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TADPOLE 229 TAFT assumes a more compact form. Still later the forelegs are found to exist fully formed beneath the skin and ready ulti- mately to burst forth. The tadpole at first seems to derive its subsistence from the fluid absorbed within its body and on the surface, but soon begins to seek its food amidst softened or decomposing vegetable matter. From that period the tadpole begins to assume more and more the appearance of a frog. Toes appear on its hind legs, the tail very rapidly disappears by absorption, and finally the forelegs become fully developed and the metamorphosis of the tadpole is com- pleted. TAEL, a money of account in China, the value of which varies considerably according to locality and the rate of ex- change. It is worth from 0.724 to 0.806 to the American dollar. The tael is also a definite weight, equal to 1.208 ounces troy. TAFFRAIL, originally the upper flat part of a ship's stern, so called because frequently ornamented with carving or pictures; now a transverse rail which constitutes the uppermost member of a ship's stern. TAFT, WILLIAM HOWARD, 27th President of the United States; born in Cincinnati, O., Sept. 15, 1857; was grad- uated at Yale College in 1878, at the Law School of Cincinnati College in 1880; and was admitted to the bar in 1881. He was collector of internal rev- enue in the 1st District of Ohio in 1882; practiced law in 1883-1887; was judge of the Superior Court of Ohio in 1887-1890, and Professor of Law at the University of Cincinnati in 1896-1900. In the latter year he was made president of the United States Philippine Commission, and on June 5, 1901, was appointed the first civil governor of the Philippine Islands. In August, 1903, President Roosevelt nominated Governor Taft to be secretary of war to succeed Secretary Root, when the latter should resign in January, 1904. The selection was frankly made in order that he might continue to direct the administration of Philippine affairs, although residing in the United States. This constituted a recognition of his work in the Philip- pines. He at once took up a new line of ser- vice for the department — the pacification of trouble in various lands where the United States had the right to attempt adjustments. From 1900 to 1907 he trav- eled fully 100,000 miles and spent 360 days at sea in his diplomatic missionary work. In 1906 he was sent to Cuba by the President to reconcile the warring factions, and for a short time served as provisional governor of that island. Early in 1907 he visited Cuba, Porto WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT Rico, and Panama, investigating dis- turbed conditions; then going to the Philippine Islands, where, on October 16, he opened the first Philippine Assembly at Manila. Continuing his journey around the world, Mr. Taft was wel- comed in several Asiatic and European capitals with most cordial expressions of friendship for America. His visit to Japan especially helped to cement the bonds of amity and good-will, which short-sighted agitators, particularly on the Pacific Coast, had been striving for several years to strain, if not to break. In St. Petersburg Mr. Taft delivered a noteworthy address on the subject of uni- versal peace. On his return he was fre- quently mentioned as the "logical" candid date of the Republicans for the Presi- dency in 1908, and was indorsed for that office by many Republican State con- ventions. He was nominated in June, and, resigning the war portfolio at once, made a vigorous personal campaign. In November he was elected, receiving a popular vote of 7,811,143, as against 6,- 328,601 for William J. Bryan, the Demo- cratic candidate. The vote in the Elec-