The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1909-08-01
TAFT THE LEADER
MINUS big STICK
Diplomatic Way of Winning
His Tariff Victory Brings
Him Big Following
Especial Dispatch to The CALI

-
WASHINGTON. July s1.-The victory
of President Taft in connection with
the tariff bill has earned for him the
role of leader BY those tivss
and senators in the halls OF congress
who are affiliated with the republican
party.
All along his methods have been
those OF diplomat, not whip crack
ing politician. He hasn't achieved re-
suits by being good commander in
chief
When his views had 10 be known
he stated them He didn't dodge is
sues and beat around the bush for fear
of stepping on somebody's toes.
He played the game Of statesman
ship in masterful manner without
welding big stick"
No Suggestion at First
II was generally anticipated that
this was the course the president would
pursue. When ne convened congress
in extra session last March he COM
municated TO that body. IN the form OF
a note. rather than message. that. in
his judgment. the time had arrived for
revision OF the tariff. There was no
suggestion OF the kind Of revision that
should be made He did not tell con-
gress II should Increase OF decrease
rates or change the administrative sec
lions Of the law
So the house of representatives went
blithely ahead in independent fashion.
praisings the president for the new
policy of noninterferenee. and making
q tariff bill 10 please itself and its
friends among the manufacturers
It proposed to pay political debts and
generally TO hold tariff reveL
Taft Holds His Tongue
Taft watched the proceeding with
anxiety. but held his tongue The bill
was reported 10 the senate general
boosting OF rates was made by the
finance committee. except in certain
paragraphs like those relating to gloves
and hosiery. which had become odious
throughout the country Upon such ar
ticles the DingIey rates were restored
The senate also sought TO obtain favor
for It's amendments BY increasing the
rates on IuxurisS. in the meantime sd-
vancing duties on various neeessaries.
Caution was thrown 10 the winds
Senator Lodge OF Massachusetts, cheer
fully stated that the president never
contemplated revision downward
Then the president suggested that the
corporation tax be included in the sen
ate bill. Aldrich and his followers were
perfectly willing to grant this concez-
sion. because thereby they secured the
defeat Of the income tax proposal and
at the same time drew the FIRE Of public
criticism from the rates
1t was at this psychological moment
that the president stepped In. In an
address delivered in New England ne
made disquieting aIlusion 10 the duty
Of the republican party and the need
of its observance Of campaign pledges
in order that IL might not become
party OF the minority. Then rumors
circulated that the president would
exercise influence upon the confsress OF
the two houses while they were consid-
ering the difference between the house
bill and the senate amendment No
body at the capitol objected to this.
Taft would be easily satisfied. he would
get credit from the country for forcing
congress to give way and the inter
ests- in the meantime would have er-
erythfng thev wanted.
Runs Against Snag
II was perfect program. but IN
the execution II ran against a snaz.
which proved 70 be the presidents win.
That little instrument of his person
ally was not as flexible as had been
believed
The president at first talked quietly
with Senator AIdrich and Representa-
i've Payne. leaders OF the confsrees OF
the two houses He told them What
ne thought they ought TO do in order
10 carry out the promises OF the cam
paign- They did not think that he was
in earnest and while they wsres wiz
ing 10 meet his views where they were
not Inconvenience. yet when the in
terests in their charge were affected.
they took an entirely different attitude.
Then the president talked 10 them
again. He also san other conferees
and members or congress He smiled
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