Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 273, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 November 1919 — A TRIBUTE TO THEODORE ROOSEVELT [ARTICLE]

A TRIBUTE TO THEODORE ROOSEVELT

—From The Rensselaerien. The first issue of the “Rensselaerien” comes on Americanization Day, a day proclaimed throughout America in honor of the birthday of Thebdore Roosevelt. Therefore, coming at such a time, it is only fitting that this issue be dedicated ' tp; that super-statesman.andpatriot. A short biography will help us to comprehend the many incidents ' crowded into those eventful sixtyone years of Roosevelt’s life. He was born in 1858. He graduated from Harvard at the age of twentytwo; the -year following he was elected. to the New York Legislature. in 1884 he wad a delegate to the Republican National Convention. He went West the next two years on account of failing health. Later he was the Civil Service Commissioner and president of the Police Comniission of New York 5 City. He next organized the Roosevelt Rough Riders and served in the Cuban .War. In 1898 he was elected governor of New York. Two > years Jater, he was aezninated YicePresident of the United States and became President in 1901, upon the death of President McKinley. He was* unanimously nominated and elected President for the term 19051909. The above are really events of Roosevelt’s political career but his activities were not confined to the State aloije. As a naturalist and explorer he was of no small note. He led expeditions in Africa and South America, bringing home valuable contributions ’ for American museums. His literary accomplishments were amazing, considering his activities in other lines. Roosevelt was a born leader with a striking initiative. He always forged to the front never looking to others for leadership. He inspired the masses and they followed him.' He never faltered in his convictions. The birth and surroundings of Roosevelt spoiled him in wo way. The born aristocrat regenerated into * staunch democrat. His doors were open to the rich and pqor alike. His own children attended the public schools of Washington. In one of his speeches he said, “When once loyalty to a class has been substituted for loyalty to the • republic, the end of the republic is at hand. His one' ambition was to serve the people—to serve America. Roosevelt was Americanism personified. He was a typical American, full of life arid vitality, his restless spirit always ready for some new venture. As a lover of sports and an advocate of physical exer-

cise he did much to promote our national games, .always putting first the principle of fair play. Volumes would be needed to encompass his versatile knowledge. Words are futile, inadequate to express his character and comprehend, his individuality. His place is with Washington and Lincoln. Unfaltering in his belief in right, relentless in his pursuit of wrong was the man, the patriot, the American— Roosevelt.—Harold Nowels, ’2O.