Taft's+Eulogy

Remembering William Howard Taft (September 15, 1857 - March 8, 1930)

We gather here today to remember our 27th President of the United States William Howard Taft, born September 15, 1857 in Cincinnati, Ohio, and passing today, March 8th, 1930. He is survived by his three children. William had a passion for the law. After graduating salutatorian of Yale's class of 1878, William attended law school at the University of Cincinnati. In 1880, he was admitted to the state bar. After the United States gained control of the Philippines, William became the first governor of the territory in July 1901. During his time there, he improved the people's standard of living and paved the way for a stable government in the future. As the 27th President of the United States, William regulated political contributions from business corporations, imposed an eight-hour workday on federal public works projects, and enhanced the Pure Food and Drug Act. On June 30, 1921, William was nominated by Warren G. Harding to be chief justice of the U.S. supreme court. In just one day, William was confirmed by the Senate, with only four votes against his nomination.

Not everything about William's life was as good as hoped, however. The responsibilities of the Presidency proved to be too much for William to handle, as shown in his weight gain and mental state. He was known to be lethargic and passive in his role, almost being too happy with the status quo. He was a poor judge of public opinion, and a bad political presence. William was not the best communicator, and was better suited for interperting laws, not enforcing them. Quarreling with Teddy Roosevelt later in his presidency lead to a split in the Republican Party, opening the way for our 28th President Woodraw Wilson.

William spent the last of his days on the United States supreme court before resigning from his position as chief justice a month ago. William will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Positives 27th president of the US Graduated salutatorian of Yale's class 1878 1901-first civil governor of the Philippines Regulated political contributions from business corporations, imposed an eight-hour workday on federal public works projects, and enhanced the Pure Food and Drug Act. June 30, 1921 - nominated by Warren G. Harding to be chief justice of the U.S. Supreme court, Senate confirmed same day, only 4 votes against.

Negatives Fighting with Teddy Roosevelt leads to a split in the Republican Party Responsibilities of being the President of the United States too much for Taft Lethargic, passive, happy with the status quo Poor judge of public opinion, bad political presence Poor communicator