The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1908-10-10
Judge Taffs Refusal To Com :
promise Principle For
ExpedfeHcy

The letter written by Judge Taft in
July. 1907. and which has lately been
made public by the President. must
excite the admiration and pride OF all
honorable american citizens. At the
time this letter was written Mr.. Taft
had Begin his campaign for the nomi-
nation for President. 1t was first ne
cessary for him to obtain the convcn-
ton vote OF his own State. Without
that his candidacy would be hopeless
In Ohio there was powerful opposition
to him, and this opposition was CON
trolled and directed by Senator For
akcr. the leader OF the party organiza-
ton in the State At that time Mr..
Foraker was one OF the most conspi-
cuous and powerful leaders in the
United States Senate His personal
character stood high, his integrity had
never been questioned He had die
tated nominations in the State convcn-
tions and he was the head and front OF
the opposition to the nomination OF
Mr.. Taft Then il was suggested by
the paciiiers and compromises and
political managers that the differences
between Taft and Foraker might be
adjusted. They said there was no cause
for a quarrel between the tive. Let
Mr.. Taft and his friends consent TO
resolution in the State convention in
dorsing Mr.. Foraker for reelection
to the Senate, and then all opposition
in Ohio to Mr.. Taft would disappear
and the delegation to the national con-
vention would be instructed for him by
unanimous vote and party breach
avoided.
This plan was submitted to Mr.. Taft.
and his response amounted to political
heroism. II don't care for the Presi-
dency.' he wrote. III il has to come
by compromise with Senator Foraker
or anyone else in matter OF prin-
ciple. The proposed compromise was
not with a man who had then been
personally discreditcd II was with
one OF the most honored and powerful
leaders OF his own party. not only in
Ohio, but in the country. There was
no consideration of judicious political
policy nor OF personal honor involved
IN the arrangement II was n question
OF principle. pure and simple. and Mr.
Taft was determined that he would not
compromise a principle. even IL he
missed being President by his refusal
Can any brave and loyal American fail
10 accord honor to n man who stands
:" high. who values principles so high.
N. who had rather be right than be
President?
Just 10 years ago. one al the great
est OF American statesmen and pat
riots. then a candidate for President
sent for Senator Preston, OF South
Carolina. To consult with him upon a
speech he proposed to make in the
Senate. Senator Preston suggested
some doubt as to the effect such
spcech would have upon his candidacy.
The reply was. II did not send for YOU
To ask what might be the effect OF the
proposed movement on my prospects,
hut whether il was right. I had ra-
Their be right than be President" That
saying has for more than three QUAR-.
tiers oi a century been a household say
ing in this land. Is the saving OF
Judge Taft. 81 don't care for the
Presidency II It has to come by com
promise in matter OF principle" any
less noble. any less courageous, any
less PATRIOTIC
The question Of principle involved
was the regulation of the railroads.
the enactment oi the Hepburn Rate
bill. the general policy OF the Admin
istration toward the trusts and the
corporations engaged in interstate
commerce The Legislature Of Ohio
had passed resolution requesting
Senator Foraker to vote for the rate
h''l. AVID Senator Foraker declined
This, in the opinion Of Judge Taft
made an issue II was question Of