St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1908-01-29
Gov. Ide'S Tribute to Secretary Taft.
He Considers Him one of the Greatest Men
of His Generation.

of His Generation.
The CALEDoNAN takes pleasure in
publishing the letter which Gov. Henry
c. Ide sent to be read at meeting of the
friends of Secretary Taft held at Con
cord, N. H., Jan. 9, when the Taft Asso-
citation in New Hampshire was or
gained.
New York, January 9th, 1908.
Professor James F. Colby, Hanover, n. II.
Dear Sir: l am greatly delighted to
learn that meeting of citizens of New
Hampshire is to be held at Concord on
the 9th inst, for the purpose Of eftecting
an organization to promote the nomina-
ton of Secretary Taft for the Presidency.
An organization is maniiestly necessary
in order to crystalline the rapidly grow
ing Sentiment in favor of his nomination
and to make it effective and controlling.
Such an organization promotes healthy
public discussion and invites and secures
the cooperation of all really in sympathy
with its object, congratulate you and
your associates upon your being first in
New England to take direct and public
action towards bringing about result
which, in my opinion, will be productive
of the highest good to cur country, as
well as to the republican party.
From early in the year 1900 until
Secretary Taft left the Philippine Islands
to become Secretary of war in 1904, he
was president of the Philippine Com
mission, and as a member of that body
was brought into constant and immedi-
ate relations with him. From the init
mate knowledge thus secured, as well as
from that which comes to me in com
mon with the rest of the public as to his
long and distinguished career in various
most important and responsible po-
sitions, | have come to regard him as
one of the greatest men of his generation.
He has remarkable capacity for or
ganization and for efficient administra-
ton. In the Philippine Islands his was
the guiding spirit that animated the
whole commission in laying down the
foundation for a new government, under
the most difficult and trying circum-
stances. His capacity for continuous
and effective labor is greater than that
of any other man with whom have ever
been brought in contact.
His personal charm of manner is such
that he attaches to himself most strong
" all those with whom he is brought in
to immediate relations. There is a
magnetism about his method of meeting
and associating with people that gives
to him a constantly growing circle of
friends and makes him candidate who
can bring great and continuously grow
ing strength to his party. His views, as
have known them, are drawn upon
large and broad lines, and look to the
great results rather than to the mme-
date minor details. The theory main
tanned by him constantly while governor
of the Philippines and secretary OF war,
having charge of the Philippine affairs,
has been steadfastly that of winning
the affection, esteem and loyal devotion
of the people, and securing their CO.
operation in the great work of uplifting
and fitting them for intelligent govern
ment. The success of his work in that
behalf has been most marvellous, and he
has succeeded in winning the enthusiastic
cooperation of the great mass of the
/ eight million people in those islands in
the benevolent and altruistic work IN
which our government is there engaged.
Secretary Taft's wide experience in
public affairs, on the state bench, on the
federal bench, as governor of the Philip
pine islands, as secretary of war, as
administrator OF the Panama canal con
struction and as practically controller
of the difficult affairs of Cuba. and as a
member of the cabinet. relied upon
probably more than any other by Presi
dent Roosevelt in dealing with the great
question of national and international
Importance, his most extended acquaint
ance with public men of this and other
countries, necessarily resulting from his
varied activities in affairs of the highest
import, together with his natural endow
ments, equip him for performing the
highest administrative duties of our
country to degree, in my opinion
unequalled by any other living man. His
personality is such as to make him ar
especially available candidate His
strength in public sentiment has been O
late increasing most rapidly and it is q
very great satisfaction to see New
Hampshire preparing to join with the
rest of the country in securing to all oul
people a chief magistrate identified not
with reaction, but with progress along
reasonable, conservative and safe lines.
Very sincerely yours,
HENRY c. IDE.