New-York tribune., 1908-06-16
MANY WRITING TO TAFT
Letters Coming to Him from EUery
Part of the Country.
From The Tribune Bureau

Washington. June 15-secretary Tatt's mail has
always been heavy one. and his assistants are
probably the busiest in Washington at all times
but for the last month his correspondence has null
tiplied enormously and the typewrters in his pri-
vate Office in the War Department rattle like an
automatic gun in action. There is, Of course, his
usual departmental correspondence, to which he
gives his own serious attention, but since the
country has to the realization that he is TO
be the next President of the United States let
ters of all descriptions piled his secretaries
each demanding and receiving answer.
Old soldiers write him about their pensions. and
insist that their vote shall be his IL he will give
that little matter OF s. a month increase his
personal attention Ohioans write him informing
letters to how his campaign must be run. what
states doubtful. what counties must be stumped
and what they intend to do for him. Some Of
these letters doubt are useful to him. and he
is immensely appreciative of all of them. for he
feels that any one who is interested enough to
write to him will be interested enough to do a
share in the coming elections Astute observers
confide in him the exact why the tariff
should be revised and explain which schedules
must be raised and which lowered: he hears of
ideal financial bills. of the value of bond secured
currency and the iniquities of central bank He
is asked pointblank whether he intends to follow
out the policies of President Roosevelt whether he
is to be the enemy OF the common people. Women
inquire II he drinks and smokes, and many
suggest weight reducers. He is constantly petit
toned for autographs and writes them till he is
in danger of pen paralysis. Some letters are So
licitous to his health. others ask appointments.
but all show that ne is recognized big and
sympathetic man.
Even the baby naming has begun. His first
name, William. coupled with the Howard, has al
ready been used tn distinguish half dozen children
from their less fortunate relatives. Several have
been named William Taft, and there promises
to be unprecedented crop of Bills in the next
rising generation but a few years after the
army Of "Theodores" has grown up One mother.
however, who has soft spot in her heart for the
Secretary, hesitated to her boy after him
because she feared the Taft part would be
ularized into "Taffy" and she hates nfcknames In
her uncertainty she wrote the following letter:
NY baby is Just two weeks Old and we want 10
him after you. William Taft -. but We are
just little bit afraid do IT, If do so the boys
might get to calling him ."Taffy" which is a good
nickname as ncknames go but we detest them all.
When you were a boy were YOU called "Taffy?' If
not will have him christened Immediately We
will call him William Howard - if they called
you ''Taffy.''
The Secretary's reply is not recorded. but It is
safe 10 say that the little Maryland boy will be
called William Taft. FOR instead of being called
"Taffy" the Secretary always called plain
Bill
The prize proposition thus far, however comes
from young woman's seminary up in New York
State, where girls club ndites the following
quest properly signed by the president and
signed by the secretary:
won you 90 SOlneIIllng TOT us w girls nave
formed a Taft club and going to work awfuy
hard for you. We not going 70 ask you for your
autograph your picture. bur just little lock of
your hair for US 10 treasure and keep in club
room memento
If the hair went back by return mail the Secre-
tary is more generous than most of his age
and although still finds it unnecessary attempt
the Fairbanks wave he nevertheless realizes that
every lock counts.
He hears frequently from Yale men Of all de-
scrptions each pledging undying support. One let
reads:
7 am of the class of go. and Bryan Demo
Crat as are my father and four brothers, but
are all going to vote for you in November, and
six votes in Kentucky count.
Mr.. Taft enjoys reading such letters as his secre-
taries show him. and the hearty laugh that Oft
times comes from his office is frequently caused
by some friendly correspondent whose expressions.
though mirth provoking. highly appreciated