The Kemper herald., 1908-06-25
LIFE OF William Il. TAFT.
Born of Distinguished Parentags He
Had Every Opportunity for Succsss.


Born Of Distinguished ParentAgs He
Had Every Opportunity for Success.
In the campaign in support of Will
liam Howard Taft for the presidency,
there was no opportunity to arouse
popular enthusiasm by appeals to that
sort of sentiment which finds its ba-
sis and inspiration In admiration for
the man who comes from most humble
beginnings to positions Of eminence
and trust. He did not follow the plow
in his boyhood. He was no railsplitter
in his early manhood. He never trod
the paths Of the canal. He never pom
dered affairs of state and destiny
while working at the mechanics bench
or while plying the tailor's needle. No
eloquent campaign orator can arouse
enthusiastic crowds by pointing to Mr..
Taft as an illustration of what may
be accomplished by the poor boy who
makes his own way in the world. be-
comes "selfmade man" and then is
presented as candidate for public
support and public office.
Mr. Taft began life with every ad-
vantage given to the son of affluance
and refinement. 1t Is, of course, to
his credit that affluence and refine
ment did not spoil him, as SO many
boys in similar circumstances have
been spoiled. His antecedents were
of line of scholars and careful, hon.
est. money-making and successful pro-
fessional gentlemen. His grandfather
was an honored lawmaker and after
ward even more honored Judge in New
England When William H. TAFT was
born, his father had already attained
a position of prominence at the bar in
Ohio. The father. the Honorable Al
fonso Taft, became Judge, went into
Grants cabinet and finally rounded
out his public career in the diplomatic
service, serving as minister to Austria
and afterwards as minister to Russia.
In 1874, young Taft entered Yale. Az
a matter of course, he was known, at
first, merely as the son of one of the
distinguished men of the nation. Soon,
however, he established a record for
himself as young man OF highest
ability, sterling honesty and wide di-
yersity of talents. Outside OF his rep
utation as the son of his father, he
first attracted attention as an ath-
lete. For time, he gave consider
able attention to athletics. But he had
earned exemption from the more i'm
perative demands OF field sports and he
became one OF the most earnest and
successful students. Just before he
became OF age, he finished his univer-
sity course and was graduated second
in a class of 120 members.
Mr.. Taft entered at once upon the
study of law, meantime securing con-
siderable amount Of experience as re-
porter. He was graduated from the
Cincinnati law school in 1880 and soon
after entered upon the practice of his
profession. From that time to this,
his career has been continued course
of honor, success and preferment. His
first public Office was the position OF
assistant prosecuting attorney of Ham,
ilton county, Ohio. His subsequent
Offices were: Collector Of internal rev.
enue, judge of superior court, solicitor
general of the United States under
President Harrison, judge Of the Sixth
federal district, governorgeneral OF
the Philippines, finally becoming secre-
tary Of war January l, 1904.
In point OF historic interest, the
placing OF Mr. Taft's name at the
head OF the republican national ticket
marks the practical closing OF the pub
lie usefulness IN high positions of the
great majority of the soldiers Of civil
war days.
In the relations of personal and do
mestic life, Mr.. Taft is model of all
that Is upright, honest, devoted and
loyal He has a most Interesting
family and leads a iife OF most COM
plete domestic happiness. In 1886 he
married Miss Helen Herror, daughter
Of the Honorable John W. Herror, of
Cincinnati They have three children.
Mr.. Taft entered upon the canvass
for the presidency equipped by his
character splendid physique, fine
scholarship. broad experience in gov
erpment affairs and intimate acquain-
tance with the duties Of the position
for which he aspires. He possesses the
confidence of the country, as man of
high character, OF purity of private
life and remarkable success In his
public career. While his nomination
has been practically forced upon him
his party by President Roosevelt,
there is not the least conclusive evil
dence that, were the matter left to the
cool Judgment of party leaders and de.
cided upon the basis OF popularity and
availabiliay, Mr.. Taft would have sue
ceeded in a race for the nomination.
However, If Taft shall be elected, he
is likely to make good president
honest In purpose, persistent in effort.
successful in securing large share of
popular confidence and maintaining
the dignity of his elevated position
----. ----- ----s--~
Asher c. Kinds. parliamentarian OF
the convention, acts as coach on parli
amentary tangles for Speaker Cannon
In the house OF representatives, and Is
rated as the best authority on parlia-
mentary procedure in the country. His
experience and knowledge of prece-
dents were OF the greatest value to
the presiding oficer.
Secretary Malloy's pronunciation OF
Hawaii during the reading OF the call
Tuesday caused some merriment. He
called 1t "Haw-waw," and every time
n