The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-05-25
TAFT TO OHIO REPUBLICANS.
SECRETARY OFWAR GETS a GREAT
RECEPTION.
Taft, 1905" was tho Cry OF tho Dele.
Eates--Defends the Railroad Rate Bill
Passed BY tho House and Talks About
the Big stick and the Monroe Doctrine.

Passed BY tho House and Talks About
the Big stick and the Monroe Doctrine.
COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 24.-secretary
Taft Is not in any doubt tonight as to
Ohio's choice for the Presidency in 1908.
From the time he entered the convention
hall this afternoon until he had concluded
his speech as temporary chairman, Taft
1905" was dinned into his ears. and the ap-
plause at times was 80 vociferous as 70 COM
pei him to pause in his remarks.
An enthusiastio delegate from Mont
gomery county, W. g. Potter. started the
demonstration and 1t was quickly taken up
all over the hall. The Secretary Of War
was not Disconnected, however, but pro-
oeeded with the reading of his speech.
none of which he trusted himself to MEN,
orize.
The overwhelming victory last year, he
said, brought responsibilities, which the Re-
publicans could not escape, Of working out
great questions which now presented them
selves and with respect to the solution Of
which all Republicans did not yet seem to be
in full accord.
The American railroads ought to be,
and are to-day he continued. "the pride
of this country. They typify in the most
satisfactory way the energy and growth Of
which this people is capable.
The proposed remedial bill as it has
passed the House Of Representatives at
tenpts to give more power to the Railroad
Commission so that its orders when made
shall be effective until set aside by judicial
hearing. 1t does not as yet provide for
general fixing Of a table Of rates by the
commission, but only calls for fixing OF
a maximum rate upon complaint with re-
spect to a specific instance Of injustice.
1t seems a moderate measure calculated
to give the added power to the Commissioner
necessary to effectiveness in renedying
specific wrongs in rates without creating
an al-powerful tribunal which shall in
advance take away from railways the
power Of rate making and of elasticity
responding to varying conditions. 1t will
not thus paralyze individual effort in meet
ing the changing demands of trade,
MIR. Bryan represents an element OF the
Democratic party that is Fastening as rap
idly as possible toward doctrine In which
vested interests are little regarded. He II
now formulating doct rine in favor Of the
Government ownership Of commercial rail-
roads, TO which he hopes to lead his party.
Against his proposition feel confident hat
the Republican party will always set it's
face like flint ! snail not stop to review the
arguments against it, or to point out what
an immense stride toward Socialism and
against individual energy and thrift and in
dustry Government ownership Of commercial
railroads would be. l only refer to 1t az
Mr.. Bryan's remedy for the abuses OF which
it Ia said the railroad companies are guilty
and as an additional reason why. If such
abuses exist, as in some measure we KNOW
they do, we should take all reasonable steps
to remedy them in the direction OF an in
creased ard effe c;ive power Of governmental
SUPERVISION and regulation in order to meet
the argument that Government ownership
is the only cure.
Another issue the Republican party was
to settle, Mr.. Taft said, was how to meet
the deficit in the Treasury, If the present
conditions continu a bold stand must be
adopted to avoid IT,
Mr.. Taft had much to say concerning the
Monroe Doctrine and the Big Stick
-One of the great dangers which our
Democratic friends pointed out in the cleo
ton Of President Roosevelt he said. was
the certainty that he would involve lis in
war in every part of the world; that his Use
of the big stick must bring on internal
tional complications which could not be
solved except by the use of force. 1t Ii
true that Mr.. Roosevelt has in
sisted that the United States bear
its part in the settlement of those queS-
lions between the nations in which, by
reason Of that guardianship which we
maintain over this hemis phere under the
Monroe Doctrine. we have always claimed
a right 70 be heard, and In these new ques-
lions arising in the Far Orient IN res pect to
Which. by reason Of our ownership of the
Philippines and our Immense and growing
trade with China and japan, We may prop
erlv claim hearing
Mr. Taft upheld the Dominican treaty
and predicted that it would be ratified at
the next session of the Senate.
THE Monroe Doctrine Is difficult to main
tain at all events, and If we assert it as we
do. we should acoe pit the obligations that
follow the assertion Of the right; for if we
ward off the natural and deserved punish
ment which an unjust and irresponsible gov
would otherwise suffer from Europe and
take no steps urselves to compel reparaton,
the immunity thus enjoyed will only in
crease the lack of moral sense in the adj
m!rstration Of that e., gover m Sa s,,
Venezuela all the fortearance that is due
a weaker nation. He said a word about
his plan to open the American market to
Philippine sugar and tobacco. -We shall
hold the Philippines, certainly for gem
Grafton" he said, probably for several
generations in our efforts to lead the people
on to education and prosperity and a knowl-
edge of self government, and during that
time We must take those islands to our
bosom. so to speak, and give them the ad-
vantage OF member of our family. This
benefit can never exist as long as we main
tain high tariff wall between us and the
islands
Tonight the committee on resolutions
is putting the finishing touches to the
platform. There are but two planks about
which there may be any disa greement.
These relate TO the Panama Canal supply
purchases and the proposed railway rate
legislation. 1t is believed that the plat form
will plainly protest against the purchase
of any canal supplies outside the United
States 1t is also believed that the con-
vention will indorse moderate measure
for the Federal regulation of railway laws.
Senator Foraker has written to Gov,
Herrick recretting his inability to be present
at the convention. Lieut.. Gov. Harding.
Forakers chief lieutenant in the State, sits
with a rather bored look in the Marion
county delegation apparently wishing it
were all over.
The Foraker crowd has been swatted so