THE HOT WEATHER CONTINUED until mid-September, and Roosevelt, showing concern for the Secretary's health, suggested that he extend his vacation through the beginning of October. This, however, even John D. Long was unprepared to do, and he sent word that he would be back on 28 September. Roosevelt took the news philosophically, for by then he had realized his ambition to consult with the President as Acting Secretary-not once, but three times. until mid-September, and Roosevelt, showing concern for the Secretary's health, suggested that he extend his vacation through the beginning of October. This, however, even John D. Long was unprepared to do, and he sent word that he would be back on 28 September. Roosevelt took the news philosophically, for by then he had realized his ambition to consult with the President as Acting Secretary-not once, but three times.100 Hitherto their meetings had been pleasantly impersonal, but now, for some reason, McKinley seemed anxious to flatter him. On 14 September he requested Roosevelt's company for an afternoon drive.101 He confessed that he had not looked at the He confessed that he had not looked at the Naval Policy of the Presidents Naval Policy of the Presidents pamphlet until he saw what press interest it aroused, whereupon he "read every word of it," and was "exceedingly glad" it had been published. McKinley then made the astonishing remark that Roosevelt had been "quite right" to criticize Japan's Hawaiian policy at Sandusky. Finally, he congratulated him on his management of the Navy Department during the past seven weeks. Roosevelt took all this praise with a pinch of salt ("the President," he told Lodge, "is a bit of a jollier"), but he detected nevertheless a "substratum of satisfaction." pamphlet until he saw what press interest it aroused, whereupon he "read every word of it," and was "exceedingly glad" it had been published. McKinley then made the astonishing remark that Roosevelt had been "quite right" to criticize Japan's Hawaiian policy at Sandusky. Finally, he congratulated him on his management of the Navy Department during the past seven weeks. Roosevelt took all this praise with a pinch of salt ("the President," he told Lodge, "is a bit of a jollier"), but he detected nevertheless a "substratum of satisfaction."

Swaying gently against the cushions of the Presidential carriage, relaxed after a day of stiff formalities, William McKinley appeared to best advantage. Locomotion quickened his inert body and statuesque head, and the play of light and shade through the window made his masklike face seem mobile and expressive. Roosevelt could forget about the too-short legs and pulpy handshake, and concentrate on the bronzed, magnificent profile. From the neck up, at least, McKinley was every inch a President-or for that matter, an emperor, with his high brow, finely chiseled mouth, and Roman nose. "He does not like to be told that it looks like the nose of Napoleon," the columnist Frank Carpenter once wrote. "It is a watchful nose, and it watches out for McKinley."102 Not until the President turned, and gazed directly at his interlocutor, was the personal force which dominated Mark Hanna fully felt. His stare was intimidating in its blackness and steadiness. The pupils, indeed, were at times so dilated as to fuel suspicions that he was privy to Mrs. McKinley's drug cabinet. Only very perceptive observers were aware that there was no real power behind the gaze: McKinley stared in order to concentrate a sluggish, wandering mind.103 Taking advantage of the President's affable mood, Roosevelt touched delicately on the possibility of war with Spain and Japan. McKinley agreed that there might be "trouble" on either front. Roosevelt made it clear that he intended to enlist in the Army the moment hostilities began. The President asked what Mrs. Roosevelt would think of such action, and Roosevelt replied, "this was one case" where he would consult neither her nor Cabot Lodge. Laughing, McKinley promised him the opportunity to serve "if war by any chance arose."104 Three days later Roosevelt received an invitation to dine at the White House, and three days after that went for another drive in the Presidential carriage. This time he made so bold as to present McKinley with a Cuban war plan of his own devising. It proposed a two-stage naval offensive, first with a flying squadron of cruisers, then with a fleet of battleships-all dispatched from Key West within forty-eight hours of a formal declaration. If the Army followed up quickly with a small landing force, he doubted that "acute" hostilities would last more than six weeks. "Meanwhile, our Asiatic Squadron should blockade, and if possible take Manila."105

BY 17 S SEPTEMBER, Roosevelt was beginning to feel guilty about "dear" Secretary Long rusticating in New England, especially when the Boston Herald Boston Herald printed a mocking story about his desire to replace the old man altogether. He wrote to Long in quick self-defense, protesting his loyalty and subservience rather too vehemently, and ending with a rueful "There! printed a mocking story about his desire to replace the old man altogether. He wrote to Long in quick self-defense, protesting his loyalty and subservience rather too vehemently, and ending with a rueful "There! Qui s'excuse s'accuse." Qui s'excuse s'accuse."106 But the Secretary took no offense, and proclaimed his entire satisfaction with Roosevelt at a dinner of the Massachusetts Club in Boston. "His enthusiasm and my conservatism make a good combination," Long said, adding with a twinkle, "It is a liberal education to work with him." But the Secretary took no offense, and proclaimed his entire satisfaction with Roosevelt at a dinner of the Massachusetts Club in Boston. "His enthusiasm and my conservatism make a good combination," Long said, adding with a twinkle, "It is a liberal education to work with him."107 Had Long known what Roosevelt was up to on the eve of his return to Washington, he might have employed stronger terminology. On Monday, 27 September,108 the Acting Secretary intercepted a letter from Senator William E. Chandler to Long, recommending that Commodore John A. Howell be appointed commander in chief of the Asiatic Station-the very post Roosevelt wanted for Dewey. the Acting Secretary intercepted a letter from Senator William E. Chandler to Long, recommending that Commodore John A. Howell be appointed commander in chief of the Asiatic Station-the very post Roosevelt wanted for Dewey.109 Howell, though senior, was in his opinion "irresolute" and "extremely afraid of responsibility"; Howell, though senior, was in his opinion "irresolute" and "extremely afraid of responsibility";110 the prospect of such an officer leading an attack upon Manila was too depressing to contemplate. With Long due back the following morning, rapid action was necessary. the prospect of such an officer leading an attack upon Manila was too depressing to contemplate. With Long due back the following morning, rapid action was necessary.

Roosevelt sent an urgent appeal to Chandler. "Before you commit yourself definitely to Commodore Howell I wish very much you would let me have a chance to talk to you...I shall of course give your letter at once to the Secretary upon his return."111 Presumably Senator Chandler could not be persuaded, for he withdrew neither his recommendation nor his letter. Throwing all caution to the winds, Roosevelt called in Dewey. "Do you know any Senators?" The Commodore mentioned Redfield Proctor. Roosevelt was delighted, for Proctor had expansionist tendencies and was known to be influential with the President. Dewey must enlist his services at once.112 Senator Proctor obligingly went over to the White House and spoke to McKinley in behalf of the little Commodore. He might have made discreet reference to the fact that Roosevelt also favored Dewey. The President, who took little interest in naval affairs, accepted his advice without question and wrote a memorandum to Secretary Long requesting the appointment.113 Long returned to the Navy Department on 28 September and was greatly annoyed to find what political intrigues had been going on in his absence. Tradition required that he appoint the senior officer, and besides he personally favored Howell. But McKinley's memo could not be ignored; and so, to quote the sonorous words of Theodore Roosevelt, "in a fortunate hour for the Nation, Dewey was given command of the Asiatic Squadron."114 The Secretary was still in an irritable mood when Dewey called to thank him and apologize for using the influence of Senator Proctor. It had been necessary, Dewey explained, to counteract Senator Chandler's recommendation of Howell. "You are in error, Commodore," snapped Long. "No influence has been brought to bear on behalf of anyone else."

A few hours later Long, in turn, sent apologies to Dewey. It appeared that Senator Chandler had indeed recommended his rival, but the letter "had arrived while he was absent from the office and while Mr. Roosevelt was Acting Secretary and had only just been brought to his attention."

The culprit was serenely unrepentant about his delay in forwarding Senator Chandler's letter, and saw nothing wrong in Dewey's enlistment of senatorial aid. "A large leniency," Roosevelt wrote, "should be observed toward the man who uses influence only to get himself a place...near the flashing of the guns."115

BY 30 S SEPTEMBER, Roosevelt was free to go north for a fortnight's rest at Sagamore Hill. Before leaving he asked the Secretary's permission "to talk to him very seriously about the need for an increase in the Navy." He proceeded to urge the instant construction of six battleships, six large cruisers, seventy-five torpedo-boats, and four dry docks, together with the modernization of ninety-five guns to rapid fire, the laying in of nine thousand armor-piercing projectiles, and the purchase of two million pounds of smokeless powder.

Long could only suggest that Roosevelt list these demands in a memorandum. The Assistant Secretary was eventually persuaded to settle for one battleship.116

ROOSEVELT WAS BACK in Washington on 15 October, accompanied by his wife and family. Installing them at 1810 N Street, "a very nice house, just opposite the British Embassy," he set off almost immediately on the campaign trail, stumping in Massachusetts for local candidates, and in Ohio for Senator Hanna. in Washington on 15 October, accompanied by his wife and family. Installing them at 1810 N Street, "a very nice house, just opposite the British Embassy," he set off almost immediately on the campaign trail, stumping in Massachusetts for local candidates, and in Ohio for Senator Hanna.117 On 27 October he turned thirty-nine. On 27 October he turned thirty-nine.

