Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-03-18

BOSTON,. March 1a-A declaration in
favor of preferential primaries for the
presidency under certain conditions in
the coming campaign was made by Pres
ldent Taft today in the chief of a series
of speeches delivered in Boston. The Presi-
dent made known his attitude on the
presidential primaries question in an ad-
dress before the legislature.
Wherever full and fair notice OF the
election can be given" he said, where
ever adequate election safeguards can be
thrown around to protect a preferential
primary for the presidency, wherever the
Constitution of the United States permits
its being made applicable to the present
election. / favor it and welcome it,
An hour or two earlier the President in
formed committee from the Massachu-
Setts Peace Society that he did not intend
to give up his fight for arbitration trea-
ties. He said that while he had formulat-
ed no definite plan as to how he should
secure such treaties, he means to keep the
arbitration idea to the fore, and is wait
ing the return Of Secretary Knox from his
tour of the Latin American republics be-
fore taking any steps in the matter.
AS the President entered the house
chamber of the legislature, which was
crowded with people. he received an ova-
ton. The cheering lasted for several
minutes. in spite of the constant effort
of Speaker Gushing to restore order. At
the close of his state house speech the
President took luncheon with the Pill
grim Publicity Association, after which
he went to South Boston to review the
Evacuation day parade. Later he met
the officers of the Taft League of Massa-
chusetts.
Tomorrow the President will make
brief tour of southern New Hampshire.
speaking at Nashua, Manchester and Con-
cord.
Greeted by City officials.
President Taft began his visit to New
England today with an engagement list
that promised TO keep him busy until after
midnight. The Presidents train reached
Boston at Z am A .umber of city Off
cials. together with representatives of
those organizations before which the Pres
dent was expected to appear during the
day, greeted him as he stepped from the
train. Automobiles were in waiting, and
as the long cavalcade swept out of the
station hundreds of persons cheered him.
In addition to a formal breakfast by the
city officials. the program for the Presi-
dents entertainment today included an
address to the Massachusetts, legislature.
an informal luncheon with the Pilgrim
Publicity Club. review of the evacuation
and St Patricks day parades in South
Boston, and calls" at the dinners of the
Charitable Irish Society, the Boston Bank
Officers Association, the Bottom Paper
Trade Association and the Yale Club OF
Boston.
Mr.. Taft brought shamrock with him
from Washington, and wore II proudly IN
the lapel of his coat
Breakfast rendered by the City.
President Taft referred during his re-
lroa lrfo fand rcd
by the city at Hotel Somerset to the
fact that he was the first President to
ma articipate in an evacuation day cele-
bration He praised the sturdy ancestors
of New England, and spoke Of the Won
derful simplicity and elasticity of the
which they had assisted to
frame. His brief address at the Somer-
set was the second of the forenoon
At noon he met delegation of the
hotel, and later left for the statehouse
to address the general court. as the ies-
islature Is legally termed.
Addresses the City Club.
The President made his first speech OF
the day over his coffee and rolls at the
City Club. where Samuel j. Elder. a
brother Yale alumnus. and one OF the
American representatives at the fisheries
arbitration court at The Hague. presided.
President Taft said that he would have
to be excused from talking on any public
questions, in view of his remarks later
In the day before the Massachusetts legis-
lature. He pointed ont that, although he
was brought UP I'm Ohio and educated
In the Philippines. as ne expressed II, he
was of thorough Massachusetts stock.
''In the town of Mendon.' said he.
..there is a tablet which bears the names
Of twenty-seyen Of the founders Of the