The Triumphant Life of Theodore Roosevelt edited by J. Martin Miller

102 ROOSEVELT THE REFORMER
est}', courage, energy, resolution, readiness to learn and a
desire to be as pleasant with everybody as was compatible
with a strict performing of duty. It was these virtues that
Mr. Roosevelt took with him into the unequal battle with the
power of evil in the New York police force. He began by
familiarizing himself with the details of police organizations
and methods. He made nightly rounds over the city, either
alone or accompanied by his friend Mr. Riis, and in this way
detected many policemen neglecting their duty.
MULBERRY STREET DEMORALIZED
When Mr. Roosevelt commenced the dismission of officers
from the force, and especially those who had flattered them-
selves that they had a "pull," he was denounced on every
hand. "Mulberry Street," as the police headquarters in New
York is called, was demoralized— the bosses panic-stricken.
Mr. Roosevelt's life was even threatened, and on several occa-
sions infernal machines were found in his desk; but Mr.
Roosevelt does not know the meaning of fear, and when he
has once set his hand to any work there is no turning back.
Mr. Roosevelt's campaign against the saloonkeepers was of
short duration, but he achieved his point, and in June, 1895,
New York had its first dry Sunday. Next he turned his atten-
tion to another violation of the State law which prohibited the
selling of liquor to children, and put a stop to that nefarious
practice. But if Mr. Roosevelt was quick to dismiss corrupt
and disobedient policemen from the force, he also knew how
to recognize merit and to reward it accordingly. To again
quote from Mr. Riis, who tells the story of how the police
became, from a band of blackmailers' tools, a body of heroes
in a few months: