In Paris, he addressed the
famous institution of learning, the Sorbonne. The English
universities received him, and gave him their honorary degrees.
London made him a "freeman." His speeches before the learned men
of Europe might not have been extraordinary for a university
teacher, but when we think that his life had alternated between
the hustle of politics, the career of a ranchman, of a soldier,
and of a hunter of big game, it is evident that we shall have to
search long and far among our public men before we can find any to
match him in the variety of his interests and achievements.
In England, King Edward VII had just died, and Mr. Roosevelt was
appointed by President Taft as the American representative at the
funeral. There was a gathering in London of thirteen reigning
monarchs, and many curious stories are told about the occasion. Of
course the Kaiser was there, strutting about and trying to
patronize everybody. Mr. Roosevelt had been politely received by
the Kaiser and believed, as did every one, that beneath his
arrogant manners, there was a great deal of ability. But he did
not allow himself to be treated by the "All Highest" with
magnificent condescension.
A story is repeated, of which one version is that the Kaiser
suddenly called out, at some reception:
"Oh, Colonel Roosevelt, I wish to see you before I leave London,
and can give you just thirty minutes, to-morrow afternoon at two.
Pages:
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114