Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-05-07
MOST PROMINENT IN THE
PUBLIC EYE AT THIS TIME

hostile partisan factions in this country.
Gov. Taft went into his new job heart
home and devoted himself to dealing with
the problems at hand. Justice, kindness
and tact were the three watchwords With
al that he could be stern when necessary.
OF a satrapy. For while the Spaniards
and Filfpinos could not understand that
When Gov Taft visited different sections
OF the Islands he did not go In state or
peisplrlng figure. In a plain white duck
suit and commodious hat was the picture
tnat presented itself to the natives who ex-
peS.eo gllt and uniform and brass buttons
! ne saw every one who had business with
nm. talked frankly and to the point and
kept MS word always The panfards and
Fiuplnos did not understand that for a
WINE VINE. unoer Spanish domination they had
broken promises ' anu
me record of his administration includes
Inc Introduction Of a modified America n
rsorssn OF go. government and laws. with due
.epi esehtatlon or worthy classes; the build
ing OF railroads and operation of coast
wise transportation and mail lines: the or
ganization of the Philippines constabuIarv
~ ~ repiace the army in maintaining peace;
ene estapnShment of a system of finance
ana taxation adequate to the needs of the
government and yet taking into Account
t me poverty of the country: the substitu-
a'o OF sound and stable currency for the
ganlzation of a high-class civil service: the
sanitation of Manila; the securing of favor
ape ape tariff regulations with the United
o s' the establishment of educational
one reforms and improvements all tending
mainly to the benefit of the Filipinos
philippines for Filipinos."
He was confronted upon arrival with the
cry OF The Philippines for the Filipinos :"
fv,k -
Of the local government:
Nov, what Is meant by the principIe
The Philippines for the Fflipinos?' Only
this, that every measure whether In the
form OF law or executive order should be
weighed in the light of the question: Does
1T make for the welfare Of the Filipino peo-
PIE or dQes-lt not? 1t it does not make for
the welfare of the Filipino people, then it
ousht not TO be enacted or executed. The
ooctrlne as interpreted in the light Of these
authoritative declarations assumes that the
fulplno people are of future capacity but
not OF present fitness for self-government
ana That they may be taught by the grad
uaI extension OF self-government to ex-
ercise the conservative self-restraint with
sible.
Does the doctrine exclude the encour-
asement or American enterprise. the
American investment of capital in these
ISLANDS! No, emphatically no. There Is
nothing which Americans can ring, and I
90 not except education or free form of
government, which can make more for the
elevation and civilization of the Filipino
people than the investment of American
capital In the material development of
these Islands. Civilization follows material
development What the islands are most
lacking are high roads, harbors and mod
ern methods of communication. If the
construction of railroads, the Inaugural ton
or steamship lines the obstruction
o york; highways aoTnsy Or or buildings Of port
exploitation then that kind of exploita-
ton Is wholly consistent with the principle
or the philippines for the Filipinos,' and
IS indispensable in carrying out that prin-
clple as properly understood.
Nor Is 1t to be expected that capital can
De invested here unless 1t Is assured an
adequate return. The profit must be large
to be proportional to the risk run The
idea that the policy of the Philippines for
the Filiipnos' involves the exclusion Of
Americans or others from making money
In the islands Is as far as possible from a
reasonable Interpretation of it,
Settled the "Friar Land Question"
Gov. Taft, despite his exceptionally pow
erful physique. broke down under the strain
OF his duties and was ordered back to the
United States. He spent some time testify
ing before the congressional committees
upon affairs relating to the islands, and in
1902 went to Rome, by order Of President
Roosevelt, to treat with Pope Leo and the
cardinals concerning the purchase of the
agricultural lands of the religious orders
in the Philippines and the settlement Of
what was known as the "friar question:"
1t was a most delicate task. On the one
hand was known condition of affairs in
the Philippines which could be remedied or
obviated only by course that might posi-
bly, offend a large religious body in this
country. Gov Taft's tact and diplomacy
steered clear of both Scylla and Charybdis
and all parties to the controversy were
reasonably satisfied.
Late in 1902 Gov. Taft returned to his
post In the Philippines and resumed the
duties OF civu~goVernor. He was recalled
In 1904 to become Secretary of War. Inn
mediately his favorite role of pacificator
was drawn upon and he went to Panama to
pour oil upon the troubled waters in the
little republic, consequent upon the new
relations with the United States.
Now he Is to build the Panama canal
with President Roosevelt, and to perform
any unassigned chores of a highly inn
postant and diplomatic character that may
be lying around loose. The next one of that
kind will be the extrication of the admin
istration from an ugly mess in Venezuelan
affairs. When Mr.. Bowen, present United
States minister to Venezuela, was at Yale
he often wrestled with "Bill' Taft. Before
Mr.. Bowen left the country he remarked
that he would like to have one more round
back and his wish may be gratified, though
in another sense.
If one should attempt to describe Secre-
tary Tafts leading characteristics and
traits of temperament, it would be said that
he mas a keen sense of justice. deep in
sight into human nature, with an unerring
instinct in the detection Of Frauds a
judicial temperament: that he Is pains
taking, methodical, studious; that he is full
of good nature, good temper and kindli-
ness.
He has almost an unlimited capacity and
keen relish for work. He Is combative
without being aggressive; he won't "pick"
quarrel-but don't step on his coat tails.
He believes in his country, in humanity
and in himself. He relishes joke, loves
the good things of life and is fond of out
door diversion. He has charming wife
and three interesting children. He Is
good man to know, and once you know
him you are bound to like him. That's
William H. Taft.
NVrr