Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1905-07-07
WASHINGTON LETTER.
(From our Regular correspondent

(From our Regular Correspondent.)
Washington, ID. G., July 1.-Poll-
tical observers in the national capital
believe they see signs on the horizon of
the candidacy of William 81. Taft IfOr
the presidency, to be launched with
the personal endorsement of the Presi-
dent. There are many .straws which
the political representations interpret
to support their theory and it is I'M
doubtedly true that Mr.. Taft is one Of
the largest men, in the Republican
party on today. 1t is grave q question.
however, as to whether the stand pat
tiers would ever be willing that the
nomination should go to the man who
was responsible for the Panama pur-
chase order, which has done so much
to enlighten the public as to the mi
quitles Of the Dingley tariff schedules.
If Mr. Taft were nominated it would
be without the delegations of a good
many Republican states. For instance,
the State of Connecticut would never
sanction the nomination of man who
is so ''insanely enamored of the Philip.
pines, as they put it, that he wants
to establish free trade between the is
lands and the United States. They are
afraid of the competition Of Philip
pine tobacco and when, last fall, Sec
rotary Taft took the stump in that
State, and advocated the abolition of
all tariff duties between the Philippines
and this country they became very an
cry. Colorado would not permit it's
delegation to vote for Taft for the same
reason. He wants to take the tariff
off of Philippine sugar and the beet
sugar growers of that State are up in
arms at the proposition. In fact, it
has been chiefly the opposition Of the
Colorado Senators which has prevent
ed this change, which has been strong
ly advocated by the President, from
being made before now. 1t is, in fact,
a question whether any of the radical
protectiOnist Republicans would be
willing to have Mr.. Taft made the par
ty nominee and unless he could attain
such a popularity as Theodore Roose
velt's which compelled the Republican
convention to nominate him nolens
volens, he would be unlikely to poll
majority of the delegates.
Charles j. Bonaparte took the oath
OF Office today and those who know
the eccentric scion OF a great family
will watch with exceeding great inter-
est his conduct of the important DE.
partment of which he has assumed the
headship. There is no question but
that he possesses considerable ability
as lawyer, but those who know him
best declare that be is utterly lacking
in tact and predict that he will quar-
rel with his bureau chiefs almost be-
fore the sun goes down on bis first days.
administration. He called at the de-
partment yesterday and was intro
duced by the retiring Secretary to the
various heads of bureaus. When be
met Admiral Mason, Chief of Ordi-
nance, he asked the Admiral, if be was
the man who had turned a deaf ear to
the plans of so many meritorious in
vestors who had patent weapons. and
methods of destruction guaranteed to
wipe any enemy out of existence. Ad-
miral Mason admitted that be was the
man, beyond doubt.
That this is day of specialists cannot
escape the reflections of anyone who
considers the many positions which are
being offered to young men with spe-
cial educatlons. For instance there
are numerous opportunities Offering