The Norfolk weekly news-journal. (Norfolk, Neb.) 1900-19??, 1908-10-02

from his better self, which in his
younger years manifested itself in de-
votion to the flag OF battle and with
equal courage in the halls of legisla-
ture later on. They have been com
PEELED. however, to take cognizance
OF the recent revelations. Neverthe.
less, there is nothing that so wins the
appreciation and respect OF the Amer
lean voter like magnanimity
Judge Taft saw this man who had
done In the months just past, all he
could do, to block his way to the
presidency, Inundated and discredited
because OF his own unfortunate ALI
ances. But he had nothing in such a
moment but kindliest pity for bril-.
liant man gone astray. No censure,
no bitterness was his to give. He sim
ply kept aloof from the matter, letting
! the man settle the case for himself
Taft's noble utterance attaches him
more firmly than heretofore to his fell
low countrymen because they see in
IL the revelation OF his great-hearted.
ness, which Is unmistakable.
Following this notable incident, a
day or two only had passed when the
Roosevelt letter to the country. CIV
ing out for publication letter from
Secretary Taft written a year ago was
issued to the press.
This letter of Taft's shows the
splendid, sane courage he possesses,
as 1t has not been so clearly shown
before. At a time when there was no
public excitement about it, when Mr..
Taft wrote purely personal letter, he
utterly refused to be a party to a
series of resolutions suggested for the
Ohio Republicans endorsing him for
the presidency and Foraker for the
senate "in the interest of harmony"
His letter shows his clear vision. 1t
gives a glimpse of an American states
man whose sense of moral issue could
not be thwarted or swerved by any adj
vantage which might accrue to his own
personal benefit. He promptly wrote
in reply that President Roosevelt's
policies and Senator Foraker's were
antipodal and antagonistic. He was
sure that Ohio and the nation agreed
with him in endorsing the president.
Both could not be approved at the
same time and he declined any ALI
ance with the senator, even if it cost
him the presidency.
So here within a few days, just be.
fore he starts out to meet the people
of the west and be greeted by them
there is given an opportunity through
unexpected sensational events, for the
voters to take the measure of the real
character of the Republican candidate
Never in American history have the
two noble qualities of large hearted
generosity to a foe in the hour of their
defeat, and self reliant, clear sighted
unequivocal choice of the right, when
it would have been so easy" just tC
be supine and neutral been so vividly
revealed. Magnanimity and courage
are allied virtues which only come to
their full maturity in great souls. One
without the other is often seen in
lesser men-but together wherever
seen they are incontrovertible evi
dancac of nobility
William H. Taft looms up large or
the horizon. His intellectual attain
ments have long since been acknowl
edged. Added to these, his splendid
human sympathies and his high mora
courage, now so fully known, will en-
dear him to his countrymen.
Norfolk and Nebraska rejoice tina
within a few days they can voice theil
enthusiasm and loyalty to the larger
Taft-the man whom a great nation
will delight to honor as a great presi
dent.