the election of November, 1904. As Governor of the State of New York from 1899-1900, he reformed the canal boards, introduced an improved system of civil service, using "the merit system" for county offices, called an extra session of the legislature to secure the passage of a bill which he had especially recommended taxing as real estate the value of the franchises of railroads and other corporations, in spite of the protest of corporations and Republican leaders. It has been said, "He found the state administration thoroughly political, he left it business-like and efficient."
He was nominated vice-president at the Republican national convention at Philadelphia, June, 1900, which nominated William McKinley for president, and he was elected vice-president, November 6, 1900. On the death by assassination of President McKinley, September 14, 1901, Theodore Roosevelt was sworn into office as the twenty-sixth President of the United States. At this time he was not yet forty-three years old. He was the youngest man who has ever filled the office of president. He announced at once that it was his intention to carry out the policy inaugurated by President McKinley, and he reappointed the entire cabinet of his predecessor. In all the positions which he has filled his work has been that of improvement of methods, exposure and punishment of corruption, and rendering effective all branches of the public service with which he has had to do. In the three years of the unexpired term of his predecessor, the following important matters have received the attention of the President: The coal strike of 1902 threatened the well-being of a large part of the population. His prompt personal action in this matter averted much suffering and gave all parties a feeling of security in his sense of justice and his desire for "fair play." He maintained the Monroe Doctrine in questions arising concerning the Venezuelan boundaries, but declined to act as arbitrator in the matter, referring both sides to the international tribunal of the Hague. The granting of self-government to Cuba; the Northern Securities suit; the Alaskan Boundary; the establishment of the U. S. Department of Commerce and Labor; a National policy of irrigation; the reorganization of the army—all these important matters have been settled. His action at the time of the Kishineff atrocities has had an important effect upon the status of the Jews in Russia; and his proposal to the World-Powers that another Conference be called, at the Hague, to consider Peace and International Arbitration, gives promise of most beneficent results.
