The Leavenworth echo. [volume] (Leavenworth, Wash.) 1904-current, 1919-01-24
EVERY INCH AMERICAN

| washington, u. " Jan GS'--I hS
Republican Publicity Association, thru
its president, Hon. Jonathan Bourne,
Jr., today gave out the following
statement from its Washington head
quarters:
"The passing of Colonel Roosevelt
leaves a void in the life of the nation
that cannot be filled. His personality
was unique, his direct method of OBJ
tanning results may be said to be char
acteristic of no other man of his time,
and his originality of thot and action
stamped him as 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 upon the country
as has Roosevelt. He was typically
American. His advocacy of what he
himself termed "the strenuous life"
and his practical application of that
mode of living to himself, made him
the idol of the millions of Americans
who believe that the application of
enthusiasm and confidence will over
come most obstacles.
"Col Roosevelt gloried in his citi-
zenship. He not only offered his best
abilities to the civil life of the republic
but he was always at the front when
danger threatened. In the Spanish
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 America and the world would
not have profited had his advice been
followed?
"When war with Germany was act
ually 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 overseas.
Not only did he tender his own life to
his country but he organized an en-
tire 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 detract in the
least degree from the patriotism and
sacrifice that inspired him in making
it.
"But altho unable to go to Europe
himself Col. Roosey cit 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 have re-
ceived wounds that testify to their
personal daring. His grief over their
sufferings was intensified by the thot
that he was not permitted to share
their dangers. Altho Col. Roosevelt
did not don uniform it is hardly too
much to say that he was 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 calling the adj
ministration to task for manifest fail
ures, it must be admitted that his
efforts and those of his friends have
been productive of much good thru
the reforms in our military organiza-
ton that were secured. His devotion
to war work entailed exertions on his
part that undoubtedly FASTENED 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 worthy OPP
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
verile American manhood the memory
of Theodore Roosevelt will live in the
minds of all, to be emulated by those
of our citizens who wish to preserve
the United States from mental and
physical decadence."