Presidential Addresses and State Papers (Volume 7)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1910. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... lentlessly prosecuting Harriman for his misdeeds is of itself more than sufficient proof that there was no understanding of any kind, direct or indirect, with him, on the part of the administration, at the time he asserts that he made the contribution referred to. LETTER TO MR. P. H. GRACE ON THE RAILROAD QUESTION October 10, 1po8. My Dear Mr. Grace: I thank you for your letter. I need hardly say that I take a peculiar interest in the men who work on the railroads in this country, and I prize as one of the honors of which I am most proud the fact that I am an honorary member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen. Throughout my whole term as President, now in its eighth year, I have devoted myself with especial interest to the questions affecting labor. The lasting prosperity of this country rests upon the welfare of the wage-worker and the welfare of the tiller of the soil. My greatest aim and desire have been to do all that in me lies to advance their interest. I wish to help them to get the best out of their present positions; I wish to help them make those positions permanently better, of permanently greater importance and reward. No consideration of party fealty or personal friendship would induce me to advise either farmer or workingman to do anything that was not for his permanent benefit. With this fact keenly before me I earnestly advise all workingmen, in their own interest as workingmen, but above all as American citizens concerned in the honor and the prosperity of this great free Republic, to support Mr. Taft for President; just as I advise all farmers, business men, and men of the professions. I do not believe the wage-workers of this country have ever had a better friend in the White House than Mr. Taft will prove himself to be. He has already s...