The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1908-12-30

Dayton. Ohio. Oct. 20. 1908.
Mr.. Theodore Roosevelt President
- the United states. Washington. d.
c-Dsar str: While II is claimed al
ussst universally that religion should
'opt enter into pdlitics. yet there IL no
osnytns that II does. and the mass OF
<hs voters that are mont Catholics will
nst support . man for any ONCE. espe-
u1naly for president Of the United
9lntss' who II Roman Catholic.
Since Tart has been nominated for
prssidsnt by the Republican party. II
- bsfng circulated and Il constantly
eeang urged ~ tie reason for not vot-
- for Tart that he IL an infidei and
his wife and brother Roman catho-
-. while II II not an easy matter to-
cerrect thing ,f this kind without
Dsrhaps making enemies. we are
grAnted the right to worship God ac-
'oerdins to the dictstes OF our own con-
assAence. but n . man docs not believe
q God II would he difacuit thing for
LIN 70 have coascience.S II his feel
tnss srs In sympathy with tho Ro-
msn Catholic church on account Of his
vifs and brother being Catholics. that
WouId bs Objectionable to sunicient
number a voters to defeat him. On
ths other hand. ~ he is an infldel. that
would be sure TO mean defeat.
II strikes me that any man who Is
onssrving OF the highest and most re-
reponsibie of'ice In the world should not
hesftate to let the world know his
views on 80 important question. III
Sour excsliency knows his belief II
should be made known by you or by
11r. Taft himself. that such questions
- >hese should not lead any voter
esfray or cause him to vote differently
e>na ne would n he knew the facts.
80 man should iess or gain a vote by
os>ac misrsprsssiited.
I sm writing this letter for the sole
Durpose of giving Mr.. Taft an oppor-
>unitv TO let tho world know what his
eo11g ous belief n.
In . conversation with about ffty
1osatissnsn last svenins. Il was claimed
~ ~ Isase half Of them that his SYM
Dn&Ay was all with the Roman Catho-
ec church, and that more than twenty
01ilsoas Of dollars had been used In
ssrchasins property ir the Philippines
watch. through the Influence Of Taft.
was turned over to the Pope.
II your honor feels that this is a
nattsr Of SUFFICIENT weight to demand
= pubic declaration and that II would
- . consistent thing to do. would
oe very glad. indeed. with thousands
- others. TO know the facts relative
eD the subject matters mentioned in
this short letter. II. on the other
hand. II Is not considered wise or pru-
asnt to touch on this subpect. let this
setter follow thousands OF others, to
NE waste basket. Very respectfully.
j. G. Martin.
.I The White House.
Y Washington. October 20, 1908.
NY Dear SIR: Your letter OF the
Goth instant has been received. The
statement that Mr.. Taft's wife and
brothers are Catholics is a ridiculous
fAisehood. which every man making or
repeating II either knows or ought to
know 20 be falsehood.
I enclose for ir information copy
OF letter addressed by Bishop Hart
sell. OF the Methodist Episcopal
church. TO an official OF that church.
which explains Itself. Very truly
yours.
VIM. Loeb. Jr..
Secretary to the President.
Mr.. J. G. Martin. Corner Fourth and
Jefferson Streets. Dayton. Ohio.
Now. Mr.. President. the public is
already familiar with the more extend
ed reply which you saw ft to make
under date OF November 9Th The
statements OF that letter seem to me
Co demand somo further recognition.
Allow me. therefore. To call your at
tentson To the following. In answer to
your accusation OF slander and big
otry: also to your assertion. Taft's re-
sIgion is purely his own private con-
Germ. a matter between him and his