The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1908-01-14
FRANZ! 3. HOWE. Editor and Publisher
William n. Taft

strength as a Presidential candidate
as disclosed by recent incidents in
Ohio and elsewhere, are beginning to
clear the public mind as to his rela-
lions with President Roosevelt. I'm
der ordinary conditions it would be a
heavy handicap to a candidate to be
known as the choice of an outgoing
President. The strength of Secretary
Taft is not only evidence of Mr.. Roose-
welt > astonishing hold on the people,
but it is decided proof of the conf
dence and esteem in which Secretary
Taft is held. The public discrimi-
mates in this case with nicely, accept
ing President Roosevelt's view of Sec
rotary Taft without placing the Pres
ident in the attitude of attempting to
MISUSE his official power or placing
Mr.. Taft in the attitude of being a
mere shadow of the President
The reason why the public is turn
ing toward Taft is not only because II
is sure he is in harmony with the
Roosevelt policies, but because he is
individually and distinctively, in his
own right, admirably fitted for the
Presidency. The public does not de-
mand from Secretary Taft or any
other candidate pledge that the
Roosevelt policies will be executed to
the letter. exactly as Roosevelt would
execute them. In the first place, nc
one can foretell what is best to be
done under the circumstances not yet
developed. Mr.. Roosevelt himself can
not tell what he will do in the remain
ing year of his administration, mol
would it be wise to exact pledge
from him. The plan that appears
wise now might be foolish when the
time arrives for its execution.
Secretary Taft believes in the
Roosevelt policies, and if elected hi
will, no doubt, endeavor to carry then
into effect. But he will do so IN hi.
own way Has any one so short ;
memory as not to recall the declara
ton of Mr.. Roosevelt when he took vi
the work laid down by Mckinley? Mr.
Roosevelt labored faithfully to execute
the Mckinley policies, knowing the,
,uara apnrova1 hy Tho rannta NJ,
one charges him with failure. bu
surely no one would have the hard
hood to contend that the history of tn
last six years is what it would hav
been If Mr., Mckinley had lived and re
manned President. Temperament
differences between Roosevelt and Nc
Kinley have caused surprising ep
sodes in this history, although Their
may be no radical departure from an
of McKinley's plan.
Through the same cause similar e
fects could be expected II Mr.. Tai
we're elected President AS a man @
individuality and sound commo
sense. he would not even try to ex,
cute the Roosevelt policies in th
Roosevelt way. His manner would b
the Taft manner--the manner nativ
to the man. He would travel alon
the pathway Of his predecessor, but b
would deal with each situation as
arose. acting according to circun
stances for the best. without regard I
outer appearances. No fair.minde
man would insist upon a slavish i'm
tation Of any preceding action, hoy
ever renowned. As President M
Taft would be In possession Of q
available information, and he could b
relied upon to make prudence his FRI
consideration, whether his decisio
would be one that Mr.. Rooseve
would have made or otherwise. M
Roosevelt himself IL the last man !
the United States. probably, WI
would try to tie Mr.. Taft down to
certain course Of action on futuI
events.
As a winner Of friends by persons
contact. Secretary Taft is world-far
Gus. His wholesome personality, h
good cheer. his evident ability an
, readiness to tackle and carry heav
burdens without perceptible strait
. and his hearty Americanism of ma
ner and ideals make him q marke
man in any company. He has not su
, fered by comparison with any oth'
American. against whom he may I
pitted for the Presidency. It is n
surprising to note that Mr.. Taft's a
: visers have pointed out the advantai
Of his frequent appearance before Il
people. Personal acquaintance vii
!. him means admiration and warm 7
= gard. The idea that he is an unre
. shadow Of Roosevelt speedily fad
wherever his substantial personals
appears. and in its place is left d
J. cided liking for and reliance upon
q man who is seen to be equipped
nature and training for the perft