Recollections of Full Years · Chapter
Last Days in the Philippines explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Taft returns to Manila to a grand welcome, but faces severe challenges including cholera, rinderpest, famine, and political instability. He declines President Roosevelt's offer of a Supreme Court appointment, citing duty to the Philippines, but Roosevelt ultimately insists. Mrs. Taft describes the difficult conditions, including strict sanitation measures and the importation of a cow for fresh milk.
Themes in this chapter
Public Service and Duty
Taft declines a Supreme Court appointment out of a sense of duty to the Philippines, citing the critical situation and the need for continuity in leadership.
Politics and Governance
The chapter highlights the complexities of colonial governance, including famine relief, currency reform, and the tension between local needs and Washington's decisions.
Adaptation to Change
Mrs. Taft describes adapting to cholera conditions, including strict sanitation measures and the importation of a cow for fresh milk.
Cultural Encounter and Colonialism
The grand welcome for Taft contrasts with the economic hardship; the Partido Federal's arch symbolizing a desire for statehood reflects colonial aspirations.
Characters to notice
- William Howard Taft
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.
- Helen Herron Taft
Returns to Manila in October; describes the redecorated Malacañan Palace, cholera precautions, and the importation of a cow for fresh milk.
- Theodore Roosevelt
Offers Taft a Supreme Court seat; initially accepts Taft's refusal but later insists on the appointment, overriding Taft's judgment.
- Benito Legarda
Consulted by Taft regarding the Supreme Court offer; comments on the Friar influence reaching Washington.
- Cayetano Arellano
Consulted by Taft; comments that the Friars' influence has reached Washington.
- General Luke E. Wright
Vice-Governor who leaves for a vacation; Taft takes over his department.
- Mrs. Luke E. Wright
Leaves the Islands for a vacation with General Wright.
- Dean C. Worcester
High chief health authority; decrees inoculation of imported animals against rinderpest and tuberculosis.
Key passages
“Great honour deeply appreciated but must decline. Situation here most critical from economic standpoint. Change proposed would create much disappointment and lack of confidence among people.”
Taft cables President Roosevelt to decline the Supreme Court appointment, explaining that the economic situation in the Philippines is too critical and that a change in leadership would undermine public confidence.
Taft's cablegram declining the Supreme Court offer due to the critical conditions in the Philippines.
“I am awfully sorry, old man, but after faithful effort for a month to try to arrange matters on the basis you wanted I find that I shall have to bring you home and put you on the Supreme Court.”
President Roosevelt writes to Taft, expressing regret but insisting on appointing him to the Supreme Court, overriding Taft's judgment.
Roosevelt's letter reopening the Supreme Court offer and insisting on the appointment.
“A certain degree of paternalism has always been, is now, and probably always will be necessary in the government of the Filipino people.”
Mrs. Taft reflects that some level of paternalistic governance is necessary in the Philippines.
Mrs. Taft's observation on the necessity of paternalism in colonial governance.
