No other American did as much
as he for this improvement.
Third, because he practiced the "square deal." It did not matter
to him if the evil-doer was rich or poor,--Roosevelt was his
enemy. The criminal who had many friends in Wall Street was a
criminal still in his eyes; and the rascal who had friends in
labor unions was nevertheless a rascal to him. He would not
denounce one and go easy with the other. Poisoning people with bad
meat was no less a crime to him because it was said to be done in
the interests of "business"; blowing up people with bombs was not
to be considered any less than murder because some one said it was
done to help "labor."
Next, he practiced what he preached. When the great time came, he
was ready "to pay with his body for his soul's desire."
While President, he proved by his conduct of our relations with
foreign countries, that it is possible both to keep peace and to
keep our self respect, and that this can be done only by firmness
and courage.
He maintained our national defenses at the highest possible level,
scorning to risk his fellow-countrymen's lives and fortunes
through neglect of the Army and Navy.
By his wisdom, promptness and moral courage in an emergency he
made the Panama Canal possible.
He led in a great fight for liberal politics, trying to put the
ruling power of the nation once more in the hands of its citizens,
and showing by his action that his country was dearer to him than
any political party.
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