With November came the familiar, seasonal quickening of his activity, as the days shortened and crisp winds stimulated his blood. The ground of Rock Creek Park grew hard under his hobnailed boots, as he and Leonard Wood strolled their endless visionary miles, talking of Cuba, Cuba, Cuba.118 Roosevelt's duties as Assistant Secretary were not numerous enough to divert him, and he began to show signs of intellectual restlessness. He plotted four more volumes of The Winning of the West The Winning of the West, took Frederic Remington to task for rendering badgers "too long and thin," and yearned for a war with Spain "within the next month."119 Long sympathetically appointed him president of a board investigating the Navy's most chronic ailment: friction between line and staff personnel. Long sympathetically appointed him president of a board investigating the Navy's most chronic ailment: friction between line and staff personnel.120 The resultant work load was heavy, yet Roosevelt now toyed with the idea of writing "a historical article on the Mongol Terror, the domination of the Tartar tribes over half of Europe during the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Centuries." The resultant work load was heavy, yet Roosevelt now toyed with the idea of writing "a historical article on the Mongol Terror, the domination of the Tartar tribes over half of Europe during the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Centuries."121 Early in the morning of 19 November he sent joyful news to Bamie: "Very unexpectedly Quentin Roosevelt appeared just two hours ago." Pausing only to enter the boy for Groton, he marched off to work and dictated his most bellicose letter yet, to Lt. Comdr. W. W. Kimball, author of the department's original war plan.122 "To speak with a frankness which our timid friends would call brutal, I would regard a war with Spain from two standpoints: first, the advisability on the grounds both of humanity and self-interest of interfering on behalf of the Cubans...second...the benefit done our military forces "To speak with a frankness which our timid friends would call brutal, I would regard a war with Spain from two standpoints: first, the advisability on the grounds both of humanity and self-interest of interfering on behalf of the Cubans...second...the benefit done our military forces by trying both the Navy and Army in actual practice." by trying both the Navy and Army in actual practice."123 On 8 December, he heard that Dewey had sailed for the Far East, but by now he was so busy writing the report of his Personnel Board that he paid little attention. The eight-thousand-word document, submitted the following day, proposed a bill for the prompt amalgamation of line and staff, on the grounds that engineers, in an industrial age, could no longer be held separate from or inferior to officers above deck. Roosevelt inserted one of his typical historical parallels, showing how in the mid-seventeenth century sailormen and sea-soldiers had to unite and resolve their differences in much the same way. "We are not making a revolution," he wrote, "we are merely recognizing and giving shape to an evolution."124 Secretary Long complimented him highly on the report,125 as did many naval academics and newspaper editors. The as did many naval academics and newspaper editors. The New York Evening Post New York Evening Post expressed "admiration" for his "grasp and breadth of view" of highly complicated material. "If profound study, evident freedom from bias, and command of the subject could place a report above criticism...nothing would be left to do but the enactment by Congress of the proposed bill." expressed "admiration" for his "grasp and breadth of view" of highly complicated material. "If profound study, evident freedom from bias, and command of the subject could place a report above criticism...nothing would be left to do but the enactment by Congress of the proposed bill."126 Shortly before Christmas the mammalogist C. Hart Merriam announced that a new species of Olympic Mountain elk had been named Cervus Roosevelti Cervus Roosevelti in honor of the founder of the Boone & Crockett Club. "It is fitting that the noblest deer of America should perpetuate the name of one who, in the midst of a busy public career, has found time to study our larger mammals in their native haunts and has written the best accounts we have ever had of their habits and chase." in honor of the founder of the Boone & Crockett Club. "It is fitting that the noblest deer of America should perpetuate the name of one who, in the midst of a busy public career, has found time to study our larger mammals in their native haunts and has written the best accounts we have ever had of their habits and chase."127 And so the year ended with a crescendo of praise for Assistant Secretary Theodore Roosevelt, who was now recognized to be one of the best-informed and most influential men in Washington.128 He was also, as the He was also, as the Boston Sunday Globe Boston Sunday Globe pointed out, by far the most entertaining performer in "the great theater of our national life." But "it would never do...to permit such a man to get into the Presidency. He would produce national insomnia." pointed out, by far the most entertaining performer in "the great theater of our national life." But "it would never do...to permit such a man to get into the Presidency. He would produce national insomnia."129

"From the neck up, at least, McKinley was every inch a President."

President William McKinley at the time of the Spanish-American War. (Illustration 22.2)

CHAPTER 23.

The Lieutenant Colonel "What was that?" said Olaf, standingOn the quarter-deck."Something heard I like the strandingOf a shattered wreck."

THE N NEW Y YEAR was not twelve days old when a riot disturbed the uneasy peace of Havana, Cuba. Spanish officers smashed the presses of four local newspapers critical of the occupying army. The violence lasted about an hour, long enough to convince the nervous U.S. Consul-General, Fitzhugh Lee, that the lives of American residents were in danger. He sent home some urgent dispatches, and the State Department flashed a message to Captain Charles D. Sigsbee of the U.S.S. was not twelve days old when a riot disturbed the uneasy peace of Havana, Cuba. Spanish officers smashed the presses of four local newspapers critical of the occupying army. The violence lasted about an hour, long enough to convince the nervous U.S. Consul-General, Fitzhugh Lee, that the lives of American residents were in danger. He sent home some urgent dispatches, and the State Department flashed a message to Captain Charles D. Sigsbee of the U.S.S. Maine Maine, at Key West, Florida: "TWO DOLLARS."1 While Captain Sigsbee pondered that cryptic cable-a prearranged code alerting him to be ready to steam for Cuba at a moment's notice2-Assistant Secretary of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt pondered the first press reports of the riot. Next morning, Thursday, 13 January, he went into John D. Long's office and shut the door.3 The Secretary was amusedly aware that his subordinate intended "to abandon everything and go to the front" in the event of war with Spain. Roosevelt had said so at least twice already, but today he was in such fierce earnest that Long wondered if he had not gone "daft in the matter."

"Now, Senator, may we please have war?"

Wreck of the Maine Maine in Havana Harbor in Havana Harbor, February 1898-Old Glory still flying. (Illustration 23.1) Attempting to jolly him back to his senses, the Secretary called him a "crank" and ridiculed his desire to get involved in some "bushwhacking fight" with Cuban mosquitoes. But Roosevelt would not be diverted, as Long noted somewhat pettishly in his diary.

The funny part of it all is, that he actually takes the thing seriously...he bores me with plans of naval and military movement, and the necessity of having some scheme to attack arranged for instant execution in case of an emergency. By tomorrow he will have got half a dozen heads of bureaus together and have spoiled twenty pages of good writing paper, and lain awake half the night.... Happily, the latest dispatches of this afternoon are to the effect that everything is quiet again.4 Roosevelt soon realized that the "flurry in Havana" was no real threat to American security, but he volunteered his services, just in case, to his friend General C. Whitney Tillinghast II, Adjutant General of New York.

I believe I can get a commission as a major or lieutenant colonel in one of the National Guard regiments, but I want your help and the Governor's...I have served three years in the State Militia (not to speak of having acted as sheriff in the cow country!) and I believe that I would be of some use....5 Meanwhile, Edith was lying alarmingly ill at 1810 N Street, having collapsed with suspected typhoid fever nine days before.6 Roosevelt was "exceedingly put out" by this inconvenience, for it obliged him to cancel a trip to the annual Boone & Crockett dinner in New York. To make matters worse, little Ted was suffering from nervous exhaustion. Roosevelt was "exceedingly put out" by this inconvenience, for it obliged him to cancel a trip to the annual Boone & Crockett dinner in New York. To make matters worse, little Ted was suffering from nervous exhaustion.7 Roosevelt's own attitude to disease and frailty was the same now, in his fortieth year, as it had been in his fourteenth: if one ignored them long enough, presumably they would go away. No illness, not even the mortal kind, must deter him from leaving for the front at the first hint of war. Roosevelt's own attitude to disease and frailty was the same now, in his fortieth year, as it had been in his fourteenth: if one ignored them long enough, presumably they would go away. No illness, not even the mortal kind, must deter him from leaving for the front at the first hint of war.8 But the trumpets did not blow for him that freezing January day. He worked off his frustrations, as the Secretary had predicted, by "spoiling twenty pages of good writing paper," in the form of a memorandum on naval preparedness, and deposited it on Long's desk the following morning.9 The document was signed The document was signed Yours respectfully Yours respectfully, but in its urgency and peremptory statement of facts it read more like a curt set of orders.

Roosevelt warned of "serious consequences" for the Navy Department if it allowed itself to drift unprepared into war. "Some preparation can and should be undertaken, on the mere chance of having to strike...the saving in life, money, and reputation by such a course will be very great." He advised-insisted-that vulnerable U.S. cruisers and gunboats currently "scattered about the high seas" be concentrated at strategic points for possible blockade duty in Cuba and the Philippines. This redeployment must begin "at once," since even a fast cruiser like the Cincinnati Cincinnati would take thirty days to steam north from South America and would arrive home without any coal. "In other words for the first five or six most important weeks of the war these vessels will be absolutely useless," Roosevelt wrote, temporarily forgetting that war had not yet been declared. Such ships should be recalled "tomorrow," and assembled at Key West, where they could fill up with coal and be ready for instant battle orders. would take thirty days to steam north from South America and would arrive home without any coal. "In other words for the first five or six most important weeks of the war these vessels will be absolutely useless," Roosevelt wrote, temporarily forgetting that war had not yet been declared. Such ships should be recalled "tomorrow," and assembled at Key West, where they could fill up with coal and be ready for instant battle orders.

He was confident that Dewey, his man in Hong Kong, had enough ships to "overmaster" the Spanish Asiatic Squadron, but just to make sure, the vessels now patrolling Hawaii should add their gunpower to the Commodore's. On the Eastern seaboard, "a flying squadron composed of powerful ships of speed and great coal capacity" should be readied for instant dispatch to the Canaries, whence it might attack Cadiz, or slip through Gibraltar by night and destroy Barcelona.

