The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1909-01-15
TAFT WILL RIDE on THE
WATER WAGON"
Will Try to Make This
Vehicle Popular

| WASHINGTON, Jan. l4.-When
William H. Taft rides into the White
on March 4th next it will Be on the
water wagon" Moreover, he will
try to make this vehicle popular dur
ing the four years of his administra-
tion, though there are certain society
folks here in the Nations Capital who
doubt his ability. In banishing the
handwork Of Bacchus from the Presi-
dental residence, Mr.. Taft win not
desire the impression to go forth that
he is seeking fame as the country's
foremost "whitribboner," nor, on the
other hand, will he aim blow al the
!devotees Of the cheering up. With
Mr.. Taft sobriety is conviction, not
"a fad. 1t it his firm belief that il the
Executive workshop is to deserve and
hold its present reputation of being
one of the busiest in the government
fold its atmosphere and the minds Of
its workers must not be clouded with
the distracting fancies Of King Alca-
hol.
Mr. Taft's belief in the virtue Of an
unclouded mind in the Presidential
body is born Of seeing the effect on
others Of too many trips to the flow
ing bowl. In the Philippine Islands,
where he went as Governor and later
as Secretary of War, he found that
the spirit of eonviviality reigned
among the army officers, sometimes to
their disadvantage. That he surround
cd himself with administrative helpers
who we're known as consistent pass
sngers Of the water wagon, therefore,
was evidence that he doubted the dia-
tary value of alcoholic beverages for
men laboring under the burning rays
If the tropical sun.
For those who think Mr.. Taft's
pledge will be easy of fulfillment it
will be well to follow any stage of
dr. Taft's social activities during his
erm as President. They will learn
hat pervading Washington social life
5 an influence toward convivial drink
ng that is oftimes stronger than the
nightiest Presidential will. While
lot attempting to defend your too
requent winebibber, It may be said
With truth that the presence Of some
'i-product of the grape is often i'm
erative on the White House table.
he Presidents guest list is seldom
1ithout its quote of foreign diplomats,
nd these same emissaries of kings /
nd emporors are usually good, stout n
rinkers," They vie with each other k
i seeking the Presidential favor, it X
eing their stock in trade. They think 4
hat no road to this favor leads 50 ]
urely Sand directly as does that il i
minated by the glow Of wine. There z
're, when an occupant of the White ]
Iouse forsmears King Alcohol and S
limbs to the drivers seat of his own
rivate "water wagon" their disgust is c
eep and real a
Mr.. Taft, being an extremely tacts c
i man, to appease his wine loving {
uests, may adopt a subterfuge SINH n
I to that of Emperor William Of Z
ermanY another Of this seasons N
passengers on the "wa- "
! wagon" Germany is a convivial t,
,untry, and so that his less temper RI
e subjects may not. be offended "
hen toasts and Aealths are to be if
-unk in public, the Kaiser has caus- f
to be manufactured for his place at S,
Ie banquet board a series of beyer- "
yes that outwardiy resemble cham {,
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