The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1912-03-22
Taft for President.

The State Journal has had many and
various occasions to pay tribute to the
great services rendered this country by
Theodore Roosevelt during his lpresi.
dency of the United States. Probably
in no other one man could have been
found the extraordinary vigor of mind
keenness OF intellect, resistless energy
and physical strength needed to success
fully grapple and cope with the prob
lens which came before him during his
entire term of Office. But, great and
able and immensely popular though he
is, the State Journal does not believe
it necessary or right to indorse his can
didacy for third term at this time.
The State Journal believes that on
the whole, President Taft is entitled to
a denomination and second term. He
may lack some Of that PRESIDENT in
stinct for instant penetration to the
heart and truth of matter which
Roosevelt possesses in remarkable de-
gree. He may lack some of Roosevelt's
dynamic energy and quick decision to
act and because of these qualities The
State Journal questions If Roosevelt
might not have been the better man for
the needs of the country the past four
years. But those needs do not 80 &C
lively now exist. To meet present con.
ditions The State Journal believes Taft
is most eminently ited. He has able.
sound, reflective judgment; absolute
sincerity and .single.minded integrity
of purpose, with calm resoluteness in
support of right policies and measures
even though they may be at the mo.
ment contrary to popular impulse and
sentiment. This was shown in his at
titude on the question of reciprocity
with Canada in which, bv the way, he
was unqualifedly and enthusiastically
supported by Roosevelt; and tits re.
markable illustration of Roosevelt
political luck that the latter never lost
favor with the farmers, while Taft's
popularity was for time under cloud
Never has President Taft shown more
clearly his admirable mental poise, his
balance of mind and his steadfastness
in following conscience rather than q
seemingly popular suggestion, than in
his outspoken, vigorous stand against
the doctrine of recall of judges, to
which Roosevelt by his recent utter
snce has unq uestionsbly lent an unpre
ciable and harmful impetus. 1t is true
that Roosevelt has guarded his attitude
on the question by explaining his pc
sition," in plain words, hedged, and
is thus preparing to get the voters com
ing and going And it is true that
Teddy has always shown wonderful
ability for selfcontrol and practical
Judgment when it came to acting on
theory. But The State Journal believes
that any attempt or suggestion TO put
the judiciary within reach of the power
of popul. + secall is fatally mischievous.
and to fasten its paralyzing influence on
our judicial system would be exceeding
ly dangerous to law and order
1t has never been denied that Presi.
lent Taft is great and good man
dis chef fault has been, perhaps, a
COO generous trustfulness in the hon.
ssty and candor of politicians, too
easy belief in the patriotism of big
business, and too simple faith in the
anselfshness of senators and represen.
tatives. But he has learned through
experience; he has shown himself to be
growing stronger and firmer in grasp.
aud welding the executive power, with
'ach year of his administration, and
The State Journal sees no reason at
5nis time why he should not by prece.
lent and In all Justice be entitled to
denomination. The State Journal be
ieves there would be no need to fear al
his election We are as a rule, a
airminded people; give us little in.
ulgence in the worship Of popular
lois, little time for reflection and
,nalysis. and history shows that we
ave pretty strong instinct for what
right and iust.-State (Lansing) Jour
nal.