Omaha daily bee., 1909-05-20
Washington Life
short Sketches Of incidents ana
~ ' Events 'Ss' n. a.sios,s 6Spissi

Of Events at the Mstion's Capital.
In a resent magazine article Lyman
Beecher stowe describes and discusses the
Justly celebrated smile Of President Tart
and his manner Of disposing Of white
House callers. AT 10 o'clock" he says,
the sliding doors rolled back and the
great man stepped forth. Every one rose,
and a thrill went round the room. The
president smiled. and every one smiled
back. 1t is safe to say that the presidents
smile is more infectious than that Of any
other member Of the optimists' club Of
America. 1t is a big. wholesouled smile,
altogether irresistible. IL is surprising how
little Mr.. Taft's photographs prepare one
over 800 pounds, he does not look like a
fat man. While he is good natured and
jovial, those terms give an entirely false
idea of him. The impression OF strength
and keenness is much more dominant than
these characteristics He has a clear.
rudy complexion. and a face that is not
too heavy to be handsome.
Unlike most men, the nearer you come
to him the better he looks. His eyes are
his most remarkable feature. Were he
liEAk III tNtlN ONiN ANSBNNAt las
eyes would mark him as no ordinary man,
They are a red brown in shade. with cur
iously slanted lids. and they indicate kind
ness. Shrewdness, inflexible determination
Their expression is constantly changing
with lightning like rapidity from mirthful-
ness to intense seriousness. There lie dis
aster ahead of the individual who mis-
takes this big, smiling mans good nature
for easygoingness.
zone thing Mr.. Taft's smile does is to
Danish embarrassment.
IN spite Of our Wanted equality and
I'm az good as you assertion, the ordi~
nary unofficial. undistinguished American
citizen is rather nervous when he meets
the president of the United States. The
way Mr.. Taft dispels this emba rrassment
with a glance and a mile is one Of his
small achievements, which must loom
large in the aggregate. The smile is genu-
inc, because the man back of IL is genuine
When Secretary Of State P. c. Knox was
attorney general the pardon clerk brought
to his attention the application for pardon
of a man who had been sentenced to q
five-year term In prison for conducting a
prize fight in Arizona. 1t seems the terri
torial authorities had determined to break
UP prize fighting within their Jurisdiction
and had made an example of this man.
After reading the papers through the at
torney general was convinced that II was
a Ease for executive clemency, but know
ing the presidents fondness for athletics
he determined to advise against a pardon
and see what would happen.
IL am going to recommend that this
plea be refused" said MI. Knox to one
OF his assistants, but I know the presi-
dent will grant 1t in spite Of hat recon-
mendation."
"oh, no." said the assistant, "he has
always followed your recommendation and
In sure he will in this case
"1ll bet you a box OF cigars he grants
the pardon" said Mr.. Knox, and the
wager was made.
The next cabinet day Mr.. Knox took
with him to the cabinet meeting the papers
in this case and laid them at the presi-
dents place, at the head Of the table. He
told Secretary Root of the circumstance
and asked him to watch developments.
The president came into the room and as
he sat down his attention was attracted by
the papers. CHANGING at them he noted the
charge upon which conviction had been
secured and, instantly becoming interested,
read them through Messrs Root and Knox
were watching him closely. When he had
finished he grasped a pen and scratching
out the recommendation OF Mr.. Knox
wrote, Pardon granted across the face
OF the document. CHANGING UP he met the
smiling eyes Of Mr.. Knox and Mr.. Root.
Mr.. Attorney General. l have just re-
versed you in this pardon case he said.
Thank you, Mr.. President" replied Mr.,
Knox. You nave won a box Of cigars
for me-"