Roosevelt put all his faith in the Annual Report of the Civil Service Commission, which would soon become due. It must be so incisive, so powerfully worded, that President Harrison dare not find fault with it; it must serve notice on Congress that Theodore Roosevelt was no mere publicist, but a solid, authoritative Commissioner.

He spent the last days of his thirtieth year working on the report at Sagamore Hill. There was no attempt to consult his colleagues on the Civil Service Commission: he "hardly dare trust" nice, dim Hugh Thompson with such work, and "as for Lyman, he is utterly useless...I wish to Heaven he were off."89 One can almost hear Henry Cabot Lodge sigh as he read those words. After only five months on the Civil Service Commission, Theodore's hunger for absolute power was already asserting itself. One can almost hear Henry Cabot Lodge sigh as he read those words. After only five months on the Civil Service Commission, Theodore's hunger for absolute power was already asserting itself.

At the end of October, Roosevelt returned to Washington and rented the nearest thing to a decent house he could afford. It was about one-tenth the size of Sagamore Hill, but that could not be helped. At least the location was good-at 1820 Jefferson Place, off Connecticut Avenue. The Lodges, who were at last back in town, lived only a stone's throw away. Until Edith joined him at the end of the year, they would see that he did not starve.

He sent his report to the White House on 14 November,90 and plunged into the final rounds of a political battle which had involved him, on and off, since early summer. Two formidable rivals-Thomas B. Reed of Maine and William McKinley of Ohio-were fighting for the Speakership of the House. Roosevelt campaigned for the former, having assured the latter he would one day vote for him as President of the United States. and plunged into the final rounds of a political battle which had involved him, on and off, since early summer. Two formidable rivals-Thomas B. Reed of Maine and William McKinley of Ohio-were fighting for the Speakership of the House. Roosevelt campaigned for the former, having assured the latter he would one day vote for him as President of the United States.91 McKinley "was as pleasant as possible-probably because he considered my support worthless." McKinley "was as pleasant as possible-probably because he considered my support worthless."92 When Congress convened on 2 December, Roosevelt had the satisfaction of seeing Reed elected. In the event of a House investigation, he could now count on the support of the most powerful man on Capitol Hill. A few days later, President Harrison added to his sense of security by approving his report and recommending that the Civil Service Commission's budget be increased. When Congress convened on 2 December, Roosevelt had the satisfaction of seeing Reed elected. In the event of a House investigation, he could now count on the support of the most powerful man on Capitol Hill. A few days later, President Harrison added to his sense of security by approving his report and recommending that the Civil Service Commission's budget be increased.93 Christmas found Roosevelt at Sagamore Hill with "Edie and the blessed Bunnies," wondering, as he unwrapped his presents, if Bamie was going to give him Motley's Letters Letters or Laing's or Laing's Heimskringla. Heimskringla.94 After the holiday he brought his excited family to Washington, installed them at Jefferson Place, and on 30 December read a paper on "Certain Phases of the Westward Movement in the Revolutionary War" to the American Historical Association. After the holiday he brought his excited family to Washington, installed them at Jefferson Place, and on 30 December read a paper on "Certain Phases of the Westward Movement in the Revolutionary War" to the American Historical Association.

What funnily varied lives we do lead, Cabot! We touch two or three little worlds, each profoundly ignorant of the others. Our literary friends have but vague knowledge of our actual political work; and a goodly number of our sporting and social acquaintances know us only as men of good family, one of whom rides to hounds, while the other hunts big game in the Rockies....95

BENJAMIN H HARRISON'S HANDSHAKE was, in the words of one recipient, "so like a wilted petunia" was, in the words of one recipient, "so like a wilted petunia"96 that only a Roosevelt could react warmly to it. The Civil Service Commissioner was noticeably the most ebullient guest at the White House reception on 1 January 1890. He crushed the petunia heartily, and insisted, at some length, that his Chief have a Happy New Year. that only a Roosevelt could react warmly to it. The Civil Service Commissioner was noticeably the most ebullient guest at the White House reception on 1 January 1890. He crushed the petunia heartily, and insisted, at some length, that his Chief have a Happy New Year.97 Sincere or not, Roosevelt's wishes came true. 1890 was indeed a year of honeyed contentment for the President and his Administration. Republicans were firmly in control of Congress, and thousands of party workers had swarmed, despite frantic net-waving by the Civil Service Commission, back into the federal beehive. The Union was richer by four new states (North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Washington), and two more would soon be admitted (Wyoming and Idaho). All six were firmly committed to the GOP. Political prospects could not be more favorable-at least through the November elections-and as for economic indicators, they were almost too good to be true. "Our country's cornucopious bounty seemed to overflow," sighed one Washington matron forty years later. "Never again shall any of us see such abundance and cheapness, such luxurious well-being, as prosperous Americans then enjoyed."98 The new social season, beginning with the President's reception, was correspondingly brilliant and lavish. Roosevelt was already popular enough (even among those Cabinet officers who were his sworn enemies politically) to take his pick of invitations. Delighted to have a young and attractive wife to squire around town, he dined out at least five times a week, going on to all the best suppers and balls. Browsing at random through names dropped in his weekly letters to Bamie, one finds those of the Vice President, the Secretaries of State, War, Navy, and Agriculture, ministers from Great Britain and Germany, a Supreme Court Justice, the Speaker of the House, numerous Senators and Congressmen, the president of the American Historical Association, and two "inoffensive" English peers. While crowding such persons into his own little dining room, Roosevelt was embarrassed at not being able to afford champagne,99 but nobody, so far as he could see, seemed to mind very much. He and Edith calculated their guest-lists "pretty carefully," trying to maintain the right admixture of power, brains, and breeding. but nobody, so far as he could see, seemed to mind very much. He and Edith calculated their guest-lists "pretty carefully," trying to maintain the right admixture of power, brains, and breeding.100 Gradually, as the season progressed, a group of favored friends began to form. Roosevelt was not so much the leader of this group as its most gregarious member, equally at ease with all.101 Towering-literally-above the others was Speaker Reed, all six feet two inches and three hundred pounds of him, a vast, blubbery whale of a man, poised on two flipper-like feet. Reed was the cleverest politician in Washington, and the most domineering: his gong-like voice, which filled every corner of the House with ease, could reduce even Roosevelt to silence. Indeed, there was little to be said when the big man had the floor, for he gave off such waves of authority that few men dared contradict him. Towering-literally-above the others was Speaker Reed, all six feet two inches and three hundred pounds of him, a vast, blubbery whale of a man, poised on two flipper-like feet. Reed was the cleverest politician in Washington, and the most domineering: his gong-like voice, which filled every corner of the House with ease, could reduce even Roosevelt to silence. Indeed, there was little to be said when the big man had the floor, for he gave off such waves of authority that few men dared contradict him.102 That February he had already established himself as one of the great Speakers of the House, having just made his historic ruling against members who refused to stand up and be counted. ("The Chair is making a statement of fact that the gentleman is present. Does the gentleman deny it?" That February he had already established himself as one of the great Speakers of the House, having just made his historic ruling against members who refused to stand up and be counted. ("The Chair is making a statement of fact that the gentleman is present. Does the gentleman deny it?"103) His wit was brilliant and usually cruel. "They never open their mouths," he complained of two House colleagues, "without subtracting from the sum of human knowledge." Asked to attend the funeral of a political enemy, he refused, "but that does not mean to say I do not heartily approve of it."104 Sooner or later Reed, who kept a diary in French and owned the finest private library in Maine, made his political associates aware of their intellectual ordinariness, but by the same token few questioned his leadership. "He does what he likes," wrote Cecil Spring Rice, "without consulting the Administration, which he detests, or his followers, whom he despises." Sooner or later Reed, who kept a diary in French and owned the finest private library in Maine, made his political associates aware of their intellectual ordinariness, but by the same token few questioned his leadership. "He does what he likes," wrote Cecil Spring Rice, "without consulting the Administration, which he detests, or his followers, whom he despises."105 Tom Reed came again and again to the tiny house on Jefferson Place, usually with Congressman Henry Cabot Lodge on his arm. Lodge, in turn, escorted Roosevelt as frequently to Lafayette Square, where two small, rich, bearded men lived side by side in a pair of red Richardson mansions. John Hay and Henry Adams were both fifty-two, and both were completing massive works of American history. They were famous for the excellence of their connections, the brilliance of their conversation, and the quality of the guests they invited to dinner. To be entertained by either (or both, for they were virtually inseparable, and liked to call each other "Only Heart") was to count among the intellectual and social elite of Washington.106 Roosevelt's references gained him instant access to this charmed circle. Roosevelt's references gained him instant access to this charmed circle.

