The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1914-01-17

1t may be crystallized in the state
y1ent that these South American coun-
tries are pleased with Colonel Roose-
welt and Colonel Roosevelt Is pleased
with them.
While he has been preaching ideal
ism and while the main theme OF his
addresses has been on ideals OF de-
mocracy, South America nevertheless
insists on looking on Colonel Roose-
welt as a man of action and as prac-
teal politician rather than as an
idealist
The predominant and overwhelming
interest is In his personality. His
character and his public career have
been analysed, has been described
as an author, a traveller. journalist,
explorer. soldier, sportsman. publicist
and idealist, but the analysis always
ends with a tribute to him as the man
of action.
Aside from his personality. or rath-
er his individuality. Colonel Roosevelt
also has been received as the typical
representative. of the United States,
or. as they put II here, the incarnation
of North Americanism. Honors are
paid to him as the former president.
Some Of the governments have
made him formally their guests. He
has been given the same considera-
ton, substantially. that was shown.
Mr.. Root when the latter was secre-
tary Of state and made a trip through
South America
Whatever views may be entertained
l Of Colonel Roosevelt In regard to po-
litical issues at home. 1t must be said
that In South America he is speak
Ing for the people OF the United States
as whole and without a suggestion
of partisanship. The influence of the
United States and its prestige in
South America have been waning
luring the last six months. and Col
)nei Roosevelt's exposition OF Ameri-
IAN policies and motives is doing
omething to restore the vanishing
restige.
The incidents OF the colonel's trav.
% have been varied and vivid. Some
them have been strenuous enough
suit sven his temperament. There
30 have been some delicate ques-
pms to be answered and some inter
Ational complications to be avoided
There was in the first place the mis-
Understanding over the colonels
beech when he first touched South
merican soil at Bahia, Brazil Natur-
ly he had good things to say about
rail cooperating with the United
tates. They misunderstood that In
Argantina and interpreted it as put
ling Brazil ahead OF Argentina. The
protest that went up gave the colonel
pointed hint Of the feeling between
the two countries as to their relative
Importance.
Mr.. Root had a similar experience.
These Misunderstanding occur on
account Of geography. Brazil being
the first country where distinguished
Americans who come down the east
coast land, II therefore gets their
FIRST impressions. which are always
favorable, and which possibly are
given exaggerated attention by the
Z Brazilian newspapers. This is not
liked by Argentina.
The only solution for this difficulty
In the future will be for distinguished
Americans to begin their South Amer
lean journeys at Panama and come
down the west coast. That is what
Mr.. Bryan did, and when he reached
Buenos Aires he had had nothing to
explain.
The Brazilian incident in itself was
not of grave consequence. but IL Col
onel Roosevelt had not learned
through his long experience as a poll.
tician that comparisons between coun.
tries as between individuals. are
odious. 1t would have impressed this
fact on him. He announced. however.
a firm purpose not to make COMPARE
sons and is adhe.ing to IT,
Relative TO the different countries
Colonel Roosevelt's impressions as
given publicity may be summed up in
this way: Uruguay is fine country.
Brazil is a fine country. Chile is a