, 1908-09-26
MR.. TAFT AT FFrY-oNE

The modest celebration by William
Howard Taft, September l5. OF the
fiity-irst anniversary of Ids birth is
an event which appeals with special
force to the young voters of the
United States whose ballots are des-
tined 10 be one OF the determining In
fiuences in the November elections.
The experience through which the
nation has passed in the last twelve
years have greatly enlarged the Amer
lean spirit OF n~ationalism. They have
developed conditions which stimulate
The national imagination, disclose new
Ideals OF national responsibility and
impose new obligations. upon Amer
lean conscience and statesmanship.
The twelve-year period under re-
view began with a desperate assault
upon the national credit under the
p~retense Of monetary reform. That
wicked conspiracy was defeated, only
10 be followed two years ia.er by !
foreign war, In which the national
honor was indicated by the valor Of
American arms From that confiAc,
arose new problems which have placed
the United States in the first rank OF
world powers and compelled the gov
eminent to assume vast responsible
ties, territorial, racial and administra.
tive, in regions remote from our con-
mental boundaries. The front OF the
word has undergone a change. and
the International STATUS of the United
States has changed with 1t
The vexatious questions which have
arisen at home and abroad during
these twelve years have sery-d as
| supreme tests of the vitality of Amer
lean institutions and of the integrity
| of republican craftsmanship. Those
tests have been completely met in
every instance. American prestige
among the nations Of the earth is
greater and American credit is higher
than ever before. The republican
party has been in control throughout
| this whole period of American deyel-
opment. 1t has kept the faith. 1t
has proved equal to every emergency
and its policies stand approved by the
national conscience.
Among the leaders and opponents
| Of the new Americanism which has
won for the republic an enlarged
pace in the confidence and esteem On
mankind none has borne a more en-
Taft. The duties imposed upon him
have been varied and exacting in
equal degree. requiring the calm judg-
ment of the purist, the tact Of the
diplomat, the alertness Of ar expert
executive and the creative genius OF
the constructive statesman. Combin-
ing those qualities In higher degree
than any Of his contemporaries, Mr.,
Taft has placed before the young men
of America and example of devoted
brilliant and useful service in varied
fields of endeayor unsurpassed in the
history of our times.
The example of Mr.. Taft Is an ap
peal to the national pride and the
national Imagination. 1t represents
the forces which produce results and
command respect. 1t inspires hope
wins confidence and stands for honor
and progress. Moreover, 1t discloses
those attributes of integrity, courage
s~elfrespect and justice which the up
right young American casting his frsI
vote will naturally demand as essen
tial qualities OF his ideal candidate fol
l president.
At the 6 of ffty-one Mr.. Taft has
standing to his credit a record Of
definite results which distinguishes
him as one Of the most accomplished
of American statesmen, living ol
dead. 1t Is without an error or 6
flaw, an epitome OF the new Ameri
canism which believes in doing things
And In behalf of the man who made
1t the record gives a distinct aflrma
tive of the historic test for candidate.
for official favor: SIS he honest i.
he cabable, is he faithful to the cor
stitution?