The memorandum ended with rapid-fire demands for more ammunition, men, and colliers. "When the war comes, it should come finally on our initiative it should come finally on our initiative, and after we have had time to prepare."

Roosevelt's fine writing-paper was not altogether wasted. Something about his "impetuosity and almost fierceness" persuaded the Secretary to order the Cincinnati Cincinnati and several other South Atlantic cruisers into equatorial waters, and station a small force at Lisbon, where it could monitor Spanish naval movements. Meanwhile the formidable North Atlantic Squadron, which Roosevelt had seen in practice the previous fall, joined the and several other South Atlantic cruisers into equatorial waters, and station a small force at Lisbon, where it could monitor Spanish naval movements. Meanwhile the formidable North Atlantic Squadron, which Roosevelt had seen in practice the previous fall, joined the Maine Maine at Key West (ostensibly to begin "winter exercises") and proceeded to fill up with coal. at Key West (ostensibly to begin "winter exercises") and proceeded to fill up with coal.10 Long, surprisingly, went even further than Roosevelt in suggesting to President McKinley that the Maine Maine should be detached and sent to visit Havana as "an act of friendly courtesy." McKinley sounded out the Spanish Minister, Enrique Depuy de Lome, on this subject, and etiquette required His Excellency to express diplomatic delight. should be detached and sent to visit Havana as "an act of friendly courtesy." McKinley sounded out the Spanish Minister, Enrique Depuy de Lome, on this subject, and etiquette required His Excellency to express diplomatic delight.11 The President was, after all, his own accredited host. But de Lome's private attitude may be judged from a letter he had written to a Spanish friend a few weeks previously. "McKinley is...weak and a bidder for the admiration of the crowd, besides being a would-be politician The President was, after all, his own accredited host. But de Lome's private attitude may be judged from a letter he had written to a Spanish friend a few weeks previously. "McKinley is...weak and a bidder for the admiration of the crowd, besides being a would-be politician [politicastro] [politicastro] who tries to leave a door open behind himself while keeping on good terms with the jingoes of his party." who tries to leave a door open behind himself while keeping on good terms with the jingoes of his party."12 Unknown to de Lome, the letter did not reach its destination.13

THE M MAINE DROPPED ANCHOR DROPPED ANCHOR in Havana Harbor on the morning of 25 January 1898. Spanish officials went aboard in polite but chilly welcome. Captain Sigsbee, not wanting to exacerbate local feelings, announced that there would be no leave for his crew. Contrary to expectations, no demonstrations of welcome or protest broke out in the city, and a relieved Consul-General Lee cabled: "Peace and quiet reign." in Havana Harbor on the morning of 25 January 1898. Spanish officials went aboard in polite but chilly welcome. Captain Sigsbee, not wanting to exacerbate local feelings, announced that there would be no leave for his crew. Contrary to expectations, no demonstrations of welcome or protest broke out in the city, and a relieved Consul-General Lee cabled: "Peace and quiet reign."14

ROOSEVELT MIGHT HAVE REACTED more gratefully to the Administration's sudden decision to make a show of naval force had his domestic worries not intensified in the last days of January. Edith was running a constant fever, and could not sleep for the pangs of sciatica; Ted's strange nervous condition was worse, and Kermit, too, was sick. more gratefully to the Administration's sudden decision to make a show of naval force had his domestic worries not intensified in the last days of January. Edith was running a constant fever, and could not sleep for the pangs of sciatica; Ted's strange nervous condition was worse, and Kermit, too, was sick.15 The presence of a squalling two-month-old infant in the house was an added distraction. On top of all this, Roosevelt now discovered that he had personal tax problems in New York. Last summer he had filed an affidavit stating that he was a resident of Manhattan, in order to avoid a heavy assessment in Oyster Bay; in New York, however, his assessment turned out to be even heavier, making him wish he could cancel the original affidavit. The presence of a squalling two-month-old infant in the house was an added distraction. On top of all this, Roosevelt now discovered that he had personal tax problems in New York. Last summer he had filed an affidavit stating that he was a resident of Manhattan, in order to avoid a heavy assessment in Oyster Bay; in New York, however, his assessment turned out to be even heavier, making him wish he could cancel the original affidavit.16 Family physicians and accountants were pressed into service, while the Assistant Secretary waited restlessly for further news from Havana. On the last day of the month Henry Cabot Lodge made an eerie prediction: "There may be an explosion any day in Cuba which would settle many things." Family physicians and accountants were pressed into service, while the Assistant Secretary waited restlessly for further news from Havana. On the last day of the month Henry Cabot Lodge made an eerie prediction: "There may be an explosion any day in Cuba which would settle many things."17 For a week nothing happened, then, on 9 February, William Randolph Hearst's sensational New York Journal New York Journal published on its front page the text of Minister de Lome's undelivered letter, under the banner headline, " published on its front page the text of Minister de Lome's undelivered letter, under the banner headline, "WORST INSULT TO THE UNITED STATES IN ITS HISTORY." The paper announced that an agent of the Cuban insurrectos insurrectos had intercepted the letter on the eve of its delivery and sent it to another agent in New York, who in turn gave it to the had intercepted the letter on the eve of its delivery and sent it to another agent in New York, who in turn gave it to the Journal Journal for publication. for publication.18 All possible doubt as to the document's authenticity was avoided by printing it in facsimile. All possible doubt as to the document's authenticity was avoided by printing it in facsimile.

While ordinary Americans fumed over de Lome's characterization of their President, students of foreign policy boggled at the implications of his concluding paragraph: It would be very advantageous to take up, if only for effect if only for effect, the question of foreign relations, and to have a man of some prominence sent here in order that I may make use of him to carry on a propaganda among the Senators and others in opposition to the [rebel] junta.19 In other words, the Spanish Government appeared to be totally cynical in its relations with the United States, and its promises to help secure some sort of autonomous government in Cuba.

To add insult to injury, Minister de Lome (who at once admitted that he had indeed written the letter) cabled his resignation to Madrid before the State Department had a chance to demand that he be recalled. Thus the United States had to be content with an inadequate Spanish apology, referring, in sarcastic tones, to mail-theft and sensation-mongering newspapers.20 That night a highly excited Theodore Roosevelt accosted Mark Hanna and two other Senators at a reception. In his haste to urge war upon them, he did not notice that Hanna was accompanied by Henriette Adler, a young Frenchwoman recently arrived from Paris. Roosevelt launched into a typical fist-smacking harangue, and Mlle. Adler found herself wedged between him and the wall. She tried to follow what he was saying, but was distracted by his flailing right arm, which swept nearer and nearer her bodice. Eventually his elbow ripped off a silken rose and some gauze, whereupon she exclaimed "Mon Dieu." "Mon Dieu." Roosevelt, wheeling, made profuse Roosevelt, wheeling, made profuse pardons pardons. To her alarm, he continued to pour war rhetoric upon her in French, until Nannie Lodge tactfully appeared with a safety pin. The Senators screened Mlle. Adler off, while Roosevelt switched back to English.

It was "a bully idea," he proclaimed, to send the Maine Maine to Havana. Senator Hanna said nothing, but stood listening with his jowls sunk on his white tie. Mlle. Adler, decent again, ventured a suggestion that the United States should consider the opinion of other European powers before attempting to crowd Spain out. France and Germany were bound to object to any denial of imperial rights in the New World; she had heard a statement to this effect herself, in Paris only two weeks before. to Havana. Senator Hanna said nothing, but stood listening with his jowls sunk on his white tie. Mlle. Adler, decent again, ventured a suggestion that the United States should consider the opinion of other European powers before attempting to crowd Spain out. France and Germany were bound to object to any denial of imperial rights in the New World; she had heard a statement to this effect herself, in Paris only two weeks before.

The Assistant Secretary waved France's scruples aside as unimportant and irrelevant. "I hope to see the Spanish flag and the English flag gone from the map of North America before I'm sixty!" Hanna stared at him. "You're crazy, Roosevelt! What's wrong with Canada?"

Later, in the carriage back home, Mrs. Hanna tried to explain to the dazed Mlle. Adler that Roosevelt, despite his abnormal vehemence, was more "amusing" than violent. But the Senator, chewing on his cigar, thanked God Roosevelt had not been appointed Assistant Secretary of State. "We'd be fighting half the world," he growled.21

INCENDIARY TALK WAS COMMON in the days following the in the days following the Maine's Maine's arrival in Havana Harbor, from Henry Cabot Lodge's threatened "explosion" to Mark Hanna's "waving a match in an oil-well for fun," arrival in Havana Harbor, from Henry Cabot Lodge's threatened "explosion" to Mark Hanna's "waving a match in an oil-well for fun,"22 and the more personal misgivings of Mrs. Richard Wainwright, wife of the cruiser's executive officer: "You might as well send a lighted candle on a visit to an open cask of gunpowder." and the more personal misgivings of Mrs. Richard Wainwright, wife of the cruiser's executive officer: "You might as well send a lighted candle on a visit to an open cask of gunpowder."23 But as mid-February approached, and life in the Cuban capital drowsed on as normal, even Consul-General Lee began to relax. But as mid-February approached, and life in the Cuban capital drowsed on as normal, even Consul-General Lee began to relax.

