The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1903-11-29

cratic, in politics straight Republican,
mrist and statesman, will take up the
war portfolio which Elihu Root will lay
down next January.
1t would perhaps be more dignified
10 write "Hon. William H. Taft" but
IN the thousands who have grasped his
hand, heard his hearty laugh and felt
the infection of his genial I'm mighty
glad to see you," he is bill" Taft. At
vale he was sometimes called Bull"
Taft on account of his big frame and
the determined way in which he broke
down obstructing barriers.
He has, however, no difficulty in es-
tablishtng his title to Hon" A
glance at his biography is enough.
Assistant prosecutor for Hamilton
county, Ohio; collector of internal
revenue at Cincinnati, judge of the
Superior Court of Ohio, Solicitor Gen
eral of the United States, judge of the
Sixth United States Circuit Court,
member of the Circuit Court of APP
peals, president of the Philippine Com
mission, a.gd first civil Governor of the
Philippines, besides twice refusing a
place on the Supreme Court bench,
make a list of honorable positions that
needs not the addition of Secretary of
War to guarantee the title.
Judge Taft is of fair complexion, and
some people think he looks like eX-
President Cleveland. He is taller than
the Sage of Princeton, weighs more
and has little more hair, although
there has been a decided thinning out
of his little 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
twinkle 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 provokes his wrath.
In one respect Judge Taft is much
like ex-President Cleveland. He dis
likes to dictate to a stenographeF, 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 sug-
gest anything but the big man behind
it. His autograph is in as great de-
mand as that of any other public man,
and he is immensely good natured
about giving it.
One result of Judge Tatt's residence
in the Philippines has been the intro
duction of the glad hand" in those
islands. No better proof is needed
of his democracy and his success as a
mixer. AS he travelled from Manila
to the uttermost provinces of the
archipelago, establishing local civil
government, his loud hearty laughter
and magnetic handshake dispelled cen
turtles of Spanish dignity and reserve,
and left a Democracy that would de-
light the most . enthusiastic SPELL
binder. AS an example of his infu-
ence in this direction on the Filipinos,
the following will serve.
He went into the province of Bula-
can to inaugurate a local civil gov
eminent. 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 of 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 mill
tary and civil career. He was pre-
pared for some grand ceremony, and
all the people expected to see the new
American governor appear in gold
bullion, glittering stars, shining belts
and all the blazonry of military
pomp. Instead Taft came along in
suit of light linen, and when pre-
scented 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 rater Capt. Serapio
received his commission as governor
OF that province. When he appeared
TO take Office the natives were sur
prised to see him in plain white
clothes. The fine uniform and hand
some decorations were gone.
How is this?" was the cry.
1T is no longer customary" replied
the Captain, as he shook hands and
greeted his people in imitation of
Tafts democracy.
The Fflipinos caught on, and class
OF glad hand" politicians has arisen
IN the wake Of the Governor General.
You have described Billy Taft"
said ex-Secretary of State Day to the
late President Mckinley one day in
1899. The two were travelling on
railroad train to Canton, o., and
earnestly discussing the most absorb
ing administration problem at that
tme-the government of the Philip
pines.
I want a man to head the Philip
pine Commission" said Mr.. Mckinley,
VINO is strong, honest and tactful.
A man of education and executive
ABILITY. A man fearless, but conserva-
I'VE and one who will get along with
me military authorities"
President McKinleys schedule of
the qualities desired in the head of
me commission Immediately brought
Judge Taft to the mind of Mr.. Day,
ana the choice was then determined.
How Taft would regard such
proposition was another question. He'
was asked to Washington, and in
resident McKinley's private office
Onere occurred conference that
showed the stuff the future Governor
oI the Philippines was made of. There
was then looming up a probable va
fancy on the Supreme Court bench,
70 which Judge Taft would be APP
POINTED if he so elected. At this con-
terence there were present President
mckinley. Secretary of War Root and
Judge Taft The President and Sec
Ietary of War wanted Taft to go to
me Philippines, and ii was left to Mr..
loot to put the matter before the
Judge. Mr.. Root had only a short
PERSONAL acquaintance with Mr.. Taft,
out sufficient to enable him to read
~ open a character.
.. Judge" he said, 1--WE need you In
Inc Philippines. You are now con-
Ifonted with two propostions-an
easy one and a hard one. You are
Eow occupying an honorable life posi-
don on the federal bench with
prospect in the near future of reach-
ag seat on the Supreme Court
'ench, the goal of every lawyers ann
A'ion who puts reputation above dol
,ils' You have money enough vito