The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1907-06-26

Oyster Bay, y. Y, June 25.-Secretary
of War William H. Taft had a three
hour conference with the President al
Hill to-day. Isthmian, Cuban.
and Philippine matters were the main
themes Of the discussion. On his return
from the Hnl Secretary Taft said that
he was not ready to make any statement
concerning the plans decided upon for
the various departments. but that in
few days orders concerning the work in
the isthmus, Cuba, and the Philippines
would be issued
The Secretary arrived on the 1898
train. He was met by Assistant Secre-
tary Latta, who conducted him 20 one Of
the new Secret Service automobiles which
whisked him up to the Presidents home
In short order, Mr. Taft said that he
did not like automobiles. but that he
realized their usefulness in moving large
bodies
Secretary Taft looked like anything but
a sick man when he stepped from the
train. He said the reports Of his illness
had been greatly exaggerated and deClar-
ed that beyond suffering from a slight
cold, he felt fit for anything.
THE trouble that started the reports
Of my illness" he said. was really moth
ing but stomach-ache. but I got it from
eating something. so they called it
ptomaine poisoning"
Mr.. Taft came from New Haven, where
he has been attending the Yale com
mencemeut Yesterday he was present
az the graduating exercises of the law
school. and he returned tonight for the
Yale commencement tomorrow.
Sorry TO Miss BAH Game.
"I hated 20 miss the Yale-Hsrva-J ball
game" DE said, but 1 knew that our
boys could take care Of themselves. and
were pretty sure 10 win without me. 50 I
came along. Maybe 1 can get a bet on
with the President when 1 get up tie
hill"
The Secretary was in a hurry TO return
to New Haven. and had expected 90 catch
the 233 train back. The conference with
the President however, consumed 50
much time that Il was after ] o'clock
when he got back from Sycamore Hill
In the few minutes remaining before
his train started. Mr. Taft talked about
almost anything except politics. He had
dcdged all leading questions put TO him
on his arrival, and when asked II the
visit to Sycamore Hill had given him any
inspirations 90 speak on politics, replied
g~avelv: Il have nothing to add 20 the
extended statement that I made this
morning"
Some one reminded the Secretary that
every visitor was expected TO make po-
HuoaI forecast and name at least one
Presidential possibility John Temple
Graves named several Of them" Mr..
Tafts quesdoner remarked.
"WeN." laughed the Secretary, "the
climate Of Georgia does great things for
the imagination and then he switched
TO the weather
Finds Weather Oppressive.
The Secretarys collar was whole
weather bureau in itself and as he fin
gered it he inquired IL it was always as
hot In oyster Bay.
1--WE have a place in the Philippines"
he remarked, chat beats this all to pieces
for coolness, a place where the mercury
never climbs beyond seventy degrees. and
In winter goes down to forty. They say
q man needs six months in a temperate
simate after three years in the tropics.
but I believe that our men would do as
well if sent 10 that Philippine plateau"
As the Secretary boarded his train he
was reminded about the bet with the
President. and asked if he had received A
wire concerning the progress Of the ball
game
NO. I haven't heard" he answered.
"aud I didn't get my bet down. either.
had intended to bet large. red apple
with the President on the result, but we
were too busy 20 arrange terms
Secretary Taft will return 20 Washing
ton after the commencement exercises are
over. and win tackle the accumulation Of
routine business that has piled up in his
absence.
As soon as this Is completed he viii 90
70 Murray Bay for the rest Of the sum
mer He will take one Of his secretaries
with him, but viii do as little hard work
as possible.
on September 10 AR Taft will sail for
the Philippines He will probably run
down 10 see the President before sailing,
but will make no further visits during the
summer.