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Evening Star, Issue 14001, 6 March 1909, Page 6

An article in this issue, on the subject of extending tho export wharf Wharves at Port Chalmers, contains at Port, a business-like proposition of importance to Otago generally. Having made special inquiries on the spot, and looked at the question from all sides, we think that a strong case can bo made out for giving this subject careful and prompt, consideration. The position is simple. If the nerw dock is to fulfil its purpose it most bring big ships to tho Port, These ships cannot bo expected to put up with makeshift accommodation. They will require berthage during tb© time they are waiting to enter the dock, and while they refit after coming out. The Port also needs extra wharfage for big vessels to lay up in during the off season, and a deep-water berth for men-of-wsr is a necessary adjunct to a harbor the entrance to which is being improved. Further wharfage is, indeed, a present necessity, and the object of our special article, which has been written advisedly, is to point out that at Observation Point a magnificent range of berths, just as Nature made them, are waiting to be put to use by tho erection of a wharf connects ing with the present export pier. When we add that no dredging at all would to required, now or hereafter, to secure a low-water depth of 35ft, and that the braiding of this wharf would be relatively inexpensive, we think that a fair case is established, warranting at any rate earnest inquiry and attention by tbe Government and the Harbor Board, and it is to bo hoped that in the general interests our Chamber of Commerce and other bodies will join with the public in seeing that th© question is not shelved or derided. The late Mr ,T. N. Blair reported on this Observation Point site for a wharf about thirty-five years ago. Possibly Ci 3 p ans of his survey still exist; if so they ought to be consulted. If upon full and fair consideration of tho whole question the proposal is found to be impracticable, wo agree that it should bo dropped. Meanwhile there is tbe water and there is the want, and we see no reason why one should not serve the other. In any case, ii is to be sincerely hoped that for once in a way Otago will join forces and agree to do something. If wc let things go by default we shall have only ourselves to reproach if the new dock and the costly harbor improvements result- in a loss. Thk inaugmsflion of Mr Wiiliaiu( H. Taftas President of the On’ted Mr Taft as States was made tho occur President, eion of a popular demonstra- # tion that would have been much more arresting and picturesque bad th© elements been propitious. The ceremony of swearing in, usually performed on the steps of the Capitol before the assembled multitudes, had to be conducted within the Senate Chamber, and the violence of the storm cut off for, a time all telegraphic communications with tbe rest of tiio country. Sufficient news, however, h:\fi como through to indicate the keenness of the public interest, the strength of the street parades, and tho enthusiasm of tho victorious party. In the inauguration of its Presidents, as in many other things, the United States has had to depart from that almost primitive simplicity of ceremonial which at one time was somewhat ostentatiously flaunted by way-of rebuke and ex-

lamplo in the face of monarchical Europe. Thomas ifc i$ sbid, n»de quietjy to the Capitol, hitched his hoao to a* nearby post, entered -unannounced the room of the Chief Justice, and unceremoniously took the-oath of office. Even did modem Presidents wish it, they could not slip into %> 'Presidential Chair in the Jeffersonian way. Tho cheapness and facility of travel, the growth in population, tho rapidity which all news of moment is mad© known to tho remotest hamlet, necessitate the organisation of a cerenjonial that shall be easily controlled and yet satisfy the legitimate cariosity of the vast crowds of sightseers. Hence it is that the United States, both in the matter of jte Presidential inaugurations and the direction of White House functions, has had to adopt, with the passing of tho years, an etiquette and code of regulations which, while they may imtato thioea of the old school, owing to their alleged departure from Republican simplicity and assimilation of monarchical institutions, undoubtedly malic for 1 the comfort and safety of President and people alike. In Mr Taft tho Republic has a Chief Magistrate of the highest character and proved ability. It was to bo expected that his first official declarations would confirm hie previously announced intention to take np the lines of hie predecessor’s policy. This is what the country expects, and this is why Mr Taft is to-day the President of the United States. Mr Roosevelt may depart amid the chcens of adoring tliousamds into tho heart of Central Africa, but Rocscveltism remains; and it has como to stay. Were tho ex-President what his enemies declare him to be, they would have some grounds for rejoicing that tho disappearance of Mr Roosevelt carries with it the disappearance of his policy. The strength and greatness of the man are to be found in tho fact that though politically dead he yet speaketh. In the past the retirement of a President most frequently meant tho cessation of much, if nob all, of the policy with winch Iris name was associated, but it is not so with Mr Roosevelt. To the last day he fought with “ beasts at Ephesus,” and discomfited his foes with Hie vigor of his attack, the fearlessness of his conduct, and tho avalanche of his facts. There is cause more for pity than contempt when wo regard the nature and volume of the invective to -which he was subjected. No student of history is likely to mistake it for the voice of the people. “ Roosevelt,” says Mr Carnegie, “is the “‘man of destiny, who comes to nations “ just when he is most needed. Ho became “the leader in a crusade against the inevitable evils that liad been evolved after “a centmy of unparalleled industrial growth.” That some did not like the Roosevelt way is but natural. Men everywhere are apt to resent the chastening rod of the reformer, but it is only the guilty, the foolish, and the envious who resort 10 slander, vilification, and vulgar abuse. But Roosevelt’s words, ideas, and] policies will go marching on. They will contribute (say those who best know the man) to the formation of public opinion, and will continue to have a powerful influence upon the minds, hearts, and imaginations of the people long after his detractors have been forgotten. At all events, his successor at the White House will carry on the Roosevelt tradition. Mr Taft’s first public address contains a reaffirmation of his faith. In his other speeches he has given the world to understand his own conception of the liigh office and the duties pertaining thereto unto which he has been called. “ If,” he says, “ a man is attracted by honor “ and power alone without the hope of “ being useful, he is unworthy of the honor “ and unfit for the nee of the power. . “No man can afford unduly to seek that “ groat office ”; and not without a touch of pathos he adds: “ Though the most sought “after in many senses, the President is the “loneliest man in tlio United States.” Animated by such thoughts, and conscious of the limitless possibilities the new Presidency presents for the uplifting of the masses, determined also to rule justly, and to continue on the track blazed by his friend and predecessor, President Taft will not, we feel sure, disappoint tho hopes of his fellow-countrymen.