New-York tribune., 1909-11-05
TAFT PRAISES LAW
THE WAY TO REFORM.
Not by Disregrding Statutes
-W6lcOmed an Savannah.


Savannah. Nov. 4-President Taft ar
rived here at 7:45 o'clock tonight. after
travelling through Central and southeast
ern Georgia this afternoon. He began his
eighteen hours visit with an elaborate din
ner at the DO Soto Hotel Tomorrow he
VIII be taken for a sail in the harbor. will
nave a spin around the automobile course
over which the grand prize races were run.
and Will have luncheon at the ThunderboIt
Casino
The dinner in honor of the President was
IN many respects the most sumptuous he
mas encountered in his travels Nearly
every course was served on a dish which
was taken home by the diners as a
souvenir. At each plate was a gold scarf
pin bearing the seal Of the city Of Savan-
nan. The canape was served on hand
painted china trays bearing the Presidents
initials DiamOndback terrapin appeared
IN individual FURNISHED copper chafng
dishes which were souvenirs Punch was
served IN silver mounted glasses, brandy
IN silver hligree cups and cigars in red
leather cases-all souvenirs. As the Pres-
deht arose TO speak twenty white doves
We're liberated over the heads Of the diners
savannah is the furthest South the Presi-
dent viii go. and when he leaves here at
O'Clock tomorrow afternoon he will travel
toward Washington. where he is due to
arrive next Wednesday evening
Georgia has proved no exception TO other
Southern States i'm the heartiness of it's well
come TO the President In Macon this morn
ing 1t seemed as though the country for
miles around had been depopulated to make
uP the throngs In that city. AT every one Of
the numerous stops between Macon and
this city there were large throngs out to
greet the President and cheer the few
words he had an opportunity TO speak
here tonight he was met by another great
crowd. Mr.. Taft is the guest Of General
William l. Gordon. an old family friend.
FOR STRICT OBSERVANCE OF LAW.
The Macon speech was Mr. Taft's princi-
pal utterance of the day. In il he sought
TO define more exactly than he has in the
past the restrictions placed on the Execu-
tive and the responsibility that should rest
on Congress. He also stated his belief that
the best way TO accomplish reforms is not
for the Executive TO disregard the Iimita-
tions that stand in their way.
Il recognize that you were innocent Of
my selection" he began. He was interrupt
ed by a voice in the crowd: But we got
you. just the same"
Yes" he replied. you took me in, and
now you have got to stand me a little more
than three years longer. But will try TO
make the burden as light as possible
The President declared that the anglo
Saxon race, through years Of self-govern-
ment and self-restraint, had come to be
good losers. and that the majority had
come 10 realize that it was bound by GER
tain limitations of decency and patriotism
which il must respect The powerful ma
JOrity should be used for the benefit of the
people and the country. and not for exalt-
ing the person who temporarily is vested
with the authority TO exercise it,
The Constitution of the United States, he
said. had been drawn with great foresight
and wisdom. and there We're few respects in
which it could be changed or improved.
''All that 1 have said" he went on,
brings me to a little sermon on the wis
dom and necessity of following the law as
il is Sometimes in the zest and enthusiasm
OF desiring reforms. We find impatience
with the limitations of the statutes that
prevent the immediate accomplishment OF
our purpose. and We are tempted to disre-
gard and ignore them. But l think you
will agree with me that that is not the
best way to get rid of the limitations that
interfere with progress. The people should
De loAu OF the llIIitldliouSr luey SHOulQ De
aroused TO the necessity of wiping out
those limitations and 10 the necessity OF a
change. They should not leave il TO the
Executive TO disregard the written law be-
cause what he purposes 10 DO Is not the
law of a higher morality.
IF you depart in any way from the law
as it is. you enter upon path which. while
entirely certain for one issue in yoar mind
with resDect 10 the higher moral aim of
your own soul and that Of your fellow citi-
zens, you are nevertheless being led into a
wilderness out OF which you cannot subse-
quently guide your steps.
First make your law according 70 yoUr
desires and ambitions he added and
then follow it, / am telling you of these
limitations Of the Executive and of the
duty Of the Congress because this winter
l expect 10 recommend a lot OF things to
Congress. and l want you 10 know where
the responsibility lies II they fail TO pass"