Copyright W COPYKICIIT DEPOSIT. AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF THEODORE ROOSEVELT EDWARD STRATEMEYER'S BOOKS ©ItJ (glorg Series Six Volumes. Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume %!.»$. UNDER DEWEY AT MANILA. UNDER OTIS IN THE PHILIPPINES A YOUNG VOLUNTEER IN CUBA. THE CAMPAIGN OF THE JUNGLE. FIGHTING IN CUBAN WATERS. UNDER MacARTHUR IN LUZON. S-tratemeger Popular Series Ten Volumes. Cloth Illustrated. Price per volume %o.-]^. THE LAST CRUISE OF THE SPITFIRE. TO ALASKA FOR GOLD. REUBEN STONE'S DISCOVERY. THE YOUNG AUCTIONEER. TRUE TO HIMSELF. BOUND TO BE AN ELECTRICIAN. RICHARD DARE'S VENTURE. SHORTHAND TOM, THE REPORTER OLIVER BRIGHT'S SEARCH. F/GHTING FOR HIS OWN. Soltii'crs of iFnrtnne Series Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume %\.^e,. ON TO PEKIN. UNDER THE MIKADO'S FLAG. AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR. WITH TOGO FOR JAPAN. ^meriean Bogs* 23iagrap][)ical Series Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume %i.2$. AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF WILLIAM McKINLEY. AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF THEODORE ROOSEVELT. Colonial Series Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume ^i.^^. WITH WASHINGTON IN THE WEST. THE FORT IN THE WILDERNESS. MARCHING ON NIAGARA. ON THE TRAIL OF PONTIAC. AT THE FALL OF MONTREAL. TRAIL AND TRADING POST. Pan=i!lmeriran Series Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume %\.i^. LOST ON THE ORINOCO. YOUNG EXPLORERS OF THE ISTHMUS. THE YOUNG VOLCANO EXPLORERS. YOUNG EXPLORERS OF THE AMAZON. ®abe porter Series Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume %\.2$. DAVE PORTER AT OAK HALL. DAVE PORTER IN THE SOUTH SEAS. TWO YOUNG LUMBERMEN. Price %i.2s. BETWEEN BOER AND BRITON. Price %\.2S. JOE, THE SURVEYOR. Price %i.oo. LARRY, THE WANDERER. Price %\.oo. C()1,()m;i. Uouskvki.t at Sax J tax 11u.i. AMERICAN BDYS' LIFE OF THEODORE ROOSEVELT BY EDWARD STRATEMEYER AUTHOR OF "AMERICAN BOTS' LIFE OF WILLIAM MCKINLEY," " COLONIAL SERIES," " SOLDIERS OF FORTUNE SERIES," "old GLORY SERIES," " FAN-AMERICAN SERIES," "DAVE PORTER SERIES," ETC. ILLUSTRATED FROM PHOTOGRAPHS, AND WITH FRONTISPIECE BY CHARLES COREL AND NEW AND EXTENDED EDITION BOSTON LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO. LIBRARY of OONQRESS Two CoDlw Received J\u 19 \90r Copyrlfftit Entry CLASS /{ XXc^No. /It/ C)ti ir * ^OPY B. • ■ 59 Published, August, 1904. Copyright, 1904, by Lee & Shepard. Copyright, 1906, by Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co. All Rights Jleserved. Amebioan Boys' Life of Theodore Roosevelt. Nortoooli ^rtBB J. 8. Cushinp & Co. — Uorwiok & Smith Co. Norwood, Mass., U.S.A. PREFACE The life of Theodore Roosevelt is one well worth studying by any American boy who wishes to make something of himself and mount high on the ladder of success. The twenty-sixth President of our country is a fine type of the true American of to-day, full of vim and vigor, quick to comprehend, and equally quick to act, not afraid to defend his opinions against all comers when satisfied that he is in the right, independent, and yet not lacking in fine social qualities, physically and morally courageous, and with a faith in himself and his God that is bound to make for good so long as he clings to it. Theodore Roosevelt comes from countless generations of fighting stock, both in this country and abroad. And yet as a youth the future hero of San Juan Hill was a delicate lad, and many fears were entertained that he might not live to manhood. But life in the open air, with judicious athletic exercise, accomplished wonders, and he became strong and hardy to an astonishing degree. Vi PREFACE The boyhood days of the future President were spent in New York City and at the fam- ily's country home, Oyster Bay, Long Island. From there he went to Harvard College, from which he graduated with high honors. Still somewhat delicate in health, he travelled in Europe, studied for a short time at Dresden, and took to climbing the Alps and other noted mountains. His mind had gravitated toward literature, and he was writing a naval history of the War of 1812 when something prompted him to take up politics, and almost before he knew it he was elected a New York State assemblyman. He served in this capacity for three terms, and many are the stories told of how he fought against corruption first, last, and all the time. The death of his first wife and of his beloved mother were at this time a great blow to him, and leaving his one little daughter with rela- tives, he struck out for the great West, where, in the Bad Lands, so called, he located as ranchman and hunter, filling in his spare hours by studying and by writing on various out- door subjects, works which have become de- cidedly popular, and which show well his gifts as an author and as an observer of nature. While still in great part a successful ranch- man, he ran for mayor of New York and was defeated. He now devoted himself with in- PREFACE vii creased energy to his literary labors until, soon after, he was appointed by President Harrison a member of the Civil Service Commission. He served on this commission with marked ability for six years, when he resigned to be- come police commissioner of New York City. Theodore Roosevelt's work as a police com- missioner will not be readily forgotten. The whole tone of the service was at once raised, and for the first time in many years the me- tropolis had "dry" Sundays, when every saloon in the city was tightly closed. This strict compliance with the law made him some ene- mies, but to these he paid no heed, for he was doing only his duty. When William McKinley was nominated for the Presidency the first time, Theodore Roose- velt was one of his most enthusiastic supporters. Upon the election of McKinley, John D. Long was appointed Secretary of the Navy and Theo- dore Roosevelt became the First Assistant Sec- retary. Ever since writing his naval history the newly appointed assistant had made a close study of naval matters, and now he applied himself with vigor to the duties of his oiidce ; and it was primarily through his efforts that when the war with Spain came, our warships and our coast defences were in much better condition than they had been at any time previous in our history. viii PREFACE With the outbreak of the war, Theodore Roosevelt resigned. " My duty here is done," he said. ''My place is in the field." And with- out loss of time he and his intimate friend, Dr. Leonard Wood, began the organization of that body of troops which was officially designated as the First United States Volunteer Cavalry, but which speedily became known everywhere as the Rough Riders, — a body as unique as the world has ever seen, being made up of men from all over the Union, but principally from four Territories, and including hunters, cow- boys, soldiers of fortune, football and baseball champions, college graduates, ex-policemen, with. American, Irish, Dutch, German, Mexican, and Indian blood in their veins, — truly a remarkable collection, but every man and officer strong and hardy, full of courage, a good horseman, and a fine shot. From the very start, the Rough Riders were anxious to get into the fight, and the oppor- tunity was not long in coming. From Flor- ida the command was transported to Daiquiri, on the southern coast of Cuba, and then began the advance upon the city of Santiago, which brought on the engagement at La Guasima, followed by the thrilling battle of San Juan Hill, in which the Rough Riders distinguished themselves in a manner that will never be for- gotten. In the very thickest of this fight was PEEFACE ix Colonel Roosevelt, urging his men forward to victory, regardless of the shot and shell falling upon all sides. A hero truly, and such heroes are not forgotten. Upon the close of the war Theodore Roose- velt thought to retire to private life, but this was not to be. Arriving at New York, he was hailed with delight by thousands, and at the next election was made governor of the Empire State. As governor he made friends in both of the leading political parties by his straightforwardness and his sterling honesty. Men might differ with him politically, but they could never accuse him of doing that which he himself did not firmly believe was right. His term as governor had not yet expired when President McKinley was nominated for a second term. Again the people at large clamored for Roosevelt, and against his ear- nest protestations he was forced to accept the nomination for the Vice-Presidency. He was elected, and at the proper time took his seat as presiding officer of the Senate. It was at this time a blow fell upon our nation from which we have scarcely yet recov- ered. President McKinley was struck down by the cowardly hand of an assassin. The Vice-President was at this time off on one of his favorite outings, but with all possible speed he came back and was sworn in as President. X PREFACE It was a great responsibility, and many feared that great changes in our government might result. But the fears proved groundless. Young as he was, — and he is the youngest of all of our Presidents, — he took upon him- self the duty of carrying out the intentions of his predecessor, and proving to the world once again that, even though a President die, "the government at Washington still lives." There is another side to the character of our President which must not be overlooked. He is of strong religious convictions and a member of the Dutch Reformed Church. It is seldom that he is given to preaching, but when he does his words have a sincerity that proves much for the foundation of his character. He stands for what is honest and upright in politi- cal and private life, and although, being but human, he may make mistakes, he remains a Chief Magistrate well deserving the highest honors our nation can bestow. EDWARD STRATEMEYER. NoVKMBER 15, 1906. CONTENTS CHAPTER I PAGB Birthplace and Ancestry of Theodore Roosevelt — His Father's Philanthropy — City and Country Home — Days at School — Religious Training . 1 CHAPTER n Nicknamed Teddy — Goes to Harvard College — Member of Many Clubs — Death of Mr. Roose- velt — Anecdotes of College Life ... 11 CHAPTER HI Marries Miss Alice Lee — Travels in Europe — Bold Mountain Climbing — Elected to the Assembly — Personal Encounter with the Enemy . . 20 CHAPTER IV Theodore Roosevelt and Governor Cleveland — Good Work as an Assemblyman — Some Meas- ures pushed through — Birth of Alice Roosevelt — Death of Mr. Roosevelt's Mother ... 30 CHAPTER V Theodore Roosevelt as a Ranchman and Hunter in the Bad Lands — Bringing down his First Buf- falo — Rattlesnakes and a Wild Goose . . 39 xi Xll CONTENTS CHAPTER VI PAGE Grouse and Other Small Game — The Scotchman and the Skunk — Caught in a Hailstorm on the Prairie — Bringing down Black-tail Deer . . 49 CHAPTER VII Runs for ISfayor of New York City — IMarriage to Edith Kermit Carew — Hunting in the Bighorn Mountains — A Wild Chase after Three Elk . 63 CHAPTER VHI Bringing down a Grizzly Bear — Back to New York — Appointed a Civil Service Commissioner — The Work of the Commission .... 74 CHAPTER IX A Trip to the Shoshone Mountains — Caught in a Driving Snowstorm — Back to Work — Resig- nation as Civil Service Commissioner . . 85 CHAPTER X Appointed Police Commissioner of New York City — Corruptness of the Department — Strenuous f>ndeavors to make Matters Better — A "Dry" Sunday — Enforcing the Tenement House Law and Other Measures 94 CHAPTER XT Appointed First Assistant Scrn'tary of the Xavy — The Condition of Affairs in Cuba — Preparing for War — Theodore Roosevelt's Resolve . . 104 CONTENTS XUl CHAPTER XII FAGB Destruction of the Maine — Dewey's Victory — Theodore Roosevelt becomes a Soldier — Organ- izing the Rough Riders — Various Men in the Command 112 CHAPTER XIII In Camp at Tampa — To Port Tampa in Coal Cars — Theodore Roosevelt's Quick Move to obtain a Transport — The Wait in the Harbor — Off for Cuba at Last 122 CHAPTER XIV Life on the Transport — The Landing at Daiquiri — The March to Siboney — The Trail through the Jungle — The Skirmish at' La Guasima . 132 CHAPTER XV Along the Jungle Trail — Fording the River — Opening of the Battle of San Juan Hill — Bravery of the Rough Riders — Personal Expe- riences of Theodore Roosevelt during the Battle 142 CHAPTER XVI Results of the Fight — Life in the Trenches — The Spanish Fleet in Santiago Harbor — Another Great Naval Victory — The Rough Riders and the Spanish Guerillas 154 CHAPTER XVII Devotion of the Rough Riders to Theodore Roose- velt — His Kindness to his Men — Last of the Fighting — The Truce and Treaty of Peace . 163 XIV CONTENTS CHAPTER XVIII PA«B Last Days in Cuba — The Departure for Home — Arrival at Montauk — Caring for the Sick and Wounded — Presentation to Theodore Roosevelt by his Men — Mustering out of the Rough Riders 171 CHAPTER XIX Nominated for Governor of New York — A Rough Rider Way of Campaigning — Elected Governor — Important AA^ork at Albany — The Home- stead at Oyster Bay — Chopping down a Tree for Exercise 183 CHAPTER XX Great Reception to Admiral Dewey — Governor Roosevelt's Increased Popularity — Last Annual Message as Governor — Visit to Chicago — Re- markable Speech on the Strenuous Life . . 193 CHAPTER XXI The Convention at Philadelj^hia — Theodore Roose- velt seconds the Nomination of William McKin- ley — Becomes Candidate for the Vice-Presidency — Remarkable Tours througli Many States . 203 CHAPTER XXII Elected Vice-President of the L^nited States — Pre- sides over the Senate — Tax upon Theodore Roosevelt's Strength — Starts on Another Grand Hunting Tour , 214 COI^TENTS XV CHAPTER XXIII PAOB The Roosevelt Family in the Adirondacks — The Pan-American Exposition at Buffalo — Shooting of President McKinley — The Vice-President's Visit — Death of the President . . . .223 CHAPTER XXIV Theodore Roosevelt's Tramp up Mount Marcy — A Message of Importance — Wild Midnight Ride through the Mountains — On the Special Trains from North Creek to Buffalo . . .233 CHAPTER XXV Takes the Oath as President — The New Chief Magistrate at the Funeral of President McKin- ley — At the White House — How the First Real Working Day was Spent .... 241 CHAPTER XXVI Continuing the Work begun by President McKinley — The Panama Canal Agitation — Visit of Prince Henry of Prussia — The President at the Charleston Exposition 251 CHAPTER XXVII Destruction at St. Pierre — American Aid — The Great Coal Strike — President Roosevelt ends the Difficulty — Tour through New England — The Trolley Accident in the Berkshires — A Providential Escape from Death . . . 260 XVI CONTENTS CHAPTER XXVIII PAOS New Offices at the White House — Sends a Wireless Message to King Edward of England — End of the Trouble in A^enezuela — The Canadian Boundary Dispute — Beginning of a Trip to the West — In Yellowstone Park .... 269 CHAPTER XXIX Dedication of the Fair Buildings at St. Louis — Continuation of the Trip to San Francisco — Up in the Far Northwest — Back in Washington — The Post-office Scandals — The New Republic of Panama — A Canal at Last — Proclamation regarding the War between Japan and Russia — Opening of the Great Fair .... 277 CHAPTER XXX The New Campaign — Elected President by a Rousing Majority — The Inauguration — Peacemaker be- tween Japan and Russia — Departmental Re- forms at Washington 289 CHAPTER XXXI Death of Secretary of State Hay — The President's Trip to the South — Marriage of Alice Roosevelt — The Great San Francisco Earthquake — Govern- ment Aid — President Roosevelt and the Packing Houses Investigation — The Naval Review at Oyster Bay — Leading the Way in Spelling Reform — Off for Panama 298 CHAPTER XXXII Personal Characteristics of Theodore Roosevelt — The President's Family — Life at the White House — Our Country and its Future . . . 811 CONTENTS XVll APPENDIX PAGE A. Brief Extracts from Famous Addresses deliv- ered by Tiieodore Roosevelt .... 319 B. List of Theodore Roosevelt's Writings . . .322 C. Chronology of the Life of Theodore Roosevelt from 1858 to 1906 324 ILLUSTRATIONS Colonel Roosevelt at San Juan Hill Frontispiece Theodore Roosevelt's Birthplace . House in which Theodore Roosevelt roomed WHILE AT Harvard .... Theodore Roosevelt at Graduation, 1880 Miss Alice Lee Roosevelt .... Edith Kermit Roosevelt .... Theodore Roosevelt as a Rough Rider Colonel Roosevelt at Montauk Point . The Roosevelt Homestead at Oyster Bay Theodore Roosevelt President McKinley and Vice-President Roosevelt President Roosevelt at his Desk . The White House, showing New Offices President Roosevelt and Cabinet, 1903 President Roosevelt speaking at the Unveil iNG OF THE Statue of General Sherman President Roosevelt and his Family xviii FACING PAGE 2 14 20 36 66 118 176 192 202 216 252 270 276 284 314 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE 01' THEODORE ROOSEVELT o>»r/.\ Colonel Roosevelt at Montaitk Point. THEOBOBE ROOSEVELT 177 and one other things. Most of the visitors, especially the ladies, wanted our autographs, and I had to write mine as many as forty times a day. I remember one of the men, a cowboy from Oklahoma, couldn't write, and he got so upset over this that every time somebody asked him for his autograph he would run away, saying he had forgotten to do something that he had been ordered to do. When I and some chums went down to New York to look around, all the folks stared at us, and many insisted on shaking hands and treating." The uniforms the Rough Riders had worn in Cuba were in rags, and many had boarded the transport barefooted. The rags were saved as trophies of the occasion, and many are still in existence. At Camp Wykoff, as the place was called, there was a large hospital for the sick, and to this many came to do what they could for the sufferers, who were now given every possible attention. Among the visitors was Miss Helen Gould, who had used her ample means for the benefit of the sick all through the war, and who now continued to play the good Samaritan. President McKinley and 178 AMEBIC AN BOYS^ LIFE OF many of his cabinet likewise visited the camp, and saw to it that everything in the hospital and out of it was as it should be. The sick were presented with the best of fruits and other things, and many ladies assisted the nurses by reading to the patients and by writing letters for them. Now that they had nothing to do in the shape of fighting, many of the Rough Riders were anxious to get back to the wild West. Life in an ordinary camp did not suit them, and at every available opportunity they in- dulged in "horse play," working off many practical jokes upon each other. One day a report went the rounds that a member of another cavalry organization could not master a certain horse that had been assigned to him. The report was true, for the horse was what is called by ranchmen a " bad bucker." " I think Sergeant Darnell can master him," said Colonel Roosevelt. He referred to one of the best " bronco busters " among the Rough Riders, a man who had never yet allowed a steed to get the best of him. " All right, let Darnell try him," said THEODORE ROOSEVELT 179 others. And a test was arranged for the day following. At that time Secretary of War Alger was in camp, and a great crowd of visitors, military men and others, gathered before Colonel Eoosevelt's quarters to watch the contest. At the proper time the vicious horse was brought forth, and watching his chance, Sergeant Darnell leaped upon his back. Then came such a bucking, leaping, and prancing as many had never witnessed before. " He'll be killed ! " cried many of the ladies. " The horse will have him under in another moment." But such fears were groundless. Darnell knew exactly what he was doing, and in the end the fiery steed had to give in, completely conquered. On the last Sunday in camp, Chaplain Brown delivered an impressive sermon, to which all listened with grave attention. After he had finished, Theodore Roosevelt spoke to the men in a feeling way. " I told them how proud I was of them," he says. " But warned them not to think that they could go back and rest on their laurels, bidding them remember that though 180 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF for ten days or so the world would be willing to treat them as heroes, yet after that time they would find they would have to get down to hard work just like any- body else, unless they were willing to be regarded as worthless do-nothings." This was the best possible advice, and it is believed that many of the soldiers profited by it. Before the men were mustered out, they treated their beloved commander to a genuine surprise. They had had a fine bronze of a " Bronco Buster " made, and this was presented to Colonel Roosevelt on behalf of the whole regiment. It touched him deeply, and to-day this bronze is one of his most highly prized gifts. At last came news that the Rough Riders would be mustered out of the United States service the next day. That evening a great celebration took place, in which all of the men joined, each according to his own notion of what a celebration should be. Large bonfires were lit, and here some delivered speeches, the soldiers from the colleges sang, those with Indian blood in them gave a characteristic dance, and cow- THEODORE ROOSEVELT 181 boys and ranchmen did " double-shuffles " and " cut up " as suited them. On the morning of September 15, four months after the Rough Riders had been organized, the colors were lowered in camp, the men were mustered out, and officers and privates shook hands and said good- by. " It was the greatest sight I ever saw," says one of the number. " Not until that moment came did we realize what it meant to part with those who had fought with us in battle and suffered the hardships of life in the trenches. Strange friendships had been formed, some between those who were very rich and very poor, and others between those who were well educated and very ignorant. One man who was studying for a professional life had as his particular chum a rough cowboy who had never spent six months over his books. But the two had stood by each other and suffered, and I really believe they were willing to lay down their lives for each other. " Many of the men could hardly bear to part with Colonel Roosevelt. He had stuck by them through thick and thin, and they 182 AMERICAN boys' LIFE OF worshipped him. Some shook hands half a dozen times, and some hardly dared to speak for fear of breaking down. I never expect to see the match of that scene again." THEODORE ROOSEVELT 183 CHAPTER XIX Nominated for Governor of New York — A Rough Rider Way of Campaigning — Elected Governor — Important Work at Albany — The Home- stead AT Oyster Bay — Chopping down a Tree FOR Exercise The war with Spain was at an end, and Uncle Sam had now to turn his attention to the Phihppines, where for many months to come miHtary disturbances of a more or less serious nature were to take place. Theodore Roosevelt might have remained in the army, and had he done so there is no doubt but that he would have swiftly risen to a rank of importance. But the people of the State of New York willed otherwise. " He is a great military man," they said. " But he was likewise a fine Police Commis- sioner and a Civil Service Commissioner, fighting continually for what was right and good. Let us make him our next governor." The convention that nominated Theodore 184 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF Roosevelt for the highest office in the Em- pire State met at Saratoga, September 27, 1898, just twelve days after the Rough Riders were mustered out. At that time Frank S. Black was governor of the state, having been elected two years before by a large majority. The governor had many friends, and they said he deserved another term. " Roosevelt is not a citizen of this state," said they. " He gave up his residence here when he went to Washington to become Assistant Secretary of the Navy." " We don't want him anyway," said other politicians, who had not forgotten how the Rough Rider had acted when in the Assembly. " If he gets into office, it will be impossible to manage him." And they worked night and day to defeat the hero of San Juan Hill. On the day of the convention, the hall where it was held was jammed with people. The people were also crowded in the street outside, and on every hand were seen Rough Rider badges. " It was a Roosevelt crowd from top to bottom," says one who was there. " You THEODORE ROOSEVELT 185 heard his name everywhere — in the hotels, on the streets, no matter where you went. Every once in a while somebody would shout, ' Three cheers for Teddy ! ' and the cheers would be given with a will." As soon as the convention had settled down to business. Governor Black was put up for nomination, and then the Hon. Chauncey M. Depew presented the name of Theodore Roosevelt. He spoke of what had been done in Cuba, and added : — " The Rough Riders endured no hardships nor dangers which were not shared by their Colonel. He helped them dig their ditches ; he stood beside them in the deadly damp- ness of the trenches. No floored tent for him if his comrades must sleep on the ground and under the sky. In that world- famed charge of the Rough Riders up the hill of San Juan, their Colonel was a hun- dred feet in advance." There was a prolonged cheering when Theodore Roosevelt's name was mentioned, and hundreds waved their handkerchiefs and flags. Other speeches followed, and at last came the voting. Out of the total number cast Theodore Roosevelt received 186 AMERICAN BOTS' LIFE OF seven hundred and fifty-three and Governor Black two hundred and eighteen. " I move we make the nomination of Theodore Roosevelt unanimous ! " cried Judge Cady, who had previously presented the name of Governor Black. And amid continued cheering this was done. Theodore Roosevelt had been nominated on the regular Republican ticket. In oppo- sition, the Democrats nominated Augustus Van Wyck, also well known, and likewise of as old Dutch stock as Roosevelt himself. The campaign was a decidedly strenuous one. The Democrats made every effort to win, while on the other hand the Republi- cans who had wanted Governor Black for another term did not give to Mr. Roosevelt the support promised when his nomination had been made unanimous. " We shall be defeated," said more than one friend to Roosevelt. " It seems a shame, but we cannot arouse the party as it should be aroused." " I will see what I can do myself," an- swered the former leader of the Rough Riders. And he arranged to make a com- plete tour of the State, taking in almost THEODORE ROOSEVELT 187 every city and town of importance. When some of the old campaign managers heard of this, they came to Roosevelt in great alarm. "You mustn't do it," they said. "It will ruin you." " I will risk it," was the answer of the candidate. And forthwith he started on his tour, taking a handful of his Rough Rider friends with him. It was a brilliant stroke on the part of Theodore Roosevelt, and it told tremendously in his favor. Wherever he went, the people turned out in large crowds to see him and to listen to what he or his Rough Rider companions had to say. Citizens by the hundred came up to shake him by the hand and wish him success. Parades were organized to do him honor, and at night there would be brilliant illuminations and fireworks. "We have aroused the party," said he, when the tour was at an end. And so it proved. Although Van Wyck was popular, Theodore Roosevelt was elected to the high office of governor by seventeen thousand plurality. 