New-York tribune., 1907-04-19
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
THE TAFT SITUATION.
An Estimate of the Secretary's Strength as
a Candidate.
To the Editor Of The Tribune.

TO the Editor OF The Tribune
sir; The declaration of Mr. Taft some time since
that ne would accept nomination for the Presi-
oency II it were offered him by the Republican party
ana "hat appears to be the formal launching OF his
oOOm give little more defniteness to the ap-
preaching struggle for that honor than IL has
heretofore been possible 20 attain. In his state
Hleht ne recognized and clearly outlined the Objec
uohs and obstacles which any movement in his be-
nan is sure to encounter. and rather magnied than
uhoerestimated them. The first and principal one
s' though not exactly stated that he Is not the
sort or man the regular party leaders. those who
cohtrol the organizations national and state want
ne oelonss TO another period from most of them.
ana hoIds some views not altogether in harmony
WIN 'heirs- He has gone into his own state and
Fought the organization when he thought IL was
wrong and that is contrary to all rules OF political
discipline His state machine, as at present di-
rected would not favor him. He has declared
himself for modification OF the tariff. and that to
the old guard is the worst form OF treason, and he
mas used the judicial power when on the bench In
the righteous and until recently unquestioned form
OF injunction 10 protect life and property.
His offences, then. a belief in q reasonable
degree OF Independence in thought and action within
the party. and the courage TO act his cOnvic-
dons. desire coupled with the will to give It effect
TO improve an antiquated and confessedly faulty
fiscal system. and sturdy belief In AnglO-Saxon
justice under the time-honored forms OF Anglo
Saxon law
1t is interesting 10 note what Mr.. Taft's friends
those who regard him not only the strongest
candidate. but the best man for tho Presidency
and who are enthusiastic advocates OF his nomina-
tion-say to these objections
And first as to independence. Outside the COM
parativeiy small number OF machine politicians who
count less in a Presidential election. when the
country is thoroughly stirred. than at any other
time, 1t is regarded with admiration and approval
The country does not wish for its Chief Magis-
trate man wholly subject to caucus control or
the dictation Of self-constituted group OF party
leaders Independence Of thought and Of action
helped elect Roosevelt and Hughes. also. and there
Is constantly growing number OF voters who are
themselves becoming more and moro independent
and wish to put in power possessed OF the
same quality. For one hidebound regular who
would be disafrected by Mr.. Taft's nomination
hundreds of such men would be attracted and
their suffrages secured. It Is pointed out Also
that. even when a mans own state machine is
against him in the convention. It counts but little
II there is a genuine popular movement for him
The New York state delegation and most of the
political leaders were against Cleveland the second
time, but he was nominated and elected. was
Roosevelt under very similar circumstances. Grant
had the machine solid for a third term. but the
country against II and beat It. When II comes
TO the tariff. excellent political Judges of the
opinion that moderate revisionist like Mr.. Taft
outside than a standpatter Indeed they believe
that only with such candidate can the Republican
attitude rs a GUARANTEES Of sUccess
That leaves only the question of injunction, IN
regard which II is said that while his attitude
will secure the support OF the entire conservative
element. danger from the labor vote Is greatly
exaggerated. The fact Is recalled that although 1t
was made the special issue by tho unions In the
Congressional campaign, Mr.. Gompers himself
taking the heid. not single candidate de-
feated account OF IL. IL Is a side issue. and
would count even less in a Presidential election.
Besides, there VIII be another Congress between
now and then. and the question is likely 10 be
definitely settled by IL one way or the other.
With these objections out OF the way 70 their
satisfaction Mr.. Tafts supporters go say
that not only is he the best candidate the
ground Of availability and a vote winner. but
that he is intrnsically the best man In sight for
the ONCE. To all OF McKinley's rare geniality and
approachableness he adds Roosevelts tireless en-
eFgy ana Initiative. No man in the country has a
more intimate knowledge OF its affairs from close
and constant contact with them IN all their phases
ana no man has brought 10 the management Of
them a larger degree OF unbending integrity and
or devoted. conscientious labor Few have heen
burdened with responsibilities varied and oner-
fidelity and success.
Such in the main are the considerations in favor
OF his candidacy which Mr.. Taft's friends put for
weight and cogency. OBSERVF.R
Washington. April y. 1907