The Oskaloosa herald., 1911-10-26
AS VIEWED FROM AFFAIR.

The Elizabeth, New Jersey Daily
Journal, in common with other east.
ern papers, seems to be surprised at
the warm reception given the presi-
dent in the west. In a recent edition
the Journal says:
kansas and Iowa - the heavenly
twins in the insurgent family! 1t was
the visit of President Taft to these
two states that was dreaded most by
the enemies of the president, and
there was every evidence of alarm
on their part for fear the nations
chief executive wouldn't receive en-
thusiastic treatment there. Attention
has already been called to the tele-
graphic dispatches from the Missis'
sippi valley indicating that friendly
audiences greeted Mr.. Taft wherever
he stopped. But it is possible that
the special correspondents might be
misled by the glamor surrounding
the presidents private car. Let us
admit as evidence some of the local
newspapers comment. A quotation
from the Topeka Capital, which is
Kansas to the core, and doubtless has
potted sunfiowers growing in its win
dows, will do for exhibit A.
There is one thing greatly in the
presidents favor. He is personally
liked. The people respond to his
kindly manner, his temperate speech,
his impartial method of arguing or
advancing his opinions. Everything
about the president impresses the
people with his sincerity
After leaving Kansas the president
journeyed up into Iowa. One of the
busiest cities of the Hawkeye state is
Ottumwa. Iowa may have lost popu
years, but there are no signs of it in
the county seat of Wapello county.
The presidents car switched to the
siding there and Mr.. Taft made few
remarks. On that day the Ottumwa
Courier made Itself 1dltCIially re
snnnsible for exhibit d:
President Taft will continue to
gain with the people as they get bet.
ter acquainted with him. He stands
the test of honesty and sincerity.
He is now we'll into the third year
of his administration, and has made
a record that is to be judged by his
citizens. 1t is stated that he is
not a politician-that his earlier ca.
reer led him from the ways of the
politician. For that the nation should
be thankful. But the people are get
ting to feel closer to him as they
know more of him. President Taft's
own convictions on all questions, rule
him. After due deliberation he deter.
mines what he believes is right, and
he has shown unquestionable cour.
age to sustain his views of what is
right, regardless of ups or downs for
himself in IUt!Ic estimation for the
moment
1T is sad, indeed, to think of the
way the president wasn't snubbed
throughout the west. Everywhere he
went he made friends. Those who
came to CRITICS remained to admit
that their former prejudice had van
ished, if they did not actually praise
him. And the most striking thing
about it is that from no quarters is
there to be noted any disposition to
question his sincerity. Those who
believe he has been in error charge
him with nothing worse than a mis-.
take in judgment, and while such an
error is bad enough, there the in the
presidents case the very strong pro
liability that time will prove him
right and his critics wrong. Unless
the newspapers of the insurgent sec.
ton are fooling themselves and us,
Mr.. Taft will return to Washington
with tens of thousands of new friends
and few new enemies"