Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-10-01
Must Build Up Merchant Ma
rine, Says President Taft
IN SPEECH A! EXPOSITION
W., ::saommend Legislation In
ext Message to Congress.
OUTLINES VIEWS ON ALASKA
Discusses Roosevelt Policies and
Says He Is Trying to Garry Them
Out as He Understands Them.

SEATTLE. Wash. October president
Taft came out fiat-footeG yesterday for
ship subsidy to build up the American
merchant marine. Speaking before the
largest audience he has faced since his
trin beean-a crowd that overf1owed the
National Amphitheater of the Alaska
Yukon-Pacifc exposition, with its seating
capacity of nearly 2o,WO-Presdent Taft
announced that he would urge in his
coming message to Congress the enact
ment Of a ship subsidy law.
Mr. Taft declared that the country was
ready to make such experiment and that
something must be done. His utterances
were received with great applause.
The President also paid high tribute TO
China one of the most rapidly devel
oping countries in the world He declared
that it behooved Americans to give heed
TO what the future meant for China as a
commercial competitor.
Hearers Didn't Like This.
When the President declared he was OPP
posed to granting territorial form of
government to Alaska the statement was
received in silence But as the President
proceeded and outlined his policy for the
upbuilding of Alaska. of recommending
government aid in the construction of
railroads, OF a local form of government
by a commission of five or more members
appointed by the President and co-operat
ing with the governor, and when he told
of the great possibilities that lie in Alas
ka ne plainly caught the favor of his
hearers and was loudly cheered.
Later in the day when he was admit
ted to membership In the Arctic Brother
hood, an International organization made
up OF Canadians and Americans interested
in he do Ion 1onf Of och 70 prnci 81
dent announced that he intended to visit
Alaska next summer and to go as far
into the territory as time would permit in
order that he might come into contact
with the people and see for himself what
might best be done for their welfare
The President frankly told the members
of the brotherhood that he did not be-
lieve Alaska at this time is ready for en-
tire SeIf-goVerninent.
Stands for Popular Government.
Il am as much in favor of popular gov
eminent anybody, declared the Pres
ident. but am in favor of popular gov
eminent only when the conditions exist
under which popular government may be
a success and work for the benefit of the
people and the government at large.
When there are limitations growing out
of various circumstances we must take
other means until popular government be-
comes possible. and then, of course, 1t is
the best government in the world
In discussing ship subsidy. President
Taft declared that if should come
at this time the United States would not |
have enough vessels to carry coal to it's |
fleets. And it would be doubtful under |
the neutrality laws. he added, If the |
United States would be able TO buy for
eign vessels in the emergency
The address in the amphitheater was
made at ) pm. and Immediately after
ward the President went to the Arctic |
Brotherhood building for initiation. He |
returned to the city for rest and to dress |
for dinner. Returning to the fair grounds |
tonight, Mr.. Taft viewed for the first time
the wonderful iliuminations
AT the, amphitheater the President wit |
messed flag drill by 400 public school
children who themselves formed living
flag He also listened to the rendition by
a glee club of a new patriotic song or an
them I'm God We Trust" written and
composed by Joseph B. Glider of New
Tangled in His Robes.
At the Arctic Brotherhood the President
was elected honorary past grand arctic
chief and was presented with a costly
robe of Office made of purple velvet and
trimmed with furs. The brotherhood did
not presume to ask The President to don
the robes. but he iDsisted with the laugh
ing remark, II not afraid to put on
the robes of office: never have been
The only opening in the robe was at
the neck, and afte, it had been put over
the Presidents head things seemed to
get into tangle and the President was
lost to view for two or three minutes.
When the President and party reached
the fair today President ]. E. Chlberg
greeted him ar the steps of the auditorium
and pinned Lis coat heavy gold
badge of his Office honorary president
OF the exposition, The President took his
place and the march of the soldiers and
the pageant of nations began.
Following the soldiers came company
OF Japanese merchants in high hats and
frOck coats AS tneE passed the GreSi-
dent they waved their hats and shouted
"Banzai' three times. After the Japan
csc walked a group of Chinese merchants
in beautiful silk robes. Then came the
almost naked lgorrote villagers. Several
Eskimo guides carried banner reading.
Who Found the Pole? We Helped" Co. |
lumbia. the Eskimo girl. born at the Chi |
cago worlds fair rode in dog sledge.
At the close of the parade a company
OF infantry lined the walk leading to the |
government building and the President
and party walked through the building |
rapidly.
Planned 81, 200 Worth of Gold
In the Alaska building the President |
was invited into the cage where more |
than million dollars worth of Alaska |
gold is exhibited. Nearby miner who
illustrating placer mining, let the |
President wash out a pan of gold worth |
81 20 Mr. Taft remarked that he would |
60 into mining If he could keep up that |
rate.
At the door of the Hawaiian building a |
native tried to throw over the Presi- |
dent S neck lei, or wreath of pansies |
The President restrained her, saying |
NO, | shant wear it; were not in Homo |
lulu now
The President then went to the Japan |
csc government building. Here Commits |
sioner General Hajimota read letter
conveying the thanks of the Emperor of
Japan for his visit TO the Japanese build |
ing. Mr.. Taft, replying. said the Japanese
had long been. generous exhibitors at
American eXpositons and he wished sue
cess TO the approaching Japanese worlds
fair
The Canadian building was to have
ended the Presidents tour, bat he said
Il want 10 more Of this.
Luncheon in the New York state build |
ing was served without speeches.
He Plays Golf Today.
This morning the President paid a vis; |
to the exposition TO witness parade of |