Chapter 22, The Hot Weather Secretary Summary and Analysis

Returning to his boyhood dreams of naval war and ships, Roosevelt moves to Washington for his new job as Assistant Secretary of the Navy. Secretary Long feels Roosevelt is right for the job. For his part, Long works in a lazy and slow manner. Roosevelt assures Long of his dedication and support. He hopes that Long will feel good enough about Roosevelt to take a long, summer vacation, effectively leaving Roosevelt in charge.

Amid rumors of future war with Spain, Roosevelt vows to remain calm. However, he quickly gains support in Washington for Cuba's independence. Despite his promises for peace, however, Roosevelt issues a call to arms in a speech at the Naval War College in Rhode Island. He points out that shipbuilding takes two years and wartime is too late to begin...