The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-12-30
WHY NOT TAFT m 1e1op

From the political wiseacres at Wash
ngton came the news the other day
that President Taft and Colonel Roose-
Welt had been exchanging many letters
OF late and had renewed their warm
friendship of other days-although. as
a matter of fact. there has never been
any good reason to believe that these
distinguished gentlemen have ever been
anything but the best of friends, the
efforts of designing politicians to the
contrary. However, this purported re-
cent exchange of letters was construed
to mean that harmony would prevail
from now on in the Republican ranks
and that Colonel Roosevelt would not
oppose the denomination of President
Taft. These stories brought a prompt
rejoinder from the colonel that all this
talk about him having decided to sup
port President Taft in 1912 was alb
surd. OF course he did not say he
wouldn't, so his denial is not any tn
dieation that relations are strained 5e-
tween the president and the man who
played such large part in making him
president.
Coupled with the eolonels denial
is another story from Washington to
the effect that President Taft has made
1t as clear as he possibly could make
it, without INDUCING in direct aff1rma-
ton on the subject. which, of course,
would be in bad taste. that he is going
to seek a denomination in 1912. Proba-
bly, this news would be nearer correct
if it stated that President Taft would
accept the Republican presidential nom
ination in 1912 were it rendered him.
And why shouldn't such a tender be
made? President Taft's administration
has not been perfect. A perfect presi-
Dental administration will not come
along until the millennium arrives and
that is still in the rather distant flu
ture. But the plumbers made by Pres
ident Taft have not been many or
great And against them may be set
record of accomplishments that is
unparalleled. His insistence on the
practice OF economy in the conduct of
the federal government and the sue
cess he has already achieved in bring
ing it about challenges the admiration
Of every one. Much important and
progressive legislation has been placed
on the statute books under his urging.
More of it will be if the leaders at
the present session OF congress get
busy and do their full duty by their
constituents. His many important jul
dicial appointments have been made
with a rare discretion. His conserva-
ton policies are as practical as they
are progressive. He has handled the
vexed tariff question in an admirable
manner, despite the unjust criticism
that has been leveled against him be-
cause congress would not make the re-
auctions in the tariff law which the
people demanded. But the tariff law
that the president did sign is a much
better and broader measure than any
which have gone before it. and for this
he should get credit instead of con-
demnation. And the presidents further
plans for turning the present tariff
board into a real tariff commission,
and for the revision of the tariff by
piecemeal, are steps in the only direc-
ton that can be taken for a future re-
vision Of the tariff on honest and fair
lines.
If a denomination is not rendered to
President Taft in 1912 by an unanimous
and united Republican party. it will be
within the truth to characterize Repub-
licans, as well as republics, as being
ungrateful.