Tonopah daily bonanza. [volume] (Tonopah, Nev.) 1906-1929, 1911-10-21
EFFECT OF PRESIDENTS SPEECHES.

Champ Clark says President Taft is njuring
himself by the speeches he is making OH his west
tour Very few Of those who have had the
good fortune to hear the president speak will
agree with the speaker 1t is true that the presi-
dent has discussed public matters with great
frankness, but he has far made no statements
which his adversares can seize upon and utilize
for political capital.
His speeches have been singularly free from
bitterness, rhodomontade and what is generally
styled buncombe. He has addressed his hearers
III lucid, direct terms, explaining his views and
purposes with candor that admits of no mis-
understanding No president has ever made
stronger appeal to the good sense and patriotism
Of his countrymen At different places he has
taken up every question of importance and dis
cussed it with perfect freedom and sincerity. His
plainness and direcness Of speech impressed his
audiences most favorably. 1t was the sort of
talk the people like. 1t will be better apprcci-
ated the more it is thought over.
1t is idle to suppose that the president repels
by being open, candid and sincere in having
speech with the people lie cannot njure him
self by talking to the people in a language they
can understand and in terms which elevate thci.
selflespect.
That the people have been gratfed at the
presidents franllness is evident to every person
who has taken the trouble to make inquiries i'll
the communities through which he passed by his
pan-speakng the president illuminated many
questions that were clouded dimly understood.
Points that appeared knotty became clear after
he had explained them If there was fire in
his speeches. there was no fllStian, no obScurlty
and no befogging of issues with metaphors and
fights Of rhetoric In common parance the presi-
dent is as plain as an old shoe and his error
have been directed to informing the people of
what has been done how it has been done and
why it has been done. Everywhere he touched
the chord Of understanding if not the chord o.
sympathy,
His talk about arbitration is example OF
his method lie made perfectly clear the points
of difference between himself and the majority
the senate committee on foreign relations. Every
body who heard him was instructed. not only as
to his purposes, but to the reasons which
actuated him in negotiating the treaties i'll their
present form. His desire to make everything plain
was evident and it inspired respect 1t could not
do otherwise for people like to be talked to
sensibly and candidly. They are nsensbly drawn
to a man who takes them into his confidence and
appeals to their common sense. Candor is the
hallmark of sincerity and candor is the conspicu-
Gus quality in the presidents public talks 1t
is quality that runs through his character, and
it bespeaks an innate confidence in the sober
Judgment of the people 1t is quality that Is
bound to tell with the people in the long run.
Naturally Champ Clark would like to belittlc
the effect of the presidents speeches He is Il
leader of the opposition, and is a receptive can
ddate for the presidency. He hopes to see Taft
defeated and "A democrat elected to succeed him
in the White House. Hence when he says the
president is iniuring himself he utters a desire
and not candid opinion The wish is father
to the thought lie hopes the president is MUIR
ing himself and therefore says he is inJurmg
himself But those who have heard the president
know better. They know that the president Is
making himself stronger with the people by dis
cussing public affairs with them soberly, can
didIy and sensbly.