The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1904-01-17

Such is the estimate of the visiting
Secretary of War, William H. Taft
given by one of Honolulu's prominent
business men after meeting Mr.. Taft
That it is apt and true all who have
had the pleasure of receiving a hand
shake and a word from the new men,
Der of President Roosevelts Cabinet
will be ready to attest.
THE TERRIToRYS WELCOME.
When the steamship Korea, in which
Mr.. Taft is going home from his sue
cessful Governorship of the Philippine
Islands, arrived off the harbor from
the Orient about 9 o'clock yesterday
went aboard from the custom house
steam launch to welcome the distin-
guished visitor.
On the docking of the Korea, the off,
GERS of the Hawaiian National Guard,
as guard of honor, met the head of
the War Department. The Territorial
band was in attendance, playing well
coming serenade Of national airs.
Secretary Taft, Mrs. Taft and their
children, Miss II. Taft and Master C.
Taft, were conducted by Governor
Garter to his home in Nuuanu to be the
guests, during their steamers stay in
port, of the Governor and Mrs. Car
ter. The Secretary is also accom-
panied on his journey by F. w. Carpen-
ter. his private secretary
After a brief rest, Mr.. Taft was
brought into town by the Governor,
when the public buildings and the
Honolulu Iron Works were visited. Be
fore noon return was made to Gov
ernor Carter's residence. where the
party had breakfast. At 1890 the
Governor and Mrs. Carter, together
with representatives of the Chamber
of Commerce. escorted the visitors in
a special train to Eva plantation and
mill. The Persian magnates passing
through in the Korea We're also guests
of the excursion.
On returning to town at o'clock.
Secretary Taft was driven to Capitol
square to witness an exhibition drill
by Co. f, of the Hawaiian National
Guard. After the drill a public recep-
tion was given to Secretary Taft in
the hall of the House of Representa-
tives, the former throne room.
THE PUBLIC RECEPTION.
Upon the front veranda, before he
entered the hall, the guest of the Ter
ritory received the directors of the |
Builders and Traders Exchange. who |
presented him with a petition as ap-
pears elsewhere. Afterward Mr.. Taft
was conducted to the head of the hall, |
where Governor Carter and Secretary |
A. L. C. Atkinson presented the call |
ers to him. There was no stiff cere- /
mony. but the company went forward |
in orderly line. distinctive groups SUCH /
as mercantile and military keeping to- |
gether.
Secretary Taft was cordiality itself. |
though without effort, and i. WAS re-
how much pleasant talk he |
was able to distribute both to indi-
and groups, in the few minutes
to which the reception was limited.
THE MERCANTILE DEPUTATION.
George w. Smith. president of the
Association. informed Sec
retary Taft of the action of that body
in laying before General Macarthur
while here a statement of what it was
prepared to do by way of assisting the
War Department in making estimates |
Of the cost of maintaining large bodies
IF troops at Honolulu. He stated that
General Macarthur promised to en-
body the Associations overtures in his
report. so that the Secretary would
nave an opportunity of considering the
natter after taking office.
Secretary Taft expressed his great
pleasure in the offer of the Association,
saying he would be glad to call uron
he Honolulu merchants for the prom
sed information. For himself he said
le was in favor of fortifying the Ha- I
vaiian Islands as well as the Philip
lines, but that was a matter to be
eaIt with in relation TO the general {
interests of the country. Congress
lad the final word when it came to
appropriations.
Rev. DR.. scudder, who knew Mr..