THE DESIGN BY MR. H. VAN BUREN MAGONIGLE FOR A MEMORIAL TO BE BUILT ON THE HUDSON RIVER FROM 114th TO 116th STREET, NEW YORK

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MR. ROOSEVELT'S FUTURE

IT IS this strong tide for the strengthen

ing and the broadening of the opportunities of every man that causes the continued extraordinary popularity of Mr. Roosevelt; for this is nothing but the Square Deal. The people believe that he believes in this doctrine, not as a mere party or political creed, but with profound moral earnestness. In the minds of the masses he stands for this doctrine as no other single man does.

The test of public opinion that THE WORLD'S WORK made when it sent a series of questions to a thousand subscribers equally divided among the states, without knowing who these men are, is very significant. The answers brought the familiar criticisms of Mr. Roosevelt; they brought objections to a third term; they expressed the feeling that no country and no party ought to confess that any one man is indispensable. But, in spite of such objections, these answers brought an overwhelming volume of opinion that Mr. Roosevelt's election to the Presidency again is necessary. Although you can hardly pick up a newspaper in any part of the Union that doesn't contain ridicule of him in words or by a cartoon; although you can hardly fall into a group of men without hearing stories that make sport of him; although every comic paper in Europe and in America laughs at him in every issue-yet, when you ask the people in any part of the United States what the best programme is for the curbing of privilege and the giving to every man a normal chance, a large number of them (Democrats and Republicans alike) frankly declare that he represents the strongest moral force in our life. They They believe in him. Some believe in him regretfully, but most men believe in him strongly. Other men, they will tell you, have policies: he has convictions.

This is the largest single fact now on our political horizon. Of course, great outbursts of popular enthusiasm have their rebounds. When we proclaim a man a hero, we soon begin to find reasons why he should not be considered heroic. Whirlwinds of popular enthusiasm are as short lived as other whirlwinds. Still Mr. Roosevelt seems to defy precedents. The same men

that ridicule him respect him. The explanation of his popularity is found in the

shrewd observer remarked the other day that more than any other man in modern times he had identified himself with those things that last and that have always made

permanent appeal to mankind he fights, and men have always liked a fighter; he promotes peace, and the world likes a peacemaker; he is a sportsman, and Nimrod has outlived all his contemporaries; he walks, he rides, he shoots, he is at home in the forest and in the jungle. One of the biggest dams in the world bears his name. So does a species of antelope. He began the Panama Canal. The earth, everything that grows out of it, its beasts and birds, the robust physical virtues, sport, fecundity-wherever you touch nature or human nature you find this extraordinary man's activities and sympathies.

Mr. Roosevelt surely cannot desire to enter another political campaign nor to undertake the difficult duties of another term in the White House. His position, not only in our own country but in the whole world, is now extraordinary and unique. He can spend the rest of his life as he chooses. He can have a strong and continuous influence as a private citizen. He can work with unparalleled effectiveness for whatever political principles or social programmes he has most at heart; and it is not at all certain that, if he were again to go into the fierce combats of active political life, he would come out of them with this influence and position unimpaired. All the enemies that he has made and others that he would make would again become active. Along with new triumphs would come also new mistakes. There would be grave perils to his reputation and to his influence in another term as President. Still, if the people remain in their present mood until the time comes for nominating Presidential candidates again, it is probable that a nomination will be thrust upon him in such a way that he cannot refuse it.

Dangerous as political prophecy is, men may just as well look these facts in the face now. Those who regret them may begin to reconcile themselves to them, for those who are glad have already begun to work toward this result.