The Washington herald., 1912-08-01
TAFT RATIFIED BY
DISTRICT c. 0. P.
Enthusiastic Meeting Held in
Rooms of Republican National
Club-0ptimism Keynote.
PRESIDENT MAKES ADDRESS;
PROMINENT MEN ATTEND
Committee on Notification in Au.
dience-Well-known Party
Men Speak.

President Taft was the guest Of honor
last night at an enthusiastic ratification
meeting at the National Republican Club.
l2T Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, as
an Endorsement Of the denomination of
Mr. Taft and Vice President James
Schoolcraft Sherman.
The President spoke briefly, but made
no reference to politics or the coming
campaign. He arrived at the club short
ly after o'clock. accompanied by MAI.
Thomas l.. Rhodes. his military aid.
A big ovation was given him as he en-
tered the club rooms. After shaking
hands with the large gathering Of Re-
publicans as they passed In line before
him, he was persuaded by Edgar c: Sny-
der. president OF the club. to make a
few remarks.
Expected 10 See HiIles.
President Taft said that he had ex-
pccted to see Charles D. Hilles, chairman
o, the Republican National Committee.
at the meeting. but had just been ad-
vised that he was too busy on the firing
line to attend. The President said that
he was somewhat doubtful whether Mr..
Hilles would find II possible to come to
the city to-day.
Il am sorry that Mr.. Hilles is not here, -
said the President. but am glad" he
continued smiling that ] am able to
be present to represent him. really
have no speech prepared for tonight. /
am saving my energy for Tomorrow at
the notification meeting. / have pre-
pared what / have to say tomorrow, and
will say II without fear or favor"
He was cheered Justify as he ended his
remarks. The President left soon after
ward.
Hilles Sends Regrets.
Mr.. Snyder called the meeting to order.
and announced that he had received a
telegram from MIR. Hllles at New York.
stating that he would he unable to at
tend, but wished to send his greetings
and best Will These are war times"
read the telegram.
William f. Andrews made stirring
political speech, devoted mainly 10 a dis
cussion OF the tariff.
-Four years ago about 1900 residents of
the District went home to vote" said
Mr.. Andrews. This year We shall at
tempt to send home many more, and 10
send them pledged TO vote for Taft. We
intend TO impress upon the people OF the
District the fact that this contest is
much similar TO that OF 1892. In that year
the people. dizzy with prosperity.
llltlT bFntldN - anu
a moment OF forgetfulness elected
A Democratic President and Congress. 1t
was not long before they discovered their
mistake. The Wilson tariff bill was
passed. and tss effect was disastrous, as
all Of you well know.
We are facing a repetition of this
thing. The country at present is in
state OF prosperity. and yet the people
n the midst OF their prosperity are wont,
ma ny OF them. TO forget their benefac-
tors-the Republicans. Gentlemen, If De-
November. we Nould have a repetition Of
Sc"
Judge Mansey Speaks.
Judge Wood Mansey. of Cincinnati.
ohio, a boyhood frie nd Of President Taft
delivered a short speech. the keynote OF
which was optimism.
There seems 10 be a pervasive gloom
among many Republican circles" he said.
1t is entirely uncalled for. Did it ever
occur to you what public sentiment is:
L is nothing more than the opinion OF
me man circulated and echoed by those
With whom he comes in contact. Public
sentiment is nothing in the game of poll
les: l would teach you TO be optimistic.
gentlemen.
I'VE need have no fear OF the Bull
doosites. When the election time rolls
iround / prophesy there will be more
Democrats voting the Bull Moose ticket
han there are Republicans. And when
he labor men read Wilson'S book they
will consider IT inconsistent TO vote for |
lin. So the chances look mighty good |
or Taft. l don't know a leading man |
4 the Republican party in Cincinnati |
md the surrounding country who is |
.Siinst him. But despite my belief that |
lis chances are excellent, l think that |
We should be mere aggressive. The |
doose!tes are making a great deal OF |
Ioise and we should DO more to Offset |
he effect OF their attacks"
Rooms Are Crowded.
The club rooms were crowded during |
he entire evening, persons coming and |
ding all the time. Several hundred per-
ons visited the meeting during the even
lg 4 string orchestra furnished music |
or the occasion. Many prominent Re
We're present. Practically the
ntire membership of the notification
ommittee and more than a score of we'll
nown Representatives and Senators at
ended the meeting.
Among the prominent persons present
'ere Uncle Joe" Cannon. Representa-
we William NJ Calder OF New York.
primer Representative Ralph Cole of
hio, Representative Richard W. Austin
{ Tennessee. Representative William S.
reene of Massachusetts, Representative
ohm W. Dwight Of New York. Secretary
[ Commerce and Labor Nagel. Samuel B.
'onnely. Public Printer; Attorney Cen
raj wickersham, DR.. William Tindall.
O.. Schuldt. Assistant Corporation Coun-