New-York tribune., 1919-03-12
Such Was Roosevelt
BY Archdeacon Carnegie

A DMlRATION is a form Of self-revela-
~ ton. BY the actions and characters
we admire reveal our own aspira-
tlons and ideals. We admire them because
we instnctively find ourselves in them, our
selves at our best, know we ought to
be and can be.
Placed in this context the personality of
Theodore Roosevelt is of no small signif
canoe. 1t has awakened the admiration of
the English-s speaking peoples in an excep-
tional degree. The tributes which are be-
ing paid to his memory day through the
length and breadth of the United States
show how high place he held in the est-
nation Of his fellow -countrymen, while this
service in which we are taking part bears
similar witness so far as English people
is concerned. There is no precedent, so far
as I aware, for the replacement of our
ordinary Sunday evensong by service of
this special character. Such a departure
from the traditional usage of an institution
very tenacious. of its traditions could onlv
be justified by the assurance that it is very
generally acceptable, and this assurance
has been forthcoming in ample measure.
Many influential and representative Eng
lishmen have expressed a strong wish that
in this central shrine of Anglo Saxondom
opportunity should be given to them of
showing their respect for one whom thew
recognize as worthy to take his place among
the departed leaders of our race, whose
memorials surround us here
What were the qualities which have called
forth thio
astc appreciation The question is we'll
worth asking Its answer would reveal to
US something, at any rate, of that spiritual
heritage which the two great families Of
the Angl Saxon race share in common and
which is, let emphasize the fact the
ultimate basis Of hope for the worlds
future.
Let US try to visualize the man-to form
mental picture of some of his chief char
actcristics. A forceful and magnetic per
sonality, vital and strenuous in work and
play, loyal and warm-hcarted friend. a
fair dealing opponent, an enthusiastic
sportsman. devoted patriot, an active and
resourceful politician. the soul Of honor
and ightforwardness in his public and
private transactions, courageous and fear
less and cnterprising.
Such are some of the qualities which ar
rest our attention as we read his lifc's
story, all Of them qualities which men
brought up in the Anglo Saxon atmosphere
instinctivcly appreciate and admire But
the picture thus presented is not complete
! have spoken to several people who had
Che advantage Of close personal contact
with Mr. Roosevelt, and they arc unanimous
in saying that the full secret of his nnu-
cnce must be sought at n deeper level -
that 1T was ultimately due TO the intensity
of his moral convictions and the decisive
clearness of his moral vision. His dis
tnctive feat as some one has put it, was
to redscover the Ten Commandments To
him the moral law the supreme and all
embracing law Of human life, tolerating no
rivals, admitting Of no competitors When
conscience had spoken its claims for obedi-
ence we're absolute and unavoidable; there
must be no dallying or delay; right is right
and wrong is wrong; the distinction be
tween them is clear-cut and decisive; at all
costs and hazards the call of duty must
be followed; the only alternative is self
confusion and self contempt 1t was thus
that he looked out life; this was the
master strain Of his rich and complex man
hood
And 7 think I am right in saying that
this is also the master strain Of typical
British manhood. However much the aver
age Englishman may cvadc the claims of
conscience in his ordinary conduct at heart