OCR Text |
Show If anything were needed to clinch the triumph of Republican principles at the Fall elections, the action of the Progressive Party, in endorsing the candidacy of Hughes and Fairbanks, by a vote of 32 to 6, has accomplished that purpose. The handwriting is already showing on the wall; the significance of the action cannot be concealed nor underrated. Colonel Roosevelt, in declining to accept leadership in an independent movement which could have but little hope of success, and which would have only spelled disaster and defeat for the high principles prin-ciples for which he, and his supporters, in common with the Kepublican party as a whole, are contending, has won the deserved respect and I admiration of the country at large. The Colonel is a greater man today j than ever in his career, for he has eliminated self in the interests of! the country's good. Can any one give a truer definition of patriotism? The following extract from Colonel Roosevelt's letter of declination, is worthy of a prominent place among the great pronouncements ofj great men. "I wish very solemnly to ask the representatives of the Progressive party to eonslder at this time only the welfare of the people of the United States. We shall prove false to our idea's and professions if, j in this grave crisis of the nation's life, we permit ourselves to be j swerved from the one prime duty of serviug with Cuol judgment and single-miuded devotion, the nation's needs. Our own political fortunes, individually and collectively, are of no const quence whatever, when I compared with the honor and welfare of the people of the United States." j |