THE HON. R. B. ROOSEVELT< 329 



Many predicted dire failure to the undertaking, 

 and expressed a belief that it would recall to the 

 agricultural population the barbarous feudal laws of 

 the old world, etc. 



However, the prophets were in error, and every 

 State has now its game laws, and enforces penalties 

 for breach of them, that in severity open the eyes of 

 frothy-mouthed democratic orators, who broadcast 

 sow dissension and treason among the working 

 classes and rail at all that approaches the enjoyment 

 of manly outdoor sports. 



In a country so vast as the United States, of 

 necessity there must be much diversity of climate, 

 so that one hard and fast line for the protection of 

 inferior animal life cannot be made to hold good 

 throughout the whole land. Thus a select com- 

 mittee is now sitting in that country for the codifica- 

 tion of the existing laws, id est to make all the 

 different State laws as nearly as possible approach 

 each other as to the commencement and termination 

 of the close season, and to enable a trespasser in 

 one State to be convicted and punished in an adjoin- 

 ing one. 



The committee appointed to examine and report 

 upon the above matter is composed of a most able 

 body of American gentlemen, their chairman being 

 the Hon. Robert B. Roosevelt, late United States 

 Minister to the Hague. This selection speaks, and 

 not only that, means that the work undertaken is to 

 be practically and unflinchingly performed. 



I do not write the above words of approval from 

 hearsay, but from my long personal knowledge of 

 this excellent naturalist, sportsman, and litterateur. 

 His political power in New York city has long been 

 acknowledged, nevertheless he persistently refused to 

 take office till lately. This may account for him not 

 being better known out of his own country. 



About twenty years ago I visited him, and ex- 



