The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-07-27
President Makes Plain Talks
To Maine Folks
HOT CAMPAIGN IS WAGtD
In His Speech at ROcklnnd the Presi-
dent Almost Breaks Into Ship
Subsidy But Dodges
Quickly

Portland, July 26.-Presldent Ta1t
today put himself on record as subscrib-
ing absolutely to the principle that
a president of the United States should
not talk politics. He landed at Rock
land this morning to make the last
speech of his 10 days cruise. Maine
is seething with politics just now. Tie
elections are to be held September IL.
Rockland is the home of ex-Gov. Will
liam T. Cobb, who Is candidate for
the United States Senate to succeed
Senator Hale and Is particularly inter-
ested in the campaign.
Mr.. Taft spoke to a-large crowd from
an automobile. He told of his appre-
citation of the welcome which had been
accorded to his party and then "dfifted'
closer to a political utterarce than at
any other time during his trip. The
harbor at Rockland, the big granite
breakwater and the ships behind 1t had
brought ship subsidy to the Presidents
mind.
"They suggest to me-" he said, 1.-The
Importance of our coastwise shipping.
They also suggeh. the Importance of
improving our foreign shipping. All OF
which brings me so near to politics that
I merely suggest 1t and leave 1t with
YOU"
The President paused for a moment
and then he apparently decided to take
the demonstrative throng of listeners
into his confidence.
DimcuIt Matter
You know" he said reflectively, III
| is a little difficult when you are think
1 NJ nd having a great deai
| to do with politics to make fluent re-
marks without running up against poll
| itics
but travelling az I am. as Presi-
dent of the United States, have no
right to be other than President of the
whole people and to stand on any plat
form other than of patriotism. love OF
country and prosperity for ALL
The Presidents sentiment called out
a great cheer from the crowd. He ssid
| good-by and was whirled away.
| In view of the speaking trip which
| the President is scheduled to make In
lOhio and other middle western states
| this fall, his statement of how far a
chief magistrate of the nation should
go in politics was fraught with par
ticular interest.
Mr. Taft visited the limestone quar-
ries and watched the preparations for
the manufacture of cement
From Rockland the Mayfower drop
ped down to Casco Bay this afternoon
and cruised this evening OF this city. The
President will not come ashore at Port
land. He will spend tomorrow at Bidda-
ford Pool, where Mrs. Taft's sister. Mrs,
Louis r. More has summer place and
will be back in Beverly Thursday after
noon at o'clock.
VIII Call Upon Taft
President Hadley of Yale. who has
under consideration an appointment as
head Of railroad and bank stock in
oury commission. Secretary of Treasury
Macveagh and H NJ. Emery. chairman
of the tariff commission, are among those
who will see the President either Friday
or Saturday.
After spending the night on board the
Mayflower at Dark Harbor. 1slesboro.
President Taft and his party visited
Rockand for an hour today. He was
taken for an auomtobile ride and after
ward made lite informal speech In
front OF the library.
The President landed from the Nav
flower at 11:16 a. m. He was saluted
by land battery and the revenue cutter
woodbury. All the sailing vessels in
the harbor were In holiday dress.
In his speech at the library, Mr.. Taft
said the fine Rockland harbor. the big
breakwater and the ships behind it, sug-
gested the Importance of our coastwise
trade and emphasized the necessity OF
doing something to improve foreign trade
in American bottoms. But this brings
me so near politics. he said. that
merely suggest 1t and leave 1t with you.
1t is a little difficult when you are think
ing politics and having a great deal to
do with political matters to make
fluent speech without running up against
them"
The President said the Panama canal
would be completed on or before January
l. 1916 thus doubling the efficiency of the
American navy and changing the course
of trade to our benefit
After he had spoken the President i'm
mediately returned to the Mayflower
which hoisted anchor and sailed for Cas-
co Bay.