New-York tribune., 1908-12-23
TAFT TO VISIT TEXAS
POLITICAL FREEDOM OF
SOUTH HIS OBJECT.
Hill Respond to Irritation of Thirty
Cities Early IN Tern-Hitch-
cock to Tiat Him.

Augusta Ca Dec 22-President- Will
/ lam H. Taft decided to-day to visit the State OF
! Texas at some convenient time after his tnaugu-
ration. preferably at the end of the special ses-
| sion Of Congress. which he is to call for tariff
/ legislation. While his itinerary has not been
/ ranged he will make the city Of Dallas one OF
! the principal points of the trip
Thirty cities Of the Lone Star State united in
a request for his presence at any time he should
! choose TO come The invitation expressed keen
| desire on the part OF members Of Texas CONNER
cial bodies to make the personal acquaintance Of
Mr. Taft, and promised him a cordial welcome
and courteous treatment. It also dwelt upon the
advantage which would result both TO the state
and TO himself from such visit.
The acceptance of the invitation il in accord
ance with Mr.. Taft's well defined Plan to i'm
press upon the South the necessity OF becoming
practical in its politics He desires to bring his
administration into close touch with the South,
according to his declarations. and hopes to bring
the people of that section to realize the neces-
sty of taking a hand in national affairs.
Mr. Taft was PEELED to-day. much to his
expressed regret, to decline to visit Chattanooga,
Tenn. where his presence was urged a. the
dedication Of 100000 Young Mems Christian
Association building. The Invitation was ex-
tended personally by a delegation which visited
Mr. Taft. In declining the President-eleCt said
that 10 accept meant that he would have to
give up the rest of the time between now
and his trip to Panama in visiting Southern
cities. as he had pressing invitations from nearly
all of them, and to accept one and reject another
would cause dissatisfaction. He expressed his
hearty accord with the Young Mems Christian
Association movement in the South, and recalled
the fact that he had assisted at such dedi-
tions all around the world
Only three Southern cities besides Augusta will
see the President during his present stay in
the Southland He will visit Atlanta at some
time TO be fixed by delegation which will come
here. next week. He will embark for Panama
from Charleston, S. c, and has decided to land
at New Orleans on his return. A delegation Of
Southern editors has applied TO be received by
Mr.. Taft while here. and the request has been
granted. The arrangements for the visit have
not Vet been comp pleted.
Mr.. Taft said tonight that he had written to
Frank H Hitchcock. National Republican
Chairman and future Postmaster General, to
visit him here for = week or more. Mr.. Hitch
cock is expected within few days. Senator
Knox. who is expected also. has yet not in
dicated when he Will be here
As result Of a casual remark Of Mr. Taft
a. the Country Club dinner last night. that he
had not been able to find here 4 saddle that
was big enough to stick a postage samp on"
Superior Court Judge Henry 6. Hammond to
day gave him saddle Of ample proportions
Mr.. Taft will add riding to his routine of daily
exercise. A steam automobile assigned for his
use will be here tomorrow in charge Of an ex-
pert from the factory As there are many good
roads in the Savannah Valley, the president
elect. who is fono Of automobling viii be en-
bled TO get acquainted with the surrounding
country.
Al a dinner 10 be given for Mr.. Taft Saturday
night by Henry c. Maxwell. an oldtime Cincin-
has bpe0 MANNED that EraSf-
dent-elect shall meet a number Of Southern
federal Office holders. which shall afford Mr.
Taft further opportunity to extend his Southern
propaganda