New-York tribune., 1907-10-31
TAFT HASTENS RETURN
WiN Come Via Berlin, 1t is Said,
Week Earlier than Planned.
TFrom The Tribune Bureau !

IFrom The Tribune Buresu.l
Washington, Oct. 3O.-Secretary Taft's anxiety
to reach Berlin, as described In dispatches from
Manila, is attributed in Washington merely to
his desire to get back to his desk and attack the
accumulation Of work which awaits his atten-
ton.
The President has not asked the Secretary to
hasten his return, either to Berlin or to WASH
ngton, but. on the contrary, has urged him to
take as much time as he desires Neither is 1t
true that the date of the Secretary's arrival in
Berlin was changed because of the inability of
the German Emperor to be in his capital when
Secretary Taft passed through. and the Secre-
tary has special mission at Berlin
Some weeks ago Mr.. Taft having been urged
to make an inspection of Subig Bay and certain
other points in Manila, sent a dispatch to the
President stating that he feared the desired in
spections might delay his departure from Manila.
and he unwilling to incur such delay with
out the Presidents approval. The President at
that date. which preceded the news that the
Emperor would be absent from Berlin on the
day set for Mr. Taft's arrival there, was in the
Louisiana canebrakes When he could be COM
muncated with he replied to Mr.. Taft by cable
that any plans which the Secretary might make
would have his entire approval. Accordingly
Secretary Taft announced in Manila that his de-
parture from that point would be delayed a
week 1t is now assumed that he has found 1t
possible to leave the Philippines earlier than he
had expected and that he is endeavoring TO re-
gain the schedule which he prepared before
leaving Washington.
Secretary Taft's meeting with the Emperor
was arranged for by the German Ambassador on
an intimaton from his sovereign that he would
like to meet Mr. Taft The report that the En-
peror would be unable TO be in Berlin on the day
originally set for his audience to Secretary Taft
;,Il, cd nor
known definitely just when Mr. Taft will reach
Berlin.
His original itinerary provided for several
stops of a days or two days duration In Russia,
and it is possible that these may be extended
so that an earlier departure from Manila may
not result in earlier arrival in Berlin. Secre-
tary Taft will doubtless advise the War Depart
ment of his itinerary finally corrected as soon
as it Is settled. but for the present the depart
ment knows of no change from the plans last
communicated.
Manila. oct 3O-As the result Of volumnous
cable correspondence between President Roose-
welt and Secretary Taft, 1t is understood thas
the latter viii leave Manila on November IN
order TO reach Berlin at the earliest possible
moment II IS Impossible 10 communicate with
the Secretary at present. and the othcials are
silent regarding the change in his plans 1t IS
understood, however that lie VIII ie"'o "e'e 'i
the flagship Rainbow.
Rear Admiral Hemphill received dispatch
on Monday asking whether or not he could make
the cruiser ready to sail on Sunday. He re-
sponded in the affirmative, and was Informed.
unoficially IT is said, that a matter Of the ut
most importance is pending In Germany and
Secretary Tafts presence there is necessary
Immediately.
The hasty departure of Secretary Taft will
cut short his stay in the Philippines one week.
He originally intended to leave on Sunday. but
recently changed his plans to permit Of a longer
stay, so as to clear up important business. The
decision he is said 20 have reached viii cut short
the programme made for his entertainment in
Manila. He and his party are due from BaButo
tomorrow evening, when he is expected TO at
tend a banquet in his honor given by the
American residents OF the city.