Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-06-23

NEW YORK, June 23.-Secretary Will
liam III. Taft has written the following ar
ticle on his conception of the presidency
for the current issue of Golfers Weekly:
I'm the four years that / have been a
member of the cabinet | have become
familiar enough with the responsibilities
and burdens of the presidency TO know
that no man can afford unduly TO seek
that great office. If he is attracted by
honor and power alone. without the hope
of being useful he is unworthy OF the
honor and unfit for the use OF the power.
He must prefer for the sake OF his own
peace of mind never TO be President TO
being a poor President.
Should Fight for Election.
Confident that the platform on which
he stands is for the best interests of the
nation. he is untrue 10 himself and his
supporters if he does not fight valiantly
for election after he accepts the leader
ship. But. of course. he must draw tho
line at any compact which will not leave
him free of promises and of the control
OF any faction.
THE Presidents duties, clearly outlined
by the Constitution, have grown broader
in their Interpretation with the growth
of the country. He should be in the prime
of years, health and vigor. The capacity
for hard work is better equipment than
genius in mastering the essentials of all
undergoing the strain of countless inter-
views.
Should Keep Near the People.
He should look not only TO those in Of
flee but to those out of office In all
branches of private activity for informa-
ton and opinion, in order that he may
&c AL
by tie conflict of interests which come
to him with the fair words of the special
pleader.
I'm many senses. though the most
sought after. he is the loneliest man in
the United States. Elected directly by
the people their representative head, from
them, in the sober thought of the major
ity, he will get his best counsel. Though
Indifference preoccupation with pri-
vate affairs may keep them from attend
ing primaries or scanning closely either
candidate or measures they can center on
the President as their instrument the ex-
preston of their wishes. He should he
always near the people in thought and as
near them in person as his position will
permit In common with the people. he is
human, and he must ask their charity
for his mistakes. When they have ceased
to believe in his sincerity and uprightness
of purpose. his is a cheerless task. Once
convinced that he has OWNED and is car
by an ephemeral outburst of applause nor
diverted by any outburst of censure, he
must proceed unwaveringly. always by
lawful methods TO the accomplishment of
the popular will.
What the Past Teaches.
From Washington he may learn no
bility. fortitude and forthrightness Lin
coins life and speeches must be his source
Of inspiration when he is misunderst God
and he has to say to himself. Patience
and cheer 1t is easier since we had
Lincoln than it was before TO be a good
President He set a standard.
1T remained for Roosevelt to prove how
the people will respond TO strong and
true leadership when the hour has come
for great reforms. The policies which he
inaugurated must be continued and de-
veloped. They are right and they are
the policies of the people. For that rea-
son his successor may well disregard any
charge lack of originality il he does
own.
Work Clearly Defined.
"A President at this time has work be-
fore him clearly defined. The enforce
ment of the law equally against high and
low the powerful and the weak. should
he his first thought. The danger TO our
country from laxity or favoritism in this
is the greatest one we have IN face. Tho
Of orr national resources and
their development for the use of all along
the lines of equal opportn-'.V> too. must
command his immediate attrs.>1al IL
should be his aim To give high tone - his
administ ration. Roosevelt has. by .ur-
himself with men OF earnest.
enthusia site interest in tho public veal
and OF the cleanest but most effective
methods.