The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1912-10-21

ClHnaIl. Resigned DCanSHlp and
Judgeship, March, 1900. to accept ap
pcintment by PRESIDENT Mckinley a.
President of the United States Philii-
pine Commission. Appointed en- July 1
1901, by President Mckinley as first
civil governor Of the Phillipinel Islands.
In 1902 visited Rome on order OF
President Roosevelt to confer with
Pope Leo XIII regarding the purchase
Of friar lands in the PHILIPPINES Had
various harmc NOUS interviews wi h tn
Pope, and reached basis of agreement
with. the Committee of Cardinals, and
returned to the United States to be-
come Secretary of War in the Cabine.
o. President Roosevelt.
In 1906 visited Cuba and for time
acted as provisional governor. In 1907
visited Panama, Cuba and Porto Rico,
to attend various diplomatic matters
In the fall Of 1907 visited the Phil
pine Islands, and inaugurated the Phil
pine Assembly. Visited on same occa-
sion Japan. Graciousiy received by
Mikado as an equal, and attended to
various diplomatic matters between thi
country and Japan.
June, 1908, nominated by Republican
National Convention for Presidency,
elected by vote of 321 electoral votes
1852 for Bryan ~
He received hcnary degrees from
Yale University, Univers:t IT, Of Pennsy,-
vania, Harvard University, Universi y
of Iowa, and varfosls ether universities
and colleges. President Of American
Red Cross since 1905. Member Of Am
erican Bar Association, National Geo
graphic Society and various Other
learned societies. Entered the Presi-
dency at time of great financial and
business depression, UnGer his admir- =.
istration this has gradually, but sure
ly been overcome, until today the Uni.
ted States of America is enjoying
high degree Of prosperity.
There is no problem of the unem
ployed. Wages are higher than evel|
before And while prices of living are
also high, the tendency is lower price
for the necessities Of life, this on ac-
count of unprecedented acreage and
bountiful yield of every product, and
the approximate perfection of manufac
turing appliances. We are at peace
with the world, and as a people, we
have the respect of the nations to
degree never known before"
Unjust Criticism ~
After reading the above review of
President Taft's career as compiled by
the eminent Ebert Hubbard, and
knowing and understanding the mas
sive store of information which the
President is in possession CT; and &C.
quainting yourself with his vast expert
ence in every line of thought and gov-
eminent, does it not appear ridiculous
to you to hear every little "upstart"
OF a politician. office stenographer,
clerk, street loafer or what-not, offer
a criticism of President Taft's admin
istration?
After President Taft's successful ca
reer, his history of surrounding one
obstacle after another, his gradual
climb up the ladder of fame, always
fraught with difficulties, his invaluab-
le service to our government, both am
ong his own race and among the col
ored races of semi-civilized islands, his
valuable assistance rendered to half
starved and priest ridden tribes in
bringing to them freedom and sell
government as nearly as may be, and
his INCREASING love OF country and pa.
triotism. Is it not the climax Of irony
to hear some narrow minded, unin-
formed. insignificant person, who per
hapa never travelled a hundred miles
from the place Of his birth, and. whose
Experience and ability in executive
affairs are nullity, make feeble at.
tempt to assail either the career, pol.
Icy or record of President Taft?
President Taft, who has spent sc
much Of his life in the service of his
country is poor man. He has held
one office Of trust after another with
dignity success, honesty and integrity
Does 1t not appear to you that If any
} OF the charges that have been laid 81
his threshold were true that he would
have been rich man? Do you think
fraudulent person could have held :!
many public offices of trust as he has
held without yielding to temptation
and becoming rich in this world.
goods?
The answer Is obvious: Presiden
Taft's life both as a public man AND
as a privote citizen is an open book
the pages Of which are pungent witt