New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-04-09
WHY ROOSEVELT MUST WIN
This Years Crisis Makes Demands Presidential Which No
Other Man Can Mee--The Voters Want a Candidate Who
Can Restore the County's Reputation

Root is superior to any man in the public
EYE. II administrative efficiency alone were
he test now demanded, the only flaw in his
record would be that his efficiency. however
Great has been departmental and subordinate;
and although his best speeches are Of national
Importance ne has never occupied the first
place, in which his views could best be made
policy and carried into effect. Besides al
though at first a reformer he has become
fixed in the popular mind, whether justly or
not. "a a Republican leader Of conservative
views, not desirable qualification when the
upheavals and coming establishments OF pol
it.cs. both here and abroad, require for the
problems of n statesman q rare lexibility in
his method Of approach.
Mr. Root might be able to administer two
or three departments simultaneously. but
- ould he sympathize with the appeal for
economic justice which has become menac-
ing2 That part Of craftsmanship either has
remained undeveloped by him or is uncon-
genial. Granted that he would act with force
and clear vision for the United States in irs
relations with the hcliigerent powers while
the war is In progress. and during the dipio-
matte settlements at It's close, would he deal
equally well with IFS moral and economic
reactions upon this country?
Elhu Root and William Howard Taft are
John Hay; but all three served under Roose-
Welt They do not appear to have found in
him q deterrent want Of decision or fore
sight or any other sign Of the unreguated
political action that some critics have alleged
against him. If they did. the public does not
know it and would be difficult to convince.
John Hay had won an assured fame long be-
fore he offered his invaluable aid 10 Roose-
Welt; but without the latter would Root and
Taft have gained their present regulations
1t is not unchartable to recall that Roose-
Welt gave to Root the place and opportunity
for about half Of his administrative work.
and that he made to Taft the handsome gift Of
the Presidency.
The American people do not forget that
Roosevelt lived for more than seven years
among "the lonely heights Of supreme power
az John Hay finely said; that he is still in
vigorous manhood, and that in personal and
political character he is about as well bal
enced and warrantably safe as they can ex-
pect such a purring dynamo to be. They
look upon his Presidential record as a proud
enc. They do not forget that the pugna-
cious man won the Nobel peace prize. They
know that the mpulsive Roosevelt was fore
sighted and forehanded enough to make
Dewey's work easier at Manila Bay, to ac-
aure the Panama Canal and that in behalf
Of both army and navy he had advocated
preparedness long before it became a cam
paign word. They remember that he inter
yened between Russia and Japan to secure
peace in whose behalf they may see him
perform a still more memorable service. And
they are absolutely certain that IL he should
return 20 his former place attentive notice
will be taken OF the fact by nsulters, foreign
and domestic, who have trihed with Prcsi-
dent of the United States.
JOHN W. RUSSELL.
New York. March %, 1916