GAIL DRAKE: Teddy Roosevelt, Part III: The ‘big stick’ that brokered treaties

“Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.”

Theodore Roosevelt Jr. served as U.S. president at a time the nation rose as a world power through its industry and prosperity. A former Navy secretary, Roosevelt’s first priority was expanding the U.S. Navy. By the end of his presidency, the United States had more battleships than any other nation except Britain.

Roosevelt sent the Great White Fleet on a world tour in 1907 to project military power so America could be “at absolute peace.” Recognizing the need for rapid deployment to all regions, Roosevelt focused on a direct route from the Caribbean to the Pacific Ocean without traveling all the way around Argentina.

Panama was then a rebellious district within the nation of Columbia. When Panamanians rebelled and formed their own government, a treaty was signed in 1903 to construct a canal across Panama. Newspapers criticized the president for paying $40 million to Panama companies and accused him of corruption. Roosevelt, who usually enjoyed a friendly relationship with the media, countered with criminal libel lawsuits that were eventually dismissed.

Over time Roosevelt morphed from an imperialist to a diplomat. In the Pacific, Roosevelt believed American control of the Philippines was best as it provided stability for the Filipinos and a military presence for the U.S. in the Pacific. His priority was to maintain friendly relations with Japan. At that time Japan and Russia were at war. Both sides asked Roosevelt to mediate a peace conference, which he successfully held in New Hampshire.

For this accomplishment, Roosevelt was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906, the first U.S. president to win this honor.

“The real success does not depend upon the position you hold, but on how you carry yourself in that position,” he said.

Roosevelt enjoyed being president but believed in term limits to prevent dictatorships. After retiring from the Oval Office, the ex-president left in March 1909 for a Smithsonian-sponsored African safari, financed in part by profits from his book sales. The team killed or trapped more than 11,000 animals, from insects to elephants. Crates of salted carcasses and skins were shipped back to Washington and eventually mounted in the National Museum.

Next, he traveled across Europe to meet world leaders and give speeches. Over time he grew disgruntled with his hand-picked presidential successor, William Taft, and publicly disagreed with him over several issues. The schism grew so bad that Roosevelt decided to run again. He had to start his own political party he called the “Progressive Party,” better known as the “Bull Moose Party”.

While campaigning in Milwaukee in 1912, a mentally ill bar owner shot Roosevelt in the chest. After defusing the event and getting the shooter arrested, Roosevelt concluded the bullet had not reached his lung, and instead delivered a 90-minute speech — with blood trickling into his shirt. An X-ray later showed the bullet lodged in his chest muscle, and doctors concluded it was too dangerous to remove it. Roosevelt carried the bullet in his chest for the rest of his life.

Because of the split Republican party, the Democratic nominee, Woodrow Wilson, won the election. Roosevelt then left for another expedition in South America to obtain new animal species for the Smithsonian. While in Brazil, he adopted a more ambitious goal to find the headwaters of the Amazon River. While exploring the Amazon, he injured his leg, which soon led to an infection and tropical fever so severe he was disabled for weeks. His robust health declined, and Roosevelt passed away in 1919 in New York at the age of 60.

It’s easy to take for granted the many benefits we Americans enjoy and forget those whose choices made those benefits possible. Among America’s visionary leadership is Teddy Roosevelt. He believed in strenuously pursuing goals and overcoming obstacles. He presided over the United States during a time of explosive growth. He expanded its Navy, making it the world’s strongest, stood up to powerful business owners to force fairness for all citizens, and protected America’s national resources for the enjoyment of future generations.

In honor of Roosevelt’s birthday, Oct. 27, let us take a moment to remember our 26th president, whose choices enriched many Americans’ lives.

Gail Drake practices probate, adoption, mediation and children’s law in Albany.