riding. Since his entrance upon public life he has always been connected with the Republican party. His religious affiliations are with the Unitarian denomination.
For the purpose of aiding young people who may read this biography, Secretary Taft expresses regret that he has neglected the study of modern languages, and emphasizes the fact that in the enlargement of our national life, the extension of our territorial area, and the increasing closeness of our relations with other peoples, a knowledge of French, German and Spanish is becoming absolutely essential to a liberal education and to the highest usefulness. He utters a clear warning against undue absorption in mere money making as the object of effort. He holds that the pursuit of riches for their own sake is not to be commended, and that the father who accumulates millions thereby does much to endanger the welfare of his children. His views regarding patriotism are equally decided. In his opinion every man is in duty bound to serve his country to the best of his ability and in the direction in which he can do most for the public good. The man who refuses to accept the responsibilities and neglects to perform the duties of citizenship has no right to criticize the motives or actions of the men who are conducting public affairs.
