Evening star., 1909-03-04


The latter task was along the line OF
the service he rendered to the Filipinos.
1t will be remembered that after the de-
parture OF our troops from Cuba. follow
Ing the conclusion OF the war with Spain
and the placing OF the Cubans in pos
session OF their own government, we de-
ciared that Cuba was to be given oppor-
tunity to try her capacity" for self-gov-
ernment- Contrary to the cynical proph-
ecy Of Europe that We would never re-
lease our hold upon Cuba, the American
troops sailed away bag and baggage and
left the Cubans with their own govern.
ment under their own constitution.
Fail In First Experiment.
The Cubans failed in their first expert
ment. In 1905 the United States found
1t necessary to intervene again. With
Infinite patience we set out to start them
anew. upon a f1rmer foundation. Taft
was the man for the task. He devised
and set UP a provisional government
which All the Cubans accepted, while they
set about organizing a government
was tedious work. but has been brought
to successful conclusion. Only a few
weeks ago the American provisional gov
ernment turned over the reins and again
our nag sailed out Of Havana harbor.
who were certain that at the next bite
would be left.
Mr.. Taft's other large task was in con-
nection with the Panama canal. its con-
struction and the taking over OF the canal
strip and Organization OF a government
for i the zone. A biographer says upon
1T became his task to convince the
panamanian people and government that
the United States had not gone to the
1sthmus to build a rival state instead
or canal AS head of the War De-
partment, and the superior Of the canal
commission. he has conducted all the
public Of Panama since the ratification
OF the original treaty. and has succeeded
IN keeping our relations with the 18TH
mus uniformly pleasant Always, at least
once once year ne has made trip to the
with his own eyes. He has just returned
from the isthmus. the President having
sent him there to settle q number of
questions which required his personal
some conception of his responsibilities
on the isthmus may be had from the fact
that since the actual work Of canal build
Ing began there has been spent on It
upward OF $SO.O0OOO0. and every dollar Of
that expenditure required and received his
approval"
Sweeps Away Opposition.
The events OF the recent presidential
campaign, are still fresh in the public
mind and need but brief review. How
the popularity OF his candidacy for the
nomination grew until 1t became a tidal
wave that swept away all opposition:
how the campaign for election progressed.
hampered at first by lack Of means for
legitimate prosecution OF the work and
having to overcome q condition Of apathy
among the people: how misrepresenta-
ton had to be fought, unfriendliness OF
organized labor overcome by the person.
ality Of the candidate, winning the con-
fidence Of the people; how the conserva-
despite party ties; how a certain religious
prejudice proved Intellectual. although
never yielded to nor sought to be pla-
cated-all these things are recalled in
the notable victory he won at the polls.
Mr.. Taft never once in the course OF
tricks Of the small politician. He frank
ly desired the suffrage OF the people. but
never bent the suppliant knee to ask it.
He stood before the voters himself. known
to all. for them to take him or reject
him as they chose. He was not q great
spellbinder on the hustings and made
no pretense OF oratory. He talked plainly,
but convincingly. He captured his audi
ences by his presence and by showing
them the character Of man he is The
unprecedented vote cast for him was a
vote OF confidence In all the qualities and
qualifications which this sketch has
sought to portray and prove him to pos
sess.
He comes into the executive office bear
ing the good will Of men Of all parties
and all sections to q degree which no
other President has ever excelled.
Such is the manner OF man William
Howard Taft is shown to be.