Address to the Boys Progressive League

by Theodore Roosevelt

"In this way I desire to greet the Boy's Progressive League at their meeting at the Hotel Manhattan. I feel that the Progressive Party should appeal peculiarly to the young men--and therefore to the boys--who are to be the next generation of voters. The principles for which we stand are the principles of fair play and a square deal for every man and every woman in the United States. A square deal politically, a square deal in matters social and industrial. I wish to see you boys join the Progressive Party, and act in that party and as good citizens, in the same way I'd expect any one of you to act in a football game. In other words, don't flinch, don't foul, and hit the line hard."