Analyzing Points of View: Theodore Roosevelt's Personality (copy)

White House, Jan. 6, 1903

Dear Kermit:

We felt very melancholy after you and Ted left and the house seemed empty and lonely. But it was the greatest possible comfort to feel that you both really have enjoyed school and are both doing well there.

Tom Quartz is certainly the cunningest kitten I have ever seen. The other evening he crept Speaker of the House, Mr. Cannon, came to call on me. He is an exceedingly solemn, elderly gentleman, and Tom played all kinds of pranks and did not look the least bit solemn. Mr. Cannon, who is the greatest friend of mine said we sat talking over our affairs with great satisfaction, and did not break up until after one o’clock. When he finally left, Tom was sound asleep at the top of the stairs. He had gradually worked his way down when Tom Quartz strolled by. His manner is very dignified and lofty. He spied Mr. Cannon going up and down the stairs and finally he came to the conclusion that he was a playmate and so he chased him. Mr. Delaney has gone away and the cats miss him. The other evening, when the other play was held the way was by Mr. Delaney. Tom changes his position both for comfort and to see who visits me. It is just after lunch. Delaney is cutting my hair while I dictate to Mr. Loeb. He is as usual has his shining head over the back of the chair while I dictate. I am exceedingly uncomfortable if people listen to me while I dictate. He will not care to see until this evening, when he will be able to see the rehearsal of the race or a bear play. If neither of these amusements suit, he will then propose that I tell a pig story or read aloud from the Norse folk tales.

Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt was one of the most powerful presidents of the United States. From his active lifestyle to his commanding leadership, Roosevelt was a strong man. It is surprising that this energetic man was a sickly child. As a boy, he suffered from a condition that made breathing difficult, especially during exercise. Yet, Roosevelt overcame this challenge. He went on to pursue a vigorous lifestyle.

Before becoming president, Roosevelt demonstrated his physical strength and courage during the Spanish-American War. He led the “Rough Riders,” cowboy-like soldiers who rode horses into battle. As president, Roosevelt used his war experience to guide world politics. U.S. military so America could play a more active role in world politics. He directed the United States to follow the “speak softly and carry a big stick” doctrine when dealing with other nations. Under the Monroe Doctrine, he advised the United States to protect Latin America and prevent control from Europe. He oversaw the construction of the Panama Canal, improving trade between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

In contrast to his life in politics, Roosevelt’s home life was filled with fun-loving, relaxed times. He and his wife, Ethel, had six children: Alice, Theodore, Kermit, Edith, Archibald, and Quentin. He was an active and playful father who fought children in the halls! The mood often shifted from lively to calm when his children were separated. He shared his enthusiasm for reading and the outdoors. He cared deeply about the environment and helped create many national parks and game reserves. Together they enjoyed hiking, swimming, and exploring as a family.

Theodore Roosevelt spoke softly at home, lovingly devoted to his family, and he carried a big stick in the world, vigorously devoted to his country.

Yesterday President Roosevelt invited me to take a promenade with him this afternoon at three.

I arrived at the White House punctually, in afternoon dress and silk hat. To my surprise, the President soon joined me in a tramping suit, with knickerbockers and thick boots, and set off at high noon. Two or three other gentlemen came. We started off at what seemed to me a breakneck pace. We were soon out of the city. On reaching the open country, he walked pell-mell over the fields. He did not follow a road or path, always on, on, on! A meal! I was much behind, but I would not give in, nor hat to his wind.

At last we came to the bank of a stream. “We must cross,” said the President, and without hesitation, he forded. I sighed relief because I thought we would rest a moment and catch our breath, but no! We must swim. But judge of my horror when I saw the President wading into the water, holding his shoes and hat in his hand. “We had better swim,” he said. “We had better swim.” I quickly realized, “With your permission, Mr. President, I will keep these clothes on.” And so we jumped into the water and swam across.