Jacob A. Riis (1849–1914). Theodore Roosevelt, the Citizen. 1904.
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with him, but he was firm. He suggested several candidates, and one after another they were turned down. Roosevelt had another batch. Murray promised to look them over.
“And if I can’t find one to suit, will you take it then?” he asked. Yes, he would do that, as a last resort.
“But I did n’t look for no other candidate when I had his promise,” says “Joe,” placidly, telling of it. “Good reason: I could n’t find any better, nor as good.”
“Joe” Murray is a politician, but that day he plotted well for his country.
Roosevelt was nominated and began the canvass at once. The boss himself took him around to the saloons that night, to meet “the people.” They began at Valentine Young’s place on Sixth Avenue. Mr. Hess treated and introduced the candidate. Mr. Young was happy. He hoped he was against high license; he, Young, hated it. Now, Roosevelt was attracted by high license and promptly said so and that he would favor it all he could. He gave his reasons. The argument became heated, the saloon-keeper personal. The boss
