The Washington times., 1907-12-20
Leaves the Steamer for
Tug to Railroad
Station,
Secretary Will Hasten
to Washington to
Make His Report.

NEW YORK, Dec. 2O.-'I have
been away from the United States
for 40 days and have been out Of
touch with public affairs generally.
Therefore / do not feel that at this
time | should talk on any public
question, but may have something
- say later.
q expect to have my nose TO the
yrindStone for some time TO come.
OF course, the routine work Of the
War Department has moved along
as usual, still there are many matters
Of large importance there which will
require my personal attention. But
Of those ! will know more later on.
Under no circumstances shall /
discuss political affairs at present. |
have had a splendid trip and found
that Americans were very welcome
In every place ! reached"
Dodges Presidential Politics.
In the above statement Secretary
of War William H. Taft today evad-
ed al efforts to get him TO discuss
his boom for the Presidential nomi-
nation as he landed from the
Hamburg-American liner President
Grant. The Secretary was accom-
panied by his wife and son, and
said that ne was in splendid health.
He was grieved over the death of
his mother, the news Of which was
conveyed to him just as he was sail
ing for America.
Mr.. Taft intimated that the object
OF his trip had been accomplished.
He left for Washington on the first
train to confer with President
Roosevelt.
Pleased at Missouri Support.
When an enthusiastic interviewer told
the Secretary that Missouri had de-
clared for him the big man smiled.
but even this failed to draw him out
OF his shell, and he positively refused
10 add TO his original statement.
The progress OF the steamer up 20
her pier rivaled that OF the recent trips
OF the big CUEarders. From every
sort Of craft came salutes which were
occasionally answered from the steam
siren OF the President Grant. The Sec
retary and members OF his party stood
on deck and seemed 10 enjoy the en-
thusiasm with which their floating
home was greeted
Official Representatives from the War
Department went on board the Presi-
dent Grant from the Government tus;
General Johnson. After a consultation
with the Secretary he and his party
were transferred off Liberty Island 10
the tug, which steamed to Jersey City.
Pleased With Japanese Visit.
By leaving the President Grant on the
tug the Secretary hoped to dodge the
more persistent interviewers, but when
ne arrived at Jersey City he found he
would have to wait until 1:50 O'Clock TO
get a train 20 Washington. He spent
the time IN the station joking with
members Of his immediate family and
q eclLluE some OF Ll6 lQC4QenLS or MS
rip. He seemed particularly pleased
with his experiences in Japan and IN
Russia, and spoke in the highest terms
OF both the AukadO and the Car.
Numerous attempts were made TO get
him to discuss the political situation
especially in so far as IL affects his
home State-Ohio. He evaded the per
sistent questioning good humoredly.
however. and finally, when cOrnered
with this query:
WHO is your choice for President
he smilingly said: "Oh, / guess I can
safely leave that to inference"
Not Excited by Fleet.
Mr.. Taft declared that the people Of
Japan were all treating the voyage Of
the feet around the Horn purely as a
naval test They take 1t as a practice
cruise OF no concern to them. he
averred, and stated that he did not
hear the matter mentioned while he was
there. Continuing, Mr.. Taft said:
Il found the sentiment in Japan, both
in regard tc the public and the news
papers. all for peace. / sly with great
confidence that believe the trade be-
tween the two countries alone is a great