Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-04-15
AT THE WHITE HOUSE
Henry w. Taft Has a Confer
ence With the President.
RETICENT AS TO OHIO
Refuses to Discuss Candidacy Of His
Brother.
PRAISES GOV. HUGHES POLICIES
Statement Supposed to Represent
the Presidents Views-Few Callers
on the Chief Executive.

Henry w. Taft of New York, brother OF
Secretary Taft spent considerable time
with President Roosevelt today. After
ward he declined to discuss the candidacy
of his brother for the republican presiden-
tial nomination or the attitude of the Presi-
dent toward that candidacy. He likewise
refrained from discussing the fight in Ohio.
saying that he knew too much about that
state to dip into fight there.
Mr.. Taft was not prepared to say what
the Secretary would do regarding the poit-
ical campaign in Ohio-whether or not the
latter would visit the state and participate
in the contest with Senator Foraker and
give up his proposed trip to the Philippines.
Mr. Taft said his brother because of his
absence in the West Indies. had not been
kept fully informed of what had transpired
politically in Ohio. he had been engaged
in other work in which he was very much
interested
Hughes Policies Commended.
Mr. Taft was willing. however, to talk
about New York politics. and made state
ment designed to bring support to Gov.
Hughes of New York in certain legislation
which he desires from the legislature
Mr. Taft left it to be supposed that his ex-
pressons represented the sentiments of
t'reSlQent Roosevelt as 10 IOHeFilOT
and it is regarded as quite probable that
the President asked Mr.. Taft to put out
the statement. which is as follows:
Public opinion approves the main fea-
lures of Gov. Hughes policies. The repub-
lcan party in the state stands for the poll
cies of Pres dent Roosevelt, and the Pres
dent supports Gov. Hughes Decause they
work on similar lines and have the same
purposes Some of the leaders of the repub-
lcan organization seem to be put in the at
titGde of opposition to Gov. Hughes. This
cannot continue if the state is to be kept in
the republican ranks. and l believe that
what must be found is some way by which
Gov. Hughes may be given the sympathetic
support of the organization. feel sure that
the President believes that Gov Hughes
policies are good and should, with such
changes as friendly consideration may
suggest, be put into effect. The republican
organization should have the advantage of
the support of the public opinion which
Gov. Hughes is leading, and he should have
the support of political organiZa ton which
will aid him to carry his views into prac-
teal effect
Pressure on the Organization.
1t is significant that the statement of
Mr.. Taft, evidently representing the views
of the President, comes after long silence
on the part of the President as to the
fight the governor of New York has been
having with the legislature, which has
only recently begun to show signs of let
ting up in its hostility. With the pressure
of the President and other republicans aid
ing Gov. Hughes, it is regarded as possible
that he will be able to carry through some
of his policies.
Mr. Taft was picked by many repub-
lcans for the gubernatorial nomination at
the time Hughes was selected. but it was
considered better politics to nominate the
latter. Mr.. Taft has represented the ad-
ministration in some of it's antitrust suits
in the courts, notably in the fight against
the tobacco trust.
Hughes for the Presidency.
There has been a good deal of talk as to
Gov. Hughes securing the republic an nomi
nation for the presidency. The President
has done nothing in that direction owing to
his sympatties being with Secretary Taft,
but he is said to recognize that Gov.
Hughes has made a strong impression with
the reform vote in New York. despite the
i'll success he has had in his fight for GER
tain legislation.
Senator Elkins of West Virginia called to
see the President this morning but the
latter had left for a horseback ride shortly
before his arrival. The President, accom-
panied by his son. Theodore, jr, took a
carriage and drove into the suburbs where
horses were taken for a ride. The Presi-
dent did not return until time for luncheon
In the afternoon, receiving no more visit
ors.
When Senator Elkins was asked for a
poutlcdl tdik ne said he was taking things
too easily and comfortably to bother about
making up his mind as to a republican
presidential candidate at this time 'He
was sure OF one thing he said, land that
was that good man would be elected
president next time. even if it should hap
pen TO be Bryan for whom the West Vir-
ginia senator entertains a high regard
Few White House Callers.
President Roosevelt did not have MANY
visitors before he went out for a ride.
Among these were Representative Alex
ander of New York, with some friends, and
Commissioner Ballenger of the land Office,
with friends.
The lacrosse team of Harvard College
called on the President in a body. He
talked to the boys few minutes about ath-
letic matters. setting forth his well-known
views.
President Charles w. Eliot of Harvard
was dinner guest of the President last
night. He came to the city with Assistant
Dean Edgar II. Wells. A number of Har-
ward men were present at the dinner which
was given in honor of President Eliot.
After attending the morning services of
Grace Reformed Church yesterday. Presi-
dent Roosevelt went for a long horseback
ride with his son. Theodore, jr.