Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-16
New Official Placed in Touch with
Insular Affairs.
MANY LETTERS FROM NEW YORK
Candidate Refuses to Commit Himself
on State Politics.
WOODRUFF SENDS OUT APPEAL
Business Men who Believe Repub-
lIcan Policies should he Con-
tinued Are Asked to send
Contributions.

HOT SPRINGS, Va, Aug. l5.-wlliam
H. Taft was secretary OF war again today,
at least to the extent of finding himself
deeply engrossed with his successor, Luke
p. Wright, in the absorbing questions of the
Philippines, Cuba and Panama, as well as
the innumerable odds and ends OF the War
office, Of which few except himself know
the history. 1--WE have decided" began.
tho candidate when asked the result OF the
conference, "there you see 1 have fallen
back into the habit Of feeling myself
part of the administration" Mr., Taft ex-
planned that there would not be adde dto
the machinery OF the Philippine govern
ment at present a department of agricul-
ture. President Roosevelt has authority to
create such a department The establish
ment of five executive departments, pre-
sided over by Governor Smith; commerce
and police. with Vice Governor Forges at
the head; Interior Prof. Worcester; Pub
lie instruction, Mr. Schuster and Finance
and Justice headed by Senor Arads--is re-
garded as accomplishments toward self
government sufficient for the present and
President Roosevelt will receive advice
to this effect from Secretary Wright The
decision is based on objections to increas-
ing the cost of the Philippine government
in the absence of absolute necessity.
Mr.. Taft was surprised today by a call
OF respect from Manuel Queson, floor leader
| OF the national party in the Philippines
legislature, and A. G. Escamllla, who was
| Aguinaldos private secretary during his
military operations. The Fillpinos are trav-
cling in the United States and sought out
Mr.. Taft as an old friend and acquaint-
al ce. He was heartily congratulated on
his candidacy by his callers.
Letters from New York
Mr.. Taft admitted today thtat lie received
! a number of letters from residents of New
York, without exception urging the
nomination OF Governor Hughes, the
writer's giving the position taken as the
sentiment of their communities. In reply
| ing, Mr.. Taft said he wished 1t under
| stood that in most cases the writers were
! unknown to him and they were undoubt-
edly addressed TO him simply because he
was the presidential candidate of his party.
| He had taken position In the contest,
he said, and should not Interfere. None of
the letters, he add, were from political
| leaders The candidate is IN receipt of en-
couraging letters on republican conditions
in Indiana and Kansas.
An old-fashioned Virginia country supper,
with fried chicken and corn pone," was
enjoyed tonight at Fassifern farm by a
party which included Judge ard Mrs. Taft
Secretary Wright Secretary Of War Winth-
rop and Mr.. and Mrs. John Hays Ham
| mond.
| woodruff Addresses Business Men.
| NEW YORK, Aug l5.-Timothy l.. Wood
ruff, chairman of the state republican COM
mittee. today dictated a circular letter to
republican business men of New York. The
letter in part follows:
1T is necessary II we are TO insure be-
yond question the election OF Taft and
Sherman that a campaign be prosecuted in
New York state which may arouse every
| believer in safe and conservative govern
ment to a full appreciation OF the issues
which are involved. BY campaign orators,
| by the exposition of the issues through the
newspaper press, by the distribution OF
literature, and by personal canvassing
every voter should be informed Of the
dangers and uncertainties which would fol-
low the election of Bryan.
ITO make this campaign we rely on
! those who share our belief that the inter
ests OF the people would best be conserved
| by the continuance of republican policies,
and l appeal to you as business man
to make such contributions as seem TO you
suitable to enable us TO do this work In
the most effective manner"