Recollections of Full Years · Chapter
Conclusion explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Taft reflects on the final years of her husband's presidency, including the 1912 election loss, family life at the White House, and a memorable cruise on the Mayflower. She recounts her pragmatic approach to the campaign, her son Charlie's transition to long trousers, and a visit from Theodore Roosevelt that temporarily eased her concerns about their rift.
Themes in this chapter
Politics and Governance
Taft's Lotos Club speech reflects on the burdens and satisfactions of the presidency, emphasizing lasting achievements over ephemeral honors.
Family and Domestic Life
Mrs. Taft details family moments: Charlie's long trousers, Helen's debut, and the family's ability to laugh together.
Adaptation to Change
Mrs. Taft pragmatically prepares for electoral defeat and adjusts to her children growing up.
Characters to notice
- William Howard Taft
Finds solace in Lincoln's words amid political attacks; delivers a reflective speech at the Lotos Club after losing the 1912 election.
- Helen Herron Taft
Narrates the chapter; packs linen and silver in anticipation of defeat; oversees Charlie's transition to long trousers and Helen's debut.
- Charles P. Taft
Grows tall enough to need long trousers; handles a reporter's inquiry with a 'purely personal' denial.
- Theodore Roosevelt
Visits the White House and entertains the Tafts with stories, convincing Mrs. Taft of his continued esteem for her husband.
- Captain Archibald Butt
Accompanies the Tafts on the Mayflower cruise; his record notes Mrs. Taft's trip to fit Charlie in long trousers.
- Mrs. Louis More
Joins the Tafts on the Mayflower cruise as part of the small party.
- Mabel Boardman
Part of the small party on the Mayflower cruise.
- Horace Taft
Mr. Taft's brother, joins the Mayflower cruise.
Key passages
“If I were to try to read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me this shop might as well be closed for any other business. I do the very best I know how—the very best I can; and I mean to keep on doing so until the end. If the end brings me out all right, what is said against me won’t amount to anything. If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference.”
Lincoln's quote on ignoring attacks: focus on doing your best and let the outcome speak for itself.
Taft kept this framed on his desk for inspiration.
“Mrs. Taft, you mark my word, the President will be reelected in November! Well, said I, you may be right, but just the same I intend to pack everything up when I leave Beverly, and I shall take the linen and silver home.”
A supporter predicted Taft's reelection, but Mrs. Taft pragmatically planned to pack household items.
Illustrates Mrs. Taft's realistic outlook during the 1912 campaign.
“The Presidency is a great office to hold. It is a great honour and it is surrounded with much that makes it full of pleasure and enjoyment for the occupant, in spite of its heavy responsibilities and the shining mark that it presents for misrepresentation and false attack.”
Taft acknowledges the presidency's honor and pleasure despite its burdens and criticism.
From Taft's Lotos Club speech after the 1912 election loss.
