Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1912-03-06
ROOSEVELT ON TAFT.

PROFESSIONALLY W tdhS liolu lhC ohCii
the Republican Campaign Textbook
for 1908," dust it off and turn to
page 2S and read what Theodore
Roosevelt, then president of the Uni
ted States, wrote in September, 1908,
to his friend, Comrade Kohrs, of He
lena, Mont, about his friend and
personally chosen successor, William
Howard Taft. The Journal has
shared this treat with its readers be-
fore, but the time now seems to be
ripe for repetition. Here is one Of
the most eloquent sections of the
long letter, which complete would oc-
cupy more than a column of news
paper space.
The true friend of reform, the true
foe of abuses, is the man who stead
lily perseveres in righting wrongs, in
Arring against abuses, but whose
character and training are such that
never promises what he cannot
pefform, that he always a little more
than makes good what he does prom
ise, and that, while steadily advanc-
ing, he never permits himself to be
led into foolish excesses which would
damage the very cause he champions.
In Mr.. Taft we have a man who COM
b3nes all these qualities to a degree
which no other man in our civil life
since the civil war has surpassed. To
a flaming hatred of injustice, to
scOrn of all that is base and mean, to
a hearty sympathy with the oppres-
sed, he unites entire disinterested-
ness, courage, both moral and phys
ical of the very highest type, and
kindly generosity of nature which
trymen are in truth his friends and
brothers, that their interests are his,
and that all his great qualities are
to be spent with lavish freedom in
their service. The honest man of
means, the honest and law abiding
business man. can feel safe in his
hands because of the very fact that
the dishonest man of great wealth,
the man who swindles or robs his
fellows, would not SO much as dare
defend his evil doing in Mr.. Taft's
presence. The honest wage worker,
the honest laboring man. the honest
farmer, the honest mechanic can feel
that in a peculiar sense Mr.. Taft will
be his representative because of the
very fact that he has the same scorn
Of demagogue that he has for the
corruptionist and that he would front
threats Of personal violence from a
mob with unequaling and lofty in
difference with which he would front
the bitter anger of the wealthiest
and most powerful corporation.
Broad though his sympathies are,
! fthere is in him not the slightest tinge
of weakness. No consideration of
personal interest, any more than fear
for his personal safety, could make
him swerve hairs breadth from the
course which he regards as right in.
the interest of the whole people.
have naturally a peculiar inter-
est in the success of Mr. Taft, and in
seeing him backed by congress
which would heartily support his
policies. For the last ten years,
while l have been governor of New
York and president. l have been
thrown into the closest intimacy
with him, and he and have on every
essential point stood in heartiest
agreement, shoulder to shoulder. We
have the same views as to what is
demanded by the national interest
and honor. both Within our own. bor-
ders an as regards the relations OF
this nation with other nations. There
is no fight for decency and fair deal
ing which l have waged in which
have not had his heartiest and most
effective sympathy and support, and
the policies for which stand are his
policies as much as mine.
Was Roosevelt trying to deceive
the people in 1908 when he delivered
this thrObbing eulogy as contribu-
tion toward Taft's election? II so,
he may be trying to deceive the peo-
pie now In telling them in effect that
Taft is not worthy of reelection.
Was Roosevelt mistaken in his esti-
mate of Mr.. Taft's ability and integ-
rity four years ago? If so, he may
be mistaken now in trying to recall
his previous endorsement. If Taft
actually was what Roosevelt said he
was In 1908, or any considerable part
of 1t, either Taft or Roosevelt must
have changed during the four years.
Which was it? We know that Roose-
velt has changed since he wrote in
1904 and repeated in 1908, Under
no circumstances will l be candi-
date for. or accept another nomina-
tion." Probably Roosevelt would
have uS think change i'm Taft has