Hay, of course, was an old family friend. Two decades had passed since that windy September night when little Teedie Roosevelt first shook his hand; Hay had subsequently distinguished himself as a diplomat, editor, poet, and Assistant Secretary of State under President Hayes. Now he was parlaying his youthful experiences as secretary to Abraham Lincoln into a ten-volume biography clearly destined for classic status.107 Ill-born but well-married, John Hay was a spectacularly fortunate man. Ill-born but well-married, John Hay was a spectacularly fortunate man.108 Ruddy with reflected glory, sleek with inherited wealth, he was enough of a personality in his own right to escape censure. No man, with the possible exception of Henry Adams, wrote better letters; not even Chauncey Depew could match his after-dinner wit; no charge d'affaires bent more gracefully over a lady's hand, or murmured endearments through such immaculate whiskers. If Hay's hidden lips never quite touched flesh, if he winced when slapped on the back, few were offended, for he associated only with those who understood delicacy and nuance. The son of Mittie Roosevelt understood these things very well, and was therefore cordially received. Ruddy with reflected glory, sleek with inherited wealth, he was enough of a personality in his own right to escape censure. No man, with the possible exception of Henry Adams, wrote better letters; not even Chauncey Depew could match his after-dinner wit; no charge d'affaires bent more gracefully over a lady's hand, or murmured endearments through such immaculate whiskers. If Hay's hidden lips never quite touched flesh, if he winced when slapped on the back, few were offended, for he associated only with those who understood delicacy and nuance. The son of Mittie Roosevelt understood these things very well, and was therefore cordially received.

Henry Adams was rather more formidable. Flap-eared, balding, wizened, secretive, and shy, he looked not unlike one of his own Oriental monkey-carvings. There was also something simian about his behavior, which alternated between bursts of chattering effusiveness and sudden, cataleptic withdrawal. Yet even when sunk nerveless in the depths of a leather armchair, Adams was listening, watching out of the corner of his eye every flicker of activity in his vast drawing room.

