New-York tribune., 1909-10-28
TAFT TO GOTERNORS.
Asks Forty-siH State ErccW-
hueS to White House.

Memphis. Oct. 27.-The run of the Presi-
dental feet from Hickman. Ky, TO Mem
Dhis was without event except the delay
incident to low stage Of water and the
numerous sand bars encountered.
As the guest at dinner on board the 81.
Paul Of the governors of more than one
half the states OF the Union. President
TAFT made an address in which he sought
20 encourage still further the policy of the
states cooperating more closely with the
national government. He expressed the
belief that much good would come from
meeting of the governors OF all the states
in Washington each winter, and formally
extended an invitation for the governors
10 come TO Washington
All the other speakers at this unique
dinner. held as the boats of the Presiden-
ual fleet were going downstream, dwelt
upon the helpfulness of the state and ma
t.onsI governments working together on
problems OF mutual interest. Old Southern
melodies we're sung during the dinner and
ne President Joined often in the chorus.
In his speech Mr.. Taft began by paying
uibute 10 New Orleans. lie said:
II IS a great pleasure 20 meet the gov
crrlors here under conditions where they
ere not the whole thing Il know nov mat mat
IL myself. II is a pleaSure-a growing
pleasure, one that possibly some OF you
have moi had reason to fully appreciate
anj esteem-that in all this hospltaIityS
which is rolling on as go further ana
tUrther south is Is TO be an acme q cli-
max. in the city of New Orleans, In re
spect 10 which there Is nothing IL Inns
country that can exceed II
don't think that New Orleans Is organ
.zed for business at all. tnink II IS ' oI
1auized for The purpose OF making NS!loiS
happy. I hope we viii live through IL: !
have experienced good deal or hospl1a,, no oi y,
y n my life, good 6eal ol. snyrssT9 70
that New Orleans reception with mlAeo
feelings OF JOY and fear. - ,,a
/ an hopeful that the meeting OF tt!e
EovcTnors on this vessel, following IS IL
Gces the other two meetings III " as!iIls
tor, has led them 10 believe that IIeIe
Is much value IN discussion ana consluSI
tion hy them OF subjects common 10 All
states which the federal government l5
not able itself, by reason Of constitutionSl
lc-tricticD. 20 act upon or consider.
The truth IS that We are going or
IoU 10 meet the exieencies presented ny
sources we are not going to be able 10 ac-
cOulplisA everything under the federal
Constitution. and We must have the CO.
operation of the states IN a uniform policy
in the states yith all the powers there are
~ The federal government 30 do what ~e
nave 70 do, and ] am verv hopeful that
s-ou 1ir continue the policy OF meeting
lt Washington every year
7 should be very glad 10 see them all
fne whole forty-six governors, in Washing
ton every winter. and | promise that #
fle,, will come -riIl do everything IN my
is-er 20 make their Etay 'here memo
rsble ard pleasant one. shall feel greatly
hor,ored - have al cns governors Of tbs
United sfafes guests OF mine az dinner
n -he White House every year. ana an an
reYrsin that & would result giesfly 70 the
nsaeht Of the whole country.
TEAM ACTION NEEDED.
The lack ~ uniforuity in some ~ or
avs IS distressing. and vet Ve cannot
mend the legislation of the Tnited states
in crdey 70 correct the evil that grows out
q if We must b. team plaT. by team
stats, accomplish tnat reform and while
we bv Inviting tho governors do not IN
do invite those men who have much - DO
with directing what the legislation shall te.
and whose constitutional iuncuon gehef~
ally II IS 10 recommend legislation 10 the
legislature with very considerable an
fuence III that regard.
Now, my friends. that is the thought
that came 10 me tonight. and ~ IL be
n"ceSsary 20 nave Suggestion lu oTneI
- bring about that meeting, / shall be
lave . meeting OF the Civic Federation
some time in December 10 consider the
question Of the uniformity OF laws ana
their being made uniform by action of the
states Whether that would be con
gotiler or got / don'f know or course
7 cannot 90 anything else than hang out
The latchstring al the White House. Con-
Rress cannot control that. and II that VIII
= Dlf
Eaut 70 thank our hosts of 81 Louis
FOR this opportunity 70 meet the governors
under sEcb pleasant circDnstances. snd 10
ish tie whole thing. from s. Louis 10
the Gulf, . success
Governor Davidson of Wisconsin vas
confined - lis sts'eTcom and could NOT
participate il to-dsy's ceremonies
- tar feet approached Memphis thou
sands II flrosfs aalieJ Z greeting 10 the
.Presid.": Hundreds q whistler and
clshs.ng bslle al over the c:ls tooh ~