Arizona republican., 1916-06-05
Wanted-A Statesman

The Outlook (of New York; has already reported
the organization of the Roosevelt on-Partisan
League the object of which is crystalize and
press public opinion in behalf of the nomination of
Theodore Roosevelt for president. The following
letter explains itself 1t states the why the
edtorin chief of this paper advocates the nomination
and election of Mr.. Roosevelt
Mr. Guy Emerson
Secretary the Roosevelt Non-P Partisan League
II Vanderbilt Avenue, New York City
My dear Sr-Nether republican pro-
gressve but lifelong Independent who has, how
generally voted with the republican party, I
write to express the hope that your committee will
succeed in its efforts to promote the nomination of
Theodore Roosevelt at Chicago Some of excel
lent moral character, but limited moral ability meas
all questions of conduct by guessing what will
the probable results of proposed In pub
lie life these politicians sometimes very skill
full politicians Some of greater vision and great
courage have power to perceive great principles of
Righteousness and ability apply these principles
the complex situations modern life and courage to
follow their lead whatever may be the immediate
cost to themselves to others In public life these
statesmen sometimes great statesmen With
them history classes Burke and Chatham who for
seven years fought apparently hopeless battle
against Lord North and George III; Mr.. Gladstone,
who sacrificed his political and split his
party because he was resolved to do justice
land; Abraham Lincoln who declared that the cues
ton before the country simply Is slavery right or
wrong? If wrong, the federal government could not
righteously allow it in territory under its juris-
diction.
For five years Mr.. Roosevelt and were init
matey associated. We met each week in editorial
conference to consider what The Outlook
should pursue in dealing with public questions. He
never asked how given course of conduct would
feet either the fortunes The Outlook or his own no
litical prospects, always he addressed himself two
questions: What is right? and What can wisely and
effectively be done to promote the right? 1t is for
this reason | count Mr. Roosevelt among the worlds
great statesmen
1t the duty of this Republic to protect the
persons and property of American citizens peacefully
pursuing lawful vacations in Mexico whatever that
protection might 1t would have been wise to in
vite the South American republics join us in pro-
noting protection all peaceable inhabitants of that
unhappy country 1t the duty of the Republic
to protest against the invasion of Belgium in viola
ton OF sacred treaty. and to do all in its power
protect combaants from assault in alike
OF humanity and international law 1t would have
been, 1t still would be. wise invite other neutral
nations to join in such protest and such
But under the present administration the Democratic
party has asked What is safe? not, What is right?
IN the present crisis the Nation needs az great
statesman not skilful politician; it needs man
who measures conduct by fundamental principles of
righteousness not by probable prospective conse-
again in the Spanish American that it possesses
both conscience to the right and courage pur-
sue it, provided it statesman as its leader 1t
needs such leader awaken its conscience and
to inspire its courage For this reason neither a re-
publican progressive but an independent | hone
to see Mr.. Roosevelt nominated and elected as pres
ident of the United States
Yours sincerely
LYMAN ABBOTT.
Cornwall on Hudson, New York. May 22 1916
From The Outlook