The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1911-09-28
AMBITION OF TAFT
FINALLY GRAT|F|ED
President Wanted a Place
Upon the Federal Bench,
and Obtained It.
YARN BY FRED DUBOIS
Former Idaho Senator Was of
Service to the Present
Chief of Nation.

Special To The Tribune.
BOISE Ida. Sept 27.-Presdent vii
liam H. Taft gave up his life's ambition
to sit upon the supreme court OF the
United States and through a queer combi-
nation OF circumstances became president.
This is the interesting disclosure made by
ex-senator Fred T. Dubois OF this state,
who in an interview given out today
stated that as far back as 1892 President
Taft told him that his ambition was 10 be
justice OF the supreme court and he
hoped some time to fulfill IL.
Il do not believe that I VIII be Niolai-
ing a confidence in view OF President
Tafts remarks at Peoria. II I make
kIfoWn the fact that circumstances. more
than anything else certainly not the de-
sire TO fulfill his ambition, made him
president Of the United States" stated
Senator Dubois.
1T was during the administration cf
President Harrison. way back In 1892, and
my first term as senator. that Taft was
solicitor general" continued Mr.. Dubois.
were very good friends. and | very often
dropped in 10 talk 10 him. In one Of our
conversations Mr.. Taft said: Fred. you
hold one of the highest positions in the
American government that il is possible
for one Of It's citizens To hold The posi-
ton OF senator | believe to he one of the
most pleasant and honorable that one
can attain. There are two positions IN
this government that ] believe any man
property and adequately equipped may be
ambitious 10 hold One of them Is that
OF Justice OF the supreme court. the for
mer is barred TO inc, but I do hope some
day 10 sit upon the bench of our su-
preme court
opportune Vacancy.
I'VE talked the matter over for an hour.
and so impressed was ! with the state
ments and with the man himself that
when. soon afterwards. a vacancy oc-
CURED in the circuit judgeship in The
Nn% M here eSanne To m for sna you sa to
start on the road TO the fulhllment OF
that ambition OF yours why don't sou
ask the president To give you that ap
pointment as judge on the bench OF the
circuit court?'
Il would gladly do So said Taft. but
my superior is candidate for appoint
him | promptly replied. That will not
prevent me asking the president for it
for you. will it?' Upon his statement
that he did not see that 1t would, deter
son.
'':rhe president had been very kind to
me, 1 mean President Harrison He had
done all that he could. He gave me a
state out OF Idaho territory and had
otherwise shown his kindly feeling to-
wards me. / had no hesitancy In laying
him. which did. Taft had strong innu-
enccs favoring his appointment. includ-
ing. ! think, the supreme court OF the
United States, with the result that Har-
rison set aside his associate, the attor-
ney general. Tafts superior I'm office. and
gave the appointment to Taft. and I want
TO say that Judge Taft made n splendid
record.
Feet Upon the Ladder.
Following his appoIntment went to
Mr. Taft and said; Now. Bill here is
your chance: you have your feet upon the
ladder which reaches to that coveted
position you so much desire: ! believe you
will reach it lie thanked me very
heartily and remarked he hoped to reach
the goal OF his ambitions.
Later, when he accepted the position
OF governor general in The Philippines. I
was very much surprised and when l !
saw him again ! asked him what in the !
world had possessed him 10 give up his |
position on the bench. which would have |
supreme court. TO accept such a position |
as that OF governor general in the Philip |
pines.
eel could not help it, he said 'Presi- |
dent Mckinley came 10 me and explained |
what services were required and told mo |
man 10 be sent. and he told me that |
he believed | was the only man who could |
perform the services. and | felt compelled |
TO comply with his wishes.
THAT will show how President Taft |
has sacrificed his ambitions. IL is also |
there was vacancy on the supreme |
bench and Mr.. Taft was desirous OF Sc
curing the appointment while Roosevelt |
was president Mr.. Roosevelt said 10 him.
Yes YOU ought 10 have the place. but
YOU ought more than that to be prcsl-
dent Thus again was President Taft |
guided away from his ambition