188 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF It was certainly a high position for such a young man to occupy. He was barely forty years of age, yet as governor of New York he ruled twice as many people as did George ^yashington when first President of the United States. He entered on his new duties with as much zeal as he had displayed when organ- izing the Rough Riders, and in a few weeks, had the reins of government well in hand. It is said that while he wa,s governor he was never surprised by those who opposed him. When they wanted facts and figures he was able to produce them, and he never supported or vetoed a measure unless he was morally certain he was on the right side. He was open-faced to the last degree, and what he said he meant. During his term of office many measures of importance were considered, but in a work of this kind it is not necessary to go into details. For several important offices he nominated men of his own selection, despite the protests of some older politicians, and these selections proved first-class. During his term as governor, Mr. Roose- velt did a great work for many poor people THEODORE ROOSEVELT 189 in New York City, who worked in what are called "sweat shops," — small, close quar- ters, not fit for working purposes, in which men, women, and children make clothing and other articles. He enforced what was known as the Factory Law, and the owners of the "sweat-shops" had to seek larger and more sanitary quarters for their em- ployees. He also took a strong hand in reforming the administration of the canals, which had been one-sided and unfair. But perhaps his greatest work was in behalf of a measure meant to make the great corporations of New York State pay their fair share of the general taxes. In the past these corporations had had great rights conferred upon them, and they had paid little or nothing in return. " This is unjust," said Governor Roose- velt. " They should pay their taxes just as the poorest citizen is compelled to pay his tax." When the corporations heard this, many of the men in control were furious, and they threatened the governor in all sorts of ways. They would defeat him if he ever again came up for election, and defeat him 190 AMERICAN boys' LIFE OF SO badly that he would never again be heard of. "Do as you please, gentlemen," said the governor. " I am here to do my duty, and I intend to do it." And he called an extra session of the legislature for that purpose. It is said that much money was used by some corporations to defeat Governor Roose- velt's will, but in the end a modified form of the bill was passed. Since that time other bills along similar lines have become laws; so that the great corporations have to pay millions of dollars which in the past they had escaped paying. Such measures are of immense benefit to the ordinary citi- zen, and for his share in this work Theodore Roosevelt deserves great credit. It was while governor of New York that Mr. Roosevelt gave to the public his book entitled " The Rough Riders." It contains a history of that organization from his personal point of view, and makes the most fascinating kind of reading from beginning to end. It was well received, and added not a little to the laurels of the writer as an author. Although much of his time was spent at THEODORE ROOSEVELT 191 Albany as Executive, Theodore Roosevelt had not given up the old homestead at Oyster Bay on Long Island, and thither he went for rest and recreation, taking his en- tire family, which, as has been said, consisted of his wife and six children, with him. The old Roosevelt homestead is on a hill about three miles distant from the village. The road to the house winds upward through a wilderness of trees and brushwood. At the top of the hill, where the house stands, is a cleared space, free to the strong breezes of Long Island Sound. It is on the north shore, about twenty-five miles from City Hall, New York. The house is a large, three-story affair, with crossed gables, and a large semicircular veranda at one end. Inside there is a wide hall, and all the rooms are of good size, with broad windows and inviting open fire- places. One room is fitted up as Mr. Roose- velt's "den," with many bookcases filled with books, and with rare prints of Washington, Lincoln, and other celebrities on the walls, and with not a few trophies of the hunt added. In this room Mr. Roosevelt has done much of his work as an author. 192 AMERICAN BOYS" LIFE OF It is said that Abraham Lincoln not only chopped wood for a living, but that he rather enjoyed the outdoor exercise. Be that as it may, it remains a fact that Mr. Roosevelt frequently goes forth into the woods on his estate to fell a tree, or split one up, just for the exercise thus afforded. This he did while he was governor of New York, and once astonished some newspaper men who had come to see him on business by the dex- terity with which he cut a large tree trunk in two. He even invited his visitors to " take a hack at it " themselves, but they respectfully declined. He still kept up his athletic exercise, and one of his favorite amusements was to go on long horseback rides, either alone, or with some relative or friend. At other times he would go deep into the woods with his young sons, showing them how to bring down the nuts from the trees, or how to use their guns on any small game that chanced to show itself. His family life was then, as it has always been, a happy one; but of this let us speak later. THEODORE BOOSEVELT 193 CHAPTER XX Great Reception to Admiral Dewey — Governor Roosevelt's Increased Popularity — Last An- nual Message as Governor — Visit to Chicago — Remarkable Speech on the Strenuous Life Although the war with Spain was over, the people of the United States had not for- gotten the wonderful work accomplished by Admiral Dewey and his men at Manila, and when the dauntless naval fighter returned to this country, people everywhere arose to do him honor. " He well deserves it," said Governor Roosevelt. And he appointed September 29 and 30, 1899, as public holidays, to be ob- served throughout the entire State as days of general thanksgiving. These days were commonly called " Dewey Days." The reception to the Admiral and to the other naval heroes was to take place in New York and vicinity, and for many days the citizens were busy decorating their homes and places of business with flags and bunt- 194 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF ing and pictures, and immense signs of " Welcome," some in letters several feet long. At the junction of Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and Twenty-Third Street, an im- mense triumphal arch was erected, and re- viewing stands stretched along the line of parade for many miles. On the day before the grand reception, Governor Roosevelt, with some members of his staff, called upon Admii^al Dewey on board of the Olympia, and offered the State's greeting. A pleasant time was had by all, and the governor assured the sea hero that the people of New York and vicinity were more than anxious to do him honor. It had been arranged that a naval parade should be held on the first day of the re- ception, and a land parade on the day fol- lowing. The course of the naval parade was up the Hudson River past Grant's Tomb, and the grand procession on the water included the Olympia, the Admiral's flag-ship, and the Neiv York, Indiana, Mas- sachusetts, Texas, Brooklyn, and a large number of other war-ships of lesser impor- tance, besides an immense number of private steam-yachts and other craft. THEODORE ROOSEVELT 195 The day dawned clear and bright, and the banks of the Hudson were lined from end to end with people. When the pro- cession of war-ships swept up the stream, loud was the applause, while flags waved everywhere, and whistles blew constantly. When passing Grant's Tomb every war- ship fired a salute, and the mass of sound echoing across the water was positively deafening. As the Olympia swept up the river, fired her salute, and then came to anchor a short distance below the last resting-place of Gen- eral Grant, Admiral Dewey stood on the bridge of his flag-ship, a small, trim figure, with a smile and a wave of the hand for everybody. The surging people could see him but indistinctly, yet there was much hand clapping, and throats grew sore with cheering. But there was another figure in that naval parade, the person of one also dear to the hearts of the people. It was the figure of Theodore Roosevelt, dressed, not as a Rough Rider, but as a civilian, standing at the rail of a steamer used by the New York State officials. When the people saw and recog- 196 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF nized that figure, the cheering was as wild as ever. " It is Roosevelt ! " ran from mouth to mouth. " The hero of San Juan Hill ! " " Hurrah for the Rough Riders and their gallant leader ! " came from others. And the cheering was renewed. In the evening there was a grand display of fireworks and illuminated floats. The immense span of the Brooklyn Bridge was a mass of lights, and contained the words " Welcome, Dewey " in lettering which cov- ered several hundred feet. All of the war- ships had their search-lights in operation, and it can truthfully be said that for once the metropolis was as light as day. But all of this was as nothing compared with the land parade which followed. Never before had the streets of New York been so jammed with people. At many points it was impossible to move, yet the crowds were good-natured and patriotic to the core. The parade started at Grant's Tomb and ended at Washington Square, and was between five and six hours in passing. Admiral Dewey rode in a carriage with Mayor Van Wyck, and received another THEODORE ROOSEVELT 197 ovation. At the Triumphal Arch the Ad- miral reviewed the parade, and here he was accorded additional honors. In this parade Governor Roosevelt rode on horseback, in civilian dress. As he came down the street, the immense crowds recog- nized him from afar, and the hand clapping and cheering was tremendous, and lasted long after he was out of sight. " It's our own Teddy Roosevelt ! " cried the more enthusiastic. " Hurrah for the governor ! Hurrah for the colonel of the Rough Riders ! " " Hurrah for the coming President ! " said another. And he spoke better than he knew. This demonstration came straight from the people's heart, and it could not help but affect Theodore Roosevelt. Sitting astride of his dark-colored horse like a veteran, he bowed right and left. Next to Dewey, he was easily the greatest figure in the parade. On January 3, 1900, Governor Roosevelt sent his last annual message to the State legislature. It was an able document, and as it was now recognized everywhere that he was a truly national figure, it was given careful attention. It treated of the corrup- 198 AMERICAN boys' LIFE OF tion in canal management, of the franchise tax, of taxation in general, and a large portion was devoted to the trusts. At that time the trusts were receiving great atten- tion everywhere, and it was felt that what the governor had to say about them, that they were largely over-capitalized, that they misrepresented the condition of their aifairs, that they promoted unfair competition, and that they wielded increased power over the wage-earner, was strictly true. In Chicago there is a wealthy organiza- tion known as the Hamilton Club, and the members were very anxious to have Gov- ernor Roosevelt as their guest on Appomattox Day, April 10, 1899. A delegation went to New York to invite the governor, and he accepted the invitation with pleasure. " The middle West is very dear to me," said he. " It will be a pleasure to meet my many friends there." Of course he was expected to speak, and said the subject of his address would be " The Strenuous Life," — certainly a subject close to his own heart, considering the life he himself had led. When Mr. Roosevelt reached the metrop- THEODORE ROOSEVELT 199 olis of the Great Lakes, he found a large crowd waiting at the raih^oad station to receive him. The reception committee was on hand, with the necessary coaches, and people were crowded everywhere, anxious to catch a sight of the man who had made himself famous by the advance up San Juan Hill. But for the moment Governor Roosevelt did not see the reception committee, nor did he see the great mass of people. In a far corner of the platform he caught sight of six men, dressed in the faded and tattered uniform of the Rough Riders. They were not men of wealth or position, but they were men of his old command, and he had not forgotten them. " Glad to see you, boys, glad to see you ! " he shouted, as he elbowed his way toward them. " Come up here and shake hands." " Glad to see you. Colonel," was the ready answer, and the faces of the men broke into broad smiles. They shook hands readily, and willingly answered all of the questions the governor put to them. He asked how each of them was doing, calling them by their names, and concluded by requesting 200 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF them to come up to the Auditorium later, "for an all-round chat." " It was a great meeting," said one who was there. "Before the train came in, those old Rough Riders were nervous and showed it. They knew that Roosevelt had become a great man, and they w^ere just a little afraid he would pass them by. When the meeting was over, they went off as happy as a lot of children, and one of them said, ' Say, fellows, Teddy's just all right yet, ain't he ? ' And another answered : ' Told you he would be. He's a white man through and through, none whiter anywhere.' " The banquet was held in the Auditorium Theatre building, and was said to be the largest ever given in Chicago. Many dis- tinguished guests were present, both from the North and the South, and the place was a mass of flowers and brilliantly illuminated, while a fine orchestra discoursed music dur- ing the meal. When Theodore Roosevelt arose to speak, there was cheering that lasted fully a quarter of an hour. The speech made upon this occasion is one not likely to be forgotten. Previous to that time the word " strenuous " had been THEODORE ROOSEVELT 201 heard but seldom, but ever since it has stood for something definite, and is much in use. In part Mr. Roosevelt spoke as follows : — " I wish to preach, not the doctrine of ignoble ease, but the doctrine of the strenu- ous life ; the life of toil and effort ; of labor and strife ; to preach that highest form of success which comes, not to the man who desires mere easy peace, but to the man who does not shirk from danger, from hardship, or from bitter toil, and who out of these wins the splendid ultimate triumph." Another paragraph is equally interesting and elevating : — " We do not admire the man of timid peace. We admire the man who embodies victorious effort ; the man who never wrongs his neighbor, who is prompt to help a friend ; but who has those virile qualities necessary to win in the stern strife of actual life. It is hard to fail ; but it is worse never to have tried to succeed." And to this he adds : — "As it is with the individual so it is with the nation. It is a base untruth to say that happy is the nation that has no history. Thrice happy is the nation that 202 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF has a glorious history. Far better is it to dare mighty things to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat." ^ ^ For other extracts from this speech, see Appendix A, p. 297. THEODOBE ROOSEVELT 203 CHAPTER XXI The Convention at Philadelphia — Theodore Roosevelt seconds the Nomination of Presi- dent McKiNLEY — Becomes Candidate for the Vice-Presidency — Remarkable Tours through Many States As the time came on to nominate parties for the office of President and Vice-Presi- dent of the United States, in 1900, there was considerable speculation in the Repub- lican party regarding who should be chosen for the second name on the ticket. It was felt by everybody that President McKinley had honestly earned a second term, not alone by his management of the war with Spain, but also because of his stand touching the rebellion in the Philip- pines, and on other matters of equal impor- tance. About the Vice-Presidency the political managers were not so sure, and they men- tioned several names. But in the hearts of the people there was but one name, and that was Theodore Roosevelt. 204 AMERICAN BOYS" LIFE OF " We must have him," was heard upon every side. " He will be just the right man in the right place. He will give to the office an importance never before at- tached to it, and an importance which it deserves." Personally, Governor Roosevelt did not wish this added honor. As the Executive of the greatest State in our Union, he had started great reforms, and he wanted to finish them. "My work is here," he said to many. " Let me do what I have been called to do, and then I will again be at the service of the whole nation once more." The National Republican Convention met in Philadelphia, June 19, in Exposition Hall, beautifully decorated with flags and banners. Senator Mark Hanna, President McKinley's warmest personal friend, was chairman, and the delegates, numbering over seven hundred, came, as usual at such conventions, from every State in the Union. Governor Roosevelt himself was a delegate, and sat near the middle aisle, five or six seats from the front. He was recognized by everybody, and it is safe to say that TBEODOBE ROOSEVELT 205 he was the most conspicuous figure at the convention. Up to the last minute many of the politi- cal leaders were, in a measure, afraid of Theodore Roosevelt. They understood his immense popularity, and were afraid that the convention might be '^ stampeded " in his favor. "If they once start to yell for Roose- velt, it will be good-by to everybody else," said one old politician. " They are just crazy after the leader of the Rough Riders." But this man did not understand the stern moral honesty of the man under con- sideration. Roosevelt believed in uphold- ing William McKinley, and had said so, and it was no more possible for him to seek the Presidential nomination by an under- handed trick than it was for President McKinley to do an equally base thing when he was asked to allow his name to be mentioned at the time he had pledged him- self to support John Sherman.^ Both men were of equal loyalty, and the word of each was as good as his bond. ^ See " American Boys' Life of William McKinley," p. 191. 206 AMERICAN BOYS'" LIFE OF It was Senator Foraker who put up Presi- dent McKinley for nomination, and the vig- orous cheering at that time will never be forgotten. Fifteen thousand throats yelled themselves hoarse, and then broke into the ringing words and music of " The Union Forever ! " in a manner that made the very convention hall tremble. Then came cries for Roosevelt, " For our own Teddy of the Rough Riders! " and, written speech in hand, he arose amid that vast multitude to second the candidacy of "William McKinley. Not once did he look at the paper he held in his hand, but with a force that could not be misunderstood he addressed the assemblage. " I rise to second the nomination of William McKinley, because with him as a leader this people has trod the path of national greatness and prosperity with the strides of a giant," said he, " and because under him we can and will succeed in the election. Exactly as in the past we have remedied the evils which we undertook to remedy, so now when we say that a wrong shall be righted, it most assuredly will be righted. " We stand on the threshold of a new THEODORE ROOSEVELT 207 century, a century big with the fate of the great nations of the earth. It rests with us to decide now whether in the opening years of that century we shall march forward to fresh triumphs, or whether at the outset we shall deliberately cripple ourselves for the contest." His speech was the signal for another burst of applause, and when finally Theo- dore Roosevelt was named as the candidate for Vice-President, the crowd yelled until it could yell no longer, while many sang "Yankee Doodle" and other more or less patriotic airs, keeping time with canes and flag-sticks. When the vote was cast, only one delegate failed to vote for Theodore Roosevelt, and that was Theodore Roosevelt himself. The platform of the party was largely a repetition of the platform of four years before. Again the cry was for " sound money," and for the continuance of Presi- dent McKinley's policy in the Philippines. The campaign which followed was truly a strenuous one — to use a favorite word of the candidate. President McKinley decided not to make many speeches, and 208 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF thus the hard work previous to election day fell upon Theodore Roosevelt. He did not shirk the task. As with every- thing he undertook, he entered into the campaign with vigor, resolved to deserve success even if he did not win it. " I will do my best in the interests of our party, and for the benefit of the people at large," said Theodore Roosevelt. " No man can do more than that." In the few short months between the time when he was nominated and when the election was held. Governor Roosevelt travelled over 20,000 miles by rail, visit- ing nearly 600 towns, and addressing, on a rough estimate, fully 3,000,000 of people ! In that time he delivered 673 speeches, some of them half an hour and some an hour in length. In his thousands of miles of travel the candidate for the Vice-Presidency visited many States, particularly those lying be- tween New York and Colorado. At nearly every town he was greeted by an immense crowd, all anxious to do the leader of the Rough Riders honor. In the large cities great banquets were held, and he was shown THEODOBE ROOSEVELT 209 much respect and consideration. In many places those who had fought under him came to see and listen to him, and these meetings were of especial pleasure. Often he would see an old Rough Rider hanging back in the crowd, and would call him to the front or do his best to reach the ex-sol- dier and shake him by the hand. One occurrence is worthy of special men- tion. The Democratic party had nominated William Jennings Bryan as their candidate for President. There was a great labor pic- nic and demonstration at Chicago, and both Governor Roosevelt and Mr. Bryan were invited to speak. " You had better not accept, governor," said some friends to Theodore Roosevelt. " There may be trouble." " I am not afraid," answered the former leader of the Rough Riders. " But Mr. Bryan and yourself are to be there at practically the same time." " That does not matter," said the gov- ernor. And he went to Chicago on Septem- ber 3, to attend the Labor Day celebrations. The picnic was held at Electric Park, and in the presence of fifteen thousand people Gov- 210 AMERICAN BOYS" LIFE OF ernor Roosevelt and Mr. Bryan " buried the hatchet " for the time being, and spoke to those surrounding them on the dignity of labor and the duties of the laboring man to better himself and his social conditions. In that motley collection of people there were frequent cries of " Hurrah for Teddy ! " and " What's the matter with Bryan ? He's all right ! " but there was no disturbance, and each speaker was listened to with re- spectful attention from start to finish. It was without a doubt a meeting to show true American liberty and free speech at its best. But all of the stops on his tours were not so pleasant to Governor Roosevelt. In every community there are those who are low-bred and bound to make an exhibition of their baseness. At Waverly, New York, a stone was flung at him through the car window, breaking the glass but missing the candidate for whom it was intended. At once there was excitement. " Are you hurt, Governor ? " was the ques- tion asked. " No," returned Theodore Roosevelt. And then he added, with a faint smile, " It's THEODORE ROOSEVELT 211 only a bouquet, but I wish, after this, they wouldn't make them quite so hard." There was also a demonstration against the candidate at Haverstraw, New York, which threatened for a while to break up an in- tended meeting. But the worst rowdyism was encountered at Victor, a small town in Colorado, near the well-known muiing cen- tre of Cripple Creek. Victor was full of miners who wanted not " sound money," but " free silver," for free silver, so styled, meant a great booming of silver mining. " We don't want him here," said these miners. "We have heard enough about him and his gold standard. He had better keep away, or he'll regret it." When Theodore Roosevelt was told he might have trouble in the mining camps, he merely shrugged his shoulders. " I know these men," he said. " The most of them are as honest and respectable as the citizens of New York. I am not afraid of the vicious element. The better class are bound to see fair play." The governor spoke at a place called Ar- mory Hall, and the auditorium was packed. He had just begun his speech when there 212 AMERICAN boys' LIFE OF was a wild yelling and cat-calling, all cal- culated to drown him out. He waited for a minute, and then, as the noise subsided, tried to go on once more, when a voice cried out : — " What about rotten beef ? " referring to the beef furnished during the Santiago cam- paign, which had, of course, come through a Republican Commissary Department. " I ate that beef," answered the governor, quickly. And then he added to the fellow who had thus questioned him : " You will never get near enough to be hit with a bullet, or within five miles of it." At this many burst into applause, and the man, who was a coward at heart, sneaked from the hall in a hurry. He was no soldier and had never suffered the hardships of any campaign, and many hooted him as he deserved. But the trouble was not yet over. Theo- dore Roosevelt finished his address, and then started to leave the hall in company with a number of his friends. On the way to the train a crowd of rowdies followed the can- didate's party, and threw all sorts of things at them. One man made a personal at- THEODORE ROOSEVELT 213 tack on the governor and hit him on the chest with a stick. He tried to leap away, but was knocked down by a personal friend of Theodore Roosevelt. " Down with the gold bugs ! " was the cry, and the violence of the mob increased. The friends of Governor Roosevelt rallied to his support, and blows were given and taken freely. But with it all the candidate reached his train in safety, and in a few minutes more had left the town far be- hind. He was not much disturbed, and the very next day went on with his speech- making as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. The better classes of citi- zens of Victor were much disturbed over the happening, and they sent many regrets to Governor Roosevelt, assuring him that such a demonstration would never again be permitted to occur. 