Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-06-09
MISS TAFT WILL NOT ENTER
POLITICS NOW, SHE SAYS
Daughter Of Ex-President Has
Heard Talk Since She Was a
Child, but Never Sought
Career
Viii Devote All Of Her Time to
Filling Place Of Doctor
Thomas as Head Of Bryn
Mu,Dr

Political aspirations will not dis
tract the attention Of Miss Helen Taft,
daughter of former. President William
Fl. Taft, from her duties as acting
president Of Bryn Mawr College next
year during the absence abroad of DR..
NJ. Carey Thomas.
Miss Taft, who is twenty eight years
old, is probably the youngest woman
ever chosen in this country to occupy
the position Of president Of an i'm.
portant woman's college, even though
her Office will continue for only next
year.
In appearance Miss Taft resembles
her mother more than her father, and
inherits more Of her mothers general
characteristics. She has a wide, high
forehead and frank, open. eyes which
even hearty laughter does not close.
Mr.. Taft says: Though young, my
daughter has poise." and this descrip-
ton fits her admirably. She Is quiet.
reserved and very earnest, but with a
sense of humor
Many stories are told of the despera-
tion of her acquaintances to get her
to enter into conversation on formal
occasions. Miss Taft is a woman who
does not believe in chatter and hates
most Of all to talk about herself and
her illustrious father. She has learned
the art Of listening gracefully.
In spite of the fact that Miss Taft
does not volunteer information about
her father. mention of his name never
fails to bring an appreciative smile to
her. face. Tell her joks about her
father, or mention his surgly laugh and
her eyes will open wide and she will
break forth into peals Of hearty laughter
which will remind you at once that. al
though she may be a very serious act
ing president Of Bryn Mawr, she has
not lost all claims to light-hearted
youth.
"I have heard politics since was a
child and have always been interest
ed" says Miss Taft. but 7 never
thought Of politics as a career
The field of education has claimed
Miss Taft since she entered college. She
was never tempted to forsake her edu =
cation for the social life of Washing
ton. although she spent one year away
from Bryn Mawr to help her mother in
White House entertaining.
IF her appointment as acting head
of Bryn Mawr College is unusual, Miss
Taft also is unusual and combines a
smiling. friendly manner with a serious
dignity.
She prefers not to talk of whatever
theories she may have as, to her new
responsibilities, particularly so early.
"It is not easy to take Miss Thomas s
place. and really would rather not
talk about the new Office" she said
today. "You know. Miss Thomas has
been president of Bryn Mawr for thirty
three years.
when Miss Thomas returns the end
of next year, expect to 60 abroad to
finish the study for my Doctors de-
gree" Miss Taft remarked, In talking
of her future plans.
"And then I shall come back to
Bryn Mawr-if they still want me, "
she added smilingly.
Within a short time Miss Taft will
leave for her vacation. Provided pass
ports arrive, the holiday will be spent
in Europe. Miss Taft will return
shortly before the reopening Of college
next September.
The low salaries which are paid t.
teachers are only partly responsible fol-