wilson ran against Taft
he would vote for Taft. despite the fact
that he was a lifelong Democrat
Judge Slocum said the same applied t.
Colonel Roosevelt. The popular vagaries,
he thought. were well expressed by the
Roosevelt policies. Resuming. Judge
Slocum said:
"A prominent Democratic politician in
Massachusetts said recently that If Colo
mel Roosevelt were nominated he would
re elected, for the reason that the ma
iority Of voters in both parties are
Young men, too young to balance meas
ures and personality. They rush u
vote for the man who has infiamed their
Vaccinations. Their ardent champion
ship should give the people pause.
The Roosevelt doctrines Of the recall
NJ Judges and Of judicial decisions are
most pernicious. IT is strange condi-
ton when judges must defend themselves
on the stump ard rush from the court
room after trying case TO defend their
decision before the people and try to
prevent the recall Of decision.
Trained and learned judges, because
they are unpopular. are largely ignorant
Of the majority knowing half the facts
and applying that knowledge in the heat
Of temper instead of in calm judgment.
1t is earnestly to be hoped by all good
Americans that President Taft will be
successful in Chicago. With w Murray
Crane as his manager he is in good
hands, quiet, resourceful and astute.