The failure of the attempted assassination of President-elect Roosevelt at Miami last night will probably be reckoned, in years to come, as a most lucky accident in the country's history. Casting aside the heinous nature of the crime and the personalities involved, it was an attempt which, if successful, might well have proved a national tragedy. The activities of Franklin Roosevelt since November eighth have inspired a growing confidence in his abilities, even among the die-hard members of his political opponents. To rob the victorious party of its leadership, and to place command in the hands of a less able, less respected lieutenant would unquestionably have shattered any hopes which the past election had aroused for intelligent government.

Pragmatically speaking, the incident is well calculated to consolidate national sentiment even more strongly than before in favor of the President elect. His will be a popularity which few men have lived to enjoy. If that popular esteem is ably combined with his great political power and buttressed by intelligent executive leadership, the country will have good reason to regard the event as singularly fortunate.