Americans had never in their lifetime witnessed a president like Theodore Roosevelt. This “whirlwind” shocked the political world as few others had done and inspired Roosevelt’s fellow Americans to join in the “strenuous life.”

Durango might seem a long way from Washington, but it had its own “whirlwind,” David Day and his Durango Democrat. In turn, he amused, disgusted and aroused his readers, So turn back to Nov. 19, 1903, and join him, along with some of the issues of the day.

The Democrat is independent in all matters of interest to the people of Colorado and the Southwest.

OUR UNALTERABLE PRINCIPLES: We favor the right of the employer to employ and discharge. We oppose all boycott and dictation in organized and unorganized forms.

SOLDIERS TO TELLURIDE TODAY

Governor (James) Peabody has responded to appeals of the mine owners for military protection and either regulars or state troops will be ordered to the district today. Mines are to be non-union ... a strike of the metaliferous miners has been in progress for some time, and that he had asked President Roosevelt to send regulars from Fort Logan.

The Durango Democrat pays more than the union scale and observes the same hours. We deny to any and all unions or non-union, the right of dictation, or the right to say whom we shall or shall not employ in this office.

Miners in the coal producers of southern Colorado are after their right as guaranteed by law, they ask for no lip sympathy or hot air.

Old age is not a question of years. Some men are old at forty, others yet young at sixty.

Will some wise guy explain the large number of robins and song birds that are now in Durango? Does it indicate an open snowless winter?

The smelter is smelting and the smoke stack is smoking, all of which is good for labor and for the man with price. All is extremely satisfactory.

One of Wall’s hot chocolates or beef is a lunch for tired and weary.

Secure a ticket for football team’s dance.

Worry is but the page of genius. We never worry.

The Inner State Commerce Commission today issued a bulletin showing a large increase in the number of railroad causalities during the fiscal year ending June 30 as compared with the previous physical year. There were 3,552 persons killed and 45,997 injuries during the year against 2,819 killed and 39,800 injured the year before.

We still insist and affirm that the Payne Bros. are the best packers and freighters – well, on earth. Look at their stock.

The employees of the Bonnie Girl, more than forty in number, have moved into their new bunk house about one mile north of La Plata (City). The large cook house and dining room are also in full operation.

Duane Smith is a Fort Lewis College history professor. Reach him at 247-2589.