Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-11-28

of Princeton, weighs more, and has little
more hair, although there has been a de-
cided thinning out of his light brown locks
in the last few years. He wears a light
brown mustache, somewhat long. His face
is full and indicative of geniality, but a
pair of steel gray eyes, that usually twin
kle with good nature, can give warning
that his geniality is not to be trespassed
He can get mad, but never without reason,
and heaven pity the poor mortal who pro-
vokeS his wrath.
In one respect Judge Taft is much like
exPresident Cleveland. He dislikes to die
tate to a stenographer, and does a great
deal of his own writing by hand Like the
writing of Mr. Cleveland, that of Judge
Taft is in a small, feminine hand that
would suggest anything but the big man
behind 1t. His autograph is in 6. eat de-
mand as that of any other public man. and
he is immensely good natured about CIV
ing it.
The "Glad Hand"
One result of Judge Taft's residence in
the Philippines has been the introduction
of the glad hand in those islands No
better proof is needed of his democracy
and his success as mixer AS he Travelled
from Manila to the uttermost provinces of
the archipelago. establishing local civil gov
eminent, his loud hearty laughter and
magnetic handShake dispelled centuries of
Spanish dignity and reserve, and left a
democracy that would delight the most en-
thusiastic spellhinder. AS an example of
his influence in this direction on the Fill
pinos, the following will serve.
He went into the province of Bulacan to in
augurate local civil government. Naturally
he inquired for the most prominent citizen
of the place, who was produced in the per-
son of Senator Jose Serapio. an ex-captain
or Spanish volunteers and preSidente Of
Malolos. The gallant captain was stiff with
dignity, and on his uniform coat hung half
dozen gaudy decorations received in his
military and civil career. He was prepared
for some grand ceremony, and all the peo-
pie expected to see the new American gov
ernor appear in gold bullion. glittering
stars, shining belts and all the blazonry Of
military pomp. Instead Taft came along
in a suit of light linen, and when presented
to the foremost citizen grabbed the little
fellows hand with a hearty How dye
do? Glad to see you" and chuckle that
startled the captain out of his dream
Two weeks later Captain Serapio received
his commission as governor of that prov
ince. When he appeared to take Office the
natives were surprised to see him In plain
white clothes. The fine uniform and hand
some decorations were gone.
How is this?" was the cry
TT is no longer customary" replied the
captain, as he shook hands and greeted his
people in imitation of Taft's democracy
The Filipinos caught on. and class of
glad hand" politicians has arisen in the
wake of the governor general.
The Man for the Place.
you have described Billy Taft" said
ex-Secretary of State Day to the late Presi-
dent Mckinley one day In 1899 The two
were travelling on a railroad train to Can
ton, Ohio, and earnestly discussing the
most absorbing administration problem at
that time-the government of the Philip
pines.
Il want a man to head the Philippine
commission" said Mr.. Mckinley, who is
strong, honest and tactful. A man of edu-
cation and executive ability. A man fear
less, but conservative. and one who will
get along with the military authorities"
President McKinley's schedule of the
qualities desired in the head Of the COM
mission Immediately brought Judge Taft to
the mind of Mr.. Day, and the choice was
then determined
How Taft would regard such a PROPOSE
ton was another question He was asked
to Washington, and In President McKin-
ley's private office there occurred confer
ence that showed the stuff the future gov
ernor of the Philippines was made of.
There was then looming up a probable va
cancy on the Supreme Court bench, to which
Judge Taft would be appointed If he so
elected. At this conference there were
present President Mckinley, Secretary or
War Root and Judge Taft. The President
and Secretary of War wanted Taft to go to
the Philippines, and 1t was left to Mr. Root
to put the matter before the Judge Mr..
Root had only short personal acuuaint-
ance with Mr. Taft, but sufficient to enable
him to read so open character
Chose the Difficult Way.
Judge" he said, I'VE need You in the
Philippines. You are now confronted with
two propositions-an easy one and hard
one. You are now occupying an honorable
life position on the federal bench, with a
prospect in the near future of reaching a
seat on the Supreme Court bench, the goal
OF every lawyers ambition who puts repu-
tation above dollars. You have money