Jacob A. Riis (1849–1914). Theodore Roosevelt, the Citizen. 1904.
Page 265
| saved, and the boy made happy; for he had kept his slate clean. |
| It was at that visit that, after a thorough inspection of the premises, the President asked the lad what he thought of the White House. |
| “Pretty good,” said he. “But I like better to ride up and down in the elevator at the hotel.” It was his first experience with an elevator, and he made full use of it. |
| The President considered him thoughtfully a moment. What visions of politicians and delegations passed before his mind’s eye I know not; but it was with almost a half-sigh that he said: “So would I, my boy, sometimes.” |
| That slouch-hat of his, by the way, at which some folks took umbrage, at the Philadelphia Convention, I don’t believe he gave as much thought to, in all the years he wore it, or one like it, as did those good people in the three or four days of the convention. He did not wear it because the rough-riders did, but because it is his natural head-gear. He began it in Mulberry Street, and he has kept it up ever since. He hates a stovepipe, and so do I; but I thought to honor him especially one day, when I was going traveling with him, by |