The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1909-05-20

summer and fall will be devoted to
the construction of this plan for the
proper control of corporations, and
Mr.. Taft will explain 1t in his mes
sage to congress next December. 1t
Is already known that material
changes in the laws under which the
Interstate commerce commission, the
bureau of corporations, and the de-
partment Of justice operate are to be
proposed. The manner in o,hich
these statutes conflict has bee IT.
ed out before. and the desi, g
secure harmony in their ope, q
without the sacrifice of an iota
their effectiveness. Embraced in tn
plan also will be the effacement of
the antiquated features of the Sher-
man antitrust law, for concededly
modern business conditions require
modification of the provisions of that
statute.
Reason for Delay.
In view of the paramount import
ance of the problem described, it is
not to be wondered at that the presi-
dent is proceeding deliberately with
the solution of the patronage prob
lens which confront him. Senators
and representatives occasionally ex-
hibit impatience because he has not
been expeditions at times in the set
tlement Of such controversies. But
there is such a wide disparity in the
| ultimate results of the proper treat
ment of the corporation question and
the question as to whether John Doe
of Richard Doe should be surveyor of
customs at X-ville, that in their ra-
tional moments it should be difficult
for any of these critics, even the Of
ficeseekers themselves, to find fault.
Taft is playing the game of govern
ment first, and Of politics second.
The public service is not going to
suffer because an aspirant for COL
lectorship or a postoffice or a mar
shalship does not get on the federal
pay roll as quickly as he desires.
Moreover, the president doubtless
has come to the conclusion that eau
ton in the selection of public officers
possesses its advantages. Hasty con-
clusions some times result in picking
the wrong man. He already has
enunciated his policy of selecting men
for the important offices under the
government who possess special quail
.ifications fer the work. AS a rule,
he has avoided placing untried men
in positions of trust and responsible
ty. He regards experience as quail
fication essential with good character
and native ability. He also is seeking
to avoid making appointments which
may properly be construed as recog-
milton of faction in the Republican
party; his letter to Gov. Stubbs of
Kansas, few days ago clearly out
lines the course he will pursue in
this respect.
VIII Avoid Discussions.
There is every indication that Taft
will not engage in such serious con-
troversies with senators in the mat
ter of appointments as did Roosevelt
not to shove down their throats nomi-
nations to which they take serious ex
ception. In his relations with the
senate thus far he has observed the
spirit Of the constitution. which de-
clares that he shall make appoint
ments with the advice and consent
Of the senate" constituting that to
mean that that body should not be
asked to confirm nominations dis
tasteful to it. And, while speaking of
patronage, it already has become ap-
parent that the presidents chief ad-
wiser as to appointments not strictly
congressional is Frank H. Hitchcock,
the postmaster general. This is as it
should be, since Hitchcock, in his ca
pacity as manager Of the campaign,
knows better than any one else what
obligations should be met by the ad
nliEistration. Moreover, his judg-
rueat is discriminating
There is every assurance that the
cordial relations established by the
president with congress at the very
beginning of his term will be per-
:nanent feature of the Taft regime.
He has manifested remarkable tact
AM! diplomacy in his dealings with
lawmaking body, and this is destined
to bear much fruit in the matter of
legislation.
Appreciate His Attitude.
Senators and representatives ap-
yreciate the attitude of undisguised
respect which Taft has assumed to-
ward them. They, in turn, are giving
every evidence of desire to cooper
ate with him in disposing of the i'm
portant problems which will require
solution during his administration.
This mutually of consideration
should render it not at all difficult to
bring the two coordinate branches of
the government together when the
momentous question of properly con-
trolling corporations comes up next
winter.
Tafts course during the revision of
the tariff furnishes an impressive ex-
ample of his relations with congress.
He has resisted every effort thus far
made to have him project himself
into the controversy now in progress
over the reconstruction of the Ding
ley schedules. He stands committed
to downward revision and expects
that to be the result of the work now
being done on capitol hill. From
time to time the leaders of the senate
confer with him and ascertain his