Norwich bulletin., 1909-10-01
Taft at Seattle
 Exposition
PASSED A MOST BUSY AND IN.
 TEREsTiNe DAY.
SPOKE TO 20,OoO PERSONS
Promises to Urge the Enactment of a Ship Subsidy Law-Night Banquet on Exposition Grounds.

Seattle. Wash, Sept. 30.-Speaking before the largest audience he has faced since his trip began-a crowd that overflowed the natural amphithe- atre of the Alaska Yukon Pacific ex- position with it's seating capacity of nearly 20.000-President Taft an- nounced today that he would urge in his coming message to congress the enactment of a ship subidy law.
 MT. Taft declared that the country was ready to make such an experi- ment and that something must be done to build up an American merchant marine. His utterances on this sub ject were received with great ap- plause
 One Statement Silently Received.
 When the president turned to Alas ka, however and declared that he was opposed to granting territorial form of government to that far-off posses sion, the statement was received in silence. As the president proceeded, however and outlined his policy for the upbuilding of Alaska, of recom- mending government aid in the con struction of railroads, of a local gov ernment by a commission of five or more members appointed by the pres ident and cooperating with the gov ernor, and when he told of the great possibilities that Ha in Alaska, he plainly caught the favor of his hear CTS and was loudly cheered.
 Hopes to Visit Alaska.
 Later in the day. when he was ad- mitted to membership in the Arctic brotherhood, an international organ iZation made up of Canadians and Americans interested in the develop ment of Alaska, the president an- el.rat lac. fr.AA 111 k.. ~faf4 ka next summer and to go as far into the territory as time would permit so that he might come in contact with the people and see for himself what may best be done for their welfare. When Popular Government Is Best.
 The president told the members of the brotherhood that he did not be- lieve Alaska is ready for entire self government at present.
 T am as much in favor of popular government as anybody declared the president but 1 am in favor of pop ular government only when the con- ditions exist under which popular government may be success and work for the benefit of the people and the government at large. When there are limitations growing out of various we must take other means until popular government be- comes possible, and then, of course, 1t is the best government in the world
 In discussing ship subsidy, Presi- dent Taft declared that if a war should come at this time, the United States would not have enough vessels to carry coal to it's fleets. And it would be doubtful under the neutrality laws, he added. if the United States would be able to buy foreign vessels in the emergency.
 The president had an interesting and busy day which ended tonight with a banquet in the Washington building on the exposition grounds.
 Witnessed the Pageant of Nations.
 When the president and party reach ed the fair today President J. B. Chil- berg greeted him at the steps of the auditorium and pinned on his coat heavy gold badge of his office as hon. orary president of the exposition. The president took his place and the march of the soldiers and pageant of nations began.
 After the soldiers came a company of Japanese merchants in high hats and frock coats. As they passed the presi- dent they waved theSr hats and shout ed "Banzaih' three times. After the Japanese walked a group of Chinese in beautiful silk robes Then came a band of Igorrote villagers. Several Eskimo guides carried a ban ner reading
 Who found the pole? We helpedl"
 Columbia, the Eskimo girl born at the Chicago worlds fair, rode in a dog sledge
 At the close of tlfe parade a com pany of infantry lined the walk lead ing to the government building and the president and party walked through the building rapidly.
 Took Lesson in Placer Mining.
 In the Alaska building the president was invited into the cage where more than a million dollars worth of Alaska gold is exhibited. Near by a miner who was illustrating placer mining let the president wash out pan of gold worth $1,200. Mir. Taft remarked that he. would go into mining if he could keep up that rate
 Refused to Wear Hawaiian Lei.
 At the door of the Hawaiian building a native tried to throw over the presi- The president restrained her, saying: No. l shan't wear it; we're not in now"
 The president then went to the Jap anese government building. Here Com missioner General Ha jimots read letter conveying the thanks of the em- peror of Japan for his visit to the Japanese building. MT. Taft replying said the Japanese had long been gem arous exhibitors at American exposi- lions and he wished success to the ap- preaching Japanese worlds fair.