214 AMERICAN BOTS' LIFE OF CHAPTER XXII Elected Vice-President of the United States — Presides Over the Senate — Tax upon Theo- dore Roosevelt's Strength — Start on An- other Grand Hunting Tour But the campaign, sharp and bitter as it had been, was not yet at an end. In New York City there followed a '' Sound Money Parade," which was perhaps the largest of its kind ever witnessed in the United States. It was composed of all sorts and conditions of men, from bankers and brokers of Wall Street to the humble factory and mill hands from up the river and beyond. The parade took several hours to pass, and was witnessed by crowds almost as great as had witnessed the Dewey demonstration. In New York City, as the time drew closer for the election, there was every inti- mation that the contest would be an un- usually " hot " one, and that there would be much bribery and corruption. It was said by some that police methods were very lax THEODOBE ROOSEVELT 215 at that time, and that the saloons, which ought to be closed on election day, would be almost if not quite wide open. " We must have an honest election," said Governor Roosevelt. And without loss of time he sent letters to Mayor Van Wyck, and to the sheriff and the district attorney of the county of New York, calling their attention to the facts in the case, and tell- ing them that he would hold them strictly responsible if they did not do their full duty. As a consequence the election was far more orderly than it might otherwise have been in the metropolitan district. The results of the long contest were speedily known. McKinley and Roosevelt had been elected by a large plurality, and both they and their numerous friends and supporters were correspondingly happy. Great parades were had in their honor, and it was predicted, and rightly, that the prosperity which our country had enjoyed for several years in the past would continue for many years to come. During those days the United States had but one outside difficulty, which was in China. There a certain set of people called 216 AMEBIC AN boys' LIFE OF the Boxers arose in rebellion and threat- ened the lives of all foreigners, including American citizens. An International Army was organized, including American, English, French, German, Japanese, and other troops, and a quick attack was made upon Tien- Tsin and Pekin, and the suffering foreigners in China were rescued. In this campaign the American soldiers did their full share of the work and added fresh laurels to the name of Old Glory. The tax upon the strength of the newly elected Vice-President had been very great, and he was glad to surrender the duties of governor into the hands of his successor. But as Vice-President, Theodore Roosevelt became the presiding officer of the United States Senate, a position of equal if not greater importance. As President of the Senate it is said that Mr. Roosevelt was kind yet firm, and ever on the alert to see that affairs ran smoothly. He occupied the position only for one short winter session, and during that time nothing came under discussion that was of prime importance, although my young readers must remember that all the work accom- THEODORE ROOSEVELT 217 plished in our Senate is of more or less magnitude. " He was very earnest in his work," says one who was in the Senate at that time. " As was his usual habit, he took little for granted, but usually started to investigate for himself. He knew the rules thoroughly, and rarely made an error." For a long time the newly elected Vice- President had been wanting to get back to his favorite recreation, hunting. Despite the excitement of political life, he could not overcome his fondness for his rifle and the wilderness. He felt that an outing would do his system much good, and accordingly arranged for a five weeks' hunting trip in northwestern Colorado. In this trip, which he has himself de- scribed in one of his admirable hunting papers, he had with him two companions. Dr. Gerald Webb of Colorado Springs, and Mr. Philip K. Stewart, an old friend who in former years had been captain of the Yale base-ball team. The party went as far as the railroad would carry them, and then started for a set- tlement called Meeker, forty miles distant. 218 AMERICAN boys' LIFE OF The weather was extremely cold, with the thermometer from ten to twenty degrees below zero, but the journey to Meeker was made in safety, and here the hunters met their guide, a well-known hunter of that region named Goff, and started with him for his ranch, several miles away. Theodore Roosevelt would have liked to bring down a bear on this trip, but the grizzlies were all in winter quarters and sleeping soundly, so the hunt was con- fined to bob-cats and cougars. The hunting began early, for on the way to the ranch the hounds treed a bob-cat, commonly known as a lynx, which was secured with- out much trouble, and a second bob-cat was secured the next day. The territory surrounding Goff's ranch, called the Keystone, was an ideal one for hunting, with clumps of cottonwoods and pines scattered here and there, and numer- ous cliffs and ravines, the hiding-places of game unnumbered. The ranch home stood at the foot of several well-wooded hills, a long, low, one-story affair, built of rough logs, but clean and comfortable within. The two days' ride in the nipping air had THEODORE ROOSEVELT 219 been a severe test of endurance, and all were glad, when the ranch was reached, to " thaw out " before the roaring fire, and sit down to the hot and hearty meal that had been prepared in anticipation of their coming. The hunters had some excellent hounds^ trained especially for bob-cats and cougars, animals that were never allowed to go after small game under any circumstances. Theo- dore Roosevelt was much taken with them from the start, and soon got to know each by name. " In cougar hunting the success of the hunter depends absolutely upon his hounds," says Mr. Roosevelt. And he described each hound with great minuteness, showing that he allowed little to escape his trained e3^e while on this tour. On the day after the arrival at the ranch the party went out for its first cougar, which, as my young readers perhaps know, is an animal inhabiting certain wild parts of our West and Southwest. The beast grows to a size of from six to nine feet in length, and weighs several hundred pounds. It is variously known as a puma 220 AMERICAN boys' LIFE OF and panther, the latter name sometimes be- ing changed to " painter." When attacked, it is ofttimes exceedingly savage, and on certain occasions has been known to kill a man. In Colorado the cougar is hunted almost exclusively with the aid of hounds, and this was the method adopted on the present occasion. With the pen of a true sportsman, Mr. Roosevelt tells us how the hounds were held back until a cougar trail less than thirty-six hours old was struck. Then off went the pack along the cliffs and ravines, with the hunters following on horseback. The trail led up the mountain side and then across the valley opposite, and soon the hounds were out of sight. Leading their steeds, the hunters went down the valley and followed the dogs, to find they had separated among the bare spots beyond. But soon came a welcome soimd. " The cougar's treed," announced the guide. And so it proved. But when the hunters came closer, the cougar, an old fe- male, leaped from the tree, outdistanced the dogs, and leaped into another tree. Then, as the party again came up, the beast THEODORE ROOSEVELT 221 took another leap and started to run once more. But now the hounds were too quick, and in a trice they had the cougar sur- rounded. Slipping in, Theodore Roosevelt ended the struggles of the wild beast by a knife-thrust behind the shoulder. The next day there was another hunt, and this had rather a tinge of sadness to it. The dogs tracked a mother cougar, who occupied her den with her three kittens. The hounds rushed into the hole, barking furiously, and presently one came out with a dead kitten in his mouth. " I had supposed a cougar would defend her young to the last," says Mr. Roosevelt, " but such was not the case in this instance. For some minutes she kept the dogs at bay, but gradually gave ground, leaving her three kittens." The dogs killed the kittens without loss of time, and then fol- lowed the cougar as she fled from the other end of her hole. But the hounds were too quick for her, and soon had her on the ground. Theodore Roosevelt rushed up, knife in one hand and rifle in the other. With the firearm he struck the beast in the jaws, and then ended the 222 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF struggle by a knife-thrust straight into the heart. To many this may seem a cruel sport, and in a certain sense it assuredly is ; but my young readers must remember that cougars and other wild beasts are a menace to civilization in the far West, and they have been shot down and killed at every available opportunity. More than this, as I have already mentioned, Theodore Roosevelt is more than a mere hunter delighting in bloodshed. He is a natu- ralist, and examines with care everything brought down and reports upon it, so that his hunting trips have added not a little to up-to-date natural history. The skulls of the various animals killed on this trip were forwarded to the Biological Sur- vey, Department of Agriculture, Washing- ton, and in return Mr. Roosevelt received a letter, part of which stated : — " Yoiu: series of skulls from Colorado is incomparably the largest, most complete, and most valuable series ever brought to- gether from any single locality, and will be of inestimable value in determining the amount of individual variation." THEODORE ROOSEVELT 223 CHAPTER XXIII The Roosevelt Family in the Adirondacks — The Pan-American Exposition at Buffalo — Shooting of President McKinley — The Vice- President's Visit — Death of the President Theodore Roosevelt's companions of the hunt remained with him for fourteen days, after which they departed, leaving him with Goff, the ranchman and hunter already mentioned. When the pair were alone, they visited Juniper Mountain, said to be a great ground for cougars and bob-cats, and there hunted with great success. All together the trip of five weeks' hunting netted fourteen cougars, the largest of which was eight feet in length and weighed 227 pounds. Mr. Roosevelt also brought down five bob-cats, showing that he was just as skilful with his rifle as ever. The hero of San Juan Hill fairly loved the outdoor exercise of the hunt, and spent three weeks in keen enjoyment after his 224 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF companions had departed. During this time it snowed heavily, so that the hunters were often compelled to remain indoors. As luck would have it there were other ranches in that vicinity, with owners that were hospitable, so that they did not have to go into camp, as would otherwise have been the case. On the last day of the hunt, Theodore Roosevelt was able to bring down the largest cougar yet encountered. The hounds were on the trail of one beast when they came across that of another and took it up with but little warning. " We're going to get a big one now," said Goff. " Just you wait and see." " Well, if we do, it will be a good end- ing to my outing," responded Theodore Roosevelt. The cougar was at last located by the hounds in a large pinyon on the side of a hill. It had run a long distance and was evidently out of breath, but as the hunters drew closer, it leaped to the ground and trotted away through the snow. Away went the hounds on the new trail of the beast. THEODORE EOOSEVELT 225 "He's game, and he'll get away if he can," said the guide. At the top of another hill the cougar halted and one of the hounds leaped in, and was immediately sent sprawling by a savage blow of the wild animal's paw. Then on went the cougar as before, the hounds bark- ing wildly as they went in pursuit. When Theodore Roosevelt came up once more, the cougar was in another pinyon tree, with the hounds in a semicircle on the ground below. " Now I think I've got him," whispered Theodore Roosevelt to his companion, and advanced on foot, with great cautiousness. At first he could see nothing, but at last made out the back and tail of the great beast, as it lay crouched among the branches. With great care he took aim and fired, and the cougar fell to the ground, shot through the back. At once the hounds rushed in and seized the game. But the cougar was not yet dead, and snapping and snarling the beast slipped over the ground and down a hillside, with the dogs all around it. Theodore Roosevelt came up behind, working his way 226 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF through the brush with all speed. Then, watching his chance, he jumped in, hunting- knife in hand, and despatched the game. " A good haul," cried Goff. And later on he and his men came to the conclusion that it was the same cougar that had car- ried off a cow and a steer and killed a work horse belonging to one of the ranches near by. The five weeks spent in the far West strengthened Theodore Roosevelt a great deal, and it was with renewed energy that he took up his duties as Vice-President of our nation. In the meantime, however, matters were not going on so well at home. Among the children two had been very sick, and in the summer it was suggested that some pure mountain air would do them a great deal of good. " Very well, we'll go to the mountains," said Mr. Roosevelt, and looked around to learn what place would be best to choose. Among the Adirondack Mountains of New York State there is a reservation of ninety-six thousand acres leased by what is called the Adirondack Club, a wealthy THEODOBE ROOSEVELT 227 organization of people who have numerous summer cottages built within the preserve. Among the members was a Mr. McNaugh- ten, an old friend of the Roosevelt family, and he suggested that they occupy his cot- tage until the close of the season. This invitation was accepted, and the whole Roosevelt family moved up to the spot, which was located at the foot of Mount Marcy, the largest of the mountains in that vicinity. Here Mr. Roosevelt spent much time in hunting and fishing, and also in writing. The family were not forgotten, and he frequently went out with the whole party, rowing and exploring. Sometimes they took baskets of lunch with them and had regular picnics in the woods, something the Roosevelt children enjoyed very much. In the meantime the Pan-American Ex- position at Buffalo, New York, had been opened, and day after day it was thronged with visitors. Vice-President Roosevelt had assisted at the opening, and he was one of many who hoped the Exposition would be a great success. At the Exposition our government had a large exhibit, and it was thought highly 228 AMERICAN boys' LIFE OF proper that President McKinley should visit the ground in his official capacity and de- liver an address. Preparations were accord- ingly made, and the address was delivered on September 5 to a most enthusiastic throng.^ On the following day the President was driven to the Temple of Music, on the Ex- position grounds, there to hold a public reception. The crowds were as great as ever, but perfectly orderly, and filed in at one side of the building and out at the other, each person in turn being permitted to grasp the Chief Magistrate's hand. For a while all went well, and nobody noticed anything unusual about a somewhat weak-faced individual who joined the crowd, and who had one hand covered with a hand- kerchief. As this rascal came up to shake hands, he raised the hand with the handker- chief and, using a concealed pistol, fired two shots at President McKinley. For an instant everybody was dazed. Then followed a commotion, and while some went to the wounded Executive's * For this speech in full, and for what happened after it was delivered, see " American Boys' Life of McKinley." THEODORE ROOSEVELT 229 assistance, others leaped upon the das- tardly assassin and made him a prisoner. There was an excellent hospital upon the Exposition grounds, and to this President McKinley was carried. Here it was found that both bullets had entered his body, one having struck the breastbone and the other having entered the abdomen. The physi- cians present did all they possibly could for him, and then he was removed to the resi- dence of Mr. Millburn, the President of the Exposition. In the meantime, all unconscious of the awful happening that was to have such an influence upon his future, Mr. Roosevelt had been enjoying himself with his family, and helping to take care of the children that were not yet totally recovered from their illness. All seemed to be progressing finely, and he had gone off on a little tour to Vermont, to visit some points of interest and deliver a few addresses. He was at Isle La Motte, not far from Burlington, when the news reached him that President McKinley had been shot. He had just finished an address, and for the moment he could not believe the sad news. 230 AMERICAN BOYS" LIFE OF "Shot!" he said. "How dreadful!" And could scarcely say another word. He asked for the latest bulletin, and, forgetful of all else, took the first train he could get to Buffalo, and then hastened to the side of his Chief. It was truly a sad meeting. For many years these two men had known each other, and they were warm friends. Their methods were somewhat different, but each stood for what was just and right and true, and each was ready to give his country his best service, no matter what the cost. It was a sad time for the whole nation, and men and women watched the bulletins eagerly, hoping and praying that President McKinley might recover. Every hour there was some slight change, and people would talk it over in a whisper. In a few days there were hopeful signs, and the physicians, deceived by them, said they thought the President would recover. This was glad news to Theodore Roosevelt. Yet he lingered on, fearful to go away, lest the news should prove untrue and he should be needed. But then there was a still brighter turn, and he thought of his own THEODORE ROOSEVELT 231 family, and of the fact that one of his chil- dren was again ill. "I will return to my family," said he to two of his closest friends. "But if I am needed here, let me know at once." And his friends promised to keep him in- formed. Two days later he was back among the Adnondacks, in the bosom of his family. The prayers of a whole nation were in vain. William McKinley's mission on earth was finished, and one week after he was shot he breathed his last. His wife came to bid him farewell, and so did his other relatives, and his friend of many years, Mark Hanna, and the members of his Cabinet. " It is God's way," murmured the dying Executive. " His will be done, not ours." Then like a child going to sleep, he re- lapsed into unconsciousness, from which he did not recover. He died September 14, 1901, at a little after two o'clock in the morning. It was the last of a truly great life. Illustrious men may come and go, but Will- iam McKuiley will be remembered so long 232 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF as our nation endures. As a soldier and a statesman he gave his best talents to better the conditions of his fellow-creatures, and to place the United States where we justly belong, among the truly great nations of the world. THEODORE ROOSEVELT 233 CHAPTER XXIV Theodore Roosevelt's Tramp up Mount Marcy — A Message of Importance — Wild Midnight Ride through the Mountains — On the Spe- cial Trains from North Creek to Buffalo With a somewhat lighter heart, Theo- dore Roosevelt returned to the Adirondacks and joined his family on Wednesday, three days previous to President McKinley's death. The last report he had received from Buffalo was the most encouraging of any, and he now felt almost certain that the President would survive the outrageous attack that had been made upon his person. " He will get well," said several who lived close by. " You need not worry about his condition any longer." On the following day it was planned to go up to Colton Lake, five miles from where the family was stopping. Some friends went along, and in the party were Mrs. Roosevelt and several of the children. Two guides accompanied them, and it was decided to 234 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF spend the night at a camp on the lake, returnmg home the following day. The next morning it rained, but in spite of this drawback Theodore Roosevelt, leav- ins: the ladies and children to return to the cottage, started to climb Mount Marcy. Such an undertaking was exactly to his liking, and he went up the rough and uneven trail with the vigor of a trained woodsman, the guide leading the way and the other gentlemen of the party following. At last, high up on the side of Mount Marcy, the party reached a small body of water known as Tear of the Clouds, and here they rested for lunch. "You are certainly a great walker, Mr. Roosevelt," remarked one of the gentlemen during the progress of the lunch. " Oh, I have to be," answered Theodore Roosevelt, jokingly. "A Vice-President needs exercise to keep him alive. You see, when he is in the Senate, all of his work is done sitting down." The words had scarcely been uttered when one of the party pointed to a man climbing up the mountain side toward them. The newcomer held some yellow telegram- THEODORE ROOSEVELT 235 slips in his hand, and Theodore Roosevelt quickly arose to receive them. He had soon mastered the contents of the messages. President McKinley was much worse ; it was likely that he would not live. For fully a minute Mr. Roosevelt did not speak. He realized the great responsibility which rested upon his shoulders. Then, in a voice filled with emotion, he read the messages aloud. " Gentlemen," he continued, " I must re- turn to the club-house at once." And with- out waiting, he turned and started down the mountain side along the trail by which he had come. It was a long, hard walk, but it is doubt- ful if Theodore Roosevelt took note of it. A thousand thoughts must have flashed through his mind. If William McKinley should indeed breathe his last, the nation would look to him as their Chief Magis- trate. He could not make himself believe that his President was to die. It was not long before Theodore Roosevelt reached the club-house at the lake. He asked for further news, but none was forthcoming. 