On the evening of the fifteenth, tourists aboard the liner City of Washington City of Washington, just arrived in Havana Harbor, leaned on the railings and admired the Maine's Maine's sleek white beauty four hundred yards away. The air was hot and motionless, and the harbor scarcely heaved. Its stillness was such that they could hear accordion music coming across the water. Tropic dark came quickly, and the tourists went below to dinner. About two hours later another strand of music sounded from the sleek white beauty four hundred yards away. The air was hot and motionless, and the harbor scarcely heaved. Its stillness was such that they could hear accordion music coming across the water. Tropic dark came quickly, and the tourists went below to dinner. About two hours later another strand of music sounded from the Maine: Maine: the sound of a bugler blowing taps. Its melancholy beauty caused Captain Sigsbee, who was writing in his cabin, to lay down his pen and listen until the last echoes died away. He looked at his watch. The time was exactly the sound of a bugler blowing taps. Its melancholy beauty caused Captain Sigsbee, who was writing in his cabin, to lay down his pen and listen until the last echoes died away. He looked at his watch. The time was exactly 9:40 P.M. 9:40 P.M.24

ABOUT FOUR HOURS LATER Secretary Long was wakened in his Washington home and handed a telegram. The first sentence alone was enough to banish all further thought of sleep: " Secretary Long was wakened in his Washington home and handed a telegram. The first sentence alone was enough to banish all further thought of sleep: "MAINE BLOWN UP IN HAVANA HARBOR AT NINE-FORTY TONIGHT AND DESTROYED." Long's eye, running on across the sheet, leaped from phrase to incredible phrase: "MANY WOUNDED...DOUBTLESS MORE KILLED OR DROWNED...NO ONE HAS CLOTHING OTHER THAN THAT UPON HIM...PUBLIC OPINION SHOULD BE SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER REPORT." The telegram was signed "SIGSBEE."25 Within minutes Long telephoned the White House and ordered a naval attache to rouse the President. It was not yet two in the morning, and McKinley absorbed the Secretary's news with some difficulty. After hanging up he paced back and forth in front of the bewildered attache, mumbling slowly to himself, "The Maine Maine blown up! The blown up! The Maine Maine blown up!" blown up!"26 Meanwhile, the telegraph wires were still humming, shocking the State Department, Navy Department, and New York newspaper offices into action. In little more than an hour Joseph Pulitzer's World World had broadcast the first report of the disaster under a four-column headline. Not to be outdone, James Gordon Bennett spread the story across six columns of the had broadcast the first report of the disaster under a four-column headline. Not to be outdone, James Gordon Bennett spread the story across six columns of the Herald Herald, and William Randolph Hearst gave it the entire front page of the Journal Journal. "This means war," he told his night editors.27 By dawn the news, complete with a transcript of Captain Sigsbee's report, was thumping onto front porches all over the country, and stimulating newsboys to new heights of shrillness. No doubt some of them repeated McKinley's own phrase, "The By dawn the news, complete with a transcript of Captain Sigsbee's report, was thumping onto front porches all over the country, and stimulating newsboys to new heights of shrillness. No doubt some of them repeated McKinley's own phrase, "The Maine Maine blown up!" In the face of such a catastrophe, Presidents and paupers spoke with but one voice. blown up!" In the face of such a catastrophe, Presidents and paupers spoke with but one voice.

DAWN IN C CUBA disclosed that the disclosed that the Maine Maine was indeed a total wreck. The explosion, which took place somewhere in the forecastle, had jackknifed the keel up to the level of the bridge, killing 254 men instantly. A further 8 were so badly crushed and burned that they died one by one in hospitals ashore, bringing the death toll to 262. What was left of the ship lay wedged in the mud of Havana Harbor, with only a few blackened parts of the superstructure showing above water. was indeed a total wreck. The explosion, which took place somewhere in the forecastle, had jackknifed the keel up to the level of the bridge, killing 254 men instantly. A further 8 were so badly crushed and burned that they died one by one in hospitals ashore, bringing the death toll to 262. What was left of the ship lay wedged in the mud of Havana Harbor, with only a few blackened parts of the superstructure showing above water.28 As to the cause of the explosion, Spanish authorities were apparently no wiser than the Americans. Until the Navy Department's court of inquiry reached Cuba and made its report, there could be no official reaction on either side, beyond expressions of sincere sympathy in Havana. The Governor-General, Ramon Blanco y Erenas, had been seen crying openly in his palace, and the Bishop of Havana spared no expense in giving the dead an elaborate and dignified burial.29 Popular opinion in America was surprisingly muted,30 in contrast to the clamor of the yellow press, thanks to Captain Sigsbee's wise plea for emotional restraint. There was also a widespread suspicion that the explosion had been internal and accidental. Secretary Long shared this view. The in contrast to the clamor of the yellow press, thanks to Captain Sigsbee's wise plea for emotional restraint. There was also a widespread suspicion that the explosion had been internal and accidental. Secretary Long shared this view. The Maine's Maine's forecastle, after all, had been packed with gunpowder, and its steel-walled magazines, laced around with electric wiring, needed only a short-circuit fire to convert the whole ship into a bomb. Besides, it was hard for thinking people to believe that Spain would deliberately sabotage an American cruiser with a "Secret Infernal Machine," as Hearst's forecastle, after all, had been packed with gunpowder, and its steel-walled magazines, laced around with electric wiring, needed only a short-circuit fire to convert the whole ship into a bomb. Besides, it was hard for thinking people to believe that Spain would deliberately sabotage an American cruiser with a "Secret Infernal Machine," as Hearst's Journal Journal alleged. alleged.31 Should the Court of Inquiry prove otherwise, of course, there was no question that the man in the street would expect a declaration of war at once. Should the Court of Inquiry prove otherwise, of course, there was no question that the man in the street would expect a declaration of war at once.

This was an alternative President McKinley could hardly bear to contemplate. "I have been through one war," said the exUnion major. "I have seen the dead piled up, and I do not want to see another."32

A RATHER MORE JUNIOR RATHER MORE JUNIOR member of the Administration had no such scruples, and no doubts as to who was responsible for the disaster in Havana Harbor. "The member of the Administration had no such scruples, and no doubts as to who was responsible for the disaster in Havana Harbor. "The Maine Maine was sunk by an act of dirty treachery on the part of the Spaniards was sunk by an act of dirty treachery on the part of the Spaniards I I believe," wrote the Assistant Secretary of the Navy. believe," wrote the Assistant Secretary of the Navy.33

ROOSEVELT DOUBTED THAT the Court of Inquiry would be able to prove his theory of Spanish guilt. But he waited "on edge" for its initial findings, in the hope that they would at least absolve the Navy of responsibility for the explosion. Notwithstanding his private judgment, he scrupulously used the word "accident" in departmental correspondence. the Court of Inquiry would be able to prove his theory of Spanish guilt. But he waited "on edge" for its initial findings, in the hope that they would at least absolve the Navy of responsibility for the explosion. Notwithstanding his private judgment, he scrupulously used the word "accident" in departmental correspondence.34 Hearst was not so patient. The Maine's Maine's burned-out hulk had scarcely cooled before his artists were rendering pictures and diagrams to show exactly where and how the "Infernal Machine" had struck, in response to the push of a plunger on shore. On 18 February, the day before the official inquiry opened, the burned-out hulk had scarcely cooled before his artists were rendering pictures and diagrams to show exactly where and how the "Infernal Machine" had struck, in response to the push of a plunger on shore. On 18 February, the day before the official inquiry opened, the Journal Journal published no fewer than eight pages of "conclusive" data, some of it so detailed that even Captain Sigsbee wondered if the paper did not have secret contacts with the saboteurs. published no fewer than eight pages of "conclusive" data, some of it so detailed that even Captain Sigsbee wondered if the paper did not have secret contacts with the saboteurs.35 Sales of the paper reached an unprecedented one million that morning. Meanwhile the enterprising Pulitzer bought and dispatched a tugboat to Cuba to learn and report on "the truth." Within a week, his own paper, the Sales of the paper reached an unprecedented one million that morning. Meanwhile the enterprising Pulitzer bought and dispatched a tugboat to Cuba to learn and report on "the truth." Within a week, his own paper, the World World, had sold five million copies-"the largest circulation of any newspaper printed in any language in any country."36 More responsible newspapers, such as the Evening Sun Evening Sun, cautioned readers that the true facts of the disaster were not yet known, and might be slow in coming. The Maine's Maine's bow was reported buried so deep in the mud of Havana Harbor that digging would be needed to get at the break. Day after day passed with no announcement by the court, until "Is there anything new about the bow was reported buried so deep in the mud of Havana Harbor that digging would be needed to get at the break. Day after day passed with no announcement by the court, until "Is there anything new about the Maine?" Maine?" became an impatient refrain of everyday conversation. One passenger on a New York electric car was heard to remark that if the Assistant Secretary of the Navy took over the investigation, results would be forthcoming in no time. "Teddy Roosevelt is capable of going down to Havana, and going down in a diving-bell himself to see whether she was stove in or stove out." became an impatient refrain of everyday conversation. One passenger on a New York electric car was heard to remark that if the Assistant Secretary of the Navy took over the investigation, results would be forthcoming in no time. "Teddy Roosevelt is capable of going down to Havana, and going down in a diving-bell himself to see whether she was stove in or stove out."37

A HELPLESS VICTIM HELPLESS VICTIM of the gathering tension was Edith Roosevelt, whose fever heightened to the point that Roosevelt, for the second time in his life, was confronted with the prospect of death in his bedroom. He confessed that he was so "extremely anxious" about her as to be numb to the full consequences of the of the gathering tension was Edith Roosevelt, whose fever heightened to the point that Roosevelt, for the second time in his life, was confronted with the prospect of death in his bedroom. He confessed that he was so "extremely anxious" about her as to be numb to the full consequences of the Maine Maine disaster. As for his son, "Hereafter I shall never press Ted either in body or mind. The fact is that the little fellow, who is peculiarly dear to me, has bidden fair to be all the things I would like to have been and wasn't, and it has been a great temptation to push him." disaster. As for his son, "Hereafter I shall never press Ted either in body or mind. The fact is that the little fellow, who is peculiarly dear to me, has bidden fair to be all the things I would like to have been and wasn't, and it has been a great temptation to push him."38 On the morning of Friday, 25 February, Edith's weakness finally shocked him into seeking the best medical help available.39 He sent to Johns Hopkins University for Sir William Osler, the great Canadian physician, and left for work as usual, in what torment posterity can only guess. He sent to Johns Hopkins University for Sir William Osler, the great Canadian physician, and left for work as usual, in what torment posterity can only guess.

