Notes from the Editor
In this installment of my editor’s page—written during an uncertain and, for many millions of Americans, disconcerting time in the history of our great nation—I will have Theodore Roosevelt speak for me. On July 13, 1900, on the occasion of the laying of the cornerstone of the Nassau County Courthouse (renamed the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building in 2002), New York Governor Theodore Roosevelt delivered the speech from which all of the following excerpts are taken. Essentially, the subject of TR’s remarks is the central importance of character for our country’s government officials and private citizens alike. (I offer my appreciation to Professor Natalie Naylor, the editor of the Nassau County Historical Society Journal and a contributor on multiple occasions to the Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal, for bringing this speech to my attention.)
There are certain deep questions affecting our civic duty which go far beyond any party opinions so long as we insist that our representatives of whatever faith possess the elementary moralities and decencies. We can’t afford as citizens ever to permit our representatives, least of all those of our own party, whatever that may be, to forget there are certain characteristics we put above theories, that it is our right and duty to insist that every public servant shall show the same qualities of honesty and uprightness as in private and business relations. . . .
Now for the public. . . . If you permit sharp practice it will be your own fault if it is exercised at your expense. The people rule, and as they are or are not determined to have decency in public life, they will see to it.
Free government is not a gift that can be handed out by the celestial powers, but only by hard work under self government, and we must preserve it. . . . And ultimately it is almost of greater importance that the men who do the work should be in touch with us and should respond to what is highest and best in our desires. The old lesson to remember is that the Decalogue and Golden Rule are particularly in place in public life. The public servant must be decent, upright, and honest. All free men are alike in privileges, duties, and responsibilities. The average citizen must be a good husband and father, but he must also observe honesty and decency and honor in public life.
William Tilchin
|