New-York tribune., 1908-02-09
DIR. UOODRTFF EXPLAINS.
No Politics an Praise Of TAFT, He
.Sdus at Maritime Dinner.

Timothy L. Woodruff made explanation at the
Maritime dinner last night of his alleged indorse-
ment of Secretary Taft at the New Hampshire So
ciety dinner the night before Mr. Woodruff said:
I've got to De careful how talk TO you tonight
because | don't know whether there are any
nespaper men present Oh yes, see one (Here
and ADDRESSED his remarks to HIM. Be careful
what you write. LaughterJ Again say. be care
dinner AT which / called upon to speak. and l
found occasion TO allude 10 some college men
Yale man and old friend and classmate So l
10 one in the United states had had expert
ence than possibly the President himself / wasn't
aries az &c 0h no. OF course not You're ali
right Ear be IL from me fG eyer fa to M alipds do 70
ruffs political preferences had been unmasked
have had too much wine 10 make MN tax 80
freely and Yet, am able 40 swear that | hadn't
just arrivsd
NJ Wcodrun's remarks were received with cheers
and laughter.
General Stewart l.. Woodford in his speech told
Of Mr. Woodruff childhood and Of the times when
the elder Woodruff lived in Wizards Hotel. wash
ington and was a warm personal friend Of Abra-
ham Lincoln. In those days" said General Wood
ford President Lincoln USED often TO go over to
the Willard Hotel in moments Of care and talk
things over with his friend Woodruff. and h- used
to have little Tim then four years old. taken out
Of his bed and brought 10 him. Then. with Tim in
his arms President Lincoln would walk up and
down the corridor. talking In and evidently under
standing the little child.
If I were Tim Woodruff. 1 would be very proud
of that grading hands OF the great Presi-
dent"
In closing his address the general startled his
hearers by looking bout Ihe room in an impressive
manner. and then. a humorous strain.
marked. Il am not surprised that a POSTMASTER
who would forget the name of the speaker whom
lie wEs introducing should also forget propose
the toast that / am going 10 propos. in the
name OF 1h. Maritime Associatinn-ths
Theodore Roosevelt. President Of the United
states
The effect aaas startling Ia instant Every
was on nis faet. Some shouted. In the midst of
- neral cf,e.sing: Three cheers President
Re CoseveIt." ana they given with Will The
orchestra took the and struck UP The Star
SuangIed Banner" The cheering lasted until the
PLAYING of the national air had been almCst ended
The dinner held the Waldorf Astoria.
Covers laid for $50 members and guests.
Charles Il. Norman. president OF the association.
acted as POSTMASTER. Those az the guests table
were William McCsrroll. the Rev Nehemiah Boyn-
ton Nh. Woodruff. E. 2. Sherwood. Anton A
Raven William Harris Douglas president OF tho
Produce Exchange and General Woodford
Chairman Fred B. Dslzeu of banquet com
nllttee read letters OF good Will and regret from
Governor Hughes, who present the last pre-
cediug annual banquet OF the organization Secre-
tary Metcan Of the Navy Depar artment. Secretary
Straus OF the Department OF Commerce and Labor.
Congressman Burton. chairman OF the House Com
rttec Rivers and HaThors. ard President J :
W lioItcn of the Philadelphia Maritime Exchange