It so happened that John D. Long was also feeling the strain that morning. Since his violent awakening on the night of the sixteenth, the Secretary had been plagued with insomnia, along with various aches and pains, which he carefully noted in his diary. He had discovered that relief was to be had in "mechanical massage"-a treatment whereby a Washington osteopath strapped him into an electrical contrivance that soothingly jiggled his stomach and legs.40 Long now felt the need of renewed treatment, so much so that around noon he resolved to take the rest of the day off, leaving Roosevelt in charge of the Department as Acting Secretary. Long now felt the need of renewed treatment, so much so that around noon he resolved to take the rest of the day off, leaving Roosevelt in charge of the Department as Acting Secretary.

The "mechanical massage" was most satisfactory, and the Secretary proceeded to visit his corn doctor, after which he "walked about the streets in an aimless way" and finally headed for home,41 unaware of the cablegram even then winging halfway around the world: unaware of the cablegram even then winging halfway around the world: DEWEY, HONG KONG: ORDER THE SQUADRON, EXCEPT THE MONOCACY, TO HONG KONG. KEEP FULL OF COAL. IN THE EVENT OF DECLARATION WAR SPAIN, YOUR DUTY WILL BE TO SEE THAT THE SPANISH SQUADRON DOES NOT LEAVE THE ASIATIC COAST, AND THEN OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS IN PHILIPPINE ISLANDS. KEEP OLYMPIA UNTIL FURTHER ORDERS.ROOSEVELT42.

This momentous message, which Dewey later described as "the first step" toward American conquest of the Philippines,43 was by no means the only order Roosevelt issued during his three or four hours as Acting Secretary. He sent similar instructions to "Keep full of coal" to squadron commanders all over the world, and to make sure they got it, authorized the Navy's coal-buying agents to purchase maximum stocks. He alerted European and South Atlantic stations to the possibility of war, and designated strategic points where they were to rendezvous in the event of a declaration. was by no means the only order Roosevelt issued during his three or four hours as Acting Secretary. He sent similar instructions to "Keep full of coal" to squadron commanders all over the world, and to make sure they got it, authorized the Navy's coal-buying agents to purchase maximum stocks. He alerted European and South Atlantic stations to the possibility of war, and designated strategic points where they were to rendezvous in the event of a declaration.44 He ordered huge supplies of reserve ammunition, requisitioned guns for a project auxiliary fleet, and summoned experts to testify on the firepower of the He ordered huge supplies of reserve ammunition, requisitioned guns for a project auxiliary fleet, and summoned experts to testify on the firepower of the Vesuvius Vesuvius. He even sent demands to both Houses of Congress for legislation authorizing the unlimited recruitment of seamen.45 Having thus, in a single afternoon, placed the Navy in a state of such readiness it had not known since the Civil War, Roosevelt wrote a "strictly confidential" letter to warn Adjutant-General Tillinghast of the New York National Guard that the world situation was "sufficiently threatening" to warrant plans for statewide mobilization. "Pray remember that in some shape I want to go."46 After work he paid a courtesy call to Secretary Long. If he gave any report on his actions during the last four or five hours, it was of such masterly vagueness that no memorandum of the conversation appears in Long's diary. Yet something about Roosevelt's "enthusiastic and loyal" manner made the Secretary uneasy. "If I have a good night tonight, I shall rather feel that I ought to be back in the Department..."47 Refreshed by "splendid" slumbers, the Secretary hurried back to work next morning, Saturday, 26 February. He would have gone whether he felt better or not, "because during my short absence I find that Roosevelt, in his precipitate way, has come very near causing more of an explosion than happened to the Maine... Maine... the very devil seemed to possess him yesterday afternoon." the very devil seemed to possess him yesterday afternoon."48 War preparations in the Navy Department were now moving at such a pace that it would take Long days to slow the momentum, let alone stop it. The evidence is that the Secretary did not even try. For all his anger and embarrassment over "action most discourteous to me, because it suggests that there had been lack of attention," Long was forced to defer to the workings of an intellect larger and a political instinct sharper than his own. None of Roosevelt's letters and cables was countermanded. Even the historic order to Dewey was allowed to stand.49 But Long resolved never to leave Roosevelt in sole charge of the department again. The times were too "trying," and the Assistant Secretary had severe family problems, which could only aggravate "his natural nervousness." But Long resolved never to leave Roosevelt in sole charge of the department again. The times were too "trying," and the Assistant Secretary had severe family problems, which could only aggravate "his natural nervousness."50 Long did not understand that extreme crisis, whether of an intimate or public nature, had precisely the reverse effect on Theodore Roosevelt. The man's personality was cyclonic, in that he tended to become unstable in times of low pressure. The slightest rise in the barometer outside, and his turbulence smoothed into a whirl of coordinated activity, while a core of stillness developed within. Under maximum pressure Roosevelt was sunny, calm, and unnaturally clear. History was to show that his behavior as Acting Secretary of the Navy on 25 February 1898, was neither nervous nor spontaneous. It was the logical result of ten months of strategic planning, at the Navy Department and at the Metropolitan Club, in his correspondence with Captain Mahan, and on his walks with Captain Wood. "Someday," Roosevelt told the latter confidently, "they will understand."51

SIR W WILLIAM O OSLER examined Edith over the weekend and confirmed that she was "critically ill." There was an abdominal swelling which should be operated on at once. examined Edith over the weekend and confirmed that she was "critically ill." There was an abdominal swelling which should be operated on at once.52 For some unexplained reason Roosevelt ignored this warning and relied instead on more cautious advice. Edith lay wasting with fever for another week, too frail even to stand the sound of his voice reading to her. On 7 March, all opinions concurred that she must undergo surgery or die. He sat holding her hand until ether removed her from him. For some unexplained reason Roosevelt ignored this warning and relied instead on more cautious advice. Edith lay wasting with fever for another week, too frail even to stand the sound of his voice reading to her. On 7 March, all opinions concurred that she must undergo surgery or die. He sat holding her hand until ether removed her from him.53 The operation revealed an abscess near the hip, and was completely successful.

ROOSEVELT'S CONTEMPT FOR "peace at any price men" rose to new heights as he watched William McKinley trying to avoid war in the weeks following the "peace at any price men" rose to new heights as he watched William McKinley trying to avoid war in the weeks following the Maine Maine disaster. Certainly the President showed a touching faith in the benign effects of gold currency. His first proposal was that the United States end the Cuban problem once and for all by buying the island outright for $300 million. But Congress showed reluctance to put such funds at his disposal, and the plan was dropped. disaster. Certainly the President showed a touching faith in the benign effects of gold currency. His first proposal was that the United States end the Cuban problem once and for all by buying the island outright for $300 million. But Congress showed reluctance to put such funds at his disposal, and the plan was dropped.54 Then, on 25 February, the same day Roosevelt alerted Dewey to the imminence of war, McKinley reportedly suggested that if the Court of Inquiry found Spain responsible for the loss of the Then, on 25 February, the same day Roosevelt alerted Dewey to the imminence of war, McKinley reportedly suggested that if the Court of Inquiry found Spain responsible for the loss of the Maine Maine, a large cash indemnity would assuage America's grief. Congress did not like this idea either.55 "An honest man, but weak," the French Ambassador, Jules Cambon, remarked of McKinley.56 By early March, when preliminary divers' reports indicated that a mine might have caused the explosion, the President was desperate enough to use scare tactics. He flabbergasted Joseph Cannon of the House Appropriations Committee with a request for $50 million, saying, "I must have money to get ready for war. I am doing everything possible to prevent war, but it must come, and we are not prepared for war." By early March, when preliminary divers' reports indicated that a mine might have caused the explosion, the President was desperate enough to use scare tactics. He flabbergasted Joseph Cannon of the House Appropriations Committee with a request for $50 million, saying, "I must have money to get ready for war. I am doing everything possible to prevent war, but it must come, and we are not prepared for war."57 McKinley intended this to be his political masterstroke, silencing warmongers in both Washington and Madrid with a sudden display of Presidential decisiveness. At first the move seemed bound to succeed. Congress reacted with such shocked surprise-probably assuming the President was in possession of secret evidence of Spain's hostile intentions-that on 8 March the "Fifty Million Bill" became law without a single dissenting vote.58 McKinley was authorized to spend the money as he saw fit. Spaniards and Cubans boggled at the wealth of a treasury which could produce such a huge appropriation in extra defense funds with no effect upon its credit. It was announced that the bulk of the appropriation would be given to the Navy Department for a crash program of naval expansion. Construction of three 12,500-ton battleships was to begin immediately, supplemented by sixteen destroyers, fourteen torpedo-boats, and four monitors. In addition, the department could assemble a large auxiliary fleet of ships purchased abroad. McKinley was authorized to spend the money as he saw fit. Spaniards and Cubans boggled at the wealth of a treasury which could produce such a huge appropriation in extra defense funds with no effect upon its credit. It was announced that the bulk of the appropriation would be given to the Navy Department for a crash program of naval expansion. Construction of three 12,500-ton battleships was to begin immediately, supplemented by sixteen destroyers, fourteen torpedo-boats, and four monitors. In addition, the department could assemble a large auxiliary fleet of ships purchased abroad.59 Roosevelt was not as overjoyed as he might have been by the President's apparent conversion to the doctrine of preparedness. Nine months before, at the Naval War College, he had warned against the futility of any such last-minute attempt at naval expansion. The Maine Maine Court of Inquiry was due to publish its formal report any day now; if it corroborated his own suspicion of sabotage, "I believe it will be very hard to hold the country." Court of Inquiry was due to publish its formal report any day now; if it corroborated his own suspicion of sabotage, "I believe it will be very hard to hold the country."60 What use would McKinley's construction program be then? His only hope of improving the present strength of the Navy lay in the auxiliary-fleet program. What use would McKinley's construction program be then? His only hope of improving the present strength of the Navy lay in the auxiliary-fleet program.

