Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-05-07

what fate. may have in store for him Is
another. He has rendered great service to
his country, but the common run OF man
kind is likely to accept his services COM
placently, signal they have been, and to
turn with whetted interest to what he may
yet accomplish. - ..--.. -
People who know Secretary Taft recog-
nize the peculiar magnetism of the man,
and it is curious thing that people who
have never come into personal contact with
him feel the contagion of the others en-
thusiasm, there Is something in his face
that inspires admiration, even though the
face is presented in cold printers Ink
Those who have felt the grasp of the big
hand, have come under the witchery of the
frank and engaging smile, and have ex-
perienced the glow of geniality, cordially
probably say that he would be a formula
BILE opponent in any candidacy that he
might assume.
Came to Washington in 1890.
Washington has known him for many
years in several official capacities. He will
be remembered first as appearing in 1890 as
solicitor general under President Harrison.
He sat in his office in the old Department
of Justice building. opposite the Treasury
Department, and there looked upon him
from the wall the portrait of his father.
Alphonso Taft. who was Attorney General
in 1876 and 1877. Upon entering the De-
partment of Justice Mr.. Taft was only
thirty-three years old. He had graduated
from Yale had taken a course in the Gin
cinnati law school, had been prosecuting
attorney, internal revenue collector and as
sistant county solicitor.
In 1887 J. B. Foraker, then governor OF
Ohio appointed Mr.. Taft judge of the
superior court of Cincinnati to fill vacancy
caused by the resignation of Judson Har-
mon 1t will be one of the curious freaks
of political fortune if Senator Foraker shall
1,a Tod 10 N
Dental primaries for the nomination with
the man whom he started upon his public
career. Mr.. Taft caused himself to be
elected TO the regular term of Office to
which Governor Foraker had appointed him
temporarily, and was holding 1t when Prest-
dent Harrison summoned him to Washing
ton. His ambition was not content with
the position of solicitor general, however.
and in 1892 he was made a circuit judge for
the sixth United States circuit and ex-
officio member of the circuit court of ap-
peaIs for the sixth circuit.
Asked to Go to Philippines.
Iu March, 1900 his larger duties COM
menced. The Philippines situation was
worrying President Mckinley. The demo-
cratic party violently assailing the pol
Icy of the United States government in the
Philippines. There were many problems of
a vexatfous character in the islands, any
one of which, If not properly solved, might
have set the cause of civilization back in
definitely. man was wanted who would
combine all the qualifications of justice.
tenderness. sternness, and, above all. wis
dom and tact TO deal with the situation.
Secretary Day suggested William II. Taft.
President Mckinley thought 1t was an in
spiration. as II, indeed, proved to be- But
Taft held off. He fairly secuted the first
suggestion of Mr.. Day. He liked his ju-
dicial position he did not like the idea of
one of the strong qualities of his nature,
Lack of conceit, by expressing the fear that
he might not be able TO handle the case.
Secretary Day induced him to come to see
Mckinley. and the President talked it over
with him. Judge Taft said he originally
had been opposed to the acquisition of the
islands. but acknowledged that as long as
this government was there, 1t should stay
there and make a good job of 1t. The
President pleaded with him and finally
Judge Taft went back to Cincinnati and
adopted peculiar method of reaching
decision. He called his colleagues of the
court together and declared they would
hold moot court. He went upon the stand
to argue against his acceptance OF the Of
fer He exploited every conceivable reason
why he should not take the place, and
argued to the best of his ability.
He lost the case. The court decided
unanimously that he ought to do the Presi-
dents bidding. He acquiesced and was ap-
pointed president of the United States Phil
ippine commission. He was made first
civil governor of the Philippine Islands
July 4, 1901.
Governor of the Philippines.
He found his work cut out for him. The
military power had been engaged for some
time in solving problems after military
fashion. There was the condition that
usually exists in a land which has brought
down upon it the strong hand of the mill
tary power. He was confronted with
hatred. suspicion, lack of understanding on
the part of the people. Worse than all.