“Yes,” said the P. C., “but he should have said all that two years ago.”
And that, I find, is the unanimous verdict of every class and nationality about Mr Taft’s subtle and rather tardy interpretation of the promises he made when he was Governor of the Philippines.
Next evening, when the party had gone, and there was nothing left but to discuss what had taken place, we were leaning over the balcony when a Prominent Citizen of our acquaintance came walking past, and stopped, in the friendly, half-Spanish fashion of the country, to say good evening and make a few remarks.
“It was a fine show,” we said.
“Why yes,” he agreed, “I guess the Filipinos did their best for the Secwar.”
“I think he disappointed them, though,” said C——.
“Well, I should smile! I guess Secretary Taft’s the best hated man in these islands now.”
And that, I believe, is the unfortunate truth.