The San Francisco call., 1905-05-25
TAT 7 PRES|DES
IN CONVENTION
Secretary of War Speaks
on National Issues to
the Republicans of Ohio
FACTIONS IN HARMONY
State Platform Will Con-
tain a Modified Plank
on Railroad Regulation

COLUMBUS Ohio, May 24-Although
the opening session of the Republican
state Convention was of a very routine
character, consisting chiefly Of the an
nouncement of the committees and
State committeeman whom the district
delegations had chosen earlier in the
day. the fact that Secretary of War W.
n Taft, the temporary chairman, was
TO make his debut in his native State
as a convention orator drew a large
and very attentive audience.
Tafts appearance in the hall was the
signal for applause, and when he was
introduced as the presiding officer the
demonstration was long continued. Dur
ing the reading of his speech hearty ap-
plause was given to the mention of
President Roosevelt and TO the Presi-
dents actions or policy, while occa-
slonally turn Of expression caught the
Iancy of the crowd and brought out
cheers. Taft said in part:
The tremendous victory of last fall so
stunned or ancient enemy, the Democratic
party, that IL as a party is hardly even now
showing signs Of life When q President like
Theodore Roosevelt consistent and orthodox
Republican. is welcomed with bursts Of en-
thusiasm and admiration in Texas and in the
Democratic Iroouois Club of Chicago. we may
wei Hken the present TO the era of political
good feeling which prevailed early in the last
century.
The Secretary said that the interstate
commerce law had accomplished much,
but that inequality and injustice re-
NAMED Discussing the proposed rem
edial bill as 1t passed the House of Rep
resentatives, the Secretary said it at
tempts to give more power to the rail-
road commission so that its order, when
made, shall be effective until set aside
by judicial hearing. He added:
We can certainly trust our law givers to re-
spono 70 me popular demand and to regulate
me railways SO far as they ought to be
regulated without interfering with that control
for efficiency and economic management which
are still required TO make successful the enor-
nous business OF railway transportation in
America.
This question must be settled by the Re-
publicans. The Republican party by its enc
mics is falsely charged with being party OF
The history Of its sacrifices in favor OF human
rights. and OF its contests for individualism
against socialism IS a triumphant refutation of
the charge.
Mr. Bryan represents an element OF the
Democratic party that is Fastening rapidly
as possible toward doctrine in which vested
interests little regarded He is now for
mulating doctrine in favor OF the Govern
ment ownership Of commercial railroads TO
which he hopes TO lead his party. Against
this proposition feel confident the Republican
party wifi always set its face like flint
only refer TO II as Mr.. Bryans remedy for the
abuses OF which. IL is said. the railroad COM
pan.es are guilty and as an additional reason
we know they do. we should take all reason
able steus TO remedy them in the direction of
a. Increased and efrective power Of govern
mental supervision and regulation, in order TO
meet the argument that Government ownership
is the only cure.
Secretary Taft discussed the deficit in
the revenues and said the Republicans
must provide a suitable means of avoid
ing a real and permanent shortage of
cash il next year witnesses a repetition
Of the deficit In this connection, he
said:
There are two alternates. either to impose
additional internal taxes to readjust and
revise the tariff We have repealed the war
taxes. which afforded q large revenueA and
have seen in this country a prosperity never
before witnessed In the civilized world. II
in one way the other. either our taxation
on imports our internal revenue system
must be changed TO meet the shortase. with
every effort TO cause the minimum of business
disturbance.
Secretary Taft said that never be-
fore has the influence of the United
States for good been greater than to-
day, because 1t is known that with a
navy of most respectable proportions.
should II unfortunately be engaged in
such a conflict, it is ready TO protect
itself.
Speaking of the Philippines. he said:
At present the tariff against the Philip
pines is IS per cent OF the present Dingley
tariff and under this practically no imports
reach the United States from the Philippines
The friends of the Philippines look forward to
the coming session OF Congress with confidence
that q measure OF justice viii be meted out to
the islands We shall hold the Philippines
certainly for a generation probably for sew
eral generations. in our effort TO lead the peo-
pie on TO education and prosperity and knowl-
edge Of self-government. and during the time
we must take these islands to our bosom, 50
to speak, and give them the advantages OF q
member OF family.
The committee on resolutions met
after the adjournment of the conven-
tion. selected Senator Dick as chair
man and listened to the reading of the
draft of the platform, which indorsed
President Roosevelt and his policies. A
slightly modified railroad rate plank
was understood TO be acceptable to
Taft, as the person having closest
knowledge of the views of the Presi-
dent.
BY the withdrawal of Judge Bright
as a candidate for Lieutenant Gov
ernor tonight, the contest for that
place on the ticket is ended, A. L. Har-
ris being the only man left in the race.