The ink on the Fifty Million Bill was scarcely dry before Roosevelt and Long began to review all available war vessels on the international market. News that Spain was already bargaining for ships inspired even the Secretary to a sense of urgency, although he continued to hope illogically that the buildup would have some deterrent effect.61 Roosevelt was given especial responsibility for purchasing merchant-men suitable for quick conversion into cruisers.62 Among the many dealers who flocked to his office was one Charles R. Flint, who assessed him as "a young man at the very peak of his truly tremendous physical and mental energy." The Assistant Secretary was obviously in a tearing hurry. Flint started to tell him about the Brazilian ship Among the many dealers who flocked to his office was one Charles R. Flint, who assessed him as "a young man at the very peak of his truly tremendous physical and mental energy." The Assistant Secretary was obviously in a tearing hurry. Flint started to tell him about the Brazilian ship Nictheroy Nictheroy, but Roosevelt knew all about her: ROOSEVELT.

What is the price? What is the price?

FLINT.

Half a million dollars. Half a million dollars.

ROOSEVELT.

(snapping) (snapping) I will take her. I will take her.

FLINT.

Good. I shall write you a letter- Good. I shall write you a letter- ROOSEVELT.

Don't bother me with a letter. I haven't time to read it. Don't bother me with a letter. I haven't time to read it.

"We eventually did have a formal contract," Flint noted, "...dictated by Mr. Roosevelt. It was one of the most concise and at the same time one of the cleverest contracts I have ever seen. He made it a condition that the vessel should be delivered under her own steam at a specific point and within a specific period. In one sentence he thus covered all that might have been set forth in pages and pages of specifications. For the vessel had had to be in first-class condition to make the time scheduled in the contract! Mr. Roosevelt always had that faculty of looking through details to the result to be obtained." to be in first-class condition to make the time scheduled in the contract! Mr. Roosevelt always had that faculty of looking through details to the result to be obtained."63

EVERY NOW AND AGAIN President McKinley would indulge in a little banter with his Assistant Attending Surgeon, Leonard Wood. "Have you and Theodore declared war yet?" President McKinley would indulge in a little banter with his Assistant Attending Surgeon, Leonard Wood. "Have you and Theodore declared war yet?"

"No, Mr. President, but we think you should."64 McKinley always shook his head when the handsome officer asked to be returned to active duty in the Army. Wood worked off his growing restlessness with more and more violent exercise with Roosevelt. The pair were now inseparable, and Roosevelt began to include Wood in his regular appeals to General Tillinghast. "I have a man here who rendered most gallant service with the regular Army against the Apaches, whom I should very much like to bring in with me if I could raise a regiment."65

MID-MARCH CAME and went. Forsythia, magnolia, hyacinths, and tulips sweetened Washington's warming air. and went. Forsythia, magnolia, hyacinths, and tulips sweetened Washington's warming air.66 Still the Court of Inquiry delayed its Still the Court of Inquiry delayed its Maine Maine report. In an atmosphere of mounting political tension, Senator Redfield Proctor of Vermont prepared to deliver a speech on Cuba, which he had just visited. report. In an atmosphere of mounting political tension, Senator Redfield Proctor of Vermont prepared to deliver a speech on Cuba, which he had just visited.

Proctor, despite his friendly assistance in behalf of Dewey the previous fall, was by no means as "ardent for the war" as Roosevelt supposed. He was a careful, rather colorless politician, respected on all sides as a former Cabinet officer, a friend of big business, and an intimate of President McKinley. When he rose in the Senate on 17 March, the nation listened.67 Speaking coldly and dispassionately, Proctor confessed that he had gone to Cuba an isolationist, and returned with views inclining toward armed intervention. For the next several hours he cataloged the horrors he had seen, most notably the barbaric indignities of reconcentrado reconcentrado camps, where four hundred thousand peasants were living like pigs and dying like flies. After discussing Spain's promises of "autonomy" with certain eminent Cubans, he was convinced that the authorities would never yield power, and that the camps, where four hundred thousand peasants were living like pigs and dying like flies. After discussing Spain's promises of "autonomy" with certain eminent Cubans, he was convinced that the authorities would never yield power, and that the insurrectos insurrectos would never cease to fight for it. "To me," he concluded, "the strongest appeal is not the barbarity practiced by Weyler, nor the loss of the would never cease to fight for it. "To me," he concluded, "the strongest appeal is not the barbarity practiced by Weyler, nor the loss of the Maine... Maine... but the spectacle of a million and a half of people, the entire native population of Cuba, struggling for freedom and deliverance from the worst misgovernment of which I ever had knowledge." but the spectacle of a million and a half of people, the entire native population of Cuba, struggling for freedom and deliverance from the worst misgovernment of which I ever had knowledge."68 The effect of this toneless speech, after months of fiery oratory for and against war, was so great as to convert large numbers of conservative Senators to the cause of Cuba Libre Cuba Libre. Even more significantly, Wall Street's hitherto solid resistance to war now began to crumble, while business groups across the country expressed profound concern. Political observers predicted that if McKinley did not intervene upon receipt of the Maine Maine report-whatever it said report-whatever it said-Cuba Libre would become the campaign cry of the Democrats in the fall. "And who can doubt," asked the would become the campaign cry of the Democrats in the fall. "And who can doubt," asked the Chicago Times-Herald Chicago Times-Herald, "that by that sign...they will sweep the country?"69 Three days later, on 20 March, the President was confidentially informed that the Court of Inquiry would soon make a "unanimous report that the Maine Maine was blown up by a submarine mine." was blown up by a submarine mine."70 Some inkling of this message must have reached Roosevelt, who vented his wrath in a positively Elizabethan outburst to Brooks Adams. "The blood of the Cubans, the blood of women and children who have perished by the hundred thousand in hideous misery, lies at our door; and the blood of the murdered men of the Some inkling of this message must have reached Roosevelt, who vented his wrath in a positively Elizabethan outburst to Brooks Adams. "The blood of the Cubans, the blood of women and children who have perished by the hundred thousand in hideous misery, lies at our door; and the blood of the murdered men of the Maine Maine calls not for indemnity but for the full measure of atonement which can only come by driving the Spaniard from the New World." calls not for indemnity but for the full measure of atonement which can only come by driving the Spaniard from the New World."71 Events moved rapidly to a climax. On 24 March the Navy ordered squadron commanders to paint their white warships battlegray.72 On 25 March the American Minister in Madrid was warned that Spain's presence in Cuba was now considered "unbearable" by the Administration, and that unless an immediate diplomatic settlement was reached "the President...will lay the whole question before Congress." On 25 March the American Minister in Madrid was warned that Spain's presence in Cuba was now considered "unbearable" by the Administration, and that unless an immediate diplomatic settlement was reached "the President...will lay the whole question before Congress."73 And on 26 March, Roosevelt publicly confronted Senator Hanna, one of the last holdouts for peace, at a Gridiron Club after-dinner speech which had the whole capital agog. "We will have this war for the freedom of Cuba," he insisted, and smacked his fist into his palm. Then, wheeling and staring directly at Hanna, he said that "the interests of the business world and of financiers might be paramount in the Senate," but they were not so with the American people. Anyone who wanted to stand in the way of popular opinion "was welcome to try the experiment." Hanna's porcine neck turned purple, and his knuckles tightened on the arms of his chair, as applause filled the room. "Now, Senator," said his neighbor dryly, "may we please have war?" And on 26 March, Roosevelt publicly confronted Senator Hanna, one of the last holdouts for peace, at a Gridiron Club after-dinner speech which had the whole capital agog. "We will have this war for the freedom of Cuba," he insisted, and smacked his fist into his palm. Then, wheeling and staring directly at Hanna, he said that "the interests of the business world and of financiers might be paramount in the Senate," but they were not so with the American people. Anyone who wanted to stand in the way of popular opinion "was welcome to try the experiment." Hanna's porcine neck turned purple, and his knuckles tightened on the arms of his chair, as applause filled the room. "Now, Senator," said his neighbor dryly, "may we please have war?"74 On 28 March the Maine Maine report was finally made public. Although the court made no accusation of Spanish or Cuban guilt (there being absolutely no incriminating evidence), it confirmed that the explosion of the ship's forward magazines had been touched off by an external device, and absolved the U.S. Navy of any "fault or negligence" in the disaster. report was finally made public. Although the court made no accusation of Spanish or Cuban guilt (there being absolutely no incriminating evidence), it confirmed that the explosion of the ship's forward magazines had been touched off by an external device, and absolved the U.S. Navy of any "fault or negligence" in the disaster.75 Within hours a new ominous chant was drowning out calls of Within hours a new ominous chant was drowning out calls of Cuba Libre: Cuba Libre: Remember the MAINE! MAINE!To hell with Spain!

