Roosevelt: Speech at Grand Canyon

This was a speech given by Roosevelt to the Governor and a group of citizens of Arizona. It was his first visit there, but he manages to maintain his authority and give a strong speech about keeping it's natural beauty untouched. He speaks of the Grand Canyon, his respect for it, and his hopes to keep it as it is. He respects the soldiers from Arizona who fought along side him in battle. He also speaks of and to the Native Americans, treating them as equals, and encouraging others to do the same. It seems a very progressive speech for the times. He uses good details to back up his arguments. He describes his pride towards the soldiers and backs it up with statements of respect like "glorious and honorable death fighting for the flag of their country." He speaks of the Grand Canyon and his hope to keep it untouched in its natural wonder. And he backs this up by explaining his delight to learn that the people of the santa Fe railroad did not decide to build their hotel on the brink. He speaks of the Native Americans and his respect for them and goal to treat them as equal to any white man. He backs this up and encourages others to hold the same view by making the statement that "they were good enough to fight and to die, and they are good enough to have me treat them exactly as squarely as any white man." It is a very compelling speech, especially when considered in the context of its time.