The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1908-01-11

New York, Jan. 1l.--Secretary OF War
Taft, In addressing a monster audience
at Cooper Union last night, declared that
great aggregations OF wealth properly
employed widened the field OF labor and
were to be welcomed. while wealth inn
properly used was TO be condemned.
lie advocated unionism i'm so far as
sympathy and the resultant cooperation
made for the common good
He defended the right TO strike. assert
ing that men have the right to leave their
employment i'm body in order TO impose
upon their employer as great an incon-
venience as possible in order to induce
him to come to their terms.
He added, however. that a resort to
violence or lawlessness on behalf of a la
Dor union properly merits and receives
the sharpest condemnation from the pub
lie.
The secretary, who spoke under the
auspices OF the Peoples Institute, re-
ceived most cordial greeting. The cheers
which greeted his appearance were vo-
ciferous. and when a shout OF Three
cheers for the next president was raised
the response was thunderous.
Cooper Union was packed to its limit
and enough persons were turned away to
fill IL twice more. Long before the hour
set for Mr.. Tafts arrival the police re-
serves had to be summoned to clear the
walks i'm front OF the building OF the
overflow.
II was the first time Secretary Taft has
faced a New York audience since he be-
came recognized candidate for the
presidential nomination. III his beaming
countenance was TO be relied upon, he
enjoyed the experience.
ATTITUDE on LABOR.
lie set forth in detail his attitude to-
t,g nf lah
and then submitted to a rapid-hre at
tack from the audience, which quiZ2cd
him keenly and in a somewhat contro-
versia spirit. according TO the practice
of the Peoples Institute.
The secretary proved equally effective
I'm attack and defence, and his prompt
and forcible replies and occasionally witty
sallies evoked the same demonstradve
approval as greeted the salient points of
his address.
Peoples Institute audiences, which have
the unique distinction Of being demo-
cratic and fashionable discriminating and
cordial, usually bring together intellec-
tual leaders In all walks OF life. and last
nights gathering was a typical ono.
At least onc-third OF the auditors were
women.
When Charles Sprague Smith. who pre-
sided. suggested that three cheers be
giNc' Tor the speaker they were shouted
in powerful unison. and the demonstra-
ton continued for three or four minutes
Incidentally In introducing Mr.. TAFT
the chairman gave the secretary an OPP
portunity which he was quick TO profit
by OF putting himself at ease with his
audience. After referring in most com
plmentary terms 20 his record as a
cabinet officer and the good influence
exerted by his trip abroad. Mr.. Smith
said that he was proud TO introduce 'thc
secretary ot tho navy"
STORY on ROOSEVELT.
When tho laughter. begun by the secre-
tary himself and Joined In BY the an.
dience. had died away. Mr Taft said
playfullv that ne wished II understood
that he was the head OF what he. a,
least oooasdcred the most important de.
part'ncnt iis vas fenl-dsG. se ADDED
ot story told him by tho prcsident
Mr.. Roosevelt once attended n public
meeting in tho west. nt which the chair.
man spoke most natterlngly of tho
speaker he presented. This chairman said:
II take pleasure IN introducing 10 you a
man known from California To Maine.