It was, perhaps, the most privileged space in the United States, this book-lined chamber with its three huge windows overlooking Lafayette Square. Whichever window one stood at, the White House floated serenely in center frame, as if to remind one that the grandfather and great-grandfather of the little man in the chair had once lived there. Adams himself rarely bothered to glance at the view; he preferred to sit gazing at the marble slabs around his fireplace: "onyx of a sea-green translucency so exquisite as to make my soul yearn..."109 It would be It would be lese-majeste lese-majeste to suggest that he cross the square and pay his respects. Presidents, on the other hand, were welcome to visit him-assuming they could contribute something worthwhile to the conversation. If, like Rutherford B. Hayes, they could not, Adams merely ignored them until they went away. to suggest that he cross the square and pay his respects. Presidents, on the other hand, were welcome to visit him-assuming they could contribute something worthwhile to the conversation. If, like Rutherford B. Hayes, they could not, Adams merely ignored them until they went away.110 It was difficult not to be intimidated by Henry Adams. Not only was his blood the bluest in the land, his wisdom was so profound, and his education (a word he loved to use) so universal, that artists, geologists, poets, politicians, historians, and philosophers deferred to him in their respective fields. Roosevelt had only to glance at the proofs of his nine-volume History of the United States of America, 18011817 History of the United States of America, 18011817, which Adams was then checking, to see that here was learning, grace, and fluidity to which he could not hope to aspire. The Winning of the West The Winning of the West seemed amateurish in comparison. Insofar as a coarse intellect can comprehend a fine one, he had to acknowledge his own inferiority, while preserving a healthy contempt for the older man's vein of "satirical cynicism." seemed amateurish in comparison. Insofar as a coarse intellect can comprehend a fine one, he had to acknowledge his own inferiority, while preserving a healthy contempt for the older man's vein of "satirical cynicism."111 His own robust masculinity sensed a certain feminine reticence, a distaste for action and rough involvement, which rescued him from awe. Years after, he would write of Henry Adams and that other "little emasculated mass of inanity," His own robust masculinity sensed a certain feminine reticence, a distaste for action and rough involvement, which rescued him from awe. Years after, he would write of Henry Adams and that other "little emasculated mass of inanity,"112 Henry James, that they were "charming men, but exceedingly undesirable companions for any man not of strong nature." Henry James, that they were "charming men, but exceedingly undesirable companions for any man not of strong nature."113 Adams, for his part, found Roosevelt repulsively fascinating.114 The young commissioner's vitality was indecent, his finances ridiculous, and he was about as subtle, culturally speaking, as a bull moose; yet there was no denying his originality, and his extraordinary ability to translate thought into deed-with such blinding rapidity, sometimes, that the two seemed to fuse. Roosevelt had "that singular primitive quality that belongs to ultimate matter-the quality that medieval theology assigned to God-he was pure act." The young commissioner's vitality was indecent, his finances ridiculous, and he was about as subtle, culturally speaking, as a bull moose; yet there was no denying his originality, and his extraordinary ability to translate thought into deed-with such blinding rapidity, sometimes, that the two seemed to fuse. Roosevelt had "that singular primitive quality that belongs to ultimate matter-the quality that medieval theology assigned to God-he was pure act."115 He came flying up the steps of 1603 H Street at such a rate that one could sense, as one shrank into one's armchair, the power that drove him. This young man was equally at home on Adams's Oriental hearthrug, the spit-streaked stairway of the Senate, or the sod floor of a cowboy cabin. His self-assurance, as he paced up and down blustering about the "white-livered weaklings" who ran the government, was both amusing and frightening. Adams was to spend the next eleven years waiting for the inevitable moment when Roosevelt moved into the house of his ancestors, marvelling at the momentum, "silent and awful like the Chicago express...of Teddy's luck." He came flying up the steps of 1603 H Street at such a rate that one could sense, as one shrank into one's armchair, the power that drove him. This young man was equally at home on Adams's Oriental hearthrug, the spit-streaked stairway of the Senate, or the sod floor of a cowboy cabin. His self-assurance, as he paced up and down blustering about the "white-livered weaklings" who ran the government, was both amusing and frightening. Adams was to spend the next eleven years waiting for the inevitable moment when Roosevelt moved into the house of his ancestors, marvelling at the momentum, "silent and awful like the Chicago express...of Teddy's luck."116 The other regular visitors to No. 1603 included Cecil Spring Rice, Clarence King, an eccentric, globe-trotting geologist whose conversation was as coruscating as the specimens clinking in his pockets, and John La Farge-tall, sickly, saturnine, a genius in the difficult art of stained glass, and in the even more difficult art of writing about it. Equally brilliant, though taciturn and absent-minded, was the sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. He was then at work on his masterpiece, the memorial to Mrs. Henry Adams in Rock Creek Cemetery.117 Senator James Donald Cameron, beetle-browed and gruff, stopped by often, unaware that he was welcome mainly on account of his young wife, Elizabeth, the most beautiful woman in Washington. (Adams was secretly in love with her; so, to a lesser extent, were Hay and Spring Rice; the three men vied with one another in writing sonnets to her charms.) "Nannie" Cabot Lodge was almost as beautiful as Mrs. Cameron, with her sculptured profile and violet eyes. Famous for her tact, she spent much of her time placating those whom her supercilious husband had offended. Many other rich and talented people crowded Adams's salon for good food, good champagne, and good talk-the best, perhaps, that has ever been heard in Washington. Senator James Donald Cameron, beetle-browed and gruff, stopped by often, unaware that he was welcome mainly on account of his young wife, Elizabeth, the most beautiful woman in Washington. (Adams was secretly in love with her; so, to a lesser extent, were Hay and Spring Rice; the three men vied with one another in writing sonnets to her charms.) "Nannie" Cabot Lodge was almost as beautiful as Mrs. Cameron, with her sculptured profile and violet eyes. Famous for her tact, she spent much of her time placating those whom her supercilious husband had offended. Many other rich and talented people crowded Adams's salon for good food, good champagne, and good talk-the best, perhaps, that has ever been heard in Washington.118 During the season of 1890, Roosevelt's position in this "pleasant gang," as John Hay liked to call it, was distinctly that of junior member. He received more in the way of ideas and entertainment than he could possibly bestow. It may be wondered why he was so immediately popular. Perhaps the clue lies in a remark made by one who did not quite make it into the Adams circle: "There was a vital radiance about the man-a glowing, unfeigned cordiality towards those he liked that was irresistible." Men of essentially cold blood, like Reed and Adams and Lodge, grew dependent upon his warmth, as lizards crave the sun.119 Roosevelt's ascent into the stratosphere of Washington society was not accompanied by any easing of his difficulties as Civil Service Commissioner. If anything, they were worse now Congress was in session, for spoilsmen formed a majority in both Houses.120 President Harrison's request for more money for the Commission met with determined opposition and delay. Meanwhile the agency was so short of clerks it had fallen three months behind in the marking of examination papers. "No department of the Government is run with such absolutely insufficient means as ours," Roosevelt complained to a Congressman, "and I may say also that no officers of corresponding rank to that of the Civil Service Commissioners are so insufficiently paid." President Harrison's request for more money for the Commission met with determined opposition and delay. Meanwhile the agency was so short of clerks it had fallen three months behind in the marking of examination papers. "No department of the Government is run with such absolutely insufficient means as ours," Roosevelt complained to a Congressman, "and I may say also that no officers of corresponding rank to that of the Civil Service Commissioners are so insufficiently paid."121 But the House was more interested in Frank Hatton's now almost daily editorials charging the Commissioners with inefficiency, corruption, and abuse of the law. While trumpeting the Roosevelt/Shidy affair as evidence of gross favoritism, Hatton also accused Commissioner Lyman of employing a relative who trafficked in stolen examination questions. Clearly something had to be done, and on 27 January Congress ordered a full investigation by the House Committee on Reform in the Civil Service. A prominent spoilsman, Representative Hamilton G. Ewart of South Carolina, was appointed prosecutor, and Frank Hatton chosen to assist him. But the House was more interested in Frank Hatton's now almost daily editorials charging the Commissioners with inefficiency, corruption, and abuse of the law. While trumpeting the Roosevelt/Shidy affair as evidence of gross favoritism, Hatton also accused Commissioner Lyman of employing a relative who trafficked in stolen examination questions. Clearly something had to be done, and on 27 January Congress ordered a full investigation by the House Committee on Reform in the Civil Service. A prominent spoilsman, Representative Hamilton G. Ewart of South Carolina, was appointed prosecutor, and Frank Hatton chosen to assist him.122

AS ALWAYS WHEN CONFRONTED with a challenge, Roosevelt instantly took the offensive. He intended so to dominate the hearings that he would be entirely vindicated, and confirmed in the public mind as leader of a just and effective agency. At the preliminary hearing he insisted that any charges against him be separate from those involving Commissioner Lyman. While assuring the committee-repeatedly-that he was "dee-lighted" to be investigated, he "did not want to be tried for other people's faults." with a challenge, Roosevelt instantly took the offensive. He intended so to dominate the hearings that he would be entirely vindicated, and confirmed in the public mind as leader of a just and effective agency. At the preliminary hearing he insisted that any charges against him be separate from those involving Commissioner Lyman. While assuring the committee-repeatedly-that he was "dee-lighted" to be investigated, he "did not want to be tried for other people's faults."123 This was hardly a compliment to his senior colleagues, but instinct told him that Lyman's case was more embarrassing than his own. Frank Hatton, coming face to face with Roosevelt for the first time, was clearly overawed by his pugnacious gestures and snapping teeth. Afterward the editor announced that he had nothing against Roosevelt personally; he merely wished to expose the weaknesses of the Civil Service Commission as presently constituted. Should the agency be reorganized with only one man at its head, "he would be very glad to see Mr. Roosevelt appointed." This was hardly a compliment to his senior colleagues, but instinct told him that Lyman's case was more embarrassing than his own. Frank Hatton, coming face to face with Roosevelt for the first time, was clearly overawed by his pugnacious gestures and snapping teeth. Afterward the editor announced that he had nothing against Roosevelt personally; he merely wished to expose the weaknesses of the Civil Service Commission as presently constituted. Should the agency be reorganized with only one man at its head, "he would be very glad to see Mr. Roosevelt appointed."124 The hearings proper began on 19 February, with a reading of twelve charges indicting the Civil Service Commission of various faults of management and failure to uphold the law. The fourth alleged ...that Theodore Roosevelt, a member of the Commission, secured the appointment of one Hamilton Shidy to a place in the Census Bureau, when it was notoriously known to the said Roosevelt that the said Shidy...had persistently and repeatedly violated his oath of office in making false certifications and in not reporting violations of the Civil Service law by the postmaster at Milwaukee to the Commission at Washington.125 Thanks to a prolonged examination of the charge against Commissioner Lyman, which Roosevelt listened to looking as if he had a bad smell under his nose,126 his own case did not come up for another week. Finally, on the afternoon of Friday, 28 February, Hamilton Shidy was sworn in. his own case did not come up for another week. Finally, on the afternoon of Friday, 28 February, Hamilton Shidy was sworn in.

