New-York tribune., 1908-09-01
JUDGE TAFT FISHING
YACHTS SALUTE HIM.
Decides Not to attend Monument
Unueiling at Fort Meigs.
Thy Telegraph to Tn. Trisune.l ]

Middle Bass Island. Ohio, Aug. 31.-There has
been considerable effort ca the part OK certain
Ohio politicians. notably Generals heifer ana
Corbfn to induce Judge Taft to attend the un-
yelling of monument for those who fell IN
the battle of Fort Meigs. in the War OF iSlz'
which will occur at that place Tomorrow he
took the matter under consideration, but DE-
cided definitely this afternoon not to attend Ia
view of certain complications in transportation
end of the further fact that he has not oeen
formally invited Mr. Taft thought ii would oe
hardly wise for him 10 appear at Fort Meiss
Senator Foraker will be one Of the speakers al
the unyeiiing as will the Governors OF ohio'
Kentucky and Virginia.
There was a disposition TO put considerable
political significance into the meeting expected
between Judge Taft and Senator Foraker before
the formers decision not to go to Fort Meiss'
although he declared that there would be none,
and the fact that Generals Corbin and helfer
are close friends of the Senator gave color to
this ;oea But the fact that an early start would
have 10 be mede on Wednesday, and that a
review of the parade and the speaking would be
followed by q reception. was also largely con-
fributory &c Judge Taft's decision not to attend
the Fort Meigs ceremony.
Judge Taft his son Charles. General Corbin,
Theron Miller. of Columbus. and Edward Marsh,
of sendusky, went fishing this morning in the
launch of w. c.. Beckwith, of Fostorfa- When
the fishing grounds were reached, off Rattle
snake Island. called from its resemblance to
q snake with ratties, the party took to rowboats.
hooks were baited with u1innows and crawfish
and the fun began The candidate caught two
bass one Of them a good sized one, and pick
erei. He refused to say how heavy his largest
fish was as he declared he was strictly truth
ful man. even when telling fish story. Charles
also caught three fish, one bass. pickerel and
a perch
The conditions not entirely propitious
the sun came UP bright and hot and the
water was warm. Several photographers how
cred around in small boats continually swapping
the candidate. BY O'Clock members of the
club in launches began 10 reach the spot Each
as he hove 70 TO watch the performance fired
q saluting cannon and the fish. not being used
10 Presidential saIutes and megaphone greet
Sings, declined 20 bite.
When he was at Hot Springs Judge Taft in
variably played golf with "a gallery" to use
she golfers term for spectators There were
usually not less than a dozen following him
about the course. and not infrequently photog-
raphers followed. swapping the candidate in
every conceivable posture. Some individuals Of
fered congratulations every turn, even when
ii was a fooze. The candidate invariably
guyed them with We'll done. Mr. Rockefeller ~
but few the point OF this remark. When he
was invited to the Middle Bass Island, however,
he vas assured that this being private club
1nstead of a resort, he would be assured of pri-
racy and unmolested sport, Perhaps he will,
sf ne can get day with a fog so heavy that
no one will discover him. but te-day's expert
ence does not augur well for uninterrupted
sport or privacy.
Last evening Judge Taft, accompanied by
General Keifer and General Corbin, sailed over
10 Ballast Island TO call General James Bar
nett who commanded the only Ohio artillery
regiment in the Civil War. He raised and COM
nanded a regiment composed cf twelve six-gun
batteries and saw much active service under
General RosecraTs. He is now eighty-seven
years old. in feeble health. and he was much
pleased by the call of the Presidential candi-
date Later in the evening Judge and Mrs.
Taft attended the sacred concert given in the
parlors of the clubhouse. and then met many
of the members and their families.
There is q possibility that Judge Tefts stay
here may be prolonged until September s. 1t
had been planned TO depart on the 9TH, but as
that is Labor Day there is some question as to
whether it would be wise to attempt to travel
at time when there viii undoubtedly be many
excursions along the route 20 Cincinnati Word
was received here to-day from National Chair
man Hitchcock saying that he would call on
Judge Taft on his way to New York the latter
mart of the week Frank J. Becker, of Detroit,
Md a party also coming On Mr. Becker S
Echt. Attorney General Wade Ellis and State
DEusitor Guilbert have also signifed their pur-
nose of calling on the candidate this week.
when Judge Taft and his family reach Cincin-
nati they will make their home with Mr.. and
Mrs Charles P Taft. They have been en-
s5eavoring 10 find suitable house, but have
been unable to do so.