Recollections of Full Years · Chapters

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Chapter companions for Recollections of Full Years by Helen Herron Taft.

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Chapter 1
Frontispiece
The frontispiece identifies the author as Mrs. William Howard Taft, establishing her perspective as the narrator of the memoir.
Chapter 2
Recollections of Full Years
This chapter likely serves as a reflective overview of the author's life and experiences, drawing on memories of full years spent in service and travel.
Chapter 3
Introduction
Helen Herron Taft recounts her first meeting with William Howard Taft at a coasting party in Cincinnati, their courtship through amateur theatricals and social gatherings, his early legal career including his role in the Tom Campbell disbarment case, their engagement and wedding, and their economical wedding trip to Europe.
Chapter 4
II: Cincinnati and Washington
The chapter details the Taft family's life in Cincinnati and Washington leading up to the Spanish-American War, Mr. Taft's initial opposition to taking the Philippines, his summons by President McKinley, the persuasive arguments by Secretary Root to lead a commission to establish civil government in the Philippines, his resignation from the bench, and the family's preparations and departure for the islands.
Chapter 5
III: To the Philippines
The Taft party departs from San Francisco aboard the transport Hancock, bound for Manila. The chapter introduces the members of the second Philippine Commission—General Luke E. Wright, Judge Henry C. Ide, Dean C. Worcester, and Professor Bernard Moses—along with their families, highlighting their backgrounds and qualifications. The voyage includes pleasant days at sea, business sessions, and a stop in Honolulu, where the beauty of the tropics is contrasted with the sobering news of a bubonic plague epidemic. The narrative also reflects on President McKinley's personal kindness and the harmonious spirit of the group.

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Frontispiece

Recollections of Full Years

Introduction

II: Cincinnati and Washington

III: To the Philippines