The hapless clerk confirmed that Roosevelt had promised him protection in exchange for testimony against Postmaster Paul in June 1889. Subsequently "I obtained a position in the Census Office...Mr. Roosevelt being particularly friendly and kindly to me in that respect."127 Sniggers were heard in various parts of the room. Hatton, cross-examining the witness, tricked him into admitting that if he was again asked by a corrupt superior to falsify government records, he would again do so. This was a blow to Roosevelt, who had hoped that Shidy's moral character would stand up to scrutiny. "I do not care to talk to you any more," he told him afterward. "You have cut your own throat." Sniggers were heard in various parts of the room. Hatton, cross-examining the witness, tricked him into admitting that if he was again asked by a corrupt superior to falsify government records, he would again do so. This was a blow to Roosevelt, who had hoped that Shidy's moral character would stand up to scrutiny. "I do not care to talk to you any more," he told him afterward. "You have cut your own throat."128 Hatton made the most of Roosevelt's discomfiture in huge, front-page headlines next morning: SHIDY PROVES TO BE BOTH A SCOUNDRELAND A FOOL-And Roosevelt, knowing his Infamous Character, Forced him into an Important Position

THE MOST SHAMEFUL TESTIMONY EVER OFFERED.

Even Roosevelt Hung his Head in ShameAs the Disgraceful Story was Unfolded.129 When the hearings resumed on 1 March, Robert B. Porter, Superintendent of the Census, took the stand. In response to questioning by Prosecutor Ewart, he testified that Roosevelt had once approached him on behalf of a Milwaukee man who had been "unjustly dismissed" for helping the Civil Service Commission with their work, "and he asked if I could find a place in my office for such a man."130 But Roosevelt had not said a word about Shidy's misdeeds. But Roosevelt had not said a word about Shidy's misdeeds.

EWART.

If Mr. Roosevelt had told you that this man had persistently violated the law, had stuffed the lists of eligibles, had mutilated the records and made false certifications, would you have appointed him in your bureau? If Mr. Roosevelt had told you that this man had persistently violated the law, had stuffed the lists of eligibles, had mutilated the records and made false certifications, would you have appointed him in your bureau?

PORTER.

I certainly should not. I certainly should not.

EWART.

I know you would not! I know you would not!

Aware that things were not going too well, Roosevelt jumped to his feet.

ROOSEVELT.

You knew I had made a report on the subject? You knew I had made a report on the subject?

PORTER.

I knew that- I knew that- ROOSEVELT.

And that Shidy and Paul were implicated in that report, and the report was public and that the Postmaster-General had in writing indicated to you his approval of Shidy's transfer, he having known all about my report and having acted upon it? And that Shidy and Paul were implicated in that report, and the report was public and that the Postmaster-General had in writing indicated to you his approval of Shidy's transfer, he having known all about my report and having acted upon it?

PORTER.

That is true, I think. That is true, I think.131

There was a stir in the room. Roosevelt was clearly willing to drag John Wanamaker into the proceedings. Porter, thoroughly alarmed now, refused to say anything more that might offend the Civil Service Commissioner.

Roosevelt replaced him on the stand and launched into "a brief statement." The next four pages of the printed transcript, hitherto well splotched with white space, are a solid gray mass of impassioned speech. Speaking with such explosive vigor his spectacles seemed in constant danger of falling off, the Commissioner declared that Shidy had been protected only "because he had done right in trying to atone for his wrongdoing." Both Porter and Wanamaker had agreed to the transfer, and both must have been aware of Shidy's record, since the Milwaukee report "had been spread-broadcast-through the press." As for himself, said Roosevelt, his conscience was clear. "The Government must must protect its witnesses who are being persecuted for telling the truth." protect its witnesses who are being persecuted for telling the truth."132 In an openly hostile cross-examination, Ewart harped on the undeniable fact that Roosevelt had glossed over Shidy's background when negotiating his transfer. The witness grew flustered.

EWART.

When a man commits perjury...and when he confesses he has made false certifications and has persistently and repeatedly violated the law, is it your belief as a Civil Service Reformer...that he should be reinstated in office? When a man commits perjury...and when he confesses he has made false certifications and has persistently and repeatedly violated the law, is it your belief as a Civil Service Reformer...that he should be reinstated in office?

ROOSEVELT.

Do you mean in the same position? Do you mean in the same position?

EWART.

The same position, or any position in Government. The same position, or any position in Government.

ROOSEVELT.

That would depend on the circumstances of the case. That would depend on the circumstances of the case.

EWART.

Take the circumstances of the Shidy case. Take the circumstances of the Shidy case.

ROOSEVELT.

I mean to say my action was right in the Shidy case I mean to say my action was right in the Shidy case ... (to the committee, gesticulating) ... (to the committee, gesticulating) Mr. Ewart is evidently wishing me to state that if these circumstances arose I would not act as I did then, giving the impression that I was sorry for what I had done. On the contrary, I think I was precisely right, and I am glad I took that stand. Mr. Ewart is evidently wishing me to state that if these circumstances arose I would not act as I did then, giving the impression that I was sorry for what I had done. On the contrary, I think I was precisely right, and I am glad I took that stand.133

This last declaration, with its rhythmic use of the personal pronoun, has a familiar ring to students of the later Roosevelt. Many times, as he grew older and more set in his ways, he would protest the moral rightness of his decisions; justice was justice "because I did it."134

THE CROSS-EXAMINATION continued. How did Roosevelt continued. How did Roosevelt know know the Postmaster General had been familiar with his report? "I did not read it aloud to him," Roosevelt replied sarcastically, "but he had acted upon it, and the presumption is fair that he had read it." Commissioner Thompson stood up to make a statement of full support for Roosevelt's actions. But before the old man could say much, the door of the hearing room flew open and in strode John Wanamaker. the Postmaster General had been familiar with his report? "I did not read it aloud to him," Roosevelt replied sarcastically, "but he had acted upon it, and the presumption is fair that he had read it." Commissioner Thompson stood up to make a statement of full support for Roosevelt's actions. But before the old man could say much, the door of the hearing room flew open and in strode John Wanamaker.135 The Postmaster General was hurriedly sworn. Although wreathed in smiles as usual, he did not relish being implicated in Roosevelt's testimony, and wished to make it clear that he had been an innocent party to the transfer. Roosevelt had spoken so glowingly of Shidy that he had been happy to agree. "I always express myself as pleased if employment is given to a person that Roosevelt might recommend."136 If he had only known the If he had only known the truth truth about Shidy, of course... about Shidy, of course...

Stung, Roosevelt leaped to the attack.

ROOSEVELT.

All these facts...are in a report that we made to the President of the United States on this matter. You had that report, and had acted upon it, had you not? All these facts...are in a report that we made to the President of the United States on this matter. You had that report, and had acted upon it, had you not?

WANAMAKER.

We had the report. We had the report.

ROOSEVELT.

And you had acted upon it, had you not? And you had acted upon it, had you not?

WANAMAKER.

How do you mean, "acted upon it"? How do you mean, "acted upon it"?

ROOSEVELT.

You referred to it...in your letter notifying Mr. Paul that you had accepted his resignation. If there is any doubt in your mind, you can produce the letter, I presume? You referred to it...in your letter notifying Mr. Paul that you had accepted his resignation. If there is any doubt in your mind, you can produce the letter, I presume?

