The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1919-01-24
Washington Letter.
p EVERY INCH AMERICAN


can Publicity Association, through it's
President, Hon. Jonathan Bourne, Jr..
today gave out the following statement
from its Washington Headquarters:
"The passing of Col. Roosevelt
leaves void in the life of the Ma
tion that cannot be filed His per-
sonality was unique, his direct meth
cd of obtaining results may be said
to be characteristic of no other man
of his time, and his originality of
! thought and action stamped him as a
man quite apart from his fellows. 1t
is not too much to say that no citizen
of the United States since the time
of Lincoln has left his impression up
on the country as has Roosevelt. He
was typicaly American. His advo-
cacy of what he himself termed "the
strenuous ,life," and his practical ap-
plication of that mode of living to
himself, made him the idol of the mil
lions of Americans who believe that
the application of enthusiasm and
confidence will overcome most obsta-
cles.
"Col. Roosevelt gloried in his citi-
zenship. He not only offered his best
abilities to the civil life of the Re-
public, but he was always at the front
when danger threatened. In the Span
ish war none was more energetic than
he in organizing and leading the men
who brought about early victory in
Cuba. He clearly discerned the dan
ger to our country if Germany was
successful in her contest with the al
lies, and urged that the United States
throw the weight of her power into
the balance long before we actually
entered the conflict. Who can say
that American and the world would
not have profted had his advice been
followed?
"When war with Germany was
actually upon us. Col. Roosevelt was
among the first to offer his services to
his country. He wanted no desk at
Washington, but begged to be as
signed to our combat forces over
seas. Not only did he tender his own
life to his country but he organized
an entire brigade of men outside of
draft age eager to follow him into
the thick of the fight. The fact that
his proffer was not accepted by those
in power at Washington does not de-
tract in the least degree from the
patriotism and sacrifice that inspir-
ed him in making it.
"But although unable to go to
Europe himself Col. Roosevelt was
quick to give his enthusiastic assent
to his four sons engaging in the fight.
One of them met tragic death at the
hands of the enemy, and the others
their personal daring. His grief over
their sufferings was intensified by the
thought that he was not permitted to
share their dangers. Although Col.
Roosevelt did not don a uniform it is
hardly too much to say that he is a
victim of the war. No citizen of the
country has been more active than he
in urging every man to do his bit for
victory. Criticized by some for call
ing the Administrator to task for
manifest failures, it must be admit
ted that his efforts and those of his
friends have been productive of much
good through the reforms in our mil
itary organization that were Secured.
His devotion to war work entailed
exertions on his part that undoubt-
edly hastened his death, and it may
be justly said of him that he gave his
life for his country as truly as if he
had died on the battlefield.
"Col. Roosevelt made strong friends.
He likewise incurred violent enmities.
But every antagonist must concede
that Mr.. Roosevelt was a worthy op-
ponent. He never resorted to unfair
means to discomfit his adversary.
Treachery was unknown to him, and
his fights were won by straight blows
from the shoulder. AS an example
Of virile American manhood the mem.
ory of Theodore Roosevelt will live
in the minds of all to be emulateI by
those of our citizens who wish to pre-
serve the United States from mental
and physical decadence."
=