Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-04-04
TAFT TO CONGRESS
Draft of Message Read at
Meeting of Cabinet.
HIS. VIEWS o.! RECIPROCITY
Urges Ratification of the Agreement
With Canada.
TARIFF COMMISSION DESIRED
Charles D. Hilles Becomes Secretary
to the President-Senator O'Gor-
mans Courtesy Call.
HIS. VIEWS o.! RECIPROCITY
TARIFF COMMISSION DESIRED

President Taft this morning dictated
rough draft Of his message to Con-
gress-to go to that body tomorrow,
according to present plans-and sub
mitted 1T to the cabinet at the regular
meeting. The message follows the
plans Of the President made a month
ago. being short and confined to the
subject Of the reciprocity agreement
with Canada. The President forcibly
urges the ratification Of the agreement
by Congress. expressing his belief that
such an agreement. when in operation,
will be Of much benefit to both coun-
tries. He briefly calls attention to the
message on the same subject submit
ted by him to the last session Of Con-
gress.
On the subject of tariff revision the
President is silent He has in a. num-
Der OF speeches recently expressed the
opinion that the tariff should not be
revised except after the receipt Of full
facts gathered through the tariff COM
mission. The President takes the po-
sition that tariff revision not based
upon scientific and carefully gathered
facts will be dangerous. He has init
mated that ii the present Congress pre-
sents to him a tariff bill hastily put
together and embodying the mere opin-
ions OF any party Or set of men he
VIII, II the circumstances warrant, veto
the measure.
Makes No Threat
The intention OF the democrats to 20
into tariff revision at this session. there
fore, indicates the possibility of execu-
tive disapproval before the wind-up. al
though the President is careful to refrain
from anything like a threat His rela-
tons with most of the democrats of, the
House and Senate are personally cordial.
ana 1t is not impossible that he will be
consulted somewhat freely by individual
democrats as the revision of some of the
schedules goes forward. If the democratic
leaders are able to convince the President
that their tariff propositions are soundIy
oased he will not hesitate to approve
what they do.
The situation is peculiar one for the
President. and may be reflected to some
extent In his message, which will be fol-
lowed by further messages, as occasion
demands. The President is known to
nope for tariff commission legislation at
this session to carry into effect his ideas
that there should be permanent com
mission If developments indicate to him
that he can get such a law through Con-
gress ne VIII send special message on
this subject.
Secretary Hilles Takes Oath.
Charles Dewey Hilles today took the
oath Of Office as secretary to President
Taft. The ceremony, q brief one, took
place after the cabinet meeting. those
present being President Taft, Charles
d. Norton. the retiring secretary; Rob-
ert o. Bailey and newspaper representa-
tives. Mr.. Hilles received a number of
letters and kilograms wishing him Cod
speed in his new position and there ar
rived number Of floral emblems from
friends of both Mr.. Hilles and Mr..
Norton.
One Ohio woman who admires the
new secretary telegraphed him: Don't
rest on your laurels. They are fine on
your forehead, but they make mighty
poor mattress"
After taking the oath Mr.. Hilles went
to the Treasury to be present when his
successor there, Robert 0. Bailey, took
men are close friends. Mr.. Bailey also
received flowers and congratulations.
Mr.. Norton will take a rest Of a few
days before leaving for New York to as
sumo his duties as first vice president of
the First National Bank.
Reorganization Of Office Force.
Secretary Hilles will shortly announce
the reorganization of the executive force
of the White House. as provided In the
legislative. executive and judicial appro-
priation bill. 1t has been decided that
Maurice D. Latta, now chief clerk at the
White House. is to remain there in an
important position Mr. Latta was re-
Gently offered the position Of marshal OF
the United States Court Of Customs Ap-
peals He held the offer under advise
ment until the situation at the White
House cleared. He then declined the po-
u{kt nsn4 LNpnv L. ~ 80 AR~l-
of Senator Frye. has been ap-
pointed to the position succeeding John
Elder Of Ohio, whose ill-health has COM
PEELED his resignation.
1t is generally understood that Rudolph
Foster, now assistant secretary. and high
ly regarded by both President Taft and
Mr.. Hilles, will be given one Of the best
paying places provided in the White
House reorganization. Senator O'Gorman
Of New York, accompanied by Repre-
sentative Littleton of that state. called on
the President to pay visit of courtesy
Delegation" From New York City.
President Taft also met the entire
republican delegation to the House of
Representatives from the city Of New
York today. The delegation was COM
posed Of Representative William M
Calder Of Brooklyn, who acted as dele
cation spokesman and auditor for the
Presidents remarks. The delegation
was ushered into the Presidents room
with due ceremony.
1.-The entire New York city repub-
lican delegation" said the spokesman,
lis here to pay his respects"
The President looked at the spokes-
man. looked around his Office, and then
back to the speaker.
We'll, Calder" the President is
quoted as saying, where is the rest Of
the crowd"
Pm the only republican from New
York city in the House. Mr.. President"
said Mr.. Calder. I'm the whole dele
CATION"
AFFECTS ONION CROP.