American Boys Life of Theodore Roosevelt | Page 2

writing on various outdoor subjects, works which have become
decidedly popular, and which show well his gifts as an author and as an
observer of nature.
While still in great part a successful ranchman, he ran for mayor of
New York and was defeated. He now devoted himself with increased
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 become police commissioner of New York City.
Theodore Roosevelt's work as a police commissioner will not be
readily forgotten. The whole tone of the service was at once raised, and
for the first time in many years the metropolis had "dry" Sundays, when
every saloon in the city was tightly closed. This strict compliance with
the law made him some enemies, 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 Roosevelt was one of his most enthusiastic supporters.
Upon the election of McKinley, John D. Long was appointed Secretary
of the Navy and Theodore Roosevelt became the First Assistant
Secretary. 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 office; and it was primarily
through his efforts that when the war with Spain came, our war-ships
and our coast defences were in much better condition than they had
been at any time previous in our history.
With the outbreak of the war, Theodore Roosevelt resigned. "My duty
here is done," he said. "My place is in the field." And without 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, cowboys,
soldiers of fortune, foot-ball and base-ball 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 opportunity was not long in coming. From Florida 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 forgotten. In the very thickest of this fight
was 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 Roosevelt 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 earnest 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 recovered. 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. 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 himself 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