Recollections of Full Years · Chapter
XV: A Hurried Trip Around the World explained
The chapter recounts the Tafts' global journey following the death of Mr.
What happens
The chapter recounts the Tafts' global journey following the death of Mr. Taft's mother, covering their political campaign, election victory, and travels through Japan, China, the Philippines, and Russia. It highlights Taft's nomination, his acceptance speech, the campaign against Bryan, and diplomatic engagements in Japan and Shanghai, culminating in a visit to Manila and a tense stop in Vladivostok.
Themes in this chapter
Politics and Governance
The chapter details Taft's presidential campaign, his nomination, acceptance speech, and the political maneuvering against Bryan, as well as his diplomatic engagements in Japan and China.
Cultural Encounter and Colonialism
Taft's interactions with Japanese officials, Chinese guilds, and the Philippine Assembly reflect the complexities of U.S. colonial and diplomatic relations in Asia.
Family and Domestic Life
The death of Taft's mother, the family gathering for the funeral, and the support from Charles Taft and Mrs. Anderson highlight family bonds during the campaign.
Characters to notice
- William Howard Taft
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.
- Helen Herron Taft
Narrates the chapter, describes the campaign and election, accompanies Taft on the world trip, receives gifts in Shanghai, observes the freezing Filipino orchestra.
- Charles P. Taft
Manages Taft's campaign headquarters, hosts the funeral and the Committee of Announcement, provides hospitality on election night.
- Theodore Roosevelt
Urges Taft to take a more active role in the campaign and change his Boston speech topic; Taft submits his acceptance speech to Roosevelt for review.
- Elihu Root
Taft submits his acceptance speech to Root for review.
- William Jennings Bryan
Taft's opponent in the presidential campaign; his campaign looked hopeful in September.
- W. Cameron Forbes
Secretary of Commerce and Police in the Philippines, built 'Topside' in Baguio, hosts the Tafts.
- General James F. Smith
Governor-General of the Philippines during the Tafts' visit; they stay at Malacañan Palace as his guests.
Key passages
“Mr. Roosevelt was quite impatient at the loss of ground that Mr. Taft’s candidacy had suffered and he urged him to take a more active interest in the situation.”
Roosevelt grew frustrated with Taft's declining campaign momentum and pushed him to become more engaged.
Shows Roosevelt's direct influence on Taft's campaign strategy.
“He insisted that Mr. Taft should change the subject of a speech which he had agreed to deliver in Boston from the Philippine problem to a discussion of the financial situation which was then acute after the depression which had taken place during our absence.”
Roosevelt demanded Taft shift his Boston speech from the Philippines to the pressing financial crisis.
Highlights the shift in political priorities due to economic conditions.
“Mr. Taft made a speech in which he pointed out the absurdity of a war between Japan and the United States, and showed how the true interests of both nations required a strengthening of the bonds of friendship between them.”
Taft argued that war between Japan and the U.S. was irrational and that both countries should instead deepen their friendship.
Reflects Taft's diplomatic efforts to ease tensions with Japan.
“His candour and frankness did not please many of the Assembly, but his view has always been that the only way in which to deal with the Filipino people is to tell them the exact truth, unpalatable though it may be, and to fulfil promises with the greatest care.”
Taft's blunt honesty upset many Filipino Assembly members, but he believed in always telling the truth and keeping promises to maintain influence.
Illustrates Taft's paternalistic approach to colonial governance.
