The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1907-12-28
FRANK B. HOWE. Editor and Publisher
Taft's Prospects

Tafts Prospects
The Brooklyn Eagle, the leading
Democratic newspaper of the United
States, In a recent issue discusses
Secretary Taft and his prospects as a
candidate for the presidency as
follows:
There is nothing unreasonable about
the presumption that statement is
ripening in the mind of Secretary
Taft. He has intimated as much,
leaving date indefinite, repelling re-
porters with the announcement that
later on he will have something to say.
In the meanwhile, he has an imme-
date ambition. To correspondent he
said in Cincinnati yesterday that his
health was all right, that he felt all
right, but that he was still too heavy.
He added that he wanted to get down
to $50 pounds" which desire he char
acterized as laudable. 1t is no light
undertaking.
Pending the statement, which will
be awaited with not little interest,
1t may be remembered that the Taft
boom is little the worse for wear. In
spite of claims to the contrary, it lost
none OF its vitality Oh account of the
secretarys absence from the country.
On the contrary, 1t gained in strength
notably and noticeably when the Pres
ident reiterated the remuneration which
took the country by surprise three
years ago. Nor is it clear that there
Is any immediate necessity for a state
why it should be held in reserve.
First, 1t Is known that the secretary
is candidate. He is in the open. He
is not a political coquette. Then, he
has the satisfaction of knowing that
certain forces operate In his favor ex-
clusively, to the detriment of others.
Fortunately for the secretary, he Is
at home in Western state AS
matter of fact il this were not true,
1t would be almost profitless to dis
cuss his boom. True, the last Repub-
lican convention nominated New
York man, but there is scant necessi-
u ty for saying that 1t had practically no
alternative. Next years convention
will find itself confronted by no such
exceptional and compelling condi-
tons.
Nor is there any doubt that it will
be dominated by the West, which will
proceed, as it were, to take title to
the White House again.
Taft has indorsed my Policies"
The Endorsement places him in direct
line as legatee. This might also be-
a disadvantage, but for the fact that
the secretary is not without indiyid-
uality. He has distinct and capti
! waiting personality, which happens to
be strong. Consequently, he escapes
the suspicion that as president he
would be mere imitator. In other
words. he reaps all the benefits of
Endorsement and pays no penalty
therefor. He inherits as much Of
Roosevelt strength as can be be-
queathed and pays no tax on the
legacy.
Another consideration, we'll worth
taking into account, is the fact that
this country has an Asiatic empire ON
its hands. Taft has been there. 1t
is not too much to say that no other
American knows more about the
Philippines. Nor Is it too much to
add that few Americans have any but
the crudest notions concerning the
problems clamOring for solution in the
archipelago. Some of them are OF the
most complicated and aggravating
character. Nearly all of them are o.
great moment.
1t is of the first Importance that the
president of the United States should
be well equipped for the work to bt
done in the Sea of China, to say moth
ing of such developments elsewhere
to say nothing of what is happening
on the mainland, where a giant |.
awakening Taft has served an ap
premiership. He has been In practice
He has supplemented natural endow
ment with immediate touch and OF
servation, with actual experience
practical and valuable. Considering al
things, there are few phases of hi
equipment worth taking into more &C
count.
For several other reasons the sec
rotary can afford to let well enoug
alone. His case can, as it were, car
yass itself. Over and over again h
has placed himself so affirmativel
and clearly that no statement he ca
now make would carry much enligh
eminent. The mills of the politica
gods are grinding in his favor. Al
'cording to present indications, the
will grind some, If not all the othe
aspirants, exceedingly small Nowher
and by nobody is it suggested that tn
secretary's size is mere matter {
avoirdupois. Everywhere and b
everybody 1t is conceded that he is {
White House dimensions. In shor
his boom will take care of itse
without trumpet. And statement b
could make will keep.