While President Roosevelt coined many expressive terms that still
remain as part of American speech--such phrases as “Malefactors
of great wealth,” “Speak softly but carry a big stick,” “Swollen
fortunes,” originated with him.
He branded so many men as liars that a newspaper humorist coined the
name “Ananias Club,” and used it to include most of those who had
incurred Mr. Roosevelt’s enmity. The name stuck, but it did not deter
Mr. Roosevelt from going right on calling a spade a spade.
Roosevelt kept his mind fresh in the stifling political atmosphere of
the Capitol by keeping in touch with his Rough Rider and cowboy friends.
In spite of his strenuous battles, Roosevelt always found time for
play and diversion while he was an occupant of the White House.
He it was who started the army upon a course of physical training
that undoubtedly had a bearing upon its efficiency in France. Old
swivel-chair officers secretly rebelled against his order that they
should show their physical ability by periodical long-distance hikes
and rides, but when the President showed that he was willing to lead
the way and undergo the same tests, there was nothing to do but submit.