I am no great hand at either history or biography, so that the reader of these pages will be spared the usual entertaining biographical details. I am not even aware if Mr. Roosevelt arrived at the White House by way of the traditional Log Cabin, or whether he took a pleasanter, less stony and less circuitous route. It is sufficient for me to have reasonable hearsay evidence that he is there, and that he has filled up frantically every hour of his time since he got there. For the ruler of a great state Mr. Roosevelt is, to say the least, an appealing and exciting figure. He may be said fairly to out-rival anything of the kind that has hitherto been offered us this side of the Atlantic—with one diverting and rhetorical Teutonic exception. In Mr. Roosevelt you have the following popular and captivating elements: He is:— A Dutchman. An American. A Diplomat. A Soldier. A Lawn-Tennis Champion. A Cow-boy. A Big Game Shooter. A Strong Man. An Anti-Malthusian. A Hand-Shaker-of-All-Comers. A Stump Orator. A Spelling Reformer. An Apostle of the Strenuous Life. A Husband. A Father. A Family Man. A Deacon. A Humourist. A Pugilist. A Harriman-hunter. A Hardy Horseman. A Dog Fancier. An Author. A Judge of White Mice. A San Juan Hero. A Nobel Prize Winner. A Statesman of the First Order. A Hustler; and President of the United States of America. Probably it has never been possible to compile such an inventory in favour of any other example of the human species, and when one looks down its massive proportions one is at no loss to understand why the American people consider themselves to be the very finest people on earth and entirely denuded of flies. In a comparatively short if variegated career President Roosevelt has accomplished so much that is extraordinary that one never knows where he is likely to break out afresh. Before his term of office is out he may conceivably become many other things besides those I have listed. It would not surprise me if he turned Vegetarian or King. Nothing is too high for him, nothing too humble, nothing too exceptional or unconventional, nothing too imperial. And withal there is a rugged and stern and solid dignity about him. He wields the big stick throughout his vast dominions, and spanks down evildoers as a housewife spanks down wasps. At home he stands no nonsense; abroad he wants peace, perfect peace, but equally stands no foolery. People of all nations admire him and wave banners over his head and cheer him to the echo. He is a sort of quick-firer, strong in the arm and lively in the head, and built by heaven to rule over the people of the United States.