Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1910-03-04
Washington, D. c, March ..

Washington, d. c, March =
The Taft administration will have been
IN power just one year on Friday next.
What of its stewardship? First OF all,
It is well to consider Mr.. Taft as the soul
and responsible head of his administra-
ton without reference to his cabinet.
He selects. formulates and directs the
policies of the government, hence Is held
responsible for results. II is everywhere
conceded that Mr.. Tafts nomination was
the result of his predecessors choice ana
influence, which choice was subsequently
ratified and confirmed by a great popu-
lar majority, yet no man has ever en-
tered the executive office under similar
conditions and obligations.
He inherited, so to speak, certain poll-
cies not of his own selection but wnlch
he has felt morally bound to endorse
and promote Such imposed conditions
were naturally well calculated TO make
one of independent nature chate, Tor
whatever changes or improvements ne
might suggest. they were bound 10 De
jealousy scrutinzed and criticized by MS
predecessors partsans Then too, the
previous administration had left hostile
Congress to be pacified. there were, and
still remain, fractional troubles IN the Ike
publican Congressional ranks, which nave
required the most careful handing II
was, indeed unfortunate that the new
administration should have had at the
very outset, an extra session of Congress
on its hands for the revision of the tar
it, the adoption of which was sure 10
produce divisions and dissatisfaction.
Still another burning issue which MT
Taft's administration inherited is popu-
larly named "Cannonism." The Presl-
dent seemed to lean toward the present
House rules, and for this he has been
most persistently, and sometimes, no
doubt unjustly criticized. The so-called
insurgents and others were disappointed
nraI n
content, while these critics have, in many
instances, taken the President. TO task
for many things for which he could not
possiblv be responsible. The downward
revisonists were also sorely disappointed
that the President should not refuse 10
sign a tariff bill, in which limited num-
her of the schedules were reduced, and
more so when he even publicly endorsed
the bill in his Western speeches great
howl went up from that section. To ada
10 the perpeXities of the administration
came the burdens of increased cost OF
living, and finally the Pinchot-Balhnger
investigation with its varied accusations
and doubtful results.
Notwithstanding all these difficulties
which have constantly confronted the
administration, President Tafts work IN
the White House is not lost sight OF by
the thinking people, who refer with much
relief and consolation to the following
accomplishments up TO date;
Tariff revised
Passage of the corporation tax law.
Indictment of sugar trust directors.
Provisions made for customs court
Beginning of Beef Trust prosecutions.
Unearthing of customs frauds in New
York.
Working out of maximum and mini
mum tariff.
Tobacco trust prosecutions.
Beginning of investigation into cost Of
living.
Continued legal action against the
Standard Oil company.
Passage of law limiting appropriations
for Porto Rico.
Appointment of tarinr board to inves-