The Detroit times., 1913-05-28
Recites Detailed Indulgence i'm
Light Beverages for Last
Several Years, Giving
Dates and Names
~
EX-PRESIDENT SERVES
AS ATTORNEYS ADVISER
Denies He Ever Gets Drunk ard
Admits Drinking Only in
Moderation
nv GENE MCLEAN

MARQUETTE, Mich, May 21.--One
OF the most extraordinary statements
ever made by public man in an
open gathering was made by rheo-
Ssre Roosevelt today, IN court. wnen
be gave. almost in detail, list OF the
alcoholic drink he has swallowed in
the course OF h> lie.
Bending towards the jury. drawn
from all sections Of a country where
drinking is common. he jerked out a
crisp. detailed denial that he Is
arunkard or ever has been under the
influence OF drink.
George 4. Newett. OF Ishpeming, the
editor whom Roosevelt is suing Tor
$40 900 damages for publication OF
charges against the colonels sob.iety,
sat grimly listening as the witness
told his story
Il am not teetotaler, said the
colonel, but | am amstemious to the
extreme.
Il have never been drunk in my
life nor In the slightest degree under
the influence OF alcohol
This was his declaration of faith
His story told TO an intent and eager
audience, covered the minutest de-
ails OF his daily life as a soldier gov.
E.nor president. African hunter. con.
ributing editor and candidate for re-
election He told with whom and
where he had tasted drink and speci-
He'd how much was in has glass.
A smile stole over the faces OF the
spectators as he testified he never
ouched beer. whisky or red wine
These are about the only tipples Of
he north peninsula OF Michigan.
Acting as contributing editor OF his
,ase. the colonel handed Attorney
James n. Pound a preliminary digest
IF the testimony he wanted TO give.
50 armed. Pound began the pre-
eniation OF Roosevelts contention
nat he never had nsed liquor. ex-
fept In moderate amounts and on
sidely scattered occasions
James H. Pound attorney for Col
bnel Roosevelt opened his remarks
o the jury with an outline OF the
public life OF the plaintiff
The defense objected to what they
ermed an ovation" that greeted
Pounds remarks to the jury. Clashes
between attorneys during the open.
ng remarks were frequent. Al the
Conclusion OF Pounds address 10 the,
ury, Roosevelt was called 10 tho
tand
Society from all the north PENN
ula. dressed up IN party clothes
ame to court to hear the colonel
estify Workers and owners or ths
reat iron mines brought wives and
laughter Some could nc. get In
or when the seats were filed. doors
we're barred and guarded
Editor Newett. In better physical
rim than yesterday. sat near enouS.
the OK president TO touch him on
he knee. but did not look at him
ames r. Garfield, eX-secretary of
he interior. acteu as q sort ~ court
ecretary to his former chief, adNis-
ny with lawyers and handling
apers and notes.
Judge Flanagan directed witnes'
es for both sides 10 leave the court
Dom. There was a quick exodus OF
Iotables from the colonels end Of
he bar. Newetts witnesses were
ot in attendance today.
Roosevelt took the stand at $50
NJ.
Newspaper men, witnesses for
Roosevelt, by agreement Of counsel
we're called back. SO they could al
end to their work.
Roosevelt, clicking his teeth in the
Ong familiar manner. leaned for
yard in the witness chair, and began
IL story.
II was born in New York, october
Z. 1859" he stated
Then he told OF his election TO the
tew York legislature in 1881: his
unsuccessful campaign for mayor of
ieN York IN 1886: his term as assist
INT secretary OF the navy; his resigna-
ION to be leutenant-colonel Of the
Rough Riders, in 1898.
II was in the fighting around San
iago, where my regiment lost one
|ne-third Of the officers and over one
18th Of the men Of the regiment, killed
ND wounded" he observed. II was
romoted TO colonel OF the regiment
nd made acting brigadier,general on
eturning 10 Montauk Point The
rmy was there disbanded. in Septem-
er. | was at once nominated Cover
or OF New York. and vas elected.
Then came the meat Of his evil
ence. After telling OF his terms as
resident and his African lion hunt.
ne colonel said he remembered &c.
ober. 1872, very we'll This was
ne day on which Editor Newett
rinted his alleged libel. charging
hat the colonel gets drunk. and that
'ot infrequently. and all his init
mates know IT,"
Roosevelt identified yhe copy OF
ron ORC, Newett's paper. which con
aimed the charge
i think ! saw that first In Mercy
ospital.' he said. after I was shot
may have been in Milwaukee. the
ay | was shot"
~ have never drunk a cock.
tall or a highbali in my life.
with exceptions noted NEVER
drank whisky or brandy ex.
cept under the advice Of ply
sician. don't care for the taste
Of either. ! don't smoke and !
Don't drink beer, because dis
IKE smoking. and dislike the
taste OF beer. never have
whisky or brandy except when
the doctor prescribed ". or pos =,
s'utv on some occasion after
great exposure when was
chilled through. But u has been
certainly IS or 20 years since I
nave drunk " because r>of being
chilled throuoh"