ALMOST UNNOTICED, in the general uproar, was a historic memo from Theodore Roosevelt to John D. Long. He wished to draw the Secretary's attention to the "flying machine" of his friend Professor S. P. Langley, having watched it briefly flutter over the Potomac River.76 "The machine has worked," Roosevelt wrote. "It seems to me worth while for this Government to try whether it will not work on a large enough scale to be of use in the event of war." He recommended that a board of four scientifically trained officers be appointed to examine the strategic and economic aspects of producing flying machines "on a large scale." After some prodding, Secretary Long agreed, and named Charles H. Davis chairman of the board. By the time Davis reported on the "revolutionary" potential of air warfare, the Assistant Secretary had moved on to other things. It would be a long time before Roosevelt was recognized as the earliest official proponent of U.S. Naval Aviation. "The machine has worked," Roosevelt wrote. "It seems to me worth while for this Government to try whether it will not work on a large enough scale to be of use in the event of war." He recommended that a board of four scientifically trained officers be appointed to examine the strategic and economic aspects of producing flying machines "on a large scale." After some prodding, Secretary Long agreed, and named Charles H. Davis chairman of the board. By the time Davis reported on the "revolutionary" potential of air warfare, the Assistant Secretary had moved on to other things. It would be a long time before Roosevelt was recognized as the earliest official proponent of U.S. Naval Aviation.77

HAGGARD, SMUDGE-EYED, drugged, and occasionally tearful as the inevitability of war forced itself upon him, President McKinley managed to maintain statesmanlike decorum at least through the end of March.78 While Congress debated the While Congress debated the Maine Maine report, he sent an ultimatum to Madrid courteously demanding a declaration of armistice in Cuba, effective 1 April. His terms stipulated that he be mediator of any subsequent negotiations for peace between the Spanish Government and the report, he sent an ultimatum to Madrid courteously demanding a declaration of armistice in Cuba, effective 1 April. His terms stipulated that he be mediator of any subsequent negotiations for peace between the Spanish Government and the insurrectos insurrectos. If no agreement was reached by 1 October (i.e., five weeks before the fall elections), McKinley would assume the role of final arbiter. He also insisted that all reconcentrado reconcentrado prisoners be set free, and that Spain cooperate with the United States in relief efforts. prisoners be set free, and that Spain cooperate with the United States in relief efforts.79 On Thursday, the last day of the month, Queen Maria Christina's ministers agreed to all points of McKinley's ultimatum except that of armistice. If the insurrectos insurrectos wished to declare a truce themselves, well and good; Spain would not end four centuries of New World dominion with an ignominious acceptance of defeat. wished to declare a truce themselves, well and good; Spain would not end four centuries of New World dominion with an ignominious acceptance of defeat.80 McKinley saw no flexibility, only obstructionism, in this reply. After a weekend of sleepless deliberation, he decided, around midnight on 3 April, that he could not afford to gamble with Cuba, or with Congress, or with the Republican party any longer. The will of the American people, reiterated ad nauseam by Assistant Secretary Roosevelt (whom in self-defense, he had finally stopped seeing), must be heeded. McKinley went to bed and next morning began work on a war message to Congress. McKinley saw no flexibility, only obstructionism, in this reply. After a weekend of sleepless deliberation, he decided, around midnight on 3 April, that he could not afford to gamble with Cuba, or with Congress, or with the Republican party any longer. The will of the American people, reiterated ad nauseam by Assistant Secretary Roosevelt (whom in self-defense, he had finally stopped seeing), must be heeded. McKinley went to bed and next morning began work on a war message to Congress.81

THE IMMINENCE OF WAR, like the imminence of death, is enough to give the most ardent soul a momentary pause, to reaffirm basic truths and articulate thoughts long held in suppression. In such frame of mind did Theodore Roosevelt write one of his best letters, to William Sturgis Bigelow, while Madrid pondered McKinley's ultimatum. For once he wrote calmly, reasonably, without any attempt at vulgar bravado: I say quite sincerely that I shall not go for my own pleasure. On the contrary if I should consult purely my own feelings I should earnestly hope that we would have peace. I like life very much. I have always led a joyous life. I like thought, and I like action, and it will be very bitter to me to leave my wife and children; and while I think I could face death with dignity, I have no desire before my time has come to go out into the everlasting darkness.... So I shall not go into a war with any undue exhilaration of spirits or in a frame in any way approaching recklessness or levity; but my best work here is done....One of the commonest taunts directed at men like myself is that we are armchair and parlor jingoes who wish to see others do what we only advocate doing. I care very little for such a taunt, except as it affects my usefulness, but I cannot afford to disregard the fact that my power for good, whatever it may be, would be gone if I didn't try to live up to the doctrines I have tried to preach.82 Bigelow, unimpressed, told Secretary Long that Roosevelt might by the same token "wear no clothes in the street to prove that he is not a negro."83

THE P PRESIDENT HAD DECIDED to send his war message up to the Hill on Monday, 4 April, but hints from Madrid that further concessions might be made to send his war message up to the Hill on Monday, 4 April, but hints from Madrid that further concessions might be made manana manana caused a postponement until Wednesday the sixth. Belligerents in Congress, who now comprised a majority, did not see why they should have to wait two more days, or for that matter two more hours, before settling with "the butchers of Spain." When the message was postponed a second time, in order to allow for free evacuation of American citizens from Cuba, frustrated legislators crowded the White House so threateningly that McKinley was obliged to lock the precious document in a safe. "By God," one Senator growled to Assistant Secretary of State Rufus Day, "don't your President know where the war-declaring power is lodged?" caused a postponement until Wednesday the sixth. Belligerents in Congress, who now comprised a majority, did not see why they should have to wait two more days, or for that matter two more hours, before settling with "the butchers of Spain." When the message was postponed a second time, in order to allow for free evacuation of American citizens from Cuba, frustrated legislators crowded the White House so threateningly that McKinley was obliged to lock the precious document in a safe. "By God," one Senator growled to Assistant Secretary of State Rufus Day, "don't your President know where the war-declaring power is lodged?"84 As always, Theodore Roosevelt produced the most quotable insult. "McKinley has no more backbone than a chocolate eclair."85 7 April was Holy Thursday in Havana. Under lowering skies, bands throughout the city played soothing sacred music. On Good Friday, Roosevelt assured his classmate Bob Bacon that he did not want to annex Cuba, only to free it from "medieval" fiefdom: "Let us fight on the broad grounds of securing the independence of a people who, whether they amount to much or not, have been treated with hideous brutality by their oppressors." On Saturday the American Minister in Madrid was told that at the behest of the Pope, Spain would declare an armistice in Cuba after all. On Easter Sunday, the Minister followed up with a personal appeal to McKinley: "I hope nothing will now be done to humiliate Spain." But on Monday, 11 April, the President finally sent his message to Congress. Debate still rages as to whether by doing so McKinley confessed his inability to hold the dogs of war any longer, or whether a study of Cuban history persuaded him that Spain's promises were not to be believed. If he wanted peace, why did he not keep the message locked up, and announce that, thanks to the armistice, a diplomatic victory was at hand? If he wanted war, why did he not send in the message sooner? Perhaps the President realized that nothing he thought or said was of much consequence now. America, as Theodore Roosevelt kept saying, "needed" a war. "I have exhausted every effort to relieve the intolerable condition of affairs which is at our doors," McKinley told Congress. "Prepared to execute every obligation imposed upon me by the Constitution and the law, I await your action."86

DURING THE WEEK THAT Congress took to debate McKinley's message-pausing, once, to roar out an impromptu chorus of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" Congress took to debate McKinley's message-pausing, once, to roar out an impromptu chorus of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic"87-Roosevelt redoubled his efforts to secure a commission in the Army. There was no question of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy applying for service at sea-"I shall be useless on a ship"-and he was equally determined not to become "part of the garrison in a fort."88 Preliminary mobilization was ordered on 15 April, well in advance of any declaration of war, and he at once began to pester the Secretary of War, Russell A. Alger, and General-in-Chief Nelson A. Miles. Neither man impressed him. "Alger has no force whatsoever...Miles is a brave peacock," he wrote in a new pocket diary. "They both told me they could put 100,000 men in Tampa in 24 hours! The folly, the lack of preparation, are almost inconceivable." Preliminary mobilization was ordered on 15 April, well in advance of any declaration of war, and he at once began to pester the Secretary of War, Russell A. Alger, and General-in-Chief Nelson A. Miles. Neither man impressed him. "Alger has no force whatsoever...Miles is a brave peacock," he wrote in a new pocket diary. "They both told me they could put 100,000 men in Tampa in 24 hours! The folly, the lack of preparation, are almost inconceivable."89 Frustration at the slowness of Congress to act, at his own inability to get a place in any New York regiment, vented itself in further jabs of angry ink. "The President still feebly is trying for peace. His weakness and vacillation are even more ludicrous than painful.... Reed...is malignantly bent on preventing all preparation for war." Fortunately there was one department in the Administration ready and willing to fight. "Long is at last awake...I have the Navy in good shape."90 Posterity will not grudge him that boast. The Navy was, indeed, in superb fighting trim as he prepared to resign from office.91 What it lacked in sheer weight of metal is made up in efficiency and combat toughness. Never before had it been so strategically deployed; never was it so ready for instant action. What it lacked in sheer weight of metal is made up in efficiency and combat toughness. Never before had it been so strategically deployed; never was it so ready for instant action.92 In comparison, the Spanish Navy, though numerically superior in ships and manpower, was ill-armed, untrained, and grossly mismanaged. In comparison, the Spanish Navy, though numerically superior in ships and manpower, was ill-armed, untrained, and grossly mismanaged.93 Thanks to Roosevelt's ceaseless publicizing of the service, schoolchildren across America could recognize and chant the praises of such romantic vessels as the Thanks to Roosevelt's ceaseless publicizing of the service, schoolchildren across America could recognize and chant the praises of such romantic vessels as the Iowa Iowa, the Oregon Oregon, and the Vesuvius Vesuvius. His revolutionary Personnel Report, though not yet enacted into law, had already brought about a new harmony between staff and line officers, easing one of the Navy's most difficult administration problems. His enthusiastic championship of torpedo-boats and submarines, not to mention Professor Langley's "flying machine," had pushed naval technology several years into the future. He had magnified the scope and influence of the Assistant Secretaryship. He had personally set the stage for one of the greatest sea dramas in American history. Most important of all, from the point of view of his later career, he had acquired a fund of naval expertise unmatched by any politician in the country.94 It would prove a priceless asset when he began to deal with "ships, ships, ships" again, as President of the United States. It would prove a priceless asset when he began to deal with "ships, ships, ships" again, as President of the United States.