236 AMERICAN boys' LIFE OF " We will send to the lower club-house at once," said his friends. " You had better take a short rest, in case you have a sudden call to make the trip to Buffalo." A misty rain was falling, and the at- mosphere of the mountains was raw and penetrating. Messengers were quickly de- spatched to the lower club-house, and by eleven o'clock that evening news came back that left no doubt of the true condition of affairs. President McKinley was sink- ing rapidly, and his death was now only a question of a few hours. " I must go, and at once," said Theodore Roosevelt. And soon a light wagon drove up to the club-house, and he leaped in. There was a short good-by to his family and his friends, the whip cracked, and the drive of thirty-five miles to the nearest railroad station was begun. It was a never-to-be-forgotten journey. For ten miles or more the road was fearfully rough and ran around the edges of over- hanging cliffs, where a false turn might mean death. Then at times the road went down into deep hollows and over rocky hills. All was pitch black, save for the THEODORE ROOSEVELT 237 tiny yellow light hanging over the dash- board of the turnout. Crouched on the seat, Mr. Roosevelt urged the driver to go on, and go on they did, making better time during that rain and darkness than had before been made in broad daylight. At last a place called Hunter's was reached, and Theodore Roosevelt alighted. " What news have you for me ? " he asked of a waiting messenger, and the latest message was handed to him. There was no new hope, — President McKinley was sinking faster than ever. New horses were obtained, and the second part of the jour- ney, from Hunter's to Aiden Lair, was begun. And during that wild, swift ride of nine miles, when it seemed to Theodore Roose- velt as if he were racing against death, the angel of Life Everlasting claimed William McKinley, and the man crouched in the wagon, wet from the rain, hurrying to reach him, became the next President of the United States. It was a little after three in the morning when Aiden Lair was reached. The sufferer at Buffalo had breathed his last, but Theo- dore Roosevelt did not know it, and he still 238 AMEBIC AN BOYS' LIFE OF hoped for the best. More fresh horses, and now the last sixteen miles of the rough journey were made on a buckboard. In spots the road was worse than it had pre- viously been, and the driver was tempted to go slow. "Go on ! " cried Mr. Roosevelt, and held his watch in hand. " Go on ! " And the driver obeyed, the buckboard dancing up and down over the rocks and swinging danger- ously from side to side around the curves of ravines. But Theodore Roosevelt's mind was not on the road nor on the peril of that ride, but in that room in Buffalo where the great tragedy had just seen its completion. At last, a little after five in the morning, the turnout came in sight of the railroad station at North Creek. A special train was in waiting for him. He gazed anx- iously at the little knot of people assembled. Their very faces told him the sorrowful truth. President McKinley was dead. With bowed head he entered a private car of the special train, and without delay the train started on its join^ney southward for Albany. No time was lost on this portion of the trip, and at seven o'clock THEODORE BOOSEVELT 239 Theodore Eoosevelt reached the city in which but a short time before he had pre- sided as Governor of the State. At Albany he was met by Secretary of State Hay, who informed him officially that President McKinley was no more. He like- wise informed the Vice-President that, con- sidering the excitement, it might be best that Mr. Roosevelt be sworn in as President without delay. Another special train was in waiting at Albany, and this was rushed westward with all possible speed, arriving in Buffalo at half- past one in the afternoon. In order to avoid the tremendous crowd at the Union railroad station, Mr. Roosevelt alighted at the Ter- race station. Here he was met by several friends with a carriage and also a detach- ment of the Fourth Signal Corps and a squad of mounted police. Without loss of time Theodore Roosevelt was driven to the Millburn house. Here he found a great many friends and relatives of the dead President assembled. All were too shocked over what had occurred to say much, and shook the hand of the coming President in silence. 240 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF Thousands of eyes were upon Theodore Roosevelt, but he noticed them not. Enter- ing the Millburn house, he thought only of the one who had surrendered his life while doing his duty, and of that kind and patient woman now left to fight the battles of this world alone. He offered what consolation he could to Mrs. McKinley, heard the little that had not yet been told of that final struggle to fight off death, and then took his departure, to assume the high office thus suddenly and unexpectedly thrust upon him. THEODORE ROOSEVELT 241 CHAPTER XXV Takes the Oath as President — The New Chief Magistrate at the Funeral of President McKiNLEY — At the White House — How the First Real Working Day was Spent The new President took the oath of office at the residence of Mr. Ansley Wilcox in Buffalo. It is a fine, substantial mansion and has ever since been of historic interest to sight-seers. When he arrived at the Wilcox home, he found a number of members of the McKinley Cabinet awaiting him, as well as Judge John R. Hazel, of the United States District Court, who administered the oath; and ten or a dozen others. The scene was truly an affecting one. Secretary Root could scarcely control him- self, for, twenty years before, he had been at a similar scene, when Vice-President Arthur became Chief Magistrate, after the assassi- nation of President Garfield. In a voice filled with emotion he requested Vice-Presi- 242 AMERICAN boys' LIFE OF dent Roosevelt, on beliaK of the Cabinet as a whole, to take the prescribed oath. It is recorded by an eye-witness that Theodore Roosevelt was pale, and that his eyes were dim with tears, as he stepped for- ward to do as bidden. His hand was up- lifted, and then in a solemn voice the judge began the oath : — " I do solemnly swear that I will faith- fully execute the office of President of the United States, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States." The words were repeated in a low but distinct voice by Theodore Roosevelt, and a moment of utter silence followed. "Mr. President, please attach your sig- nature," went on the judge. And in a firm hand the new Chief Executive wrote " Theo- dore Roosevelt " at the bottom of the all- important document which made him the President of our beloved country. Standing in that room, the President felt the great responsibility which now rested on his shoulders, and turning to those be- fore him, he spoke as follows : — " In this hour of deep and terrible be- THEODORE ROOSEVELT 243 reavement, I wish to state that it shall be my aim to continue absolutely unbroken the policy of President McKinley for the peace and prosperity and honor of our country." These were no mere words, as his actions immediately afterward prove. On reaching Washington he assembled the Cabinet at the home of Commander Cowles, his brother- in-law, and there spoke to them somewhat in this strain : — " I wish to make it clear to you, gentle- men, that what I said at Buffalo I meant. I want each of you to remain as a member of my Cabinet. I need your advice and counsel. I tender you the office in the same manner that I would tender it if I were entering upon the discharge of my duties as the result of an election by the people." Having thus declared himself, the newly made President asked each mem- ber personally to stay with him. It was a sincere request, and the Cabinet members all agreed to remain by Mr. Roosevelt and aid him exactly as they had been aiding Mr. McKinley. Thus was it shown to the world at large, and especially to the anar- 244 AMERICAN BOTS' LIFE OF chists, of which the assassm of McKinley had been one, that though the President might be slain, the government still lived. The entire country was prostrate over the sudden death of President McKinley, and one of the first acts of Theodore Roose- velt, after assuming the responsibilities of his office, was to issue the following proclamation : — " A terrible bereavement has befallen our people. The President of the United States has been struck down; a crime committed not only against the Chief Magistrate, but against every law-abiding and liberty-loving citizen. "President McKinley crowned a life of largest love for his fellow-men, of most earnest endeavor for their welfare, by a death of Christian fortitude ; and both the way in which he lived his life and the way in which, in the supreme hour of trial, he met his death, will remain forever a precious heritage of our people. " It is meet that we, as a nation, express our abiding love and reverence for his life, our deep sorrow for his untimely death. *' Now, therefore, I, Theodore Roosevelt, THEODORE ROOSEVELT 245 President of the United States, do appoint Thursday next, September 19, the day in which the body of the dead President will be laid in its last earthly resting-place, a day of mourning and prayer throughout the United States. " I earnestly recommend all the people to assemble on that day in their respective places of divine worship, there to bow down in submission to the will of Almighty God, and to pay out of full hearts their homage of love and reverence to the great and good President whose death has smitten the na- tion with bitter grief." The funeral of President McKinley was a most imposing one. The body was at first laid in state in the City Hall at Buffalo, where President Roosevelt and fully a hun- dred and fifty thousand men, women, and children went to view the remains. From Buffalo the remains were taken by special funeral train to Washington, and there placed in the Rotunda of the Capitol. Here the crowd was equally great, and here the services were attended by representatives from almost every civilized nation on the globe. Outside a marine band was sta- 246 AMERICAN BOYS'' LIFE OF tioned, playing the dead President's favorite hymns, " Lead, Kindly Light " and " Nearer, my God, to Thee," and in the singing of these thousands of momners joined, while the tears of sorrow streamed down then- faces. From Washington the body of the mar- tyred President was taken to Canton, Ohio, where had been his private home. Here his friends and neighbors assembled to do him final honor, and great arches of green branches and flowers were erected, under which the funeral cortege passed. As the body was placed in the receiving vault, business throughout the entire United States was suspended. In spirit, eighty millions of people were surrounding the mortal clay left by the passing of a soul to the place whence it had come. It was truly a funeral of which the greatest of kings might well be proud. The taking-off of President McKinley un- doubtedly had a great effect upon President Roosevelt. During the Presidential cam- paign the Vice-Presidential nominee had made many speeches in behalf of his fel- low candidate, showing the high personal THEODORE ROOSEVELT 247 character of McKinley, and what might be expected from the man in case he was elected once more to the office of Chief Magistrate. More than this, when Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Mr. Roosevelt had done his best to carry out the plans formulated by the President. The two were close friends, and in the one brief session of the Senate when he was Vice-President, Mr. Roosevelt gave to President McKinley many evidences of his high regard. On returning to Washington, President Roosevelt did not at once take up his resi- dence at the White House, preferring that the place should be left to Mrs. McKinley until she had sufficiently recovered from her terrible shock to arrange for the removal of the family's personal effects. As it may interest some of my young readers to know how President Roosevelt's first day as an active President was spent, I append the following, taken down at the time by a reporter for a press association: — " Reached the White House from Canton, on September 20, 1901, at 9.40 a.m. Went at once to the private office formerly occu- pied by President McKinley, and, as speedily 248 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF as possible, settled down for the business of the day. " Met Secretary Long of the navy in the cabinet room and held a discussion con- cerning naval matters; received Colonel Sanger to talk over some army appoint- ments; signed appointments of General J. M. Bell and others ; met Senators Cullom and Proctor. "At 11 A.M. called for the first time for- mal meeting of the Cabinet and transacted business of that body until 12.30 p.m. " Received his old friend, General Wood, and held conference with him and with Sec- retary Root in regard to Cuban election laws. " President Roosevelt left the White House at 1.20 p.m. to take lunch with Sec- retary Hay at the latter's residence. He was alone, disregarding the services of a body-guard. "Returned to the White House at 3.30 P.M. and transacted business with some offi- cials and received a few personal friends. " Engaged with Secretary Cortelyou from 4 P.M. to 6.30 P.M. in the transaction of public business, disposal of mail, etc. THEODORE ROOSEVELT 249 "Left the White House Tinattended at 6.30 P.M. and walked through the semi-dark streets of Washington to 1733 N Street, N. W., the residence of his brother-in-law, Commander Cowles. Dined in private with the family. " Late in the evening received a few close friends. Retired at 11 p.m." It will be observed that special mention is made of the fact that President Roosevelt travelled around alone. Immediately after the terrible tragedy at Buffalo many citizens were of the opinion that the Chief Magis- trate of our nation ought to be strongly protected, for fear of further violence, but to this Theodore Roosevelt would not listen. " I am not afraid," he said calmly. " We are living in a peaceful country, and the great mass of our people are orderly, law- abiding citizens. I can trust them, and take care of myself." And to this he held, despite the protestations of his closest friends. Of course he is scarcely ever without some guard or secret service detective close at hand, but no outward display of such protection is permitted. And let it be added to the credit 250 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF of our people that, though a few cranks and crazy persons have caused him a little an- noyance, he has never, up to the present time, been molested in any way. THEODORE BOOSEVELT 251 CHAPTER XXVI CoNTINtriNG THE WORK BEGUN BY PRESIDENT Mc- KiNLEY — The Panama Canal Agitation — Visit OF Prince Henry of Prussia — The President at THE Charleston Exposition President Roosevelt had said he would continue the policy inaugurated by President McKinley, and one of the important steps in this direction was to appoint many to office who had been expecting appointment at the hands of the martyred President. This gained him many friends, and soon some who had kept themselves at a distance flocked around, to aid him in every possible manner. Late in September the last of the Mc- Kinley effects were taken from the White House, and some days later the newly made President moved in, with his family, who had come down from the Adirondacks some time previous. In Washington the family were joined by Mr. Roosevelt's two brothers- in-law, Commander Wm. Sheffield Cowles 252 AMERICAN boys' LIFE OF and Mi\ Douglas Robinson, and their wives, and the relatives remained together for some days. It was at first feared by some politicians that President Roosevelt would be what is termed a "sectional President," — that is, that he would favor one section of our coun- try to the exclusion of the others, but he soon proved that he was altogether too noble for such baseness. " I am going to be President of the whole United States," he said. " I don't care for sections or sectional lines. I was bom in the North, but my mother was from the South, and I have spent much of my time in the West, so I think I can fairly repre- sent the whole country." President Roosevelt sympathized deeply with the condition of the negroes in the South, and for the purpose of learning the true state of affairs sent for Mr. Booker T. Washington, one of the foremost colored men of this country and founder of the Tuskegee Industrial School for Colored People. They had a long conference at the White House, which Mr. Washington enjoyed very much. For this action many Pkesident Roosevelt at His Desk. THEOBOBE ROOSEVELT 253 criticised the President severely, but to this he paid no attention, satisfied that he had done his duty as his conscience dictated. President Roosevelt's first message to Congress was awaited with considerable interest. It was remembered that he was the youngest Executive our White House had ever known, and many were curious to know what he would say and what he pro- posed to do. The Fifty-seventh Congress of the United States assembled at Washington, December 2, 1901, and on the day following. President Roosevelt's first annual message was read in both Senate and House of Representatives. It proved to be a surprisingly long and strong state paper, and by many was con- sidered one of the best messages sent to Congress in many years. It touched upon general conditions in our country, spoke for improvements in the army and the navy, called for closer attention to civil service reform, for a correction of the faults in the post-office system, and for a clean adminis- tration in the Philippines, Hawaii, and Porto Rico. It spoke of several great needs of the government, and added that the Gold 254 AMEBIC AN BOYS" LIFE OF Standard Act had been found timely and judicious. "President Roosevelt is all right," was the general comment, after the message had been printed in the various papers of our country. " He is looking ahead, and he knows exactly what this coimtry wants and needs. We are prosperous now, and if we want to continue so, we must keep our hands on the plough, and not look backward." The first break in the old Cabinet occurred on December 17, when Postmaster General Charles E. Smith resigned. His place was immediately filled by the ajopointment of Henry C. Payne, of Wisconsin. Soon after this Secretary Gage of the Treasury resigned, and his place was filled by former governor Leslie M. Shaw, of Iowa. For a long time there had been before the American people various suggestions to build a canal across Central America, to join the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans, so that the ships wanting to go from one body of water to the other would not have to take the long and expensive trip around Cape Horn. In years gone by the French had also THEODORE ROOSEVELT 255 contemplated such a canal, and had even gone to work at the Isthmus of Panama, making an elaborate survey and domg not a little digging. But the work was beyond them, and the French Canal Company soon ran out of funds and went into the hands of a receiver. " We ought to take hold and dig a canal," was heard on all sides in the United States. But where to dig the canal was a question. Some said the Isthmus of Panama was the best place, while others preferred a route through Nicaragua. The discussion waxed very warm, and at last a Commission was appointed to go over both routes and find out which would be the more satisfactory from every point of view. The Commission was not very long in reaching a decision. The Panama Canal Company was willing to sell out all its inter- est in the work already done for forty millions of dollars, and it was recommended that the United States accept this offer. President Roosevelt received the report, and lost no time in submitting it to Congress. At the beginning of the new year, 1902, there was a grand ball at the White House, 256 AMERICAN BOTS' LIFE OF attended by a large gathering of people, including many of the foreign representa- tives accredited to Washington. The oc- casion was the introduction into society of Miss Alice Roosevelt, and the affair was a most pleasing one from beginning to end. One of the President's sons, Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., had been sent to a boarding school at Groton, Massachusetts. Early in February he was taken down with a cold that developed into pneumonia. It looked as if the youth might die, and both Mrs. Roosevelt and the President lost no time in leaving Washington and going to his bed- side. The sympathy of the whole country was with the anxious parents, and when it was announced that the crisis had been passed in safety there was much relief in all quarters. Before this illness occurred there came to the Roosevelts an invitation which pleased them, and especially Miss Alice, not a little. The German Emperor William was having a yacht built in this country, at Shooter's Island. He sent his brother. Prince Henry of Prussia, over to attend the launching, and requested Miss Roosevelt to christen THEODORE ROOSEVELT 257 the yacht, which was to be called the Meteor. The arrival of Prince Henry was made a gala day by many who wished to see the friendship between the United States and Germany more firmly cemented than ever, and the royal visitor was treated with every consideration wherever he went. From New York he journeyed to Washington, where he dined with the President. He returned to New York with President Roosevelt and with Miss Roosevelt, and on February 25 the launching occurred, in the presence of thousands of people and a great many craft of all sorts. Miss Roosevelt performed the christening in appropriate style, and this was followed by music from a band and the blowing of hundreds of steam whistles. After these ceremonies were over, there followed an elaborate dinner given by the mayor of New York, and then the Prince started on a tour of the country lasting two weeks. His visit made a good impression wherever he went, and he was universally put down as a right good fellow. It was about this time that President 258 AMERICAN BOTS' LIFE OF Roosevelt showed he was not to be led alto- gether by what his party did. So far he had not vetoed any measures sent to him for his signature. Now, however, a bill came to him touching the desertion of a sailor in the navy. Congress was willing to strike the black record of the sailor from the books, but President Roosevelt would not have it. " The sailor did wrong," he said. " He knew what he was doing, too. The record against him must stand." And he vetoed the bill. On the other hand he was prompt to recognize real worth in those who had served the government, and when over two hundred private pension bills came before him for his approval, he signed them with- out a murmur. The people of Charleston, South Carolina, had been arranging for a long time to hold an exposition which should set forth the real advance and v/orth of the leading southern industries. This exposition was now open to the public, and President Roosevelt and his wife were invited to attend the exhibit. With so much south- ern blood in his veins, the President could THEODOBE EOOSEVELT 259 not think of refusing, and he and Mrs. Roosevelt visited the exposition early in April. It was a gala day at Charleston, and the President and Mrs. Roosevelt were received with every honor due their rank, and with great personal consideration. Governor Mc- Sweeney of the state was assisted by Gov- ernor Aycock, of North Carolina, in receiving President Roosevelt. A stirring patriotic speech was made by the President during his visit, and a fea- ture of the trip was the presentation of a sword to Major Micah Jenkins of the Rough Riders. A great number of Presi- dent Roosevelt's former troopers were pres- ent, and all were glad, as of old, to crowd around and take him by the hand. 260 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF CHAPTER XXVII Destruction of St. Pierre — American Aid — The Great Coal Strike — President Roosevelt ends THE Difficulty — Tour through New England — The Trolley Accident in the Berkshires — A Providential Escape from Death During the summer of 1902 two matters of great importance occurred in which the whole people of our nation were deeply interested. Early in May occurred tremendous vol- canic eruptions on the islands of Martinique and St. Vincent. At the former island, Mont Pelee threw such a rain of fire upon the town of St. Pierre that the entire place, with about thirty thousand people, was wiped out of existence in a minute. At other points the eruptions were not so bad, yet hundreds lost their lives, and all of the islands of the Lesser Antilles were thrown into a state bordering upon panic. It was felt that something must be done, and at once, for the sufferers, and a large fund for relief was gathered, of which the THEODORE ROOSEVELT 261 Americans contributed their full share. The volcanic disturbances continued for some time, and as it was thought they might also cover certain portions of Central America, nothing was done further concern- ing a canal to unite the two oceans. The other event of importance was the strike of thousands upon thousands of coal-miners, working in Pennsylvania and other states. The miners did not think they were being treated rightly and went out in a body, and for many weeks not a pound of coal of any kind was mined. This produced a double hardship, for people could get no coal either for the fall or winter, and the miners were, in some cases, reduced almost to the verge of starvation. Neither the workmen nor the operators of the mines would give in, and soon there was more or less violence, and some sol- diers had to be called out in an effort to preserve order. As matters went from bad to worse, and it looked as if the entire eastern section of our country would have to go without coal for the winter, there were loud demands that the government take hold of the dif- 262 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF ficulty and settle the matter, if not in one way, then in another. At last, early in October, the whole coun- try was aroused, for it was felt that with no coal a winter of untold suffering stared the people in the face. President Roosevelt held a conference at Washington with the mine operators and the representatives of the miners. " We must get together, gentlemen," said he. " The country cannot do without coal, and you must supply it to us." And he laid down the law in a manner not to be misunderstood. Another conference followed, and then a third, and at last the coal operators asked the President to appoint a Commission to decide upon the points in dispute. To this the representative of the mine workers agreed, and as a result a Commission was appointed by President Roosevelt, which was to settle all points in dispute, and by its decision each side was to abide. In the meantime, while the Commission was at work, the mine workers were to resume their labors. The mines were thereupon once more put in operation, after a strike THEODORE ROOSEVELT 263 lasting over five months. This is the greatest coal strike known in American history, and it is not likely that the people at large will ever again permit themselves to suffer for the want of coal as they did during that fall and the winter which followed. Early in June occurred the centennial celebration of the founding of the United States Military Academy at West Point. The occasion was made one of great inter- est, and among the many distinguished visitors were President Roosevelt and Gen- eral Miles, head of our army at that time. The President reviewed the cadets and made a speech to them, complimenting them on their truly excellent showing as soldiers. Although very busy with matters of state. President Roosevelt received an urgent call to deliver a Fourth of July oration at Pittsburg. He consented, and spoke to a vast assemblage on the rights and duties of American citizens. To remain in Washington during the hot summer months was out of the question with President Roosevelt and his family. 