The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1908-06-19

realized that in the work Of reform
the federal administration cannot at
ford to halt and so it named IS candi-
date for president the one man
pledged to continue the policies Of the
present administration, policies upon
which the party in national conven-
ton assembled has set its approval.
The decision OF the convention in
choosing its standard bearer was de-
cisive. Seven hundred and two dele.
gates out of $50, or more than two
thirds OF the convention, voted for
Secretary Taft on the first ballot. The
result has not been In doubt since the
meeting OF the credentials committee.
"A few states, through patriotic mo
tives, cast their ballots for ~favorite
sons, but having thus honored them
they joined in unanimously declaring
William H. Taft the choice Of the re-
publican party for president.
Such harmonious action closed the
third day OF what has been n Of the
most harmonious republican conven-
lions in history. True, on some CUES
lions there were minorities, but re-
spectful hearing was given them and
they submitted their opinions to the
will OF the majority. Those enemies
Of the republican party who had pre-
dicted discord in the national gather
ing were doomed to disappointment.
Harmony has reigned supreme in all
deliberations. This augurs well for
the success Of the candidate chosen
yesterday at the polls next November.
The opposition win face a har-
monious party with a platform en-
dorsing policies that have met with
almost universal approval among law
abiding American citizens, and led by
a candidate who Is peculiarly trained
to fill the position Of chief executive
OF the greatest nation in history.
William Howard Taft is the son Of
an illustrious family Of American
statesmen. He has an open and bril-
liant record in the public service.
rounded into preparation for the presi-
dency as the understudy Of the great
est Of modern presidents, Theodore
Roosevelt, whose policies will be car
ried on under his administration as
president.
For nearly thirty years he has given.
himself with single-minded devotion
to the public service. He has display.
ed throughout a broad grasp Of az
fairs, literally dauntless courage, an
unshakable integrity, a quick and all
embracing sympathy, a deep and abid
ing sense OF Justice, a marvellous in
sight into human nature, a sure and
unwavering judgment, executive abil-
ity OF the highest order, and a limit
less capacity for hard work. In all
the years Of It's history the republican
party has never selected as its leader
in a national campaign a man SO tried
beforehand, and SO amply proved
equal to the task.
AS prosecuting attorney; as collec-
tor of internal revenue; as Judge Of
the Ohio supreme court; as solicitor
general Of the United States; al q
member Of the federal judiciary in
Ohio; as governor general of the Phil
ippine islands, where he brought or
der out It chaos and began the work
OF educating the F%flipinos for self
government; as secretary Of war,
William Howard Taft has always
made good. His brilliant attainments
In whatever position he has held have
always caused him to be summoned
to fill more important posts. He rose
step by step from assistant prescott
ing attorney to secretary Of war for
the United States and chief adviser
to President Roosevelt. William H..
Taft has always made good. He has
been weighed in the balance by public
trust and found not wanting. Presi-
dent Roosevelt has tried him and de-
clares that he Is the one mar to con
tinue the Roosevelt policies as presi-
dent Of the United States. The re-
publican party has weighed him In the
balance; he has made good and It pre-
sents him to the people Of the United
States as its candidate for president.
BLIND tom is DEAD.
One of the worlds most famous mu-
sicians died last week in Hoboken,
N. J.. He was "Blind Tom." the mar
vel Of three generations Of playgoers.
Though to the present generation
he was much Of q stranger, to the
Of IS years ago "Blind Tom"
one of the musical mervels Of,
the day. He was absolutely blind, YET
he perfectly produced some Of the
most difficult musical compositions on