The Lee County journal. (Leesburg, Ga.) 1904-19??, 1908-06-26
LIFE OF William II. TAFT.
Born of Distinguished Percentage He
Had Every Opportunity for Success.

Had Every Opportunity for Success.
In the campaign In support OF VIII
liam Howard Taft for the presidency,
there was no opportunity to arouse
popular enthusiasm by appeals to that
sort of sentiment which finds its ba-
sis and inspiration In admiration for
the man who comes from most humble
beginnings to positions Of eminence
and trust He did not follow the plow
In his boyhood He was no railsplitter
an his early manhood. He never trod
the paths of the canal. He never pom
dered affairs of state and destiny
while working at the mechanics bench
or while plying the tailor's needle. No
eloquent campaign orator can arouse
enthusiastic crowds by pointing to Mr..
Taft as an illustration Of what may
be accomplished by the poor boy who
makes his own way In the world, be-
comes a 'self-made man. and then Is
presented as candidate for public
support and public office.
Mr.. Taft began life with every adj
vantage given to the son of affluance
and refinement. II Is, of course, to
his credit that affluence and refine
ment did not spoil him, as so many
boys in similar circumstances have
been spoiled. Ills antecedents were
of line of scholars and careful. hon
est, money-making and successful pro-
feESional gentlemen. His grandfather
was an honored lawmaker and after
ward even more honored judge in New
England When William H. Taft was
born, his father had already attained
position OF prominence at the bar in
Ohio. The father, the Honorable Al
fonso Taft, became a judge, went into
Grants cabinet and finally rounded
out his public career in the diplomatic
service, serving as minister to Austria
and afterwards as minister to Russia.
In 1874 young TAFT entered Yale. AS
q matter of course, he was known, at
first, merely as the son of one of the
distinguished men OF the nation, Soon,
however he established record for
himself as young man of highest
ability, sterling honesty and wide di-
versity OF talents. Outside of his rep
Utatlon as the son Of his father, he
Nfiist attracted attention as an ath-
lete For time, he gave consider
able attention to athletics. But he had
earned exemption from the more i'm
perative demands of field sports and he
became one of the most earnest and
successful students. Just before he
became of age, he finished his univer-
Sity course and was graduated second
in a class of 100 members.
Mr.. Taft entered at once upon the
study of law, meantime securing a con-
siderable amount of experience as re-
Ia xvyur tod &I4n
Cincinnati law school In 1880 and soon
after entered upon the practice OF his
profession, From that time to this,
his career has been continued course
Of honor, success and preferment. His
FIRST public office was the position of
assistant prosecuting attorney OF Ham
alton county, OhH. His subsequent
Offices were: Collector Of internal rev.
enue, judge of superior court, solicitor
general of the United States under
President Harrison, judge of the Sixth
federal district, encouragement Of
the Philippines, finally becoming secre-
tary of war January /, 1904.
In point of historic interest the
placing OF Mr.. Taft's name at the
head of the republican national ticket
marks the practical closing of the pub
lie usefulness in high positions Of the
great majority of the soldiers OF civil
war days.
In the relations of personal and do
mestic life, Mr. Taft is model OF all
that Is upright, honest, devoted and
loyal. He has a most interesting
family and leads a life of most COM
plete domestic happiness. In 1886 he
married Mics Helen Herror, daughter
Of the Honorable John w. Herror, of
Cincinnati. They have three children.
Mr.. Taft entered upon the canvass
for the presidency equipped by his
character, splendid physique, fine
scholarship, broad experience in gov
eminent affairs and intimate acQuain-
lance with the duties of the position
for which he aspires. He possesses the
confidence of the country, as a man Of
high character, of purity Of private
life and remarkable success In his
public career While his nomination
has been practically forced upon him
his party by President Roosevelt,
there is not the least conclusive evil
dence that, were the matter left to the
cool Judgment Of party leaders and de-
cided upon the basis of popularity and
availabiliay, Mr., Taft would have sue
ceeded in race for the nomination.
However, II Taft shall be elected, he
is likely to make good president,
honest In purpose, persistent ia effort,
successful In securing large share Of
popular confidence and maintaining
the dignity OF his elevated position.