The nation is nothing but the aggregate of the families within its border; and if the average man is not hard-working, just, and fearless in his dealings with those about him, then our average of public life will in the end be low; for the stream can rise no higher than its source.
Roosevelt asserts that the quality of public life reflects the character of its citizens.
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Character must show itself in the man's performance both of the duty he owes himself and of the duty he owes the State.
I wish to say that the Progressive Party is making its appeal to all our fellow citizens without any regard to their creed or to their birthplace.
I will accept the nomination for President if it is tendered to me, and I will adhere to this decision until the convention has expressed its preference.
Therefore I hope that so far as possible the people may be given the chance, through direct primaries, to express their preference as to who shall be the nominee of the Republican Presidential Convention.
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