Arizona republican., 1922-01-06
The Roosevelt PiIarimaae

It. three years ago today that Theodore
Roosevelt died. Yet his spirit pervades the nation
it had influenced the aspirations and the conduct
Of the people for a decade and half dominant in
fuence upon American life and cleanser political
and social conditions.
At once the friends and followers of Mr.. Roose-
welt set about the creation of memorials not him
for he needed neither tribute nor memorial these
movements seemed none the less needed for the
ton for the erection Of shrines for the cultivation
and preservation of those virtues which he had so
effectively urged upon the people.
There is an inner group OF the American people
who. because of their personal contact with this
great American, knew him better and loved him
more. upon whom his death had inflicted personal
as well a national loss But with the shock. their
grief passed and they to look upon him
stin alive and with them in spirit and always
main with the American people.
One year ago today there was a pilgrimage Of
few of friends and followers Mr. Roosevelt to
Sycamore Hill and the cemetery where his body
Hes writer, present that occasion, described
the gathering in the library where Mr.. Roosevelt
worked, "an reminiscent OF the unforgettable per-
sonality that seemed still to pervade the room
The empty chair by the study table awakened no
gloomy reflections: rather. 1t enhanced the impress
sions of a room unchanged, and Of presence just
withdrawn as though the well remembered figure
had but stepped outside for moment and presently
would rejoin the firesde group. The spirit OF the
little gathering was not one OF bereavement but OF a
quiet grateful happiness that this had lived to
his fellow beings and bequeath a memory so
inspiring to his countrymen"
The writer adds: "It was with this same sense of
a continuing leadership that the friends of the
colonel. standing by his grave little later naugu-
rated an annual reunion of his followers Thus was
formed the Roosevelt Pilgrimage" Of which his
steadfast friend and co-worker DR.. Lyman Abbott
was made chairman and a committee was appointed
to make necessary arrangements for the gathering
today.
Standing by the graveside, member Of the group
made a statement in which embodied the senti-
ment of the masses in the Of which he said:
Theodore Roosevelt is today more than ever a
vtalizng, dominant force in the hearts and aspira-
tons Of millions Of his counrymen His principles Of
universal Righteousness and vrie progressive Amer
icanism are a sacred creed to which they give de-
vout adherence With fitting sense Of reverence we
assert that the teachings Of Theodore Roosevelt are
essential to the normal moral life of nation
the laws Of Mount Sinai the normal moral life
Of
1T is a fact of profound significance that Theo-
the masses who within the sway Of his physical
and to other millions who felt his powerful
personality through intangible processes Theodore
Roosevelt living is logical impeng belief to these
men and women. His mind his spirit his personality
remain unaltered. His virtues-his sincerity, his
courage, his honesty, his common sense, his human
tenderness and chiyary-are living, imperishable
force. To muttudes OF Theodore Roosevelt is
still their great leader To multitudes of he
is still their valiant champion To multtudes of
children he is still their loved companion.
THE aggregate estimate OF the is
erring. BY common consent Theodore Roosevelt
mains the embodiment Of the qualities and aspirations
Of the American people"