THEODORE ROOSEVELT, twenty-sixth president of the United States, is a prominent instance of the best results of mind and character evolved by the Christian civilization and culture, the free institutions and progressive development of the Western world. His parentage placed him at his entrance into life on high vantage ground. Intelligent, lofty of purpose and benevolent, his father and mother made the home of his childhood and youth such an environment as gave to his excellent and growing capacities ideals of fidelity, honor and effectiveness in life. Early and surely were the essentials of right living fixed in his character, and in maturer years it needed but the occasion fitted for their display to bring them into forceful activity. The circumstances amid which, in the providence of God, he has been called to act have had world-wide relations. They have called for that determined will-power which effects changes for good, by putting into execution, in prompt and vigorous action, the plan which after due deliberation seems the next and inevitable step in progress. He is active and ardent in temperament, direct but self-controlled in conduct. He counsels with those who are competent to advise, but he does not shrink from taking the full responsibility for action in which the final decision rests with himself.
The acceleration of events in the twentieth century has made the arena in which the executive head of the United States acts at the present time, a center to which is drawn the attention of all civilized nations, subjecting his methods and his acts to the scrutiny of constant and searching criticism, favorable and adverse. Events march quickly, and a keen, forward-reaching intelligence is required to keep pace with the new possibilities of the world in which knowledge is increased, communication is almost instantaneous, and the nations stand watching each other's movements, ready to seize the least advantage in territory, in commerce, or in arms. It is just as necessary for a leader, if he is to guide the nation wisely, that he see clearly and sympathetically reckon upon another great world-
