Topic 8
THE ATTEMPT ON HIS LIFE

THE fellow who shot me was cracked, and the doctors found him to be insane, so they put him into an insane asylum for the balance of his days.  It was the best way to dispose of his case."

Colonel Roosevelt was speaking of the attempt made on his life in Milwaukee during the campaign of 1912.

"The man was cracked.  He had been interested in a saloon that was in trouble while I was Police Commissioner, and, brooding on the thing, his poor brain gave away altogether.

"I had no special reason for thinking that I was in danger during that campaign, certainly much less than I had in the time I was in the White House or at other times since.  Of course, when I was in the White House a rather careful watch was kept upon those who might wish to destroy me, and persons approaching me too closely were scrutinized, but I was never very much worried about that sort of thing or gave it much thought.

" More to save the nerves of the secret service men and some of my friends than anything else, I tried to be as little careless as I could consistent with a reasonable degree of freedom of action, but I was something of a fatalist in the thing, and I realized that however careful a man might be, there was bound to be some risk at all times.  I have, I believe, been in more danger from friendly crowds that seemed anxious to crush me to death in their welcome, and to committees that would kill me with indigestion and overwork, than from anarchists or other cranks.

"I was in the automobile when this fellow shot me; he reached over the edge like, and the next thing I knew was a flash and a fearful blow.  It seemed as though I had been hit with a sledgehammer.  I went through with my engagement to speak, as you know, but it was somewhat difficult.  Otherwise, you know, members of my family and my friends would be frightened half to death.  After the shooting my side was as black as your hat.

"The bullet, you know, was never removed.  It passed through a rib and through the outer case of the lungs.  It was thought best not to try and remove it as it did not seem to be doing any damage.  This dry bronchitis I have been known to suffer from, I believe, may be a result of that wound."