Recollections of Full Years · Chapter
Secretary of War explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Taft recounts the transition from life in the Philippines to Washington as her husband becomes Secretary of War. She describes their ceremonial reception in Japan, where Mr. Taft is mistaken for a soldier, and contrasts it with the humbling realities of Washington society. The chapter also covers Mr. Taft's early duties, including a trip to Panama to address Canal Zone issues, and the challenges of adjusting to a Cabinet officer's salary and social expectations.
Themes in this chapter
Public Service and Duty
Mr. Taft's role as Secretary of War involves diplomatic missions, canal administration, and representing the President.
Cultural Encounter and Colonialism
Japanese officials compare colonial administration in Formosa and the Philippines; Mrs. Taft feels at home in Panama due to similarities with the Philippines.
Social Class and Propriety
Mrs. Taft contrasts her 'queenly' status in Manila with being 'just nobody' in Washington, and notes the financial strain of Cabinet social expectations.
Adaptation to Change
The Tafts adjust from governing the Philippines to navigating Washington politics and new responsibilities.
Characters to notice
- William Howard Taft
Newly appointed Secretary of War, travels through Japan and to Panama, adjusts to Washington life.
- Helen Herron Taft
Narrator, describes her experiences in Japan, Washington, and Panama as the Secretary's wife.
- General Kodama Gentaro
Japanese General who discusses Formosan administration with Mr. Taft.
- Archbishop Placide Chapelle
Former Archbishop of Manila, dines with the Tafts in New Orleans.
- John Barrett
American Minister to Panama, meets the Tafts at Colon.
- Charles Magoon
Law officer of the Canal Commission, part of the Panama trip party.
- Theodore Roosevelt
President, transfers Canal Zone administration to the War Department and is depicted in cartoons.
Key passages
“We had to kill a good many thousands of those people before they would be good. But then, of course, you understand—you know—you know!”
General Kodama implied that harsh military force was necessary to subdue Formosan resistance, assuming Mr. Taft had similar experiences in the Philippines.
Mrs. Taft notes this story was too politically sensitive to tell at the time due to anti-imperialist sentiment.
“Why, out there you were really a queen, and you come back here and are just nobody!”
A friend remarked that Mrs. Taft's social status in Manila was far higher than her relatively ordinary position in Washington.
Illustrates the diminished prestige of a Cabinet wife compared to a governor's wife in a colonial setting.
“Do you know, Mr. Secretary, I really think you ought to go out and see the Philippine Islands. They say they are so interesting!”
A dinner guest suggested Mr. Taft visit the Philippines, unaware that he had already served as Governor there.
Highlights the lack of awareness about Mr. Taft's Philippine career among Washington society.
