The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-11-07


By the following October or within a
month after he had landed in the islands.
Secretary Taft had brought order out of
chaos and had solidified public sentiment
to such an extent that he was enabled to
turn the government of the islands over
to Governor Magoon. who was brought
from the isthmus of Panama for that pur-
pose.
Since that time the administration of
the island of Cuba has been largely I'M
der the direction of the secretary of war.
The problem there was the creation of a
SO stable that it could not be readily over
turned and which would be based on the
sure foundation of abstract democracy.
Before long new Cuban republic will
rise upon the ashes of the one which was
DESTROYED in September, 1903. 1t is the
last chance for Cuba. and President Roose-
Welt has insisted that Secretary Taft
should give to the Cubans every possible
their ability for self-government. If the
habit of creating revolutions continues,
called upon to intervene. and in any event
Cuba. like the Panama canal, will be a
legacy from the present to the. future ad-
of the secretary of war will be as valua-
BILE in one case as in the other.
Relations With the Japs.
During q good part Of the year 1907 the
relations between the United States and
Japan. while not seriously strained, were
extremely delicate.
1t was fortunate for the country that
Secretary Taft happened to be on his way
to the Philippines in the fall of 1907, to
participate in the Inauguration of the first
popular legislative assembly in the islands
The diplomatic story of the relations
between Japan and the United States may
not be told for some time to come, because
all of the results have not been achieved.
1t is the simple truth, however. that the
fortuitous visit to Japan of Secretary Taft
held at that time with the emperor him
self. the prime minister, the minister of
foreign affairs. and many other Japanese
dignitaries. had great deal to do with
the preservation OF peaceful relations be-
tween the two nations and with the pro-
duction Of the more cordial understanding
of the differences growing out of the i'm
migration question.
Washington at this period, if they are ever
published. will fully sustain his reputation
as diplomatist of the first rank.
Pacific Assurances of Japan.
He received personal assurances that
States nor was in a condition financially
to wage one. At the same time he discov-
ciusion treaty was distastefui to the Jap
anese unless It included Europeans as well
BY the United States it would result in
destruction of friendly relations to a GER
tain extent.
1t was Taft who conveyed to Minister
Hayashi and to the emperor the positive
denial of the absurd story that the United
pines and it was to him that the Japanese
declared that; while. they might resent the
en "a tbeV oi1ia ny any eicoe
American control as at present or fu-
ture independent Philippine government
Under the strong protectorate of the Unit
ed States.
All the world was watching our great
battleshlp fleet. then making ready for
its trip to the Pacific and an irnprudent
emissary. or a truculent host might be-
tween them have precipitated a conflict
which both nations would have regretted
ever afterwaTd.
Summing Up of the Story.
These are the important features in the
official life of Secretary Taft, and they
are the things to which one readily re-
ours in attempting to show how strangely
fate has seen to it that he should be
specially trained for the duties of the
presidential Office. 1t is a great thing. to
dig canal or to reconstruct republic,
or to fit people for self-government, but.
after all. these great things must be for
titled by regular. persistent, and success
full daily work.
routine. in the ability to handle men in
public office. in industry. In the intuftive
capacity for understanding great things
at a glance. the secretary of war has best