At three o'clock in the morning on 19 April 1898, Congress resolved for Cuban independence. Without waiting for the diplomatic niceties of a final ultimatum, rejection, and declaration, the country whooped to war.95 Roosevelt was surely reminded that he had assumed his duties as Assistant Secretary of the Navy on 19 April 1897. It had taken him exactly one year to bring the war about. Roosevelt was surely reminded that he had assumed his duties as Assistant Secretary of the Navy on 19 April 1897. It had taken him exactly one year to bring the war about.

DISCORDANT CRIES OF PROTEST rose above the patriotic din when news leaked out that he had applied for a position on the staff of General Fitzhugh Lee. "What on earth is this report of Roosevelt's resignation?" wrote an agitated Henry Adams. "Is his wife dead? Has he quarreled with everybody? Is he quite mad?" Winthrop Chanler accepted the last alternative. "I really think he is going mad...Roosevelt is wild to fight and hack and hew...of course this ends his political career. Even Cabot says this." John D. Long, too, doubted Roosevelt's sanity. "He has lost his head," the Secretary typed sadly in his diary. "...He means well, but it is one of those cases of aberration-desertion-vain-glory; of which he is entirely unaware." rose above the patriotic din when news leaked out that he had applied for a position on the staff of General Fitzhugh Lee. "What on earth is this report of Roosevelt's resignation?" wrote an agitated Henry Adams. "Is his wife dead? Has he quarreled with everybody? Is he quite mad?" Winthrop Chanler accepted the last alternative. "I really think he is going mad...Roosevelt is wild to fight and hack and hew...of course this ends his political career. Even Cabot says this." John D. Long, too, doubted Roosevelt's sanity. "He has lost his head," the Secretary typed sadly in his diary. "...He means well, but it is one of those cases of aberration-desertion-vain-glory; of which he is entirely unaware."96 Nearly every major newspaper in the country urged Roosevelt to stay on in the Navy Department, where his services were now needed more than ever. Even the Sun Sun, while acknowledging "the instinctive glowing chivalry of his nature," lamented the Assistant Secretary's decision. "Is not his work of organizing war infinitely more important to the country than any part, however useful and glorious, which he could play as an officer in the field?...We are convinced that it is." One acid opinion, expressed by John Jay Chapman of the reformist periodical Nursery Nursery, was that "his departure was the cowardly act of a brave man."97 But all this clamor only served to convince Roosevelt that he must do what he had to do. Evidently his friends and admirers had never quite believed his vow to fight when the time for battle came. It was therefore vital that he prove himself, once and for all, a man of his word. If he backed down now, what of any future promises he might make to the American people? "I know perfectly well that one is never able to analyze with entire accuracy all of one's motives," he wrote in formal reply to the Sun Sun. "But...I have always intended to act up to my preachings if occasion arose. Now the occasion has arisen, and I ought to meet it."98

ON W WEDNESDAY, 20 A APRIL, President McKinley signed the Cuba resolution, with its noble disclaimer of any "intention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control over said Island," and its promise "to leave the government and control of the Island to its people" once liberation had been achieved.99 On Thursday the American Minister in Madrid was told that diplomatic relations between the United States and Spain had been severed. On Friday morning before dawn, warships of the North Atlantic Squadron slipped quietly out of Key West Harbor and headed southeast into the Caribbean. On Thursday the American Minister in Madrid was told that diplomatic relations between the United States and Spain had been severed. On Friday morning before dawn, warships of the North Atlantic Squadron slipped quietly out of Key West Harbor and headed southeast into the Caribbean.100 On Saturday the President issued a call for 125,000 volunteers to swell the ranks of the 28,000-man Regular Army. Included in this general summons was an extraordinary provision for three regiments "to be composed exclusively of frontiersmen possessing special qualifications as horsemen and marksmen."101 Secretary Alger would not have to look far for someone to be colonel of the first regiment, since the nation's most prominent frontiersman, horseman, and marksman was already pounding on his desk at the War Department. That same day, he offered the command to Theodore Roosevelt. Secretary Alger would not have to look far for someone to be colonel of the first regiment, since the nation's most prominent frontiersman, horseman, and marksman was already pounding on his desk at the War Department. That same day, he offered the command to Theodore Roosevelt.102 As long ago as 1886 Roosevelt had talked of leading a troop of "harum-scarum roughriders" into battle, without much conviction that such a dream would ever come true. Now, miraculously, it had; fate seemed to be adapting itself to his own peculiar abilities. Here at last was supreme opportunity for personal and military glory. Yet with supreme self-control Roosevelt turned the offer down. He told the Secretary that while he had been a captain in the New York National Guard, he lacked experience in hard military organization. He was sure he could "learn to command the regiment in a month," but that very month might make the difference between fighting at the front or languishing behind and missing the war. He would be happy to serve as lieutenant colonel if the colonelcy went to Leonard Wood.103 After some deliberation, Alger accepted this arrangement.104

THE FOLLOWING MORNING, Sunday, 24 April, Secretary Long dispatched the order that Dewey had been expecting since Roosevelt's "Keep full of coal" cable of two months before. Within forty-eight hours of receipt the Commodore put out of Hong Kong and vanished into the vastness of the China Sea.105

WAR PROPER WAS DECLARED by Spain the same day. Icily formal to the last, the United States replied on 25 April with a declaration backdated to 23 April. by Spain the same day. Icily formal to the last, the United States replied on 25 April with a declaration backdated to 23 April.106 But by now Roosevelt was too busy to be bothered with diplomatic trivialities. As chairman of the new Naval War Board, he was responsible for putting into execution the war plan which he had argued before President McKinley the previous September. But by now Roosevelt was too busy to be bothered with diplomatic trivialities. As chairman of the new Naval War Board, he was responsible for putting into execution the war plan which he had argued before President McKinley the previous September.107 As second-in-command of the First U.S. Volunteer Cavalry, he had to assist Leonard Wood in recruiting and equipping the new regiment. As second-in-command of the First U.S. Volunteer Cavalry, he had to assist Leonard Wood in recruiting and equipping the new regiment.

Although neither man had yet received his commission, the announcement of their appointments was made on 25 April, and by 27 April sacks of applications were thumping in from all parts of the country.108 The majority of these applications (which eventually numbered twenty-three thousand, enough for an entire division) were addressed to Roosevelt. He, Secretary Alger, the President, and Congress might imagine Wood to be the true commander of the regiment, but the American public was not fooled. Already Western newspapers were hailing the formation of "Teddy's Terrors," and every day brought a fresh crop of suggested names, all with the same alliterative connotation: "Teddy's Texas Tarantulas," "Teddy's Gilded Gang," "Teddy's Cowboy Contingent," "Teddy's Riotous Rounders" (and then, gradually, as the Lieutenant Colonel let it be known he did not like the nickname), "Roosevelt's Rough 'Uns," and "Roosevelt's Rough Riders." The last name stuck, and was soon common usage. "Colonel Wood," commented the The majority of these applications (which eventually numbered twenty-three thousand, enough for an entire division) were addressed to Roosevelt. He, Secretary Alger, the President, and Congress might imagine Wood to be the true commander of the regiment, but the American public was not fooled. Already Western newspapers were hailing the formation of "Teddy's Terrors," and every day brought a fresh crop of suggested names, all with the same alliterative connotation: "Teddy's Texas Tarantulas," "Teddy's Gilded Gang," "Teddy's Cowboy Contingent," "Teddy's Riotous Rounders" (and then, gradually, as the Lieutenant Colonel let it be known he did not like the nickname), "Roosevelt's Rough 'Uns," and "Roosevelt's Rough Riders." The last name stuck, and was soon common usage. "Colonel Wood," commented the New York Press New York Press, "is lost sight of entirely in the effulgence of Teethadore."109 Wood, fortunately, was an offstage personality who did not mind operating in the shadow that surrounds the spotlight. Roosevelt could grin and posture as much as he liked, as long as he heeded quiet orders coming from the wings. Moving with remarkable speed and efficiency, the colonel completed in two days all the preliminary work of organizing the Rough Riders in Washington. Then, leaving Roosevelt behind to handle Northeastern applications and ensure that his requisitions passed smoothly through the Ordnance and Quartermaster Bureaus, Wood departed for the regimental muster camp in San Antonio, Texas.110