WANAMAKER.

I cannot say how much influence the Civil Service report had upon me... I cannot say how much influence the Civil Service report had upon me...

ROOSEVELT.

Would you send a copy of the letter?...My memory is very clear that in that letter you referred to this report. Would you send a copy of the letter?...My memory is very clear that in that letter you referred to this report.

WANAMAKER.

I will furnish it with pleasure. I will furnish it with pleasure.137

The letter was duly furnished, but with little pleasure, for it proved the accuracy of Roosevelt's memory, as opposed to Wanamaker's convenient amnesia.

Although the hearings dragged on for another week, neither Hatton nor Ewart was able to uncover any evidence of maladministration by the Civil Service Commission. There was a series of interminable examinations by Roosevelt of George H. Paul, who had been brought in from Milwaukee especially for that purpose. The humiliated ex-postmaster sat for three days in his chair, helpless as a trussed turkey, while Roosevelt determinedly pulled out his feathers, one by one. Squawks of protest-that Paul had given all this testimony before and had already suffered amply for it-went unheeded. Roosevelt seemed determined to show the committee what an angry Civil Service Commissioner looked like in action. Not until late in the afternoon of Friday, 7 March, did the chairman tactfully suggest that enough was enough.138

EVEN BEFORE the committee filed its formal report, it was plain that Roosevelt had scored a personal triumph. He had dominated the hearings from the first day to the last, and had somehow managed to arouse sympathy for his patronage of "Shady Shidy," as that gentleman was now known. His prestige as Civil Service Commissioner had been greatly enhanced, at the expense of the discredited Lyman and the reticent Thompson. The committee was rumored to be in favor of recommending the creation of a single-headed Commission, with himself the obvious choice as chief, but Roosevelt, surprisingly, opposed this idea, saying that it was attractive but premature. To put a Republican in sole control, he argued, would compromise the Commission's non-partisan image and make it vulnerable to changing majorities in Congress. the committee filed its formal report, it was plain that Roosevelt had scored a personal triumph. He had dominated the hearings from the first day to the last, and had somehow managed to arouse sympathy for his patronage of "Shady Shidy," as that gentleman was now known. His prestige as Civil Service Commissioner had been greatly enhanced, at the expense of the discredited Lyman and the reticent Thompson. The committee was rumored to be in favor of recommending the creation of a single-headed Commission, with himself the obvious choice as chief, but Roosevelt, surprisingly, opposed this idea, saying that it was attractive but premature. To put a Republican in sole control, he argued, would compromise the Commission's non-partisan image and make it vulnerable to changing majorities in Congress.139 This was true enough, but sophisticated observers could detect signs of a larger, more long-term ambition in Roosevelt's modesty. He already had all the power the inadequate Civil Service Law allowed him; killing two colleagues off would not increase it. At thirty-one, he could afford to wait a few more years for real power. This was true enough, but sophisticated observers could detect signs of a larger, more long-term ambition in Roosevelt's modesty. He already had all the power the inadequate Civil Service Law allowed him; killing two colleagues off would not increase it. At thirty-one, he could afford to wait a few more years for real power.

Roosevelt himself admitted, later in life, that it was about this time that he began to cast thoughtful eyes upon 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. "I used to walk by the White House, and my heart would beat a little faster as the thought came to me that possibly-possibly-I would some day occupy it as President."140 Jeremiah Curtin, the translator of Sienkiewicz, happened to catch him in the act one day, during a visit to the White House with Representative Frederick T. Greenhalge of the House Civil Service Committee. "That man," said Curtin, "looks precisely as if he had examined the building and, finding it to his liking, had made up his mind to inhabit it." "I must make you acquainted with him," replied Green-halge. "But first listen to a prophecy: when he wants this house he will get it. He will yet live here as President." Jeremiah Curtin, the translator of Sienkiewicz, happened to catch him in the act one day, during a visit to the White House with Representative Frederick T. Greenhalge of the House Civil Service Committee. "That man," said Curtin, "looks precisely as if he had examined the building and, finding it to his liking, had made up his mind to inhabit it." "I must make you acquainted with him," replied Green-halge. "But first listen to a prophecy: when he wants this house he will get it. He will yet live here as President."141

MARCH MERGED INTO A APRIL, April into May, but the committee, plagued by absenteeism, kept postponing its report. Roosevelt grew impatient and nervous. "It is very important that the present Commission be given an absolutely clean bill of health...a verdict against us is a verdict against the reform and against decency."142 Frank Hatton, too, seemed bothered by the suspense; his editorial attacks on Roosevelt grew hysterical. "This scion of 'better blood,'" he raged, "this pampered pink of inherited wealth...this seven months' child of conceited imbecility [is] a sham, a pretender and a fraud as a reformer and a failure as a business man." Eventually the flow of vituperation ceased. "The Frank Hatton, too, seemed bothered by the suspense; his editorial attacks on Roosevelt grew hysterical. "This scion of 'better blood,'" he raged, "this pampered pink of inherited wealth...this seven months' child of conceited imbecility [is] a sham, a pretender and a fraud as a reformer and a failure as a business man." Eventually the flow of vituperation ceased. "The Post... Post... having passed the pestiferous Roosevelt between its thumb-nails, drops him and awaits the report of the investigating committee." having passed the pestiferous Roosevelt between its thumb-nails, drops him and awaits the report of the investigating committee."143 As usual in times of stress, Roosevelt distracted himself with literature, and worked doggedly on his long-postponed history of New York City. "How I regret ever having undertaken it!" By way of relaxation he wrote three or four hunting pieces for Century Century, and, by way of duty, some very dull articles on Civil Service Reform. He apologized to George Haven Putnam for having to abandon-temporarily-Volumes Three and Four of his magnum opus magnum opus. "I half wish I was out of this Civil Service Commission work, for I can't do satisfactorily with The Winning of the West The Winning of the West until I am; but I suppose I ought really to stand by it for at least a couple of years." until I am; but I suppose I ought really to stand by it for at least a couple of years."144

