WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT: PRESIDENT AND CHIEF JUSTICE
Read the article this discussion is about
- StateOFranklin
- Mugwump53
- StateOFranklin
- Mugwump53
- Tina_Coruth
- Mugwump53
This archived discussion is "read only".
For the corresponding "live" discussions, post in the active topic forum here.
» StateOFranklin - Taft as Secratary of War.
As I did a little research on President Taft (after reading your fine article), it struck me that he had little experience that would lead to his appointment as Secratary of War. Other than Governorship of the Phillipines I don't see anything that would lead to that particular appointment.3 questions.
1) Am I missing something here?
2) How well did he carry out that office?
3) How many other Secrataries of War had no Military/Practicle experience?
Any response would be greatly appreciated.
YMOS:
JB
-- posted by StateOFranklin
» Mugwump53 - Secretaries of War
JB,Excellent questions. Here are some answers off the top of my head:
No, you didn't miss a thing (you never do). Taft's experience as Governor of the Philippines actually gave him more military experience than most Secretaries of War. During his tenure, he put down a revolt and administered military law for a period of time.
Most Secrtearies of War had little or no military experience, including almost all the best ones.
At the start of our government, most had military experience, but then again, most government officials selected by Washington had military experience from the Revolution or he didn't appoint them.
After that, most of the Secs of War during our wars lacked military experience. William Marcy in the Mexican War, Russell Alger (followed by Elihu Root) during the Spanish-American War, Newton Baker in WWI and Henry Stimson in WWII all lacked military experience.
Secretaries of War are civilians and politicians, and are chosen for their political connections and administrative ability. The principle of civilian control of the military makes this not only possible but desirable.
Taft did an excellent job as Secretary of War. In fact, he became Teddy Roosevelt's principle advisor, and TR relied heavily on Taft. (TR used to joke that he never worried about things boiling over in Washington when he was gone. He left Taft in charge, and nothing boiled over with Taft sitting on the lid)
Taft did well. It is interesting to note that he was the first Secretary of War (who had not served as Secretary of State) to become President. In other words, he was the first to be elected President because of the job he did as Secretary of War.
I hope this is of some help. If you want more specific information, I would be glad to do some research on the subject.
Thanks again for your excellent questions, which are always a pleasure to receive.
John S. Cooper
Editor, Presidents & First Ladies
-- posted by Mugwump53
» StateOFranklin - Thanx
Actually you gave me all the info I needed. I was suprised to learn how often non-military people held that post.I wonder if TR was refering to Taft's portliness when he said he never worried about it boiling over with Taft sitting on the lid. I understand some in Ohio lovingly refered to Taft as "His Enormity".
Thanx for the info.
YMOS
JB
-- posted by StateOFranklin
» Mugwump53 - His Enormity
Yes, TR was referring to his portliness with his remark about sitting on the lid. Actually, it was a play on words (I love puns). He was expressing his confidence about Taft's ability to handle things in TR's absence, and taking an opportunity to have some fun about Taft's weight.I had never heard about "His Enormity" before. Thanks for that peice of info.
Another story about Taft's weight involved his tenure as Governor of the Philippines. His immediate superior was Elihu Root, Secretary of War (another civilian). There was concern in Washington for Taft's health, being very overweight in a very hot climate.
Root cabled Taft: "How is your health?"
Taft cabled back that his health was good, and in fact he had just that day taken a horseback ride 25 miles into the mountains and back.
Root cabled back: "How is the horse?"
One more thing. In naming some of the civilian Secretaries of War yesterday, I forgot the most famous of them all. Edwin Stanton, who had served as Buchanan's Attorney-General before being Lincoln's Secretary of War was another civilian in a major war.
Thanks again for the info. Always love to get new stuff.
John S. Cooper
Editor, Presidents & First Ladies
-- posted by Mugwump53
» Tina_Coruth - Taft was an interesting person.
Hi John,After I read the Bull Moose Campaign article, I spotted this one and couldn't resist reading it. Taft was an interesting figure, even if he didn't want to be president!
I thoroughly enjoyed this article and the preceding posts -- thanks!
Tina
-- posted by Tina_Coruth
» Mugwump53 - Big Bill
Yes, Taft was certainly an interesting figure. The stories about his weight should be tempered by the fact that he was a college baseball star, and even at his heaviest, played tennis weel and was considered a graceful dancer. (A good thing, because if he ever stepped on his partner's foot........ooops, sorry)-- posted by Mugwump53
Please follow the guidelines set forth in the Suite101 Posting Etiquette when adding to the discussion.