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lamation was followed by some excellent work of our State Department, whereby it was agreed among the leading nations that the zone of fighting should be a limited one, —that is, that neither Japan nor Russia should be allowed to carry it beyond a certain defined territory.

For many weeks Congress had debated the Panama Canal treaty and the action of President Roosevelt regarding the new republic of Panama. On February 23, 1904, a vote was taken in the Senate, and the Panama Canal treaty was ratified in all particulars. Without delay some United States troops were despatched to Panama, to guard the strip of land ten miles wide through which the canal is to run, and preparations were made to push the work on the waterway without further delay.

On Saturday, April 30, the great World's Fair at St. Louis was formally opened to the public. It had cost over fifty millions of dollars and was designed to eclipse any fair held in the past. The opening was attended by two hundred thousand visitors, all of whom were more than pleased with everything to be seen.

It had been arranged that President Roosevelt should formally open the Exposition by means of telegraphic communications from the White House to the fair grounds. A key of ivory and gold was used for the purpose, and as soon as it was touched a salute of twenty-one guns roared forth in the Exposition's honor. Around the President were assembled the members of his Cabinet and representatives of many foreign nations. Before touching the key which was to set the machinery of the wonderful fair in motion, President Roosevelt spoke as follows:

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"I have received from the Exposition grounds the statement that the management of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition awaits the pressing of the button which is to transmit the electric energy which is to unfurl the flag and start the machinery of the Exposition.

"I wish now to greet all present, and especially the representatives of the foreign nations here represented, in the name of the American people, and to thank these representatives for the parts their several countries have taken in being represented in this centennial anniversary of

the greatest step in the movement which transformed the American Republic from a small confederacy of States lying along the Atlantic seaboard into a continental nation.

"This Exposition is one primarily intended to show the progress in the industry, the science, and the art, not only of the American nation, but of all other nations, in the great and wonderful century which has just closed. Every department of human activity will be represented there, and perhaps I may be allowed, as honorary president of the athletic association which, under European management, started to revive the memory of the Olympic games, to say that I am glad that, in addition to paying proper heed to the progress of industry, of science, of art, we have also paid proper heed to the development of the athletic pastimes which are useful in themselves as showing that it is wise for nations to be able to relax.

"I greet you all. I appreciate your having come here on this occasion, and in the presence of you, representing the American government and the governments of the foreign nations, I here open the Louisiana Exposition."

CHAPTER XXX

THE NEW CAMPAIGN

ELECTED PRESIDENT BY A

ROUSING MAJORITY THE INAUGURATION PEACEMAKER BETWEEN JAPAN AND RUSSIA DEPARTMENTAL REFORMS AT WASHINGTON

WHILE the great St. Louis Fair was still in its opening days, the "political pot," as it is commonly called, began to boil steadily. It would soon be time for both great political parties to make their nominations for the presidency, and in a general way the accepted leaders began to look around for the most available material.

The Republicans had not far to go, for Theodore Roosevelt's name was on every lip. Many State Conventions were held, and at every one the hero of San Juan Hill was made the standard bearer. The few political enemies he had made got no recognition, and it was "Roosevelt! Roosevelt!" everywhere.

The Republican National Convention met at Chicago, June 21, and two days were

spent in routine business and in adopting a platform. Then, amid the greatest of cheering and the waving of thousands of flags, Theodore Roosevelt was unanimously declared the nominee of the party, and Charles W. Fairbanks, of Indiana, was put up for Vice President. No other names were mentioned, and the convention, from beginning to end, was a veritable love feast.

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They can't beat Roosevelt!" said more than one. "Everybody wants him!"

"He'll get there with both feet," put in an old Rough Rider. "He always does." And this made many laugh.

The Democratic party was still split, mainly on the silver issue, and it took some time to decide upon a candidate. At last it put up Judge Alton B. Parker, of New York, for President, and Henry G. Davis, of West Virginia, for Vice-President. Judge Parker was an excellent man, yet hardly known outside of his own State, and his nomination aroused but little enthusiasm.

President Roosevelt was deeply touched by the high honors bestowed upon him, and in his speech of acceptance spoke of the great work which remained to be done by

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