The country at that time was the habitat of horse thieves, stage
robbers, desperadoes, and criminals in general. Surely this
“tenderfoot” from the east would prove an excellent subject for
imposition! Other men had been made to feel that lawlessness and
depredation were united as a common lot visited upon each newcomer,
the only apparent, quick redress being in the power and ability of
the offended party to protect himself and chastise the marauders. Mr.
Roosevelt’s salutatry to such persons came early, and was effective.
His influence and example did much toward civilizing the “bad men” in
his locality, who found him to be an absolutely just man, possessing
nerve, and handy with gun and fists. No person ever stole a hoof of his
cattle or horses but was captured and punished according to the laws
then existing in that country.
Theodore Roosevelt early acquired the reputation of being abundantly
able to protect himself and his interests, his aptitude along such
lines being brought out in bold relief by what is remembered in
the west as the Marquis De Mores incident. Marquis De Mores was a
Frenchman by birth and a western ranchman through preference. He went
west heralded as a duelist of great reputation, and located upon a
ranch some miles distant from that of the subject of this article.
Although thoroughly an honorable man, he believed in governing the
country by force, and it was the popular impression that the cowboys
in his employ were “killers” and ready to fight at the drop of the
hat. Soon after De Mores had established his headquarters in a town
called Medora, Roosevelt’s cowboys and those in De Mores’ employ
became involved in a dispute over some cattle, which resulted in a
pitched battle between the disputants. Victory, and a decisive one,
perched upon the Roosevelt standard. De Mores’ anger and chagrin
were boundless when he learned of the outcome of the affair, and he
informed his men that, if they could not whip Roosevelt’s cowboys, he,
personally, could whip their boss, and that some day he would go to
Roosevelt’s ranch and accomplish such a task. Roosevelt heard of this
threat and sent immediate word to De Mores that he need not trouble to
undertake the journey to his (Roosevelt’s) ranch, but that he would
meet him half way, at any designated point, when any differences could
be speedily, if not peacefully, adjusted. Marquis De Mores did not
choose to seriously consider our friend’s message, and the impression
became prevalent and widespread in that section of the country that the
Frenchman’s hand had been “called” and that he had been found bluffing.
“GAMENESS” WAS NEEDED; ROOSEVELT HAD PLENTY.
In those days, if there was one attribute of character and make-up more
thoroughly acceptable than another, to the average westerner, it was
the “gameness” a man possessed and displayed at an opportune time, such
qualities always proving the open sesame to the regard and affections
of the men of the camp. The De Mores episode gained for Roosevelt no
little distinction. Contrary to predictions, his cattle industry proved
to be a financial success. The cattle wintered well in the “bad lands,”
and, from there, he shipped some of the finest beeves ever placed in
the Chicago market. He remained in the business for about three years,
when he found himself the owner of several thousand head of cattle,
splendid ranch houses, and corrals, and no doubt he could have remained
in the business and become one of the cattle kings of the west. But by
that time he had obtained what he went west for,—vigorous health and an
iron constitution, the result of his labor and life on the plains, had
come to him and he was ready for greater things. He gave to the people
of the west an example of splendid integrity and forceful character,
early winning their esteem and loyalty, the possession of which he has
never forfeited but rather increased by the continued exercise of the
sturdy independence which found such early expression among a people
whose pluck and perseverance in the upbuilding of a great and new
country has been immortalized in song and legend.