The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1904-01-17
SECRETARY TAFT COLLEGE MAN PUBLlCHT
AND AN ALL ROUND GOOD FELLOW TO KNOW
low lie introduced Democracy to the StiIted
Dons of the Philippines--Chose Hard
Work in the New Possessions by Preference
to Ease on the Supreme Bench.

wanted Taft to go to the Philippines,
and it was left to Mr.. Root to put the
matter before the Judge. Mr.. Root
had only short personal acquaintance
with Mr.. Taft. but sufficient to enable
him to read so open a character.
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 hon
orable life position on the Federal
Bench, with a prospect in the near fu-
ture of reaching a seat on the Supreme
Court bench. the goal of every law
yer's ambition who puts reputation
above dollars.
you have money enough with your
salary to live comfortably. You can
remain upon the Supreme Bench for
life That is the easy proposition.
ION the other hand. we need you in
the Philippines You may be pros
trated and wrecked physically by the
diseases incident to that climate. You
may die at your post.
f'You have the opportunity of being
the savior of the little brown men, adj
vancing them centuries in civilization,
and still be damned by the public for
your work. You may administer af-
fairs with great success, and still feel
the sting of ingratitude.
you will have to resign your Cir
cult Judgeship. The chance of going
upon the Supreme Court Bench may
never again come to you. That is the
hard proposition. Which will you ac-
cept?''
Several hundred of his old college
mates, who have seen "Bull'' Taft take
hard knocks at Yale and tackle the
most unpromising propositions, could
have answered for him as he did for
himself:
Il go to the Philippines
Judge Taft is not man of fads or
except one. He is an intense,
loyal, uncompromising
Yale man.
If you want to see his steel gray eyes
snap and flash, just reflect upon the
glory or prestige of Old Eli. All the
honors and achievements of his life
since graduating in 1873 are nothing to
him compared with his triumphs in mis-
four college years. Away out in the
it has been no unusual
thing to hear his voice raised in the
songs of Yale, just as he used to sing
when sitting on the college fence with
his classmates about him.
There are hundred or more of Judge
Taft's old sehoolmates, men prominent
in business, church and politics
the country, who would
take off their coats; at any time to fight
for him. a quarter of a century has
not lessened their loyalty, and their
devotion illustrates the esteem he COM
manded in Yale, from the time he en-
tered until graduation.
Young Taft went into Yale from
with a choice lot of boys, who |
formed a clique that ruled their own
class, and to great extent the whole |
college. OF this party the athletic Taft |
was the leader.
Formed by nature for victories in the !
athletic field, Taft denied his inclina- |
ton and entered the sphere of mental |
achievements. He rowed, played foot |
ball and practised in the gymnasium |
,nly enough to keep his body in trim. |
He was not so devoted TO his books, |
however. that he failed to respond |
when his class was in rush, row or
contest of any kind. He was always IN |
he forefront of the fray.
y
If War and Attorney General under
Grant, and in the diplomatic service
1nder Arthur, was a Yale graduate, |
md he wanted his son to take high
lonors from his alma mater. The son
lid not disappoint him. He graduated
second in class of 40, and was salu-
atorian and class orator.
s.J,u never be content. until I throw
Bill Taft again, laughingly said Her
,ert w. Bowen, Minister to Venezuela.
ne evening while in Washington con-
ucting negotiations for the settlement
f the Venezuelan imbroglio.
Mr.. Bowen was a member of the
anne class with Taft at Yale. They
we're the two biggest fellows in the coll
eye, and a friendly rivalry existed be-
ween them as to strength and ability
o wrestle.
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