264 AMERICAN BOTS' LIFE OF and early in the season he removed to Oyster Bay, there to enjoy himself as best he might during the short time allowed him for recreation. That the business of the administration might not be too seriously interrupted, he hired a few rooms over a bank building in the village of Oyster Bay, and these were fitted up for himself and his several secre- taries and assistants. To the bank build- ing he rode or drove every day, spending an hour or more over the routine work re- quired. By this means undesirable visitors were kept away from his private residence, and he was permitted to enjoy himself as he pleased in company with his family. While Mr. Roosevelt was summering at Oyster Bay, it was arranged that he should make a short tour through New England, to last from August 22 to September 3. The trip covered every New England State, and was one of great pleasure to the Presi- dent until the last day. Everywhere he went he was greeted by enthusiastic crowds, and, of course, had to make one of his characteristic speeches, accompanied by a great deal of hand-shaking. THEODORE ROOSEVELT 265 On the last day of the trip he was at Dalton, Massachusetts, the home of Gov- ernor Crane. It had been planned to drive from Dalton to Lenox, a beautiful spot, adjoining Laurel Lake, where are located the summer homes of many American millionaires. The trip was begun without a thought of what was to follow. In the party, be- sides President Roosevelt, were Governor Crane, Secretary Cortelyou (afterward made a member of the Cabinet), United States Secret Service officer William Craig, and the driver of the carriage. It may be mentioned here that William Craig was detailed as a special guard for the President, and had been with him since the tour was begun. There are a number of trolley lines in this section of Massachusetts, all centring in Pittsfield. As the mass of the people were very anxious to see President Roose- velt, the trolleys going to the points where he would pass were crowded, and the cars were run with more than usual speed. As the carriage containing the President and his companions attempted to cross the 266 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF trolley tracks a car came bounding along at a rapid rate of speed. There seemed to be no time in which to stop the car, and in an instant the long and heavy affau* crashed into the carriage with all force, hurling the occupants to the street in all directions. The Secret Service officer, William Craig, was instantly killed, and the driver of the carriage was seriously hurt. There was immediate and great excite- ment, and for the time being it was feared that President Roosevelt had been seriously injured. He had been struck a sharp blow on the leg, and had fallen on his face, cut- ting it not a little. The shock was a severe one, but in a little while he was himself once more, although his face was much swollen. Later still a small abscess formed on the in- jured limb, but this was skilfully treated by his physician, and soon disappeared. The others in the carriage escaped with but a few bruises and a general shaking-up. The result of this accident, small as it was to the President personally, showed well how firmly he was seated in the affec- tion of his fellow-citizens. From all over the country, as well as from his friends in THEODOEE ROOSEVELT 267 foreign climes, telegrams of congratula- tion came pouring in. Everybody was glad that he had escaped, and everybody wished to show how he felt over the aifaii'. " President Roosevelt was much affected by the messages received," said one who was in a position to know. " It showed him that his friends were in every walk of life, from the highest to the lowest. Had he met death, as did the Secret Service offi- cer detailed to guard over him, the shock to the people, coming so soon after the assas- sination of President McKinley, would have been tremendous." The President had already been persuaded to consent to a short trip to the South, from September 5 to 10, and then a trip to the West, lasting until September 19, or longer. The trips came to an end on September 23, in Indiana, because of the abscess on the lower limb already mentioned, yet on No- vember 19 he was given a grand reception by the people of Memphis, Tennessee, who flocked around him and were glad to see him as well as ever. " We are so glad you escaped from that 268 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF trolley accident ! " was heard a hundred times. " We can't afford to lose you, Mr. Presi- dent," said others. " Really good men are too scarce." And then a cheer would go up for " The hero of San Juan Hill ! " His speeches on these trips were largely about the trusts and monopolies that are trying to control various industries of our country. It is an intricate subject, 3'et it can be said that Mr. Roosevelt understands it as well as any one, and is laboring hard to do what is right and best, both for the consumer and the capitalist. Congress had, some time before, voted a large sum for the extension and improve- ment of the White House, and while Mr. Roosevelt and his family were at Oyster Bay these improvements were begun. They continued during the fall, and the President made his temporary home at a private residence in the capital city. Here it was he was treated for his wounded limb, and here he ended the coal strike, as already chronicled. THEODOBE ROOSEVELT 269 CHAPTER XXVIII New Offices at the White House — Sends a Wireless Message to King Edward of Eng- land — End of the Trouble in Venezuela — The Canadian Boundary Dispute — Beginning op a Trip to the West — In Yellowstone Park The end of the year found President Roosevelt in the best of health, despite the accident some weeks previous. The improvements at the White House were now complete, and the family of the Chief Magistrate took possession. A separate set of offices for the President and his Cabinet had been built at the western end of the executive mansion, and the rooms formerly used for this purpose were turned into liv- ing apartments. The changes made have been approved by many who have seen them, and they have wondered why the alterations were not made a long time ago. On December 1, Congress assembled for a new session, and on the day following the President's message was read. It was a masterly state paper, dealing with the trust 270 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF question, our relations with the new gov- ernment of Cuba (for the island was now free, just as we had meant it to be when the war with Spain started), the creation of a new department of Commerce and Labor, needs of the army and navy, and the all- important matter of how the Philippines should be governed. It may be added here that not long after this a Department of Commerce and Labor was created by Con- gress, and Mr. George B. Cortelyou, the secretary to the President, became its first official head. When Mr. Cortelyou left his post as secretary, Mr. William Loeb, Jr., who had been the President's private sec- retary for some time, became the regular first secretary to the Chief Magistrate, a place he occupies to-day. Just about this time there was consider- able trouble in Indianola, Mississippi. A colored young lady had been appointed postmistress, and the people in that vicin- ity refused to recognize her. The Post- Office Department did what it could in the matter, and then referred the case to the President. "As she has been regularly appointed. THEODORE BOOSEVELT 271 the people will have to accept her," said Mr. Roosevelt. And when there was more trouble, he sent forward an order that the post-office be shut up entirely. This was done, and for a long time the people of that vicinity had to get their mail elsewhere, a great inconvenience to them. On January 1, 1903, the new cable to the Hawaiian Islands was completed, and Presi- dent Roosevelt received a message from Governor Dole, and sent a reply to the same. About two weeks later the Presi- dent sent a wireless, or rather cableless, message to King Edward of England. This helped to mark the beginning of a new era in message-sending which may cause great changes in the transmission of messages in the future. For some time past there had been a small-sized war going on in Venezuela, South America, between that nation on one hand and England, Germany, and Italy on the other. This war had caused much dis- turbance to American trade. Pressure was brought to bear upon the several nations through President Roosevelt, and at last it was agreed to leave matters to be settled by 272 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF arbitration at The Hague. The agreements to this end were signed at Washington, much to the President's satisfaction. All trouble then ceased, and American com- merce was resumed as before. For many years there had been a dispute between the United States and Canada, regarding a certain boundary line. This country claimed a long strip of territory next to the sea, near the seaports of Dyea and Skagway, and Canada claimed that this strip, about thirty miles in width, be- longed to her domain. There had been endless disputes about the claim, and considerable local trouble, especially during the rush to the Klondike after gold. Many Americans contended that we had absolute right to the territory, and when arbitration was spoken of, said we had nothing to arbitrate. This was, in the main, President Roosevelt's view of the matter, yet, as things grew more disturbed, he realized, as a good business man, that something must be done. We did not wish to fight Canada and Enghmd for the strip of land, and neither did they wish to fight. THEODORE ROOSEVELT 273 SO at last a Board of Arbitration was agreed upon, and the claims of both parties were carefully investigated. In the end nearly every point claimed by the United States was granted to us. It was a great satisfac- tion to have this long-standing dispute set- tled ; and how much better it was to do it by arbitration than by going to war. The regular session of Congress came to an end on March 4, 1903, but President Roosevelt had already called an extra ses- sion, to consider a bill for reciprocity in our dealing with the new government of Cuba and to ratify a treaty with Colombia con- cerning the Panama Canal. There was a great deal of debating at this session of Congress. The bill concerning Cuba caused but little trouble, but many wanted the canal placed in Nicaragua in- stead of Panama, and did not wish to pay the forty millions of dollars asked for the work already accomplished by the old French Canal Company'. But in the end the bill passed the United States Senate by a vote of seventy-three to five, with the proviso that should we fail to make a satisfactory arrangement about the Panama Canal, then 274 AMEBIC AN BOYS' LIFE OF the government should build the canal through Nicaragua. President Roosevelt was enthusiastic over a canal at the isthmus, and lost no time in arranging to push the work further. The people of the far West were very anxious to meet the chief ruler of our nation, and early in the year it was ar- ranged that President Roosevelt should leave Washington on April 1 for a tour to last until June. In that time he was to visit more than twenty States, and make over one hundred stops. The people in the West awaited his coming with much pleasure. The President was justly entitled to this outing, for the nation was now at peace with the enthe world, and never had busi- ness been so prosperous. More than this, our affairs with other nations had been so handled that throughout the entire civilized world no ruler was more popular than was Theodore Roosevelt. In England he was spoken of with the highest praise, and the regards of the Germans had already been shown in the visit of Prince Henry to this country. He was known to be vigorous to THEODORE ROOSEVELT 275 the last degree, but it was likewise realized that he was thoroughly honest and straight- forward. The first stop of the President in his trip West was made at Chicago, where during the day he laid the corner-stone of the new law building of the University of Chicago, which university conferred upon him the degree of LL.D. (Doctor of Laws). In the evening he addressed an unusually large crowd at the Auditorium building, speaking upon the Monroe Doctrine. From Chicago the President journeyed to Milwaukee, and then to St. Paul and Minneapolis. At the first-named city he made a forceful address on the trusts, giving his hearers a clear idea of how the great corporations of to-day were brought into existence, and what may be done to con- trol them, and in the last-named city he spoke on the ever-important question of tariff. It was an eventful week, and when Sun- day came the Chief Magistrate was glad enough to take a day of rest at Sioux Falls, South Dakota. From there he journeyed to Gardiner, Montana, one of the entrances 276 AMERICAN boys' LIFE OF to that greatest of all American wonder- '}. lands, Yellowstone Park. ^ It was understood that President Roose- 'j velt wished to visit the Park without a | great following of the general public, and this wish was carried out to the letter. Mr. Roosevelt had with him the well-known naturalist, Mr. John Burroughs, and for about two weeks he enjoyed himself to his heart's content, visiting many of the spots of interest and taking it easy whenever he felt so disposed. It was not a hunting trip, although big game is plentiful enough in the Park. It was just getting " near to nature's heart," and Mr. Roosevelt afterward de- clared it to be one of the best outings he had ever experienced. H o Q ;?; '■I H > o o H Q CO P4 i THEODORE BOOSEVELT 277 CHAPTER XXIX Dedication of the Fair Buildings at St. Louis — Continuation of the Trip to San Francisco — Up in the Far North-West — Back in Wash- ington — The Post-office Scandals — The New Republic of Panama — A Canal at Last — Proc- lamation regarding the War between Japan and Russia — Opening of the Great Fair After the refreshing tour of Yellowstone Park, President Roosevelt journeyed across Nebraska to Omaha, then across Iowa to Keokuk, and from the latter city to St. Louis. As before, he delivered a number of ad- dresses, and wherever he spoke great crowds came to see and to hear him. In these crowds were people of all political ten- dencies, but it made no difference if they were Republicans, Democrats, or Populists, all were equally glad to greet the President of the United States and the hero of San Juan Hill. On this trip he frequently met some of the Rough Riders, and they invariably did 278 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF all in their power to make him feel at home. On the other hand he showed that he had not forgotten them. " By George, I am glad to see you ! " he would exclaim, catching an old comrade by the hand. And his tone of voice would show that he meant just what he said. For a long time the people of St. Louis had been preparing for a grand fair, to be known as the Louisiana Purchase Exposi- tion, to commemorate the purchasing from France of all that vast territory of the United States which lies between the Mis- sissippi River and the Rocky Mountains and the Gulf of Mexico and British America. The purchase was made in 1803 for fifteen millions of dollars, and it was hoped to hold the exposition on the one himdredth anni- versary, in 1903, but matters were delayed, and so the fair was postponed until 1904. The dedication of the fair buildings at the Exposition Grounds was held on April 30, 1903, and was made a gala occasion by those interested. President Roosevelt was invited to speak, and also Ex-President Cleveland, and both made addresses of re- markable interest. Following the dedica- THEODORE ROOSEVELT 279 tion exercises a grand banquet was given at which the scene of good-fellowship was one not readily forgotten. The President wished the exposition well, and promised to do all in his power to make it a success. Although the President had already trav- elled many miles, the greater part of his western trip still lay before him. From St. Louis he went to Kansas City and to Topeka, where the citizens were as anxious to meet him as anywhere. He stopped at Sharon Springs over Sunday, and then went to Denver, and to various towns in Colorado and in New Mexico. While m New Mexico he became interested in the systems of irrigation there, and told the people what they might do if their sys- tems of watering the ground were increased. Having passed through the Grand Canon, the second week in May found him in south- em California. He visited Los Angeles, re- viewing the annual floral parade, and many other points, and at Claremont addressed a great gathering of school children in a beau- tiful park filled with shrubs and flowers. The children were decidedly enthusiastic over the meeting, and when Mr. Roosevelt 280 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF went away, some pelted him with flowers, which bombardment he took in good part. President Roosevelt's visit to Leland Stan- ford Jr. University in California came next, and here the students cheered him with vigor. He visited many of the more impor- tant buildings, and was entertained by mem- bers of the faculty. His face was now set toward the Golden Gate, and San Francisco was all alive to give him an ovation. It was his first offi- cial visit to the Pacific coast, and all whom he met vied with each other to do him honor, while they listened with great attention to what he had to say. Three days were spent in San Francisco and vicinity, and three days more in a tour of the Yosemite Valley. President Roose- velt was particularly anxious to see some of the big trees of the State, and was driven to several that are well known. The steps of the Chief Magistrate were now turned northward, to Oregon, and a week was spent at Portland, and in the towns and cities of the Puget Sound terri- tory, and beyond. Here he saw much that was new and novel in the lumber trade and THEODORE ROOSEVELT 281 in the salmon industry, and was received with a warmth that could not be mistaken. " He is a President for the whole country, no mistake about that," said more than one. " He makes you feel he is your friend the minute you lay eyes on him," would put in another. To many in this far comer of our country, this visit of the President will ever remain as a pleasant memory. They could never hope to get to Washing- ton, more than three thousand miles away, and to have him come out to see them was worth remembering. The journey eastward was made through Montana to Salt Lake City and then to Cheyenne, where additional addresses were delivered. From the latter point a fast train bore him homeward, and by the next Sun- day he was back in the White House once more, as fresh and hearty as ever, and well prepared to undertake whatever important work might come to hand. And work was there in plenty. Among the first things taken up by the President was a scandal in the Post-Ofiice Department. Without loss of time President Roosevelt ordered Postmaster General Payne to make 282 AMERICAN boys' LIFE OF a thorough investigation, with the result that many contracts which were harmful to our post-office system were annulled, and some wrong-doers were brought to justice. Toward the end of July there was con- siderable disturbance in the Government Printing Office at Washington because a certain assistant foreman, who had been discharged, was reinstated. All of the bookbinders were on the point of strilving because they did not want the man retm^ned, as he did not belong to their union. But President Roosevelt was firm in the matter ; and in the end the man went back, and there was no strike. This affair caused an almost endless discussion in labor circles, some claiming that the union should have been upheld, while others thought differently. During the summer, as was his usual habit, President Roosevelt, with his family, spent part of his time at his country home at Oyster Bay. This time the visit to the old homestead was of unusual interest, for, on August 17, the North Atlantic Fleet of the navy visited that vicinity, for review and inspection by the President. It was a gala occasion, and the fleet pre- THEODORE ROOSEVELT 283 sented a handsome appearance as it filed past and thundered out a Presidential sa- lute. Many distinguished guests were pres- ent, and all without exception spoke of the steady improvement in our navy as a whole. President Roosevelt was equally enthusiastic, and well he might be, for he had used every means in his power to make our navy all it should be. Late in September President Roosevelt returned to Washington, and on October 15 delivered the principal address at the unveiling of a statue of that grand military hero. General Sherman. Here once more he was listened to with tremendous inter- est, delivering a speech that was patriotic to the core and full of inspiration. For some time past matters in Colombia had been in a very mixed-up condition. The United States were willing to take hold of the Panama Canal, as already men- tioned, but although a treaty had been made to that effect, the Colombian govern- ment would not ratify the agreement. On November 3, the trouble in Colom- bia reached its culminating point. On that day the State of Panama declared itself free 284 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF and independent. The people of that State wanted the canal built by the United States, and were very angry when the rest of the Colombian States would not agree to the treaty which had been made. At once there were strong rumors of war, and a few slight attacks were really made. The United States forbade the transportation of soldiers on the Panama railroad, and a few days later recognized Panama as an in- dependent republic. The new republic was likewise recognized by France, and, later still, by England. On November 9, Pan- ama appointed a commission to negotiate a canal treaty with our country, and this treaty was signed and sealed at Washing- ton by Secretary of State Hay, acting for the United States, and M. Bunau-Varilla, acting for Panama. The President's next message to Congress went at great length into tlie question of the Panama Canal, and in defence of the recognition of the new republic. It also told of what the new Department of Commerce and Labor had accomplished, especially the branch devoted to corporations. " We need not be over-sensitive about the Photoyraplt by Cllnedinst, Washinyton, DA'. Pkesidest Roosevelt Speaking at the Unveiling of the Statue of General Sherman. THEODORE ROOSEVELT 285 welfare of corporations which shrink from the hght," wrote Mr. Roosevelt. And in this statement every one who had the best in- terests of our nation at heart agreed. To accomplish great works great corporations are often necessary, but they must conduct business in such a fashion that they are not ashamed to show their methods to the pub- lic at large. At the opening of the year 1904 there were strong rumors of a war between Japan and Russia, over the occupation of Korea, and this war started early in February by a battle on the sea, wherein the Russian fleet lost several war-ships. This contest was followed by others of more or less im- portance, and it looked as if, sooner or later, other nations might become involved in the struggle. " We must keep our hands o:ff," said President Roosevelt, and at once issued a proclamation, calling on all good citizens to remain strictly neutral, and warning those who might take part that they could hope for no aid from the United States should they get into trouble personally or have any property confiscated. This proc- 286 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF lamation was followed by some excellent work of our State Department, whereby it was agreed among the leading nations that the zone of fighting should be a limited one, — that is, that neither Japan nor Russia should be allowed to carry it beyond a cer- tain defined territory. For many weeks Congress had debated the Panama Canal treaty and the action of President Roosevelt regarding the new republic of Panama. On February 23, 1904, a vote was taken in the Senate, and the Panama Canal treaty was ratified in all par- ticulars. Without delay some United States troops were despatched to Panama, to guard the strip of land ten miles wide through which the canal is to run, and preparations were made to push the work on the water- way without further delay. On Saturday, April 30, the great World's Fair at St. Louis was formally opened to the public. It had cost over fifty millions of dollars and was designed to eclipse any fair held in the past. The opening was attended by two hundred thousand visitors, all of whom were more than pleased with every- thing to be seen. THEOBOBE ROOSEVELT 287 It had been arranged that President Roosevelt should formally open the Exposi- tion by means of telegraphic communications from the White House to the fair grounds. A key of ivory and gold was used for the purpose, and as soon as it was touched a salute of twenty-one guns roared forth in the Exposition's honor. Around the President were assembled the members of his Cabinet and