The Washington times., 1913-03-02
MT SAYS AD|EUS
IN FRANK SPEECHES
Tells Press Club Members His
Plate Always Was Full and
He Couldn't ''SqueaI."

ton. club member. ans as one who
couldn't get sore even if he tried,
President Taft made a round of fare
well visits last night. His speeches
were the frankest that ever ve'fallen
from his lips - 60
At the National Press Club he was
among some of his harshest critics and
his warmest friends, and he was at his
lest form. Atsthe University Club ne
told members he was coming back" to
Washington frequently, and that he was
sping to try out the beds In their guest
sooms as they looked good to him. He
told the knights of Columbus that he
was reactionary," If to be reaction
ary means to disbelieye that miracles
III government and legislation can be
accomplished over night
He confessed, in the whimsical man.
,,er of a big man who possesses no illu-'
sions about his own Importance, that
his besetting sin" was tendency 10
mt on till tomorrow whot he could DO
Individual and loved good fellowship
The lynx-eyed Press Club members who
heard him laughed over the confession.
for they knew exactly the extent to
which ii was true. =
No Occasion for Squealing.
.I hav been in office since 1 was twen-
ty-one," said the President There
never has been. time that L didn't
have my plate UP at the right time.
and when an Office fell on the plate
reid it as long as properly could.
Now, gentlemen, after that record;
still in health, do you suppose that
regret anything; that / have an occa-
sion for kicking and souealing? What
kind of a man would be If did, with
the measure all on my side? Now
am looking to eee+if can't repay the
<.<z6 n 7tr1fr
given me, and if can't work In the
cause of good government"
The note OF comaraderie struck by
the President at the Press Club was
maintained by him throughout the even
ing. At the University Club he was
shown around the new clubhouse, in
specting it critically, and expressing his
approval.
Delighted With Clubhouse.
sT feel now as If i had just begun
my membership" said President Taft
circumstances over, which have not
exercised control have prevented my en-
joying the real benefits Of the uni
verstty Club in Washington, and, there
fore, IN order to test its usefulness for
myself I shall have to return to WASH
ington Just for the purpose.
IT shall come back then as a member
Of that underlined and undefnable body
the people, and shall expect the same
favorable treatment that some of our
statesmen friends are always rendering
to the people. But il is very great
pleasure, not Of an acute kind, but just
sad kind, to say these farewells to
people with whom one has been asso- (
ciated and for whom one retains per-
manent affection.
IT am delighted with the clubhouse. /.
ID as dne q clubhouse as ever saw. and
am sure II will make the center OF
gfeat, pleasurable association of men
hoifespect each other. and who have
high ideals. and who will make this club
ascenter Of influence that will be felt
throughout Washington and throughout
the country"
The President then journeyed down to
the knights of Columbus Hall. Sixth |
and e streets northwest to meet some
of his friends among the members OF
the organization. His speech there was
more political than at the university |
or Press Club.
Going to Humble Station.
II am laying down Office he began |
I have nothing to give 1 am goingto |
humble station to work out as best |
| can the problem of supporting family |
and Of doing as well as I can for other |
people. You have no motiye-I can con- |
ceive of none, except of good will, good |
fellowship, and sincerity |
10. the Constitution are mere surface |
Indications of an Illogical unrest that |
grows out a mental indigestion rather |
than any real confiiction that shall |
manifest itself ultimately in hostility to |
the Constitution. |
rYou would think. to listen to some
orators that they had some sort of pat |
enf ownership on what they call the |
people. and as If those of US that |
counted one man to a vote were not |
of the people and did not belong to
them. --
I'VE are waxing fat, and we are kick |
ing, and it is at that time when people |
may do foolish things, when they don't |
understand good thing when they see !
II. and 1t is against that danger that we !
ought TO warn each other, and see to il |
that no movement shall become strong |
enough to destroy those guarantees un- |
der which we have enjoyed all this lib !
erty that has made so happy a people |
as the American people, liberty that |
has offered itself as model the world |
around, liberty that has been a model |
IN countries where they have adopted |
the self-restraints to which ] have re-
ferred, and have given an opportunity |
10 use the machinery of the courts TO |
AZ har