The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-03-05
AN INAUGURAL NOT TO BE
Misunderstood.


Those who heard, even better thar
those who VIII be privileged only t.
read President Taft's inaugural address
VIII indulge few misgivings about his
purpose, - Chief Magistrate The tone
of decision ana tinality with which he
pronounced the significant sentences OF
'hc address conveyed to every nearer a
conviction oi the profound earnestness
with which he meant every word of
this statement:
/ have had the honor to be one Of
"Ie advisers Of my distin guished
predecessor and IS such TO hold I'D his
handS - the reforms he has mi
ilated- / should be untrue TO myself.
10 my promises, and to the declara-
IioHS oI the party platform on which
/ was elected TO office, If l did not
make me maintenance and enforce
Ihenl % those reforms most impor-
.dHl ie' lure or my aOmlnISTra ton.
HeN were directed to the suppression
or the !aWieSSneSS and abuses Of pow
or OF Tie great combinations OF cant
IA invested IN railroads and in indus
ltIhl enterprises carrying on inter
state commerce. The stems which nv,
predecessor took and the IepisIat ton
passed yu his recommendation have
accomplished much. have caused a
general halt in the vicious policies
winch created popular alarm and
have brought about in the business
AtecJed much higher regard for ex-
listing law.
TO re1ler the reforms lasting. how
tNeF, dhC 10 secure at the same time
freedom from alarm on the part OF
lilose pursuing proper and progress
tlNe business methods further legisla-
uoa and executive action are needed.
Keller % the railroads from certain
restrictions OF the antitrust law has
oSSn urged by my predecessor and
VIII DC urged by me On the other
name. tne Administration is pledged
70 legislation looking to a propeI.
tcdeIaI supervision and restriction To
pc emf excessive issues of bonds aud
STOCKS by companies owning and on
eratlnS Interstate commerce rail
roads.
That vSs the keynote. 1t was de-
veloped in more detail. but at no time
with less vIeor. As to the tariff. the
ne" President made 1t very plain that
he cAPecLa downward revision-real re-
vision. Altogether. he conveyed most
empbatiealiy the idea that he wants 10
cTystslIize INTO effective working leris-
iatlon tlfe high moran purposes Of the
Roosevelt Administration; 10 carry 10
completion much of the work which for
want OF time Mr. Roosevelt was not
able to finish.
That TIE foreign policy Will be as
vigorous IS ever under Taft. and that
his specialized and intimate knowledge
OF the TAR East VIII inspire a close at
tenrIon % everything in that field, was
indicated most clearly. There will be no
departure from the policy OF maintain
ing army and navy at point Of power
and efficiency which will command re- |
Hpect and assure security. The Admin /
lstrstion Is going to make feature OF
= etfoiHN TO develop foreign commerce. /
70 seek new markets, TO establish the .
most satisfactory commercial relations /
in al quarters. I'm short. II i 10 he
drawn irom study Of Mr.. Tsft's in.
sugurai that his intention Is. with all
the splendid abilities and experience
with which he Is equipped. to give the
country tie very best Of progressive
and constructive legislation and admin