representatives of many foreign nations. Before touching the key which was to set the machinery of the wonderful fair in motion, President Roosevelt spoke as follows : — " I have received from the Exposition grounds the statement that the management of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition awaits the pressing of the button which is to transmit the electric energy which is to unfurl the flag and start the machinery of the Exposition. "I wish now to greet all present, and especially the representatives of the foreign nations here represented, in the name of the American people, and to thank these representatives for the parts their several countries have taken in being repre- sented in this centennial anniversary of 288 AMERICAN boys' LIFE OF the greatest step in the movement which transformed the American Republic from a small confederacy of States lying along the Atlantic seaboard into a continental nation. " This Exposition is one primarily intended to show the progress in the industry, the science, and the art, not only of the American nation, but of all other nations, in the great and wonderful century which has just closed. Every department of human activity will be represented there, and perhaps I may be allowed, as honorary president of the athletic association which, under European manage- ment, started to revive the memory of the Olympic games, to say that I am glad that, in addition to paying proper heed to the progress of industry, of science, of art, we have also paid proper heed to the develop- ment of the athletic pastimes which are useful in themselves as showing that it is Mise for nations to be able to relax. " I greet you all. I appreciate your having come here on this occasion, and in the presence of you, representing the Amer- ican government and the governments of the foreign nations, I here open the Louisi- ana Exposition." TREOBOBE ROOSEVELT 289 CHAPTER XXX The New Campaign — Elected President by a Rousing Majority — The Inauguration — Peacemaker between Japan and Russia — Departmental Reforms at Washington While the great St. Louis Fair was still in its opening days, the " political pot," as it is commonly called, began to boil steadily. It would soon be time for both great polit- ical parties to make their nominations for the presidency, and in a general way the accepted leaders began to look around for the most available material. The Republicans had not far to go, for Theodore Roosevelt's name was on every lip. Many State Conventions were held, and at every one the hero of San Juan Hill was made the standard bearer. The few political enemies he had made got no recog- nition, and it was " Roosevelt ! Roosevelt !" everywhere. The Republican National Convention met at Chicago, June 21, and two days were 290 AMERICAN BOTS' LIFE OF spent in routine business and in adopting a platform. Then, amid the greatest of cheer- ing and the waving of thousands of flags, Theodore Roosevelt was unanimously de- clared the nominee of the party, and Charles W. Fairbanks, of Indiana, was put up for Vice President. No other names were men- tioned, and the convention, from beginning to end, was a veritable love feast. " They can't beat Roosevelt ! " said more than one. " Everybody wants him ! " " He'll get there with both feet," put in an old Rough Rider. " He always does." And this made many laugh. The Democratic party was still split, mainly on the silver issue, and it took some time to decide upon a candidate. At last it put up Judge Alton B. Parker, of New York, for President, and Henry G. Davis, of West Virginia, for Vice-President. Judge Parker was an excellent man, yet hardly known outside of his own State, and his nomination aroused but little enthusiasm. President Roosevelt was deeply touched by the high honors bestowed upon him, and in his speech of acceptance spoke of the great work which remained to be done by THEODORE ROOSEVELT 291 himself and his party. From Washington he retired to his summer home at Oyster Bay, there to get a little much-needed rest. In the meantime there were several impor- tant changes in the Cabinet, and the Presi- dent also started an investigation concerning the burning of the steamboat Slocum, whereby many hundreds of lives had been lost. The contest previous to the election proved a decidedly bitter one. It was charged by the Democrats that corporation money was being used to defeat them, bat this could not, at the time, be proved, al- though later it came out that certain large insurance companies had spent much during the campaign, contending that they were afraid of a Democratic administration be- cause of the free-silver idea. President Roosevelt knew nothing of this use of cor- poration funds, and had he known would never have sanctioned it. The all-important election was held November 8, 1904, and President Roose- velt was elected by the largest majority ever given for that high office. When the votes were counted, it was found that Theo- 292 AMERICAN boys'' LIFE OF dore Roosevelt had received 7,623,486. Judge Parker received 5,077,971. The electoral vote was : Roosevelt 336, Parker 1-iO. It was a magnificent triumph for the young President, and if he was more than proud, who can blame him ? But forty-six years old, and the chosen, nay the well-be- loved leader of a nation of eighty millions of people. What a glorious example for the boys and young men who peruse these pages! " We are in for four years more of pros- perity," said nearly everybody. " Hurrah for Roosevelt !" And the cheers were given with a will. Bonfires blazed everywhere, bands played, parades were formed, and the general satisfaction was one not readily for- gotten. " We must have Roosevelt for another term after this is finished," said some of the more enthusiastic, but the President would not listen. " I shall consider the unfinished McKin- ley term as my first teriu and this as my second," said he. " I shall do my best dur- ing the fom* years to come, and shall then retire permanently." THEODORE ROOSEVELT 293 The inauguration of President Roosevelt, on March 4, 1905, was a beautiful and in- spiring spectacle which will live long in the memory of those who witnessed it. Wash- ington was bedecked with flags and bunting from end to end. The crowds were enor- mous, from every State in this country and from many other nations of the globe. Representatives were present from Europe, Asia, Africa, South and Central Americas, as well as from the isles of the sea. In the long parade of troops were soldiers from Porto Rico and the Philippines, our new possessions. The inauguration and address, were followed by a grand ball, and nearly all of the great public buildings were thrown wide open to the general public. It was as if the whole nation and the world at large had gathered to do homage to our Chief Magistrate. Telegrams and cablegrams were received by the hundreds, all convey- ing good wishes. President Roosevelt's message to Con- gress was a long but clean-cut document, showing what abuses existed and pointing out the remedies. It was received with much favor, and Congress at once set to 294 AMEBIC AN BOYS' LIFE OF work to see what laws could be passed to do away with the evils. The great ques- tion of the day was concerning the trusts, those enormous aggregations of capital which menace smaller industries and the freedom of the individual; and a second question was about the railroads — what should be done so that rates for one shipper might be the same as for another. In the past there had been unjust discrimination, and this, every right-minded man felt, must be abolished. Late in March all the members of the Panama Commission resigned and President Roosevelt appointed a new Commission. Work at Panama was begun with a will, and it was determined to dig the canal as soon as possible regardless almost of the expense. It is a gigantic undertaking and will take many years to complete. For a long time the interest of the world had been centred on the terrible conflict going on between Japan and Russia, over the domination of Korea and Manchuria. Many stirring battles had been fought on land and sea, and the slaughter of lives and destruction of property had been appalling. Victory had been largely with the Japan- THEODORE ROOSEVELT 295 ese, yet Russia fought on doggedly, hoping almost against hope to become the final victor. President Roosevelt had followed this war with keen interest and with the eyes of a trained soldier. He saw what the conflict was costing each nation, and felt that the world at large wanted the struggle to cease. Accordingly he took the matter in hand and addressed a letter to the representatives of both nations in which, in part, he said : — " The President feels that the time has come w^hen in the interests of all mankind he must endeavor to see if it is not possible to bring to an end the terrible and lamen- table conflict now being waged. With both Russia and Japan the United States has in- herited ties of friendship and good-will. It hopes for the prosperity and welfare of each, and it feels that the progress of the world is set back by the war between these two great nations. The President accordingly urges the Russian and Japanese govern- ments, not only for their own sakes, but in the interest of the whole civilized world, to open direct negotiations for peace with each other." 296 AMERICAN boys' LIFE OF This was the beginning of negotiations, and in the end, the representatives of Japan and Russia came to this country, to meet at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in a Naval Building fitted up for that purpose by this government. Here a treaty of peace was signed which gave to the world at large immense satisfaction. For his work as a peacemaker President Roosevelt received the gratitude of all the great rulers of Europe and was more beloved than ever. " He knows when and how to fight and when and how to make peace," said they. " He is certainly a wonderful man." But while he was doing so much for for- eign nations, President Roosevelt did not forget his duties at home. Certain abuses had existed in the running of the depart- ments at Washington, and now the Chief Magistrate issued an order calling for sweep- ing reforms. This caused a great "shaking up" among both officers and clerks, and all of the departments became much better be- cause of the housecleaning. Among others to go was the public printer at the Capitol. President Roosevelt asked him to resign, but as he would not do so, he was dismissed. THEODORE VtOOSEVELT 297 There was a great scandal in the public printing office at this time, and it took a while to straighten matters out. Some wanted to hush the matter up, but the Chief Magistrate would not listen, and in the end the changes he had recommended were made, — much to the satisfaction of the coimtry at large. 298 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF CHAPTER XXXI Death of Secretary of State Hay — The Presi- dent's Trip to the South — Marriage of Alice Roosevelt — The Great San Francisco Earth- quake — Government Aid — President Roose- velt AND the Packing Houses Investigation — The Naval Review at Oyster Bay — Leading the Way in Spelling Reform — Off for Panama On the first day of July, 1905, John Hay, Secretary of State, died. The President and his chief adviser had been warm friends and the shock to the Chief Magistrate was a great one. He issued a proclamation to our Nation, and attended the funeral at Cleveland, Ohio. Later he appointed Elihu Root to take Secretary Hay's place in the Cabinet. Mr. Root had formerly been Secretary of War and filled the position very acceptably, so the appointment was hailed with satisfaction. Early in the month a great National Educational Convention was held at Asbury Park, New Jersey. About sixty thousand persons were present, and President Roose- THEODORE ROOSEVELT 299 velt was requested to deliver an address, which he did. He took up the matter of education from his own strenuous stand- point, and held his audience spellbound. At the conclusion of the speech many pressed forward to shake his hand, and he made a host of new personal friends. Midsummer found the President and his family again at Oyster Bay. Here he took a much-needed rest, going out occasionally for a horseback ride, or rowing and camp- ing in the woods with his younger sons. The boys must have had some rare good times, and what American boy would not have liked to have been along ? In August the Peace Plenipotentiaries of Russia and Japan came to Oyster Bay and were for- mally introduced to each other by President Roosevelt, and this visit was followed by others from the representatives of the two nations which were at war. The Chief Magistrate gave all of them his advice, and the upshot was the peace treaty before mentioned. The President also, by special request, journeyed to Wilkesbarre, Pennsyl- vania, to address the coal-miners regarding a strike, which he much deplored, and also 300 A2IERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF visited and spoke at the Chautauqua As- sembly in New York State. The first of October, 1905, found Presi- dent Roosevelt again at the White House and as busy as ever. But the people of the South were clamoring for a visit from him, and soon such a trip was arranged, starting about the middle of October. The first stop was at Richmond, Virginia, where he was given a rousing ovation, and a grand parade was held in his honor. From Rich- mond he went to Raleigh and other cities in North Carolina, and then to Atlanta, Georgia, delivering addresses which were listened to with the closest of attention. From Georgia the Chief Magistrate journeyed to Jacksonville, Florida, and then through Mississippi to New Orleans, Louisiana. Here the yellow fever had been strong, but the President braved the danger, and spoke words of wisdom and encouragement to the multitude that flocked to hear him. In a political sense he was "in the enemy's country," for the South had been, as of old, solidly Democratic in the presidential elec- tion, yet the people vied with each other to do him honor. He was their President, THEODOEE ROOSEVELT 301 with Southern blood in his veins, and deeply beloved, and they made him feel it thor- oughly. Early in January, 1906, President Roose- velt sent his annual message to Congress. At this time there were many differences of opinion in both branches of the national legislature, and by some it was thought a portion of the Republican party was about to desert Theodore Roosevelt, while some of the Democrats began to stand by him. The excitement ran high for some weeks, but in the end all went well. There was much trouble over the manner in which the Panama Canal should be built, and what should be done regarding railroad rates, and there was also the question regarding the admission of some of the territories as States. In the end Oklahoma and Indian Territory were admitted as one State, and Arizona and New Mexico were given the right to come in as another, and it was decided to build a lock canal which might, later on, be changed to a waterway at sea level. The lock canal is to be about one hundred feet on an average above the level of the ocean. 302 AMERICAN boys' LIFE OF On February 17 the White House was the scene of probably the most elaborate function ever witnessed there. This was the wedding of the President's eldest daughter, Alice, to the Hon. Nicholas Long- worth, Representative in Congress from Ohio. The wedding took place in the cele- brated East Room, which was handsomely decorated for the purpose. There were present distinguished people from all over the United States and also the representa- tives of the various kings and potentates of the entire civilized world. Miss Roose- velt came in on the arm of her father, while Mrs. Roosevelt was escorted by Theodore, Jr. and followed in couples by the rest of the children of the Executive Mansion. The bride wore heavy white brocaded satin and a superb diamond necklace, the gift of the groom, and carried a bouquet of rare white orchids. The ceremony was per- formed by Bishop Satterlee of the Episco- pal Church, and was followed by warm congratulations all round and a fine wed- ding repast. The affair lasted from noon to four o'clock, when the happy couple left in an automobile for a wedding tour of THEODORE ROOSEVELT 303 Cuba. Wedding presents, many rare and costly, came from all over the world. Miss Roosevelt was counted the twelfth bride of the White House. The House of Representatives had long needed a new office bailding in which to transact business, and the corner-stone of the structure was placed, in the middle of April. President Roosevelt was called upon to make a speech and delivered an address which is destined to be remembered for many years to come. In this speech he referred to a character in Bunyan's " Pil- grim's Progress," the man with the muck rake, an individual who was forever look- ing downward and stirring up the dirt and filth and never looking up to see the heavens and the beauties of life. He spoke of those who are forever stirring up scandals and never doing anything to remedy them, or to help along the things which are good and true, and he also spoke of those who thought only of accumulating money. He said men ought to be more than legally honest, they should be morally so, — a grand truth well worth remembering by all my young readers. This speech became 304 AMERICAN boys' LIFE OF famous as the " Muck Rake Talk," and was quoted far and wide by individuals and likewise by the pulpit and the press. Four days after this speech was delivered, on April 18, and for several days following, there occurred a catastrophe which has few parallels in modern history. This was the terrible earthquake at San Francisco and other points in California. The first great shock of the earthquake came early in the morning and was followed by others more or less severe. Hotels, office buildings, and private dwellings went down in one awful, dire, heartrending ruin, and the shocks were quickly followed by fire, which could not be controlled because the water mains were broken and but little water was available. Before the end came nearly the whole of the beautiful Golden Gate city was wiped out, hundreds upon hundreds of lives were lost, and thousands upon thousands of peo- ple were left destitute and homeless. It was a fearful calamity to confront, but the Government and many State and local authorities were quick to act. While the conflagrations were still raging. Congress passed one bill appropriating one million THEODORE ROOSEVELT 305 dollars for the relief of the sufferers and then another bill appropriating an additional million and a half. While these appropria- tions were being made, the Secretary of War, by the advice of President Roosevelt, purchased large quantities of supplies and hurried them to the far West with all pos- sible speed. United States troops were sent to San Francisco to bring order out of chaos and to assist the local authorities in caring for the needy. In all of the ruined city there was hardly a restaurant where one might get a meal or a hotel where one might rest. The parks became great camping spots, and mess halls and tents were opened up, where banker and newsboy, lawyer and laborer, society lady and seam- stress, might get something to eat. Hos- pitals were also opened for the sick and wounded, and stations where those who were alive might look up the dead and the missing. In all of this work President Roosevelt took a lively interest, and was not above making a generous contribution of his own. From every city, town, and hamlet in the United States were sent money and supplies, and in the course of 306 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF two months matters took a brighter turn, and at this writing it looks as if in the future San Francisco might be a grander city than ever. For some time past there had been an agitation in the press and elsewhere con- cerning the condition of affairs in the pack- ing houses of Chicago, where thousands of cattle are slaughtered daily, to be sent out as food not only for this country but also to many foreign nations. At last the agi- tation became so great that President Roosevelt called for a strict investigation. When this was made, it was found that many of the slaughter-houses were far from clean, and that the governmental inspection of cattle was by no means what it should be. "This must stop — we must have good, clean meat for our people, and for export," said Theodore Roosevelt, and forthwith urged Congress to act, with the result that measures were passed calling for such in- spection of slaughtered animals as w'ould assure us healthy food. The packers at first raised a great cry against the agita- tion, saying it would hurt their business THEODORE ROOSEVELT 307 enormously, but in the end they found that the people would buy more meat when they knew it was properly inspected, and so the change was really to the packers' profit. On June 16, 1906, President Roosevelt signed the bill admitting Oklahoma and Indian Territory as one State, thus adding another star to our flag. What the new State was to be called was left undecided. During the middle of July President Roosevelt issued an order which was of great interest to labor unions throughout the country. This was to the effect that govermnent officials in charge of any public work were to punish any violation of the eight-hour working law. This rule applied everywhere, so that no man working on a government job or filling a government position could be called on to labor more than eight hours out of twenty-four. The summer of 1906 was spent by the President at Oyster Bay, according to his established custom. Here, on the Fourth of July, he delivered a stirring address to his townspeople and others who had gathered to hear him, and here, later in the summer, 308 AMERICAN boys' LIFE OF he witnessed a grand naval review gotten up to do him honor. The warships to take part were bedecked in their best, the guns boomed a glorious salute, and the occasion was one of pleasure and satisfaction to our Chief Executive. And now let me record another thing which was accomplished during this summer, and which is of prime importance to every boy and girl who reads these pages. Many prominent educators came out for a reform in our spelling and issued a list of three hun- dred w^ords which they thought might be spelled in a shorter and better way. While the discussion was on, President Roosevelt took up the matter, and on his own behalf du-ected the public printer to print all public documents from the Executive Offices with the new spelling. In giving this order he issued a statement which contained the following : — " The purpose simply is, for the govern- ment, instead of lagging behind popular sentiment, to keep abreast of it. and at the same time abreast of the views of the ablest and most practical educators of our time." Many of the new forms are already in THEODORE ROOSEVELT 309 common use, as, for instance, honor' and parlor, for honour and 2^<^'>"iour ; program and coquet for programrne and coquette ; check ior cheque ; fiber ?ind theater iov fibre and theatre; ax and good-by for acce and good-bye ; plow for p>lough ; jail for ^ao?; wrapt for wrapped; and loagon for loaggon. Others, like a/^/zo for although, carest for caressed, hicciq) for hiccough, pur for j^i^rr, and 1^0 for looe, look rather strange, but perhaps we shall all get used to them in time. Certain it is that the spelling reform will make it easier to learn how to spell, and I believe all my young readers will agree with me that that will be a grand good thing. Early in November, 1906, President Roose- velt left this country to visit Porto Rico and Panama, to see how matters were progress- ing in our new possession and to inspect the work being done on the great canal. He went in the battleship Louisiana, which was escorted by two other vessels of our navy. The battleship was equipped with a wireless telegraphy outfit, so that those on board might be in constant communication with those on shore. It was the first time in our 310 AMERICAN boy's LIFE OF history that a President has set foot outside of the United States while holding office. But it was characteristic of President Roose- velt to wish to see with his own eyes just what was being done on the Isthmus of Panama and how matters might possibly be improved. His departure w^as witnessed by many friends and relatives, all of whom wished him a pleasant time and a safe return. THEODORE ROOSEVELT 311 CHAPTER XXXII Personal Characteristics of Theodore Roosevelt — The President's Family — Life at the White House — Our Country and its Future In reading over the foregoing pages the question may occur to some of my young readers, How is it possible for President Roosevelt to accompl'sh so much and still have time in which to occasionally enjoy himself by travelling or by going on a hunting tour ? The answer is a very simple one. Mr. Roosevelt works systematically, as do all who want their labor to amount to some- thing. Years ago, when he was physically weak, he determined to make himself strong. He persisted in vigorous exercise, especially in the open air, and in the end attained a bodily health which any ordinary man may well envy. The President does each day's work as it comes before him. He does not borrow trouble or cross a bridge before he comes 312 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF to it. Whatever there is to do he does to the very best of his ability, and he allows future complications to take care of them- selves. If a mistake is made, he does not worry continually over it, but keeps it in mind, so that a like mistake shall not occur again. When once his hand is on the plough, he does not believe in turning back. He has unlimited faith in the future of our glorious country, and a like faith in the honor and courage of his fellow-citizens. Any man to be an intelligent worker cannot be dissipated, and the President is a good illustration of this. He has a good appetite, but eats moderately, and does not depend upon stimulants or tobacco to " brace him up " when the work is extra heavy. He goes out nearly every day for a walk, a ride on horseback, or a drive with some members of his family, and as a result of this, when night comes, sleeps soundly and arises the next morning as bright and fresh as ever. Tliis is the first time that a President with a large family has occupied the White House. Other Presidents have had a few children, but Mr. Roosevelt took possession THEODORE ROOSEVELT 313 with six, a hearty, romping crowd, the younger members of which thought it great fun to explore the executive mansion when first they moved in. The President loves his children dearly, and is not above " play- ing bear " with the little ones when time permits and they want some fun. Of Mrs. Roosevelt it can truthfully be said that she makes a splendid '• first lady in the land." She takes a great interest in all social functions, and an equal interest in what is best for her boys and girls and their friends. She is very charitable, and each year contributes liberally to himdi'eds of bazaars and fairs held throughout our country. The oldest child of the President is Miss Alice Lee Roosevelt, named after her mother, and now Mrs. Nicholas Longworth. Al- though but a step-daughter to the present Mrs. Roosevelt, the two are as intimate and loving as if of the same flesh and blood. Mrs. Longworth is a prime favorite in Washington society and has assisted at several functions of importance. All of the other children weie born after Mr. Roosevelt's second marriay-e. II is oldest 314 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF son is Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., commonly called by his chums, Teddy, Jr. He is a lad of eighteen, bright and clever, and went from the preparatory school at Groton, Mas- sachusetts, to Harvard University, where he is at present a sophomore. He loves out- door games, and is said to possess many tastes in common with his father. The other members of the family are, Kermit, sixteen, Ethel Carew, fourteen, Archibald Bullock, eleven, and a lively little boy named Quentin, who is eight. Some time ago a distinguished member of the English Educational Commission vis- ited this country and made an inspection of our school system. When asked what had impressed him most deeply, he answered : — " The children of the President of the United States sitting side by side with the children of yoiu: workingmen in the public schools." This simple little speech speaks volumes for the good, hard common sense of our President. He believes thoroughly in our public institutions, and knows the real value of sending out his boys to fight their own battles in the world at large. THEOBOEE ROOSEVELT 315 He does not believe in pampering children, but in making them self-reliant. All love to go out with him, and when at Oyster Bay he frequently takes the boys and their cousins for a day's tramp through the woods or along the beach, or else for a good hard row on the bay. The President prefers rowing to sailing, and frequently rows for several miles at a stretch. His enjoyment of bathing is as great as ever, and his boys love to go into the water with him. Christmas time at the White House is just as full of joy there as it is anywhere. The younger children hang up their stock- ings, and scream with delight over every new toy received. For some days previous to Christmas one of the rooms is turned into a storeroom, and to this only Mrs. Roose- velt and one of the maids hold the key. Presents come in from everywhere, includ- ing many for the President, for his friends far and near insist upon remembering him. These presents are arranged on a large oval table near one of the broad windows, and on Christmas morning the distribution begins. The President, in his trips to the woods. 