Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-07-01

maintain America peace and plcdg-
ing such support as he might give in
Whatever course eventualities would
FORCE upon the government.
MH. TAFT EARLY
VOLU NrEERS SERVICES
When war actually came Judge Taft
was one OF the first men in the country
to volunteer his services like EXPIRES
ident Roosevelt. He asked for no spc-
otal assignment. lie pleaded for no OPP
portunity TO gain military glory lie
asked for no conspicuous place in the
sun. All he waited was an oppor-
tunity to be useful. The President did
rot act hastily III the matter. for he
wanted to find the place in the gen
eral war organization. where Judge
Taft could contribute most toward
solving the governments problems.
winnie awaiting detail. the former
president undertook a tour of all tho
military camps. He made "A series. OF
me speeches TO the thousands OF men
VINO were TO compose the American
lighting forces. Before this tour was
completed the President concluded that
tie wsr-timc labor question was one of
the most vital with which the govern
rcnt had to deal and he called in
Judge aft to become chairman Of an
arbitration board which should pass
upon all wage disputes There is
nothing very ornamental about this
work, hut every interest associated
with the conduct of the war knows
row irnptstant it is to national eifici-
cncy that labor troubles be avoided at
this time.
For months Judge Taft has been Civ
ing his whole time and thought to his
new duties lie occupies All obscure Of
Ace in the Department OF Labor Build
ing He has given up his Yale pro-
fcssorship for the period of the war.
He has brought his family TO Washing
ton and installed thcm In an inexpen-
s:vc apartment. from the windows o.
which his wife and daughter can see
the White House. which they occupied
for four years. If this is not patriotic
war service nothing is
Judge Hughes acted just as promptly
as did Judge Taft in offering his ser
vices TO his government at the out
break OF the war. but the President
waited longer 10 accept the offer. In
The minds of some people there was
me thought That this delay proceeded
from some feeling which the presidep,
'''''i ~ ''''' "" -IH e MS idtc political
opponent But the truth u.s. the Presi-
dent WAS merely holding the ;rris, In
reserve. He was waiting for the on
portunity which finally came. TO en-
pioy Judge Hughes TO the hes, possible
advantage.
MIR. HUGHES GETS
HIS CHANCE TO HELP
This opportunity arose when whole
sale charges OF graft. ineficiency and
disorga nization in the air service were
made. Conscious of the disturbed con-
d!'ion OF the public mind on this sub
ject. President Wilson determined to
get Al the truth of the charges no
matter whom they involved or how
directly the facts might react upon
his administration. To this end ne
summoned Judge HuEhes. than whom
there has been no niprc successful in
vestigator of crookedless. maladminis.
tration and ireticienry in this genera
tion OF Americans. AMI asked the jurist
10 tell the country tie truth about the
air service.
Judge Hughes is nav on this lob. He
Is working quietly, cut il may be as
sumed that he is wc;king searchingly
He has not asked to9 public inquiry.
one in which he wtu!d figure day nv