Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1904-10-15
STRONG SPEECH BY TAFT.
Defended Republican Policies in
Vigorous Manner Wednesday,
HEARD BY A LARGE AUDIENCE
Aroused Enthusiasm When He Dwell al Leug,l.
90 Philippine Question Congressman
Dayton Also Spsaks.

Dayton Also Spsaks.
Secretary of War Taft was tiie Gen.
trial figure in the largest republican
meeting held in this section during
the present campaiqn, when be aud
Congressman A. G.. Dayton Wednesd y
addressed an audisne of about 1000
people which packed every available
seat in the Central Opera house and
overfiowed into the aisles and vacant
spaces in the rear and out into the
passage leading to the street. 1t was
q representative audience. made mp
and members of the rank and file from
all wulks of life Many ladies were
in the audience. rs we'll as a number
of democrats. who were attracted to
the hall by the prominenceFgof the
speaker and who gave him respectful
and close attention throughout.
United States Fish COMMISSIONS
Bowers presided and introduced the
speakers. and ON the stage were about
a score of republicans as vice-presi-
dents of the meeting.
Mr. Taft is y man of herculean pro-
portions, and carries his 800 pounds
on broad shoulders. In phyical ap-
pearance he somewhat resembles
Grover Cleveland, and has many of
the characteristics of manner aud
speech of the former president. In
speaking Mr.. Taft's enunciation is
clear and distinct, and lis delivery
is good and fairly rapid. He is net
much of an orator, scarcely ia class
with Daniel, Hill or Whyte, but has
an earneSt and forceful Style that is
impressive and commands attention,
and at times rises to brief moments of
real eloquence.
Mr.. TAFT'S ADDRESS.
Mr.. Tat declared that the burden of
proof that the republicans have been
tried and found wanting rests upon
the democrats. The charge that Roose-
welt has been an imperialist, the
speaker understood to mean that he
is accused of usurpaton of legislative
powers. To this indictment, he said
that Roosevelt has not done single
unconstitutional thing. with the single
exception of his pension order. for
which he had precedent in the acts
of Cleveland and Mckinley. He
agreed with Judge Parker that exc
cutive usurpation of legislation func-
lions is dangerous thing. but he de-
MED the guilt of the president.
On the trust question. the speaker
Landed Roosevelt for directing the at
tornev general to proceed against the
Northern Securities Co, which con-
templated merger of the big railroad
properties of the country.
Governor Taft said Senator Davis is
alarmed over the question of expend-
itures, and made some comparisons
with the Buchanan administration.
He ridiculed the democratic promise of
economy. He said the expenses OF the
Harrison administration were larger
than those of Cleveland's first ad-
ministration because Harrison did
something, Cleveland nothing.
Governor Taft went into lengthy de-
tails to refute the argument of Judge
Parker that extravaganza has charac-
%ar.izo6 cd. tatr t;..,,
Judge Parker compared the expendi-
lures in 1886. Cleveland's first year.
amounting TO S242, 0O0, 600, with the
$5S2. 900, 900 expended in 1904 under
Roosevelt, aud he charged Judge
Parker with unfairness in selecting
Cleveland's smallest year for compare
son. aud in neglecting to specify the
uses to which the republicans have
put the money. The Panama canal,
che pension fund, public buildings,
the worlds fair. war and navy, Indian
Bureau-all these expenditures were
defended by the speaker. and he justi-
fled the increase in the expenses of
government.
Governor Taft went into an elabor-
ate EXPLANATION and defense of the ex
penditures in the war department. for
the reconstruction and maintenance
of the navy. for the building of coast
defenses and the increase in the stand
log army. A large army, he said. is
necessary for the enforcement of the
Monroe doctrine.
THE PHILIPPINES.
The speaker passed to the Philippine
question, with which he declared he