316 AMERICAN boys' LIFE OF has seen the great harm done by cutting down promising evergreens, so he does not beheve \ery much in having a Christmas tree. But three years ago a great surprise awaited liim. '• I'm going to fix up a tree," said httle Archie, and managed to smuggle a sm 11 evergreen into the house and place il ii a. large closet that was not being used. IL're he and his younger brother Queutin worked for several days in arranging the tree ju t to suit them. On Christmas morning, after the presents were given out, both asked their father to come to where the closet was located. " Wliat is up now?" asked Mr. Roose- velt, curiously. *' Come and see ! " they shouted. And he went, followed by all the others of the family. Then the closet door was thrown open, and there stood the tree, blazing with lights. It was certainly a great surprise, and Mr. Roosevelt enjoyed it as much as anybody. The children of Washington, and espe- cially those whose fathers occupy public positions, always look forward with antici- THEODORE ROOSEVELT 31T pations of great pleasure to the children's parties given by Mrs. Roosevelt, and these parties are of equal interest to those living at the mansion. Such a party was given during the last holidays, and was attended by several hun- dred children, all of w^hom, of course, came arrayed in their best. They were received by Mrs. Roosevelt, who had a hand-shake and a kind word for each, and then some of the Cabinet ladies, who were assisting, gave to each visitor a button, set in ribbon and tinsel and inscribed '* Merry Christmas and Happy New Year." The big main dining-room of the White House had been prepared for the occasion. There was a Christmas tree at one side of the room, and the table was filled with fruit, cake, and candy. The President came in and helped to pass the ice-cream and cake, and Theodore, Jr. and some of the others passed the candy and other good things. After this the visitors were asked to go to the East Room and dance. The Marine Band furnished the music, and while the children were dancing, the President came 318 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF in to look at them. The entertainment lasted until the end of the afternoon, and when the visitors departed, President Roose- velt was at the door to shake hands and bid them good-by. And here let us bid good-by ourselves, wishing Theodore Roosevelt and his family well. What the future holds in store for our President no man can tell. That he richly deserves the honors that have come to him, is beyond question. He has done his best to place and keep our United States in the front rank of the nations of the world. Under him, as inider President McKinley, progress has been remarkably rapid. In the uttermost parts of the world our Flag is respected as it was never re- spected before. Perhaps some few mis- takes have been made, but on the whole our advancement has been justified, and is eminently satisfactory. The future is large with possibilities, and it remains for the generation I am addressing to rise up and embrace those opportunities and make the most of them. THEODORE ROOSEVELT 319 APPENDIX A BRIEF EXTRACTS FROM FAMOUS ADDRESSES DELIVERED BY THEODORE ROOSEVELT " If we are to be a really great people, we must strive in good faith to play a great jjart in the world. We cannot avoid meeting great issues. All that we can determine for ourselves is whether we shall meet them well or ill." " All honor must be paid to the architects of our material prosperity ; to the captains of industry who have built our factories and ou; railroads ; to the strong men who toil for wealth with brain or hand ; for great is the debt of the nation to these and their kind. But our debt is still greater to the men whose highest type is to be found in a states- man like Lincoln, a soldier like Grant." " A man's first duty is to his own home, but he is not thereby excused from doing his duty to the state ; for if he fails in this second duty it is under the penalty of ceasing to be a freeman." — Extracts from " The Strenuous Life.'''' "Is America a weakling to shrink from the work that must be done by the world's powers ? No ! The young giant of the West stands on a continent and clasps the crest of an ocean in either hand. Our nation, glorious in youth and strength, looks 320 AMERICAN boys' LIFE OF into the future with eager and fearless eyes, and rejoices, as a strong man to run the race." — Extract from Speech seconding the Nomination of William McKinley for President. " Poverty is a bitter thing, but it is not as bitter as the existence of restless vacuity and physical, moral, and intellectual flabbiness to which those doom themselves who elect to spend all their years in that vainest of all vain pursuits, the pursuit of mere pleasure." "Our interests are at bottom common; in the long run we go up or go down together." " The first essential of civilization is law. Anar- chy is simply the hand-maiden and forerunner of tyranny and despotism. Law and order, enforced by justice and by strength, lie at the foundation of civilization." — Extracts from a Speech delivered at Minneapolis, Minnesota, September 2, 1901. " We hold work, not as a curse, but as a blessing, and we regard the idler with scornful pity." " Each man must choose, so far as the conditions allow him, the path to which he is bidden by his own peculiar powers and inclinations. But if he is a man, he must in some way or shape do a man's work." " It is not given to us all to succeed, but it is given to us all to strive manfully to deserve success." "We cannot retain the full measure of our self- respect if we do not retain pride in our citizenship." — Extracts from an Address on ^'•Manhood and State- hood.^'' THEOBOBE ROOSEVELT 321 "The true welfare of the nation is indissolubly bound up in the welfare of the farmer and wage- worker ; of the man who tills the soil, and of the mechanic, the handicraftsman, and the laborer. The poorest motto upon which an American can act is the motto of ' some men down,' and the safest to follow is that of * all men up.' " — Extract from Speech delivered at the Dedication of the Pan-American Fair Buildings. " The men we need are the men of strong, ear- nest, solid character — the men who possess the homely virtues, and who to these virtues add rug- ged courage, rugged honesty, and high resolve." — Extract from Speech delivered upon the Life of General Grant. 322 \ Mimic Ah boys' life of APPENDIX B LIST OF THEODORE ROOSEVELT'S WRITINGS Bocks : The Naval War of 1812, 2 volumes. (1882.) The Winning of the West, G volumes. (1889- 1896.) Hunting Trips of a Ranchman. (1885.) Hunting Trips on the Prairie. (Companion volume to that above. 1885.) The W^ilderness Hunter. (1893.) Hunting the Grisly. (Companion volume to that above. 1893.) The Rough Riders. (1899.) Life of Oliver Cromwell. (1900.) The Strenuous Life — Essays and Addresses. (1900.) American Ideals. (1897.) Administration — Civil Service. (1898.) Life of Thomas Hart Benton. (1887.) New York. (Historic Towns Series. 1891.) Life of Gouverneur Morris. (1888.) Ranch Life and the Hunting Trail. (1888.) Essays on Practical Politics. (1888.) Written by Theodore Roosevelt and Henry Cabot Lodge: Hero Tales from American History. (1895.) THEODORE BOOSE VELT 323 Written by Theodore Eoosevelt and G. B. Grinnell : Trail and Camp Fire. (1896.) Hunting in Many Lands. (1896.) Principal Magazine Articles : Admiral Dewey. (McClure's Magazine.) Military Preparedness and Unpreparedness. (Centnry Magazine.) Mad Anthony Wayne's Victory. (Harper's Magazine.) St. Clair's Defeat. (Harper's Magazine.) Fights between Iron Clads. (Century Maga- zine.) Need of a New Navy. (Review of Eeviews.) 324 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF APPENDIX C CHROXOLOGY OF THE LIFE OF THEODORE ROOSEVELT FROM 1858 TO 1906 1858. October 27. Theodore Eoosevelt born in New York City, son of Theodore Roose- velt and Martha (Bullock) Roosevelt. 1864. Sent to public school, and also received some private instruction ; spent summers at Oyster Bay, 'New York. 1873. Became a member of the Dutch Reformed Church; has been a member ever since. 1876. September. Entered Harvard College. Member of numerous clubs and societies. 1878. February 9. Death of Theodore Roose- velt, Sr. 1880. June. Graduated from Harvard College ; a Phi Beta Kappa man. September 23. Married Miss Alice Lee, of Boston, Massachusetts. Travelled extensively in Europe ; climbed the Alps ; made a member of the Alpine Club of London. 1881. Elected a member of the New York Assembly, and served for three terms in succession. 1884. Birth of daughter, Alice Lee Roosevelt. Death of Mrs. Alice (Lee) Roosevelt, Mr. Roosevelt's first wife. THEODORE ROOSEVELT 325 Death of Mrs. Martha (Bullock) Roosevelt, Mr. Roosevelt's mother. Made Delegate-at-large to the Republican National Convention that nominated James G. Blaine for President. 1885. Became a ranchman and hunter. 1886. Ran for office of mayor of New York City, and was defeated by Abram Hewitt. Spent additional time in hunting. December 2. Married Edith Kermit Carew, of New York City. 1888. Birth of sou, Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. September. Grand hunt in the Selkirk Mountains. 1889. May. Appointed by President Harrison a member of the Civil Service Commission ; served for six years, four under President Harrison and two under President Cleve- land. 1890. Birth of son, Kermit Roosevelt. 1891. September. Grand hunt at Two-Ocean Pass, Wyoming. 1892. Birth of daughter, Ethel Carew Roosevelt. 1895. May 24. Appointed Police Commissioner of New York City by Mayor William Strong. Served until April, 1897. Birth of son, Archibald Bullock Roosevelt. 1897. April. Made First Assistant Secretary of the Navy, under Secretary Long and President McKinley. Birth of son, Quentin Roosevelt. 1898. April 25. Congress declared war with 326 AMERICAN BOYS LIFE OF Spain. Eoosevelt resigned liis position in the Navy Department. May. Helped to organize the Rough Riders, and was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel, May 6. May 29. The Eough Riders left San Anto- nio, Texas, for Tampa, Florida. June 2. In oamp at Tampa. June 7. j\[ove by coal cars to Port Tampa: four companies left behind ; board trans- port Yucatan. June 13. Start for Cuba, without horses. June 22. Landing of the Rough Riders at Daiquiri. June 23. March to Siboney. June 24. Advance to La Guasima (Las Guasimas). First fight with the Spanish troops. July 1. Battles of San Juan and El Caney. Roosevelt leads the Rough Riders up San Juan Hill. July 2. Fighting in the trenches by the Rough Riders, Roosevelt in command. July 3. Sinking of the Spanish fleet off Santiago Bay. July 8. Roosevelt made Colonel of the Rough Riders. August 7. Departure of the Rough Riders from Cuba. August 9. Spain accepts terms of peace offered by the United States. August 16. Arrival of the Rough Riders at Montauk, Long Island. THEODORE ROOSEVELT 327 September 15. Mustering out of the Rough Riders. September 27. Nominated by the Republi- can party for governor of New York. October. Grand campaigning tour through the Empire State. November. Elected governor of New York by seventeen thousand plurality. 1899. January 1. Assumed office as governor of New York. April 10. Delivered famous address on " The Strenuous Life," at Chicago. September 29 and 30. Governor appointed these days as holidays in honor of a re- ception to Admiral Dewey; grand water and land processions. 1900. June 19. Republican Convention met at Philadelphia; Roosevelt seconded the nomination of McKinley for President (second term), and was nominated for the Vice-Presidency. July, August, and September, Governor Roosevelt travelled 20,000 miles, deliver- ing 673 political speeches at nearly 600 cities and towns. November 6. McKinley and Roosevelt car- ried 28 states, Democratic opponents car- ried 17 states; Republican electoral votes, 292, Democratic and scattering combined, 155. December. Presided over one short session of the United States Senate. 1901. January 11. Started on a five weeks' hunt- 328 AMERICAN boys' LIFE OF ing tour in Northwest Colorado; bringing down many cougars. April. Attended the dedication of the Pan-American Exposition buildings at Butfalo, New York, and delivered an address. September 6. Received word, while at Isle la Motte, Vermont, that President McKinley had been shot; hurried at once to Buffalo; assured that the President would recover, joined his family in the Adirondacks. September 14. Death of President McKinley. Roosevelt returned to Buffalo ; took the oath of office as President of the United States at the house of Ansley Wilcox; retained the McKinley Cabinet. September 15 to 19. Funeral of President McKinley, at Buffalo, Washington, and Canton, Ohio. President Roosevelt at- tended. September 20. First regular working day of President Roosevelt at the White House. December 3. First annual message delivered to Congress. December 4. Senate received Hay-Paunce- fote canal treaty from the President, December 17. First break in the McKinley Cabinet. Postmaster General Smith re- signed; was succeeded by H. C. Payne. 1902. January 3. Grand ball at the White House, Miss Alice Roosevelt formally presented to Washington society. TEEOBOEE BOOSEVELT 329 January 6. Secretaiy Gage of the Treasury resigned ; was succeeded by Ex-Governor Leslie M. Shaw, of Iowa. January 20. The President transmitted to Congress report of Canal Commission, recommending buying of rights for $40,000,000. February 10. Serious sickness of Theo- dore Roosevelt, Jr. President in attend- ance at Groton, IMassachusetts, several days. February 24. Reception to Prince Henry of Prussia. February 25. Launching of German Em- peror's yacht, which was christened by Miss Alice Roosevelt. March 7. President signed a bill creating a permanent pension bureau. May 12. Beginning of the great coal strike; largest in the history of the United States. May 21. President unveiled a monument at Arlington Cemetery, erected in memory of those who fell in the Spanish-American War. June 9. President reviewed West Point cadets at the centennial celebration of that institution. July 4. Addressed a great gathering at Pittsburg. July 5. Removed his business offices to Oyster Bay for the summer. August 11. Retirement of Justice Gray 330 AMERICAN boys' LIFE OF of the Supreme Court ; the President named Oliver Wendell Holmes as his successor. August 22. The President began a twelve days' tour of New England. September 3. Narrow escape from death near Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Trolley car ran down carriage, killing Secret Service attendant. September 6 and 7. President visited Chattanooga, Tennessee, and delivered addresses. October 3. President called conference at Washington concerning coal strike. October 21. As a result of several meet- ings between the President, the mine operators, and the mine workers the miners resumed work, and a commission was appointed by the President to adjust matters in dispute. November 19. Grand reception to the Presi- dent at Memphis, Tennessee. December 2. President's message to Con- gress was read by both branches. 1903. January 15. President signed the free coal bill passed by Congress. January 21. President signed the bill for the reorganization of the military system. March 5. Special session of Congress called by the President to consider Cuban reci- procity bill and Panama Canal treaty with Colombia. March 12. President appointed a Commis- THEODORE ROOSEVELT 331 sion to report on organization, needs, and conditions of government work. March 18. President received report of Coal Commission. April 2. President received degree of LL.D. from the University of Chicago. Begin- ning of long trip to the west. April 4. President addressed Minnesota legislature at St. Paul. April 30. President delivered address at dedication of buildings of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, at St. Louis. June 6. President ordered an investigation into the Post-office Department scandals. July 4. First message around the world, via new Pacific cable, received by Presi- dent at Oyster Bay. July 23. The President refused to consider charges made by a bookbinders' union against a workman in the Government Printing Office, thereby declaring for an " open " shop. August 17. Grand naval review by the President, on Long Island Sound, near Oyster Bay. September 17. President delivered an ad- dress at the dedication of a monument to New Jersey soldiers, on the battle-field of Antietam. October 15. President delivered an address at unveiling of statue to General Sher- man, at Washington. October 20. President called extra session 332 AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF of Congress to consider a commercial treaty witli Cuba. November 3. Panama proclaimed inde- pendent of Colombia. November 6. The United States govern- ment formally recognized the indepen- dence of the state of Panama. November 10. Opening of extra session of Congress called by President to consider commercial treaty with Cuba. November 18. A new canal treaty was formally signed at Washington by Secre- tary Hay, of the United States, and M. Bunau-Varilla, acting for Panama. December 2. The canal treaty was ratified at Panama. December 7. The President sent regular message to Congress especially defending the administration policy regarding Pan- ama and the canal. 1904. January 4. The President sent a special message to Congress regarding the rec- ognition of the new republic of Panama. This was folloAved for weeks by debates, for and against the action of the adminis- tration. February. War broke out between Japan and Russia; the President issued a proc- lamation declaring the neutrality of the United States. February 22. The President and family assisted at a Washington's Birthday tree- planting at the ^Yhite House grounds. THEODORE ROOSEVELT 333 February 23. The United States ratified all the provisions of the Panama Canal treaty ; preparations were made, under the directions of the President, to begin work without delay. April 30. President, at Washington, de- livered address and pressed telegraphic key opening World's Fair at St. Louis. May 30. Delivered a stirring address on the battlefield of Gettysburg. June 21. President named a commission to investigate Slocum disaster. June 23. Nominated for President by the Republican National Convention at Chicago. June 24. Appointed W. H. Moody Attor- ney-General, Paul Morton Secretary of the Navy, V. H. IVIetcalf Secretary of Commerce and Labor. July 2. Returned to Oyster Bay with family. July 27. Accepted the nomination for the Presidency and outlined his proposed policy. September 23. Resumed official duties at the White House. October 10. Appointed R. J. Wynne Post- master-General, vice H. C. Payne, de- ceased. November 8. Elected President by the largest majority ever given any candidate for that office. Received 336 electoral 334 AMERICAN boys' LIFE OF votes as against 140 for Alton B. Parker, Democratic candidate, November 9. Announced his determination not to be a candidate for office again. November 26. Visited tfie Fair at St. Louis. December 6. Sent annual message to Con- gress, calling for many needed reforms. 1905. January 19. Sent a special message to Con- gress urging the appointment of a com- mittee to study trade conditions abroad with a view to benefit American commerce. February 6. Signed a bill providing for the building of railroads in the Philippines. February 15. Sent to the Senate a copy of a treaty with Santo Domingo. April 3. Appointed a new Panama Canal Commission. April 7. Was the guest of honor at a re- union of the Rough Eiders, at San Anto- nio, Texas, May 31. Appointed Charles J. Bonaparte to succeed Paul Morton as Secretary of the Navy. June 10. President Roosevelt's note urging peace negotiations between Russia and Japan was accepted by both nations. June 16. Issued an order calling for reform in the various government departments at Washington. July 7. Appointed Elihu Root Secretary of State, vice John Hay, deceased. Addressed, the National Educational Asso- ., ciation at Asbury Park, New Jersey. THEODOIiE ROOSEVELT 335 August 10. Addressed a great meeting of coal-miuers at Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania. August 11. Addressed the Chautauqua As- sembly of New York State. September 30. Returned to Washington from Oyster Bay. October 18. Left Washington on an ex- tended trip to Richmond, Atlanta, Jack- sonville, New Orleans, and other points ; received with enthusiasm everywhere. October 31. Returned to Washington. Appointed Charles G. Stillings public printer. November 3. Received Prince Louis of Battenberg at the White House. December 5. Sent annual message to Con- gress urging more reforms. 1906. February 17. Alice Roosevelt, daughter of the President, was married to Hon. Nicholas Longworth, at the White House. March 21. Addressed a delegation of repre- sentatives of organized labor who called at the Executive Mansion. April 14. At a corner-stone laying in Washington the President delivered his famous "Muck Rake" address. April 18. Earthquake at San Francisco and other points in California. President urged relief; Congress made necessary appropriations. May 4. Sent a special message to Congress concerning the Standard Oil Company and the railroads. 