Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-01-03

AUGUSTA, Ga, January This was
invitation day at the Taft cottage, and
the net result extends Mr.. Tafts southern
itinerary to include visits to Birmingham.
Ala and Athens Ga, and to address the
people of Augusta from the same street
corner at which they once listened to
President Mckinley.
The Birmingham visit was induced by
a large delegation of the prominent busi-
ness and professional men from that city.
Just when Mr. Taft will make this Visit
is left somewhat uncertain. If II is
possible for him to do so, he will so TO
Birmingham on his way north from
Panama If not, he will include that city
in the itinerary which he will make Tor
an extended southern trip as soon AS
his duties as President will permit.
The exchange of Fluctuations between
Mr.. Taft and the Birmingham delegation
we're decidedly cordial and interesting as
showing the Importance attached to the
presence in the south of Mr.. Taft from
the viewpoint of the business men of this
section.
Gen. Rufus ~ Rhodes editor Of the
Birmingham News. spoke for the delesa-
ton. which was headed by John l.. Paul.
president of the Commercial Club. What
he said was seconded by 7. III. Aldr!ch.
large mining operator; L. W. Barrett.
editor of the Age Herald spoke as Tie
representative of the press. and Judge
:. l.. Weakley, the bar association. OF
the delegation of twenty-five not more
than five, it was said. were republicans,
the remainder being democrats.
South Rejoices in Taft's Success.
Judge Taft" said Mr. Rhodes, Il am
going to take advantage OF this opportu-
nifty to say TO you that If you knew the
heart and the head of the men of the
south, and particularly Of Birmingham,
you would know that they regard the re-
suit of the last election as a benediction
from God Almighty himself to the people
of the south over their own protest. L
am democrat; most OF these gentlemen
are democrats. but we all welcome your
advent into the south. not only because
we have come To love you for your human
qualities. for We understand that Your
sympathies are broad the universe, but
because you have come here, sir, indicat-
ing to us that you want the south once
again to hold her place in the councils or
the nation. | want to say to you that
you will find no more fertile field for the
planting Of your seeds OF PATRIOTISM, inoe-
pendence of thought, independence OF
political action-you VIII find no more fer
tile field in America than among the rep
reSentatve men OF the city OF Blrmlns-
ham, Ala
While we are a new town, not forty
wears old. yet having for more than ten
years made the price of pig iron for tie
civilized world and seized the Scep'er az
steel from Pittsburg, SIN we are Ola
enough to know how to dispense geIlu-
inc and cordial hospitality TO good man
any day or night. We really feel that You
could do a great work along the llnes you
have indicated more at Birmingham pos
slbly than any other point in the country
To Strike Off Political Shackles.
I'VE all want you, but the thinS OF
all things want You to see Is not
only our remarkable city. in the heiGhth
of its building. in the vastness or It's
industries, in the loving service We
would like to do you and Mrs. Tan,
but that you may como there, and
though a democrat, and q lifelong demo
crat, | am willing 10 say lt-help is
strike off our hands the shackies or an
ignorant political system which does not
do the most to develop our resources or
to prosper and safeguard our happiness.
We promise you n good time but We
promise you more than that-redl. gen
uine, tangible results for the greatness
and the glory of this country.
Il wish to say TO you that the best
men of the south, regardless of politics,
look forward to your administration, be
cause you. in our judgment, are the fit
test man In all our history who has not
served in the executive officc--that you
are the fittest man that was ever called
to this high honor. l wish 10 say to you
that you have tho rcYerent and earnest
prayers of our people for success in the
of your high office.
Taft Deeply Touched.
III replying. Mr.. Taft said:
Gentlemen: The first thought that
comes to me after hearing what i am
quite free to admit is very sweet music
TO me is d sort Of trembling fear that
after four years such IA meeting this
and such expression Of good will may be
ible-that | shall be like the man
who went into office with u majority
and went out with unanimity. j think
the Scripture says something about
waiting to boast until after you take
the armor off rather than when YOU are
putting it
.Of course ! am deeply touched by the
very eloquent words that have been ad-
dressed TO me by Gen. Rhodes. cvi-
dence of there being in the south todav
among the influential men an earnest
hope. not that the south is to take one
political complexion or another, but that