HE SPENT ONE of the most important weekends of his life on 10 and 11 May, reading from cover to cover Alfred Thayer Mahan's new book, of the most important weekends of his life on 10 and 11 May, reading from cover to cover Alfred Thayer Mahan's new book, The Influence of Sea Power upon History. The Influence of Sea Power upon History.145 Since the publication of his own Since the publication of his own Naval War of 1812 Naval War of 1812 he had considered himself an expert on this very subject, and had argued, passionately but vaguely, that modernization of the fleet must keep pace with the industrialization of the economy. But he had never questioned America's traditional naval strategy, based on a combination of coastal defense and commercial raiding. Now Mahan extended and clarified his vision, showing that real national security-and international greatness-could only be attained by building more and bigger ships and deploying them farther abroad. While advocating the constant growth of the American Navy, Mahan paradoxically insisted that its power be concentrated at various "pressure points" which controlled the circulation of global commerce. By striking quickly and sharply at any of these nerve centers, the United States could paralyze whole oceans. Mahan supported his thesis with brilliant analyses of the strategies of Nelson and Napoleon, proving that navies could be more effective than armies in determining the relative strength of nations. He also explained the intricate relationships between political power and sea power, warfare and economics, geography and technology. Roosevelt flipped the book shut a changed man. So, as it happened, did Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, when he read it-not to mention various Lords of the British and Japanese Admiralties, and officials throughout the Navy Department of the United States. More than any other strategic philosopher, Alfred Thayer Mahan was responsible for the naval buildup which preoccupied these four nations at the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries; more than any other world leader of the period, Theodore Roosevelt would glory in he had considered himself an expert on this very subject, and had argued, passionately but vaguely, that modernization of the fleet must keep pace with the industrialization of the economy. But he had never questioned America's traditional naval strategy, based on a combination of coastal defense and commercial raiding. Now Mahan extended and clarified his vision, showing that real national security-and international greatness-could only be attained by building more and bigger ships and deploying them farther abroad. While advocating the constant growth of the American Navy, Mahan paradoxically insisted that its power be concentrated at various "pressure points" which controlled the circulation of global commerce. By striking quickly and sharply at any of these nerve centers, the United States could paralyze whole oceans. Mahan supported his thesis with brilliant analyses of the strategies of Nelson and Napoleon, proving that navies could be more effective than armies in determining the relative strength of nations. He also explained the intricate relationships between political power and sea power, warfare and economics, geography and technology. Roosevelt flipped the book shut a changed man. So, as it happened, did Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, when he read it-not to mention various Lords of the British and Japanese Admiralties, and officials throughout the Navy Department of the United States. More than any other strategic philosopher, Alfred Thayer Mahan was responsible for the naval buildup which preoccupied these four nations at the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries; more than any other world leader of the period, Theodore Roosevelt would glory in The Influence of Sea Power upon History The Influence of Sea Power upon History, both as a title and as a fact.146

THE REPORT OF the House committee's investigation, filed 13 June 1890, stated that "the public service has been greatly benefited, and the law, on the whole, well-executed" by all three Commissioners. Charles Lyman was mildly censured for a certain "laxity of discipline" in administrative affairs, while his colleagues received unqualified praise. "We find that Commissioners Roosevelt and Thompson have discharged their duties with entire fidelity and integrity," the document stated. the House committee's investigation, filed 13 June 1890, stated that "the public service has been greatly benefited, and the law, on the whole, well-executed" by all three Commissioners. Charles Lyman was mildly censured for a certain "laxity of discipline" in administrative affairs, while his colleagues received unqualified praise. "We find that Commissioners Roosevelt and Thompson have discharged their duties with entire fidelity and integrity," the document stated.147 "WHITEWASH!" screamed the "WHITEWASH!" screamed the Washington Post Washington Post, but most press comment was approving. The New York Times The New York Times and and Evening Post Evening Post went so far as to criticize President Harrison and Postmaster General Wanamaker for not supporting the Civil Service Commission. Roosevelt returned with some relief to bureaucratic work. went so far as to criticize President Harrison and Postmaster General Wanamaker for not supporting the Civil Service Commission. Roosevelt returned with some relief to bureaucratic work.148 During his first year in office he had attracted a greater glare of publicity than his eight predecessors put together. It was time to retire temporarily to the wings before he was accused of hogging the footlights. Already the During his first year in office he had attracted a greater glare of publicity than his eight predecessors put together. It was time to retire temporarily to the wings before he was accused of hogging the footlights. Already the Saturday Globe Saturday Globe was warning: "There is, perhaps, no man in the country more ambitious than this young New York politician." was warning: "There is, perhaps, no man in the country more ambitious than this young New York politician."149 Once again Washington began to drowse in summer heat. Edith and the children returned to Sagamore Hill; Cecil Spring Rice fled for the cool shores of Massachusetts; Henry Adams prepared to depart for the South Seas. Congress remained in session, with Speaker Reed presiding over the House in flannels and canvas shoes, a yellow scarf around his enormous waist.150 Roosevelt went to Oyster Bay as often as he could, but pressure of work (for the Commission was still backlogged) continually drew him back. He managed to finish his Roosevelt went to Oyster Bay as often as he could, but pressure of work (for the Commission was still backlogged) continually drew him back. He managed to finish his "very "very commonplace little book" on New York by the beginning of August, and spent the next three weeks feverishly trying to clear his desk. Another Western trip was in the offing, this time to Yellowstone, which he wished to inspect on behalf of the Boone & Crockett Club, but administrative difficulties nearly made him cancel it. "Oh, Heaven, if the President had a little backbone, and if the Senators did not have flannel legs!" commonplace little book" on New York by the beginning of August, and spent the next three weeks feverishly trying to clear his desk. Another Western trip was in the offing, this time to Yellowstone, which he wished to inspect on behalf of the Boone & Crockett Club, but administrative difficulties nearly made him cancel it. "Oh, Heaven, if the President had a little backbone, and if the Senators did not have flannel legs!"151 The first of September found Roosevelt in a large family party, including his wife and two sisters, heading West to Medora and the Rockies. Impressed as he was by the splendors of Yellowstone, he reserved his most admiring adjectives for Edith. The sight of that demure, book-loving lady cantering across the prairie on a wiry horse seemed to have shocked him into a renewed awareness of her charms. "She looks just as well and young and pretty as she did four years ago when I married her...she is as healthy as possible, and so young-looking and slender to be the mother of those two sturdy little scamps, Ted and Kermit."152

WASHINGTON WAS STILL deserted when he got back there in early October. Benjamin Harrison was at home, however, so Roosevelt paid a friendly call. Harrison, who had gotten into the habit of drumming his fingers nervously during their interviews, gave him a frigid reception. Evidently the White House wanted to have nothing further to do with Civil Service Reform. "Damn the President! He is a cold-blooded, narrow-minded, prejudiced, obstinate, timid old psalm-singing Indianapolis politician." deserted when he got back there in early October. Benjamin Harrison was at home, however, so Roosevelt paid a friendly call. Harrison, who had gotten into the habit of drumming his fingers nervously during their interviews, gave him a frigid reception. Evidently the White House wanted to have nothing further to do with Civil Service Reform. "Damn the President! He is a cold-blooded, narrow-minded, prejudiced, obstinate, timid old psalm-singing Indianapolis politician."153 The November Congressional elections were disastrous for the Republican party, due mainly to an unpopular tariff measure which William McKinley had pushed into law at the end of the last session. With prices on manufactured goods rising daily, voters threw the culprit out of office-severely damaging his presidential prospects-and filled the House with the largest Democratic majority in history.154 Roosevelt, who had never liked the McKinley bill, began to mutter dire predictions about Cleveland recapturing the White House in 1892. But with his family reinstalled in town, and Henry Cabot Lodge by great luck returned to Congress, he found it impossible to be gloomy. Indeed, Roosevelt was conspicuously the most cheerful Republican in Washington that winter. "He continues to wear the nattiest and most stylish grey trousers, and the most boyish hat he can buy," reported a local correspondent, "and he whistles jovially as he legs it down to the rooms of the Civil Service Commission." Roosevelt, who had never liked the McKinley bill, began to mutter dire predictions about Cleveland recapturing the White House in 1892. But with his family reinstalled in town, and Henry Cabot Lodge by great luck returned to Congress, he found it impossible to be gloomy. Indeed, Roosevelt was conspicuously the most cheerful Republican in Washington that winter. "He continues to wear the nattiest and most stylish grey trousers, and the most boyish hat he can buy," reported a local correspondent, "and he whistles jovially as he legs it down to the rooms of the Civil Service Commission."155 Christmas was spent at 1820 Jefferson Place, and Roosevelt rejoiced in the event as much as any of his children: Such nice stockings, with such an entrancing way of revealing in their bulging outline the promise of what was inside! They burrowed into them with their eager, chubby little hands, and hailed each new treasure with shouts of delight. Then after breakfast we all walked into the room where the big toys, so many of them! were, on the tables; and I suppose Alice and Ted came as near to realizing the feelings of those who enter Paradise as they ever will on this earth.156 That, according to his old friend Mrs. Winthrop Chanler, was the essence of Theodore Roosevelt, at least during his early years in Washington. "Life was the unpacking of an endless Christmas stocking."157

"He is evidently a maniac morally no less than mentally."

