The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1924-09-12
NORTH DAKOTA
AIDED 7. R. IN
PREPARATION
Governor Declares Life on
Plains Essential in Build
ing Character
SPEAKS AT UNWILLING,

Minot, n. d., Sept. r.
The time Theodore Roosevelt spent
in the Badlands of North Dakota in
the early sos was on important fac
tor in building his character and fit
ting him for the arduous part he
played in world affairs later, Gov
ernor r. A. Nestos declared in MinOt
yesterday at the unwilling of the
Roosevelt statue given to Minot by
DR.. Henry Waldo COe of Portland,
Oregon, Il former resident of Man
dan, North Dakota.
Because Of Roosevelts four years
in the state and the part the state
played in his life, the Governor de-
clared North Dakotans regard Roose
welt as son of the state.
The Governor, in expressing the
states appreciation Of the gift Of
DR.. Coe, said"
ut is my privilege today to ex-
press the appreciation Of North Da-
kota to DR.. Henry Waldo Coe for
placing this splendid equestrian sta
tue of Theodore Roosevelt in the
Roosevelt Park of Minot for the in
spiration of the children of the
state. The development of strong
and noble character in the boys and
girls of today gives the highest
guaranty of the future greatness of
our commonwealth. The character,
ideals and achievements of Theo-
dore Roosevelt constitute a great in
spiration to our boys and girls for
the development of those traits of
ing men and women.
1.-THE fact that Theodore Roosevelt
spent nearly four years as a citizen
OF North Dakota and that the eXper-
fences of this period did much to
prepare him for his life work makes
US feel today that he is in very
real sense son and product of
North Dakota, and his life and la
bors therefore of special inspiration
to our citizenship.
In Contact With Plainsmen
"While he lived in our state he
was in daily contact with the hard!
plainsmen of the west whose code OF
honor in their personal and business
associations was enforced with al
impartial if sometimes crude sever
ity; he lived with men who fought
freely and fiercely, but fairly and ir
the open; he rode his western pom!
over the wild and open spaces of oul
territory, unterrified by savage mei
or wild beasts. While breathing the
notwithstanding air of Dakota hi
character was forming; into it wer'
woven the strong and beautiful
strands of honor, of loyalty t.
friends, of love of liberty, and o
courage to fight for truth and JUS
tice. He came to US weak and dis
full Of power and resolution TO per
form daily his civic duties and t,
do also the great tasks destiny hat
reserved for him: a man of cleaI
perception Of right and wrong; ;
man Of courage to follow the patti
of right and honor without regart
to consequences. He came to US al
unknown man, seeking health ant
strength, and he left US in 4 few
years with bodily health and vigo
restored, to exemplify in the aren;
of American politics the qualities o
straightforwardness, courage an,
honesty, upon the vitality of which
In our public life the permanence o
our free institutions depends, ant
soon became recognized as thu
worlds foremost citizen. No mar
ever exercised such an influence up
on the public opinion as did Mr.
Roosevelt. He directed it into sane
~ progressive channels. Then tn
last summons came and he now be
longs to the ages. Today We join il
honoring this man of the people VIII,
seemed to fill the world with the in
fluence of his commanding personal
ity. OF him, believe the prophe
would again say: Zone man anon,
q thousand have found" North Da
kota, am sure, will never cease t.
honor the man whose character, re
inforced and strengthened amids
the hardships of our pioneer life
will always be beacon light t
guide our youth to the goal of tru
greatness; the development of
strong and noble character. May tn
memory Of his life and services b.
forever kept green and constan
inspiration to the youth of the state
1t is a great honor and privileg
to assist in unwilling today thi
beautiful statue of Theodore Roose
welt, North Dakota's most distin
guished son."