Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. IV.djvu/201

WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT 161 sessed despotic powers. His first official act on reaching the islands was to assure the people that he had come not to bring them present independ ence, or a definite promise of independence, but to aid them in acquiring whatever measure of pro gressive self-government they were capable of maintaining, and he invited the co-operation of all parties and the most candid criticism of every law he proposed. It took some time to convince doubters and intractables that he was sincere in this announcement, but, by receiving all suggestions for the common welfare soberly, and holding the balances level between factional advisers, he suc ceeded finally in winning general confidence. Even the Spaniards engaged in business in the islands were surprised into commending him when, instead of showing the antagonism they had expected, he expressed his wish that they would remain and help the Americans develop the resources of the coun try. With his commission he made a tour of the archipelago, to learn its needs at first hand and to set up local governments wherever the people were ready to support them. On July 4, 1901, every thing being ripe for such a step, he was formally proclaimed first civil governor of the Philippines. Once during his governorship he returned to America for a few months. President McKinley had been assassinated, Vice-President Roosevelt had assumed the duties of the presidency, and a