Elliott Roosevelt about the time of his marriage to Anna Hall. (Illustration 16.2)

CHAPTER 17.

The Dear Old Beloved Brother In his house this malcontentCould the King no longer bear.

IN J JANUARY 1891 Roosevelt was forced to turn his attention to "a nightmare of horror" Roosevelt was forced to turn his attention to "a nightmare of horror"1 that had been brooding over him for at least three years. His preoccupation with literature, politics, and his own immediate family had caused him to ignore warnings that Elliott Roosevelt was determinedly drinking himself to death. The two brothers, so close in youth, had recently seen very little of each other. Twenty miles of country road, and a yawning social gulf, separated their respective Long Island establishments. At Sagamore Hill the talk was of books and public affairs; at Hempstead, of parties, fashions, and horseflesh. On the rare occasions when the brothers met, friends were struck by the reversal of their teenage roles: where once Theodore had been sickly and solitary, and Elliott an effulgent Apollo, now it was the elder who glowed, and the younger who was wasting away. that had been brooding over him for at least three years. His preoccupation with literature, politics, and his own immediate family had caused him to ignore warnings that Elliott Roosevelt was determinedly drinking himself to death. The two brothers, so close in youth, had recently seen very little of each other. Twenty miles of country road, and a yawning social gulf, separated their respective Long Island establishments. At Sagamore Hill the talk was of books and public affairs; at Hempstead, of parties, fashions, and horseflesh. On the rare occasions when the brothers met, friends were struck by the reversal of their teenage roles: where once Theodore had been sickly and solitary, and Elliott an effulgent Apollo, now it was the elder who glowed, and the younger who was wasting away.2 It is difficult to say whether Elliott Roosevelt was victim or culprit in his own decline. His misfortunes were physical as well as psychological. Since puberty he had been afflicted with semiepileptic seizures, usually brought on by stress, and when still adolescent discovered that alcohol was an effective depressant.3 Long before his twenty-first birthday, Elliott was drinking heavily, although his good looks and athletic bearing tended to disguise the fact. After marrying the beautiful but (in Theodore's view) "utterly frivolous" Anna Hall, Long before his twenty-first birthday, Elliott was drinking heavily, although his good looks and athletic bearing tended to disguise the fact. After marrying the beautiful but (in Theodore's view) "utterly frivolous" Anna Hall,4 he had become a confirmed alcoholic. Withdrawal from drink after binges only worsened his tendency to epilepsy. A series of inexplicable sporting accidents, which may have been caused by seizures, progressively wrecked his health. The most serious of these-a fall from a trapeze during amateur theatricals in 1888-temporarily crippled his leg, and he became dependent on laudanum and morphine during the agony of recuperation. There had been a complete physical collapse in 1889, followed by such desperate drinking during the early part of 1890 as to shock even himself into awareness of his impending doom. Swearing never to touch alcohol again, he left the United States for Europe that summer, taking his wife, six-year-old daughter, and baby son with him. he had become a confirmed alcoholic. Withdrawal from drink after binges only worsened his tendency to epilepsy. A series of inexplicable sporting accidents, which may have been caused by seizures, progressively wrecked his health. The most serious of these-a fall from a trapeze during amateur theatricals in 1888-temporarily crippled his leg, and he became dependent on laudanum and morphine during the agony of recuperation. There had been a complete physical collapse in 1889, followed by such desperate drinking during the early part of 1890 as to shock even himself into awareness of his impending doom. Swearing never to touch alcohol again, he left the United States for Europe that summer, taking his wife, six-year-old daughter, and baby son with him.5 From Vienna, in September 1890, came news of the inevitable relapse, followed shortly before Christmas by a From Vienna, in September 1890, came news of the inevitable relapse, followed shortly before Christmas by a cri de coeur cri de coeur from Anna. from Anna.6 She was pregnant again, and was afraid of spending the winter alone with her unstable husband. If Bamie-ever-willing, ever-capable Bamie-would come over and look after her, Elliott could surely be persuaded to enter a sanitarium for treatment. By the time the baby was born he should be decently dried out, and they could all return happily to New York in time for the next social season. She was pregnant again, and was afraid of spending the winter alone with her unstable husband. If Bamie-ever-willing, ever-capable Bamie-would come over and look after her, Elliott could surely be persuaded to enter a sanitarium for treatment. By the time the baby was born he should be decently dried out, and they could all return happily to New York in time for the next social season.

Although Theodore considered Anna's optimism "thoroughly Chinese," he did see the advisability of Bamie's presence in Vienna.7 But no sooner had he given his official permission, as head of the family, than a bombshell announcement, on legal stationery, arrived from New York. His brother's seed, apparently, was also sprouting in the body of a servant girl named Katy Mann. She claimed to have been seduced by Elliott shortly before his departure for Europe, and threatened a public scandal if she did not receive financial compensation for her pregnancy. But no sooner had he given his official permission, as head of the family, than a bombshell announcement, on legal stationery, arrived from New York. His brother's seed, apparently, was also sprouting in the body of a servant girl named Katy Mann. She claimed to have been seduced by Elliott shortly before his departure for Europe, and threatened a public scandal if she did not receive financial compensation for her pregnancy.8 Roosevelt's reaction to this "hideous revelation" was entirely characteristic. "Of course he was insane when he did it."9 Alcoholism he believed to be a disease that could be treated and cured. But infidelity was a crime, pure and simple; it could be neither forgiven nor understood, save as an act of madness. It was an offense against order, decency, against civilization; it was a desecration of the holy marriage-bed. By reducing himself to the level of a "flagrant man-swine," Elliott had forfeited all claim to his wife and children. For Anna to continue to live with him now would be "little short of criminal," he told Bamie. "She ought not to have any more children, and those she has should be brought up away from him." Alcoholism he believed to be a disease that could be treated and cured. But infidelity was a crime, pure and simple; it could be neither forgiven nor understood, save as an act of madness. It was an offense against order, decency, against civilization; it was a desecration of the holy marriage-bed. By reducing himself to the level of a "flagrant man-swine," Elliott had forfeited all claim to his wife and children. For Anna to continue to live with him now would be "little short of criminal," he told Bamie. "She ought not to have any more children, and those she has should be brought up away from him."10 Were it not for Anna's present delicate condition (she was a frail person at the best of times), Theodore would no doubt have ordered Bamie to fetch her home at once. There was nothing to do but let Bamie go over as planned and privately confront Elliott with the news. If nothing else, it might sober him up long enough to commit himself to a sanitarium for treatment. Such an act of voluntary self-incarceration, wrote Theodore, "will serve to explain and atone for what cannot otherwise ever be explained." As souls pass through Purgatory in order to wash away sin, so, presumably, could a repentant Elliott redeem his fit of "insanity."11 In the meantime Theodore and the lawyers would await the birth of Katy Mann's baby; should any Roosevelt blood be identifiable in it, they would pay her whatever hush-money was necessary. In the meantime Theodore and the lawyers would await the birth of Katy Mann's baby; should any Roosevelt blood be identifiable in it, they would pay her whatever hush-money was necessary.12 Bamie sailed for Europe in early February 1891. While she was still on the high seas, Theodore received an affectionate and unsuspecting letter from Elliott. Despite his newfound contempt for "the dear old beloved brother," memories of their happy closeness in the past crowded in on him, and he sank into the deepest gloom. "It is horrible, awful; it is like a brooding nightmare. If it was mere death one could stand it; it is the shame that is so fearful."13 Much of the "shame," of course, was his own: he felt acute distaste for the role he had inherited as go-between in a shabby paternity suit. If it ever got out that the Civil Service Commissioner was involved in blackmail payments, Frank Hatton would annihilate him. But he saw no other way of protecting his family from a catastrophic scandal. Much of the "shame," of course, was his own: he felt acute distaste for the role he had inherited as go-between in a shabby paternity suit. If it ever got out that the Civil Service Commissioner was involved in blackmail payments, Frank Hatton would annihilate him. But he saw no other way of protecting his family from a catastrophic scandal.