336 LIFE OF THEODORE BOOSEVELT June 4. Sent to Congress a special message concerning conditions in the packing houses of Chicago. June 16, Signed the bill admitting Okla- homa and Indian Territory as one state into the Union. June 30. Returned to summer home at Oyster Bay. July 4. Delivered a patriotic address to his townspeople and visitors. July 19. Issued an order enforcing the eight-hour labor law on all government work. August 10. Gave his indorsement to a re- form in spelling by ordering official docu- ments printed in the new way. August 18. Held a grand naval review at Oyster Bay. Nov. 8. Left Washington for a trip to the Isthmus of Panama and Porto Rico on the battleship Louisiana. SOLDIERS OF FORTUNE SERIES By EDWARD STRATEMEYER VOLUME ONE ON TO PEKIN Or Old Glory in China Cloth 330 pages Illustrated by A. B. Shute $1.25 THE hero, Gilbert Pennington, goes from the Philippines with the Ninth Regiment to take part in the rescue of the beleaguered Brit- ish Embassy at Pekin by the international forces. Mr. Stratemeyer has risen to the occasion by giving, in addition to one of his very best stories, a store of information concerning China and the- Chinese, conveyed in a natural and entertaining manner. The demands of boy readers are peculiar, and the author who can sat- isfy them, not once or twice, but uniformly, must possess rare ability in an extremely difficult field. Such an author is Edward Stratemeyer. — Sunday News, Newark, N. jf. VOLUME TWO UNDER THE MIKADO S FLAG Or Young Soldiers of Fortune 320 pages Cloth Illustrated by A. B. 5hute Price $1.25 * ' T T^DER the Mikado's Flag " relates the adventures of two young v^ Americans in Korea and Manchuria during the outbreak of the great war between Russia and Japan, one of the leading characters being Gilbert Pennington, the hero of "On to Pekin,'' and the other, Ben Russell, who with his brothers, Larry and Walter, is so well known to the thousands of readers of the famous "Old Glory Series." It closes with the great Battle of Liao-Yang, and is as valuable for the information conveyed as it is interesting as a story. Mr. Stratemeyer is undoubtedly improving very greatly on the average book for boys. — Star, Si. Louis, Mo. He knows how to attract and hold boy readers. — Evening Standard^ New Bedford, Mass. SOLDIERS OF FORTUNE SERIES By EDWARD STRATEMEYER VOLUME THREE AT THE FALL OF "PORT ARTHUR Or A Young American in the Japanese Navy 300 pages Illustrated by A. B. Shute Price $1.25 npiIIS s'ory relates, primarily, the adventures of Larrj' Russell, who is on board his old ship, the Coluitibia, which is carry- ing a cargo for the Japanese government. The young sailor joins the Japanese navy, and under Admiral Togo assists at the bombard- ment of Port Arthur. Life in the Japanese navy is described in detail, and also life in Port Arthur during the siege and bombard- ment, which has few parallels in history. "At the Fall of Port Arthur" is very well told. — Chronicle, San Francisco. A rattling good story for boys. — Republican, Denver, CoU VOLUME FOUR UNDER TOGO FOR JAPAN Or Three Young Americans on Land and Sea 310 pages Illustrated by A. B. Shute 12tno Cloth $1.25 ' I "HE "Soldiers of Fortune Series" is a continuation of the famous " Old Glory Series," and enjoys equal popularity. The prin- cipal characters are Ben and Larry Russell, Gilbert Pennington, and the fine old gunner, Luke Striker, all of whom are well known to thousands of readers. The climax of the book naturally deals with the Battle of the Sea of Japan and Admiral Togo's wonderful victory, in which Larry and Luke Striker bear an honorable part. The fortunes of Ben and Gilbert Pennington on land also furnish much that is of interest. The youth who finds a good story of war adventure on the sea to his liking will gain his heart's desire in " Under To(.'0 for Japan." — Philadelphia Press. Young readers will find the volume enteitaining from first to last. — News, Balti- more, Md. Will undoubtedly prove a favorite with the boys. — Advertiser, Newark, N.J, No more popular book for boys could be imagined just at this time.— Christian Endeavor World, PAN-AMERICAN SERIES By EDWARD STRATEMEYER VOLUME ONE LOST ON THE ORINOCO Or American Boys in Venezuela 12mo Cloth Illustrated Price $1.25 THIS volume tells of five American youths, vv^ho, with their tutor, sail from New York to La Guayra, touching at Cura9ao on the way. They visit Caracas, the capital, Macuto, the fashionable seaside resort, go west- ward to the Gulf of Maracaibo and lake of the same name, and at last find themselves in the region of the mighty Orinoco, and of course they have some exciting expe- riences, one of which gives name to the book. Just the book boys and young men should read, in view of the general interest in matters Pan-American. Its pictures of South American life and scenery are novel and instruc- tive. — The Literary World, Boston. The scenes described are of the sort to charm the hearts of «dwentai» ous bcys.— T'/itf Outlook, N. V. VOLUME TVO THE YOUNG VOLCANO EXPLORERS Or American Boys in the West Indies 12mo Cloth Illustrated Price $1.25 THIS is a complete tale in itself, but has the same chai-acters which have appeared so successfully in " Lost on the Orinoco." The boys, with their tutor, sail from Venezuela to the West Indies, stopping at Jamaica, Cuba, Hayti, and Porto Rico. They have numerous ad- ventures on the way, and then set out for St. Pierre, Mar- tinique, where they encounter the effects of the eruption of Mt. Pelee, and two of the boys are left on a raft to shift for themselves. Life in the West Indies is well portrayed, and the tale will appeal to many an older person as well as to the boys. PAN-AMERICAN SERIES By EDWARD STRATEMEYER VOLUME THREE YOUNG EXPLORERS OF THE ISTHMUS Or American Boys in Central America 306 pages Cloth Illustrated by A. B. Shute Price $!. 25 THIS is a complete tale in itself, but forms a new vol- ume in the surprisingly popular Pan-American series. It relates adventures in a tour covering Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and the Isthmus of Panama. The party travel the various canal routes, and have a number of highly inter- esting experiences. The volume contains a vast amount of timely information, and will be read with interest by young men as well as boys. It is a splendid book that will not only amuse and interest the reader, but will supply him with most valuable instruction and information upon subjects which every young American who takes pride in his country, and what pertains to it, ought to know. — American Boy. VOLUME FOUR YOUNG EXPLORERS OF THE AMAZON Or American Boys in Brazil 300 pages 12mo Illustrated by A. B. 5hute Price $1.25 AN absorbing tale of sight-seeing and adventures in Brazil. The five boys and their tutor travel the whole seacoast frotn Rio de Janeiro to Para, and then move up the Amazon into the rubber country and beyond. The volume is filled with pen-pictures of life as it exists in Brazil to-day, and will be heartily enjoyed by all young people. The Pan-American Series by Edward Stratemeyer has been declared by the boys of this country to be the most up-to-date of all readint; for the young. Filled with action and good fellowship. — IVaverliy Mtiiiazine. Mr. Stratemeyer has acquired the art of weaving a good deal of solid information with his web of startling adventure. — San Francisco Bulletin> COLONIAL SERIES By EDWARD STRATEMEYER FIRST VOLUME WTTH WASHINGTON IN THE WEST Or a. Soldier Boy s Battles in the Wilderness 12ino Cloth Illustrated by A. B. Shute 302 pages $1.25 WASHINGTON'S earlier life has received scant attention, notwithstanding its possibilities. Mr. Stratemeyer has woven into an excel- lent story something of Washington's youthful experience as a surveyor, leading on to the always thrilling Braddock's defeat. The hero, David Morris, is several years younger than Washington, with whom he becomes intimately associated. Pictures of pioneer life are given ; scenes with friendly Indians ; and old-time games. SECOND VOLUME MARCHING ON NIAGARA Or The Soldier Boys of the Old Frontier 12mo Cloth Illustrated by A. B. Shute Price $1.25 THIS tale is complete in itself, but many of its charac- ters have appeared in "With Washington in the West." The story relates the doings of two young soldiers who join the Colonial forces in a march on Fort Niagara, during the time of the war with France, when the whole territory between the Blue Ridge and the Great Lakes was in a state of unrest. Many side lights are thrown into the colonial homes, and much useful information is given of the pioneers who helped to make our country what it is to-day. David Morris is a fine fellow, and about him is woven a fine " Injun " story that is sure to delight the boys. — Univenalist Leader^ Boston. Mr. Stratemeyer is an entertaining story-teller, and his books are clean. —Herald, Rodtesier, U, Y, COLONIAL SERIES By EDWARD STRATEMEYER THIRD VOLUME AT THE FALL OF MONTREAL Or a. Soldier Boy s Final Victory Illustrated by A. B. Shute 12mo Cloth Price $1.25 THIS volume relates the adventures of Dave Morris and his cousin Henry during the two last campaigns against the French for the possession of Canada and the territory below the great lakes. The scal- ing of the heights of Quebec under General Wolfe, and the memorable battle on the Plains of Abraham, are given in detail. There are many stirring scenes of battle, but the tale is not all of war. Pictures of the rough-and-ready camp life of that day are given, and there are also adventures while fishing and hunting, and with the Indians. Since the passing of Henty and Alger, Mr. Stratemeyer controls the field in this particular branch of literature. The chief charm of his stories lies in the fact that an enormous quantity of valuable information, col- lected from the most reliable sources, is deftly woven into the narrative without taking away from the interest. — Philadelphia Inquirer, FOURTH VOLUME ON THE TRAIL OF PONTIAC Or Pioneer Boys of the Ohio 12mo Cloth Illustrated by A. B. Shute Price $1.25 THIS volume tells of times in our country immediately after the war with France for the possession of Canada. The tale is complete in itself, but in it are introduced a number of characters which have already figured in this series, including that brave young soldier, Dave Morris, his sturdy cousin, Henry, and their common friend, Sam Barringford. Pontiac, the great chief of the Ottawas, is also a leading figure and much is told of his work in organizing his great conspiracy against the whites. A fight with the Indians and the French in a snowstorm is especially realistic, and the entire book carries with it the atmosphere of colonial times. Boys are attracted to stories by Edward Stratemeyer, and they will enjoy "On the Trail of Pontiac." — Plain DeaUr^ Cleveland, O. COLONIAL SERIES By EDWARD STRATEHEYER VOLUME nVE THE FORT IN THE WILDERNESS Or The Soldier Boys of the Indian Traits 306 pages Illustrated by A. B. Shute Price $1.25 'T*HIS story is one of the best tales of Colonial days penned by this favorite author for young people. A central figure is the noted Indian warrior, Pontiac, and the particulars are given of the rise and fall of that awful conspiracy against the whites, which will never be forgotten, and vivid pen pictures are given of fights in and around the forts and at a trading-post on the Ohio. A stirring story of the times of Pontiac. — Chicago Post. This story is as edifying as it is healthfully stimulating. — American Cultivator. Mr. Strateineyer can be commended for telling stories of keenest interest.— Omaha Bee. VOLUME SIX TRAIL AND TRADING POST Or The Young Hunters of the Ohio 320 pages Illustrated Price $1.25 A fine closing volume to this deservingly popular series. Here ■^^ we again meet the Morris boys, Sam Barringford, the quaint frontiersman. White Buffalo, the friendly Indian, and many other friends. The plot centres about the possession of a certain trading- post on the Ohio River at a time just previous to the Revolution, and there are some encounters with the unfriendly Indians and with some Frenchmen who wished to claim the post as their own. Many hunting scenes are introduced ; and the book carries with it an out- door flavor of bygone days which is certain to appeal strongly to older folks as well as the young people. His books cannot fail to interest all boys. — Star, St. Louis. There are few authors whose books have so wide and so thoroughly satisfactory a reading as those by Mr. Stratemeyer. — Courier, Boston, American Boys' Biographical Series By EDWARD STRATEMEYER VOLUME ONE AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF WILLIAM McKINLEY 3G0 pages Illustrated by A. B. Shute and from Photo- graphs $1.25 HERE is told the whole story of McKinley's boyhood days, his life at school and at college, his work as a school teacher, his glorious career in the army, his struggles to obtain a footing as a lawyer, his efforts as a Congressman and a Governor, and lastly his prosperous career as our President, all told in a style particularly adapted to beys and yoiing men. The book is full of interesting anecdotes, all taken from life, showing fully the sincere, honest, painstaking efforts of a life cut all too short. The volume will prove an inspiration to all boys and young men, and should be in every library. For nearly a year Mr, Strateineyer has been gathering material and giving caret ul study to the life of the young William, his childhood, his bi)yhood, and all his inspiring and romantic history. The story was rear- ing its end when the. awful finale came and tragedy ended the drama of President McKinley's life. — New York Journal. VOLUME TWO AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF THEODORE ROOSEVELT 300 pages i2nio lllustruted from Photographs $1.25 THIS excellent work for young people covers the whole life of otir strenuous executive, as school- boy, college student, traveler, author, hunter and ranchman, as assembly- man, as civil service commissioner, as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, as a daring rough rider, as Governor of New York, and lastly as President. Full of stories taken from real life and told in a manner to interest both young and old. We unreservedly recommend Mr. Strata- iceyr's books ior bovs. They are wholesome, accurate as to historical Cietaiib, and always interesting. — Boston Times. GOOD BOOKS FOR BOYS By EDWARD STRATEiWEYER LARRY THE WANDERER Or The Rise of a Nobody Cloth Illustrated Price $1.00 THIS is a plain tale of everyday life, written especially for boys and girls who do not care particularly for stories with a historical or geographical background. Larry is a youth who has been knocked around from nillar to post for a number of years. The unravelling of the curious mystery which surrounds the lad's identity makes good reading. JOE, THE SURVEYOR Or The VdLue of a. Lost CUim Illustrated by A. B. Shute 12mo Cloth Price $1.00 THIS story relates the trials and triumphs of a sturdy country youth, who is compelled, by the force of circumstances, to go forth into the world and earn, not alone his own living, but also support for his twin sister and his invalid father. TWO YOUNG LUMBERMEN Or From Maine to Oregon for Fortune 320 pages Cloth Illustrated Price $1.25 A SPLENDID story, the scene shifting from Maine to Michigan and the Great Lakes, and then to the Columbia and the Great North- west. The heroes are two sturdy youths who have been brought up among the lumbermen of their native State, and who strike out in an honest endeavor to better their condition. An ideal volume for every wide-awake American who wishes to know what our great lumber indus- try is to-day. Mr. Stratemeyer's books are not only entertaining but instructive. — Z>o/7;' Press, Portland, Me. BETWEEN BOER AND BRITON Or Tivo Boys' Adventures in South Africa. Illustrated by A. Burnham Shute 354 pages Price $1.25 RELATES the experiences of two boys, cousins to each other, one American and the other English, whose fathers are engaged in the Transvaal, one in farming and the other in mining operations. While the two boys are off on a huntmg trip after big game the war between the Boers and Britons suddenly breaks out, and while endeavoring to rejoin their parents the boys find themselves placed between hostile armies. A stirring story of the South African War. — The journal, Indianapolis^ tnd. The boyi' delight— the " Old Glory Series."— The Christian Advocate, N.7 . THE OLD GLORY SERIES BY EDWARD STRATEMEYER HRST VOLUME UNDER DEWEY AT MANILA Or The War Fortunes of a. Casta'way Cloth Illustrated by A. B. Shute Price $1.25 THIS book, published in September, 1898, at once sprang to the front as the greatest success among books for boys since the famous Army and Navy series by "Oliver Optic," and its popularity has steadily in- creased as the succeeding volumes of the series have appeared. Edward Stratemeyer weaves the incidents of the naval conflict at Manila into a narrative of experiences and adventure which is wholesome in spirit and full of excitement, and which the boys will like. — Congregalioiialist. SECOND VOLUME A YOUNG VOLUNTEER IN CUBA Or Fighting for the Single Star Cloth Illustrated by A. B. Shute Price $1.25 THE career of Larry Russell, as recorded in "Under Dewey at Manila," was the hit of the season among juveniles. The fortunes of Larry are equalled in interest by the adventures of Ben, his older brother, and his friend, Gilbert Pennington, and the many exciting scenes through which they passed during their service in the army. Ben enlisted in a New York volunteer regiment, while Gilbert joined Colonel Roosevelt's famous Rough Riders. Their life in camp, the capture of El Caney, the charge at San Juan hill, are all vividly descril)ed. Mr. Stratemeyer's boys are clean, manly fellows, and deserve the popularity which doubtless awaits them.— Christian Register. THIRD VOLUME FIGHTING IN CUBAN WATERS Or Under Schley on the '* Brooklyn ** Cloth Illustrated by A. B. Shute Price $1.25 IN this book Walter Russell, brother to Larry and Ben, the respective heroes of the two preceding volumes of the scries, finds his way to Boston, secures employment, enlists in the navy, and is assigned to the " Brooklyn." Then follow intensely interesting chapters, telling of Com- modore Schley, the routine life of the "Jackies," and blockade and dis- covery of Cervera's fleet, followed by the memorable conflict of July 3. *' Fighting- in Cuban Waters " is in the same hearty, manly spirit that h;is made the other volumes of the Old Glory Series so much liked. — Journal of Education.. OLD GLORY SERIES By EDWARD STRATEMEYER ^^^^^^^— — — ~**^ — — ^— — —^ FOURTH VOLUME UNDER OTIS IN THE PHILIPPINES Or A Young Officer in the Tropics Cloth Illustrated by A. B. 5hute Price $1.25 THE " Young Officer in the Tropics " is none other than our old friend Ben Russell, who upon reenlisting for service in the Philippines is given the same position, that of second lieutenant, to which he had been promoted for gallantry while " A Young Volunteer in Cuba." Mr. Stratemeyer is in a class by himself when it comes to writing- about Aii>eii» can lieroes, their brilliant doings on land and sea, — Times, Boston, FIFTH VOLUME THE CAMPAIGN OF THE JUNGLE Or Under Ldivton through Luzon Cloth Illustrated by A. B. Shute Price $1.25 BEN and Larry figure in the " Campaign of the Jungle," which has a truthful and graphic historical setting in two expeditions of the noble General Lawton, whose portrait adorns the cover, the first being that di- rected against Santa Cruz on the Laguna de Bay, and the second from Manila to San Isidro, through one hundred and fifty miles of jungle. The same sterling qualities that have made these brothers so well liked carry them through perilous scenes with true American fortitude, A good war story. — San Francisco Bulletin. SIXTH VOLUME UNDER MACARTHUR IN LUZON Or Last Battles in the Philippines 12mo Cloth Ilustrated by A. B. Shute Medallion cover 320 pages $1.25 WE have here a thoroughly up-to-date, clean, and entertaining boys' story, complete in itself, but forming the sixth and last volume of the " Old Glory " Series. The boys in all parts of the country have been anxiously waiting to learn the final fortunes of the three Russell brothers, Larry, Walter, and Ben, with scarcely less interest in Gilbert Pennington, hero of "On to Pekin," and not forgetting other old friends on land and sea. All are here, doing their duty in the same straightforward way as ever; and the final battles in the Philippines are followed with that accu- racy of statement which Mr. Stratemeyer always employs, thereby giving general value to his books without in the least impairing the interest of the story. Maintains the high standard in attractive narration which was set by the first volume. Th0 six lKK>k« make a complete and valuaole collectiocr. — Ifew T**^ World- The Stratemeyer Popular Series lo volumes Illustrated and handsomely bound in gold and colors Attractive new cover designs Price $.75 per volume SINCE the passing of " Oliver Op- tic" and G, A. Henty, Edward Stratemeyer is the most widely read of all living writers for the young, and each year extends the vast and enthusi- astic throng. In obedience to the popular demand we have established this Popular Series comprising ten representative books by this great writer. The stories are bright and breezy, moral in tone, and while full of adventure, are not sensational. These books, at a popular price, will be a rare treat for the boys and girls. h THE LAST CRUISE OF THE SPTTFIRE Or Luke Foster s Strange Voyage " »T»IIE LAST CRUISE OF THE SPITFIRE" relates the adventures X of a youth who ran away from his guardian's house because he could no longer stand the rruel treatment received. He had never before been to sea, and when he is unexpectedly carried off on the " Spitfire " he encounters many adventures of which he had never before dreamed. " The !Last Cruise of the Spitfire " is of deep interest to the bounding heart of an enthusiastic boy. — Kansas City Times. 2. REUBEN STONE'S DISCOVERY Or The Young Miller of Torrent *Bend ''■ "O EiJBP:N STONE'S DISCOVERY" tells, in a matter-of-fact way, J[\_ the exploits of a young miller who is left in charge of his father's property while the parent goes West to seek a more promising field for business. A story which girls as well as boys will enjoy reading. ** Rcnben Stone's Ducorery " is especiaUr Kood. — Jir*» Tori HtrmUL The Stratemeyer Popular Series 3. TRUE TO HIMSELF Or Roger Strong*s Struggle for Place IN this story we are introduced to Roger Strong, a typical American country lad and his sister Kate, who, by an unhappy combination of events are thrown upon their own resources and compelled to make their own way in the world. Roger tells his own story in a modest, manly way that will charm both boys and girls, and that their parents will equally admire. " True to Himself" is an exceptionally good book of its class.— Miiwaukee Sen' tinel. 4. RICHARD DARE'S VENTURE Or Striking Oat for Himself " "DICHARD DARE'S VENTURE" relates the experiences of a JEx. country youth who comes to New York to seek his fortune. He finds life in the metropolis no bed of roses, and it is only by the hardest work that he gains a footing at all. He enters the stationery business, and the plot against the boy is one that youthful readers will doubtless follow with keen interest. 5. OLIVER BRIGHT'S SEARCH Or The Mystery of a Mine IN this story we have the adventures of a manly American youth, who goes West to locate a mine in which his invalid father owns a large interest. He is accompanied by his school chum, who has run away from home, and the trip is made by way of the Isthmus ot Panama. Arriving at San Francisco, the boys, accompanied by an elderly friend and a guide, set out for the interior on horseback. The story gives many interesting sketches of mining life in the remote portions of California. A breezy boy's book is "Oliver Bright's Search." The author has .' direct, graphic style, and every healthy-minded youth will eujoy the volume. — JV.F. Commercial Advertiser. 6. TO ALASKA FOR GOLD Or The Fortune Hunters of the Yukon I'HIS tale tells of the adventures of two Maine boys who grow tired of trying to make a living in the lumber district of that State. An uncle, who is an experienced miner, offers to take them on a trip to the famous Klondike gold region, and the boys start out, first for the West, where they join their relative and several other fortune hunters, and then for the heart of Alaska. The gold regions are gained at last, and a summer and winter are spent there, hunting for the precious yellow nuggets and fight" icg off starvatioQ and other perils. The Stratemeyer Popular Series 7. THE YOUNG AUCTIONEER Or The Polishing of a. Rolling Stone A BOY'S book, but one anybody might read with interest- The hero, out of work and left alone in the world, strikes up an acquaintance- ship with another young fellow, who is experienced as an auctioneer. The two form a partnership, purchase a horse and wagon, stock the turnout with goods, and take to the road. The numerous adventures of the part ners are told in a graphic way. 8. BOUND TO BE AN ELECTRICIAN Or Franklin *BelVs Success FRANKLIN BELL starts out under many difficulties. He is poor and has no friends to assist him in advancing himself. But a showing of what pluck can do at a most perilous moment gains for him the open- ing he seeks, and from that time on his advancement is steady. From the East he is sent to Chicago by his employer, where he clears up a business complication involving a large sum of money. 9. SHORTHAND TOM, THE REPORTER Or The Exploits of a Bright Boy TOM SWIFT was a shorthand writer. Losing his position in the office of a rascally lawyer, he fell in with a newspaper editor and became a reporter on one of the leading New York dailies. His duties took him to several strange places and brought him in contact with dan- gerous men who were trying to do Tom and his sister Susie out of some property which had been left to them. Poor Susie was kidnapped, and it was Tom who set out on a long and perilous search for her. ja FIGHTING FOR HIS OWN Or The Fortunes of a Young Artist LESTER FLEMING'S one ambition was to become an artist, but being nothing but a poor country lad, he seemed at first far from realizing that ambition. But Lester was a wide-awake fellow, and when his foster-father was drowned, the boy took the care of the household on his shoulders, and worked his way along in spite of many obstacles. Mr. Stratemeyer has the knack of writing- stories that appeal to boys, and that have yet an advantage from an educational standi)()int. — Living Church, Mr. Stratemeyer's stories, after the m;inncr of " Oliver Optic," combine fiction and fact in a way to instruct and please boys. They are always well told.— W*tt*m Christian Adv«cai*. JAN 19 1907