William Howard Taft

Recollections of Full Years

Central figure in the recollections, reflecting on his career and personal life.

Introduction

First meeting with Helen at a coasting party; participates in amateur theatricals; works as a law reporter and later assistant prosecuting attorney; becomes engaged to Helen in 1885.

II: Cincinnati and Washington

Strongly opposed to taking the Philippines initially; resigned from the bench to lead the Philippine Commission after persuasion by McKinley and Root.

III: To the Philippines

Member of the second Philippine Commission; walks many miles daily on deck for exercise.

In Japan

Head of the Philippine Commission, already in Manila; his letters describe the difficult situation with General MacArthur.

First Impressions of Manila

President of the Philippine Commission; described as industrious, modest, and democratic; works long hours reviewing legislation and meeting with Filipinos; lives quietly with his family in a chalet at Malate.

VI: A Strange Environment

Considered sending Robert to a Jesuit school but refrained due to political sensitivity; received the election result cable from General Corbin.

Days of the Empire

Leads the Civil Commission in establishing provincial governments, reads and explains the Provincial Code, and engages in friendly diplomacy with Filipinos.

An Historic Trip

Read and explained the Provincial Code at Lucena; introduced Chief Justice Arellano; danced the rigodon with the highest-ranking lady.

IX: The Wild Men’s Country

Mrs. Taft's husband; encourages her to go on the trip and is appointed Civil Governor of the Islands during the journey.

X: Governor Taft

Inaugurated as the first Civil Governor of the Philippines; delivers the Inaugural address in English and Spanish.

XI: A Trip to Rome

Recovers from illness and is chosen by President Roosevelt to lead the mission to Rome to negotiate the purchase of Friar lands.

Last Days in the Philippines

Returns to Manila to a hero's welcome; declines Supreme Court appointment; takes on additional duties of Vice-Governor; manages famine relief and currency reform.

Secretary of War

Newly appointed Secretary of War, travels through Japan and to Panama, adjusts to Washington life.

Busy Years

Reluctant presidential candidate, prefers Supreme Court; busy with speechmaking tours and War Department duties.

XV: A Hurried Trip Around the World

Receives news of mother's death, campaigns for presidency, delivers acceptance speech, travels around the world, makes diplomatic speeches in Japan and China, addresses the Philippine Assembly.

President of the United States

The newly elected President, busy with Cabinet selection and golf in Augusta, later inaugurated despite the storm.

The White House

President Taft's haphazard hospitality and constant conferences with Congress members create domestic challenges for Mrs. Taft.

Some White House Formalities

President; participates in receptions and leaves for a long trip through the West.

Conclusion

Finds solace in Lincoln's words amid political attacks; delivers a reflective speech at the Lotos Club after losing the 1912 election.

List of Illustrations

Appears in multiple illustrations, including as center of the salon, at marriage, taking oath as Governor of the Philippines, and returning to the White House after inauguration.