The morning journal-courier., 1908-06-23
IAFT'S VIEW OF THE PRESIDENCY Secretary Writes Article Set ting Forth His Concep-
 tion of It's Obli-
 gations.
THINKS 1T A LONELY JOB
Roosevelt's Successor May Well Dis regard the Charge of Lack of Originality in Carrying
 on His Policies.

New York, June 22,-Secretary William H. Taft has written the fol- lowing article on his conception of the presidency for the current issue of Golfers Weekly:
 Tn the four years that l have been a member of the cabinet l have be- come familiar enough with the re- responsibilities and burdens of the pres idency to know that no man can af- ford unduly to seek that great office, If he is attracted by honor and power alone, without the hope of being use ful, he Is unworthy of the honor and unfit for the use of, the power He must prefer for the sake of his own peace of mind. never to be president to. being a poor president. Confident that the platform on which he stands is for the best interests of the nation, he is untrue to himself and his sup porters, If he does not fight valiantly for election after he accepts the lead ership, But, of course, he must draw the line at any compact which will not leave him free of promises and of the control of any faction.
 "The presidents duties clearly out lined by the constitution have grown broader in their interpretation with the growth of the country. He should be in the prime of years, health and vigor. The capacity for hard work Is a better equipment than genius in mas tering the essentials of all the depart ments of the government and undergo ing the strain of countless interviews. 1ie should look not only to those In office but to those out of office in all branches of private activity for inform ation and opinion in order that he may arrive at the truth when he Is sur rounded by the conflict of interest which come to him with the fair words of the special pleader.
 Tn many senses, though the most sought after, he Is the loneliest man in the United States Elected directly by the people, their representative head, from them, in the sober thought of the majority, he will get his best counsel. They, as a whole, view public affairs mnselfishly, Though indifference of pre- occupation with private affairs may keep them from attending primaries or scanning closely either candidate or measures, they can center on the pres tdent as their instrument the expres- sion of their wishes. He should be all ways near the people In thought and as near them in person as his position will permit Tn common with the peo- '.,f. l tr. nI ha ct ocy hal fy cIiafity' for his mistakes.
 When they have ceased to believe in his sincerity and uprightness of lpurpose, his is cheerless task. Once convinced he has dlvined and is carry ing out their wish. neither elated by any ephemeral outburst of applause nor diverted by any outburst of cen. sure. he must proceed unwaveringly elways by la gful methods. to the ac. complishment of the popular will From Washington he may learn nobility, for titude and forthrightness. Lincoln's If, and speeches must be his source of in spiration when he Is misunderstood and he has to say to himself 'Patenc, and cheer It is easier since we hat Lincoln than 1t was before to be goo' fpresident. He set standard.
 Tt remained for Roosevelt to prov, how the people will respond to stronl and true leadership when the hour hal como for great reforms. The policie, which he inaugurated must be contin ued and developed. They are righ and they are the policies of the people