Jacob A. Riis (1849–1914). Theodore Roosevelt, the Citizen. 1904.
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| like that, even though at first she would not believe it was true? And where is the son who would not cherish the deed and the doer forever in his heart of hearts? But it is the doing of that sort of thing that is their dear delight, those two; and that is why I am writing about them here, for I would like every one to know them just as they are. Here is a friend ’way out in Kansas, whose letter came this minute, writing, “the President who walks through your pages is a very heroic and kingly figure, a very Arthur among his knights at the round table.” Truly the President is that. I think we can all begin to make it out, except those who are misled and those in whose natures there is nothing to which the kingly in true manhood appeals. But could I show you him as he really is, as husband, father, and friend, you would have to love him even if you disagreed with him about everything. You just could n’t help it any more than could one of the old-time employés in the White House who stopped beside me as I stood looking at him coming across from the Executive Office the other day. |
| “There he is,” said he, and his face lighted up. “I don’t know what there is about that man |