TO TAFT, JULY 10, 1908

Categories

The Timothy Lester Woodruff Papers: A Digital Resource

Language

ENG

Author

Woodruff, Timothy Lester (dup)

Recipient

Taft, William Howard (1857-1930)

Woodruff Date

19080710

July 10/08.
Hon. William H. Taft,
Hot Springs, Va.
My dear Bill:
The New York State Fair people are going to insist, if you have not already done so, upon your attending the Fair sometime during the week beginning Monday, September 14th. I was told yesterday that they were going to appeal to me to exercise all the influence I might have with you to insure your attendance. I created the State Fair as it now exists and, of course, I am very proud of it and nothing in the world would give me greater satisfaction than to have you there this fall. I think it would also be very helpful to us, politically, and as the institution is entirely a nonpartisan one, you could come without making it a political affair in any sense. I put it this way because I have been led to believe that you were not going to make any political speeches outside of Cincinnati. I am writing now, without waiting to hear definitely from the State Fair Commission, to say to you that while I think it would be meet desirable for you to attend the Fair, I consider it wise not to commit yourself to that or any other engagement in New York State until we have had a chance to go into the whole subject thoroughly. It might have a bearing upon some other proposition.
As far as the State Fair Commission is concerned, will you please consider, confidential, my writing to you on this subject and when you hear from them, let them know that you will have to communicate with me as Chairman of the Republican State Committee before reaching a decision, unless, of course, you have absolutely determined not to go away from home during the months of September and October. I think I ought to see you about these matters and some others that [...]
I have made political engagements either here or in New York for every minute of my time for the next two weeks. I could come to Hot Springs during the week beginning Monday, the 27th, if you want to see me or if it is desirable that we should confer with regard to some matters I have in mind. I presume they could all be satisfactorily determined by Hitchcock and me, if it was not convenient for you to see me or if I found I ought not to leave New York to make the trip.
On my way here from Buffalo yesterday, I stopped at Utica and took luncheon with Sherman. I found his still pretty weak but gradually regaining strength. He said the physicians had decided the day before that it was best not to perform an operation. He does not seem to be recovering from this attack as rapidly as from previous ones. I expect him and his wife up here to spend a portion of the week beginning Monday, the 20th, and I have every reason to believe that the invigorating air of the mountains will be beneficial to him.
I beg to remain, with very best wishes,
Your sincere friend,

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