At the end of February, Bamie wrote to say that Elliott, surprisingly, had already placed himself in the Marien Grund Sanctuary at Graz. He was in a highly excitable state, bursting into tears at the slightest hint of disapproval, so she would wait until he was stronger before telling him about Katy Mann. The incarceration was to last three months. Although Theodore was pessimistic about the effects of so short a stay in so luxurious a retreat, he was relieved for Anna's sake-"Elliott is purely secondary."14 With neither of his brother's babies due until the spring, With neither of his brother's babies due until the spring,15 he could devote his full attention to Civil Service matters. he could devote his full attention to Civil Service matters.

IT HAPPENED THAT Roosevelt's family troubles during the early part of 1891 coincided with a period of renewed political difficulties. At times he felt he was "battling with everybody...the little gray man in the White House looking on with cold and hesitating disapproval." Roosevelt's family troubles during the early part of 1891 coincided with a period of renewed political difficulties. At times he felt he was "battling with everybody...the little gray man in the White House looking on with cold and hesitating disapproval."16 The struggle was provoked by his efforts to extend the classification of the Civil Service to all offices in the Indian Bureau. Rioting by Sioux in South Dakota reservations, where maladministration and corruption were rife, had forced him to rethink his old paternal attitudes to the red man, and he now tried to persuade Administration officials that Indians should take part wherever possible in agency affairs. "I should take the civilized members of the different tribes and put them to work in instructing their fellows in farming, blacksmithing and the like, and should extend the present system of paid Indian judges and police." But the officials were apathetic, and President Harrison flatly refused to admit that conditions on the reservations were bad. The struggle was provoked by his efforts to extend the classification of the Civil Service to all offices in the Indian Bureau. Rioting by Sioux in South Dakota reservations, where maladministration and corruption were rife, had forced him to rethink his old paternal attitudes to the red man, and he now tried to persuade Administration officials that Indians should take part wherever possible in agency affairs. "I should take the civilized members of the different tribes and put them to work in instructing their fellows in farming, blacksmithing and the like, and should extend the present system of paid Indian judges and police." But the officials were apathetic, and President Harrison flatly refused to admit that conditions on the reservations were bad.17 February saw the usual appropriations crisis in Congress. Republican spoilsmen lobbied to such good effect that for two days the Civil Service Commission was in danger of losing its entire operating budget. Speaker Reed had to use his massive personal influence before the funds were voted on 14 February.18 With the departure of Congress in early March, pressure on the Civil Service Commission finally eased, and Roosevelt found himself with little official work to do. His thoughts began to drift toward literature again, for the first reviews of his History of the City of New York History of the City of New York19 were flowing in from both sides of the Atlantic. were flowing in from both sides of the Atlantic.

THE B BRITISH CRITICS were complimentary, if not enthusiastic. It was felt that Roosevelt had done as well as could be expected, given the largeness of his subject and the limitations of his space. were complimentary, if not enthusiastic. It was felt that Roosevelt had done as well as could be expected, given the largeness of his subject and the limitations of his space. New York New York was "pleasantly written," remarked the was "pleasantly written," remarked the Spectator Spectator, but as a story it was not inspiring. Roosevelt had been unable to prove that the city's rapid growth had been to any good purpose. "An hour in New York suffices to inform the observing foreigner that it is among the worst-governed, worst-paved, worst-built, and worst-ordered cities in the world." Still, one had to admire Roosevelt's condemnation of municipal corruption and his freedom from "any trace of Chauvinism."20 It was left to an American periodical, the Nation Nation, to point out that on the contrary Roosevelt was very chauvinistic indeed. The anonymous reviewer sounded a complaint that would be heard with increasing frequency during the next ten years: "Mr. Roosevelt preaches too much. He lays down the singular proposition that a feeling of broad, radical, intense Americanism is necessary if good work is to be done in any direction...The sooner we get over talking about 'American' systems of philosophy, and ethics, and art, and devote ourselves to what is true, and right, and beautiful, the sooner we shall shake off our provincialism."21 The most that can be said of New York New York today is that it is a piece of honorable hackwork, tightly written, unflawed by any trace of originality. One or two passages are of semiautobiographical interest (Roosevelt can never resist injecting himself and his personal opinions into a historical narrative), and his command of urban details is at least as impressive as that of Western material in his earlier histories. The section dealing with the unprecedented tidal wave of immigration that battered New York after the War of 1812 is an early example of Roosevelt's fascination with "ethnic turnover," as he called it. "The public-school system and the all-pervading energy of American life proved too severe solvents to be resisted even by the German tenacity...The children of the first generation were half, and the grandchildren in most cases wholly, Americanized-to their own inestimable advantage." There is also a characteristic passage that describes policemen attacking the Draft Rioters "with the most wholesome intent to do them physical harm." Thirty rioters were slain "-an admirable object-lesson to the remainder." today is that it is a piece of honorable hackwork, tightly written, unflawed by any trace of originality. One or two passages are of semiautobiographical interest (Roosevelt can never resist injecting himself and his personal opinions into a historical narrative), and his command of urban details is at least as impressive as that of Western material in his earlier histories. The section dealing with the unprecedented tidal wave of immigration that battered New York after the War of 1812 is an early example of Roosevelt's fascination with "ethnic turnover," as he called it. "The public-school system and the all-pervading energy of American life proved too severe solvents to be resisted even by the German tenacity...The children of the first generation were half, and the grandchildren in most cases wholly, Americanized-to their own inestimable advantage." There is also a characteristic passage that describes policemen attacking the Draft Rioters "with the most wholesome intent to do them physical harm." Thirty rioters were slain "-an admirable object-lesson to the remainder."22