Changes

===Education===

===Education===

In 1874, Taft attended [[Woodward High School (Cincinnati, Ohio)|Woodward High School]]. Like most of his family, he attended [[Yale College]] in New Haven, Connecticut. At Yale, he was a member of the [[Linonian Society]], a literary and debate society; [[Skull and Bones]], the secret society co-founded by his father in 1832; and the Beta chapter of the [[Psi Upsilon]] fraternity.  In 1878, Taft graduated from Yale, ranking second in his class out of 121. He then attended [[Cincinnati Law School]], graduating with a Bachelor of Laws in 1880. While in law school, he worked on the area newspaper ''[[The Cincinnati Commercial]]''.<ref>Pringle (1939) v. 1 </ref>

Taft attended public schools in Cincinnati, then (like most Tafts) he attended [[Yale College]] in New Haven, Connecticut. He was a member of "Skull and Bones", the secret society co-founded by his father in 1832.  In 1878, Taft graduated from Yale, ranking second in his class out of 121. He then attended Cincinnati Law School, a third-rate institution, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws in 1880. While in law school, he worked on the local GOP newspaper ''[[The Cincinnati Commercial]]''.<ref>Pringle (1939) v. 1 </ref>

===Career===

===Career===

After admission to the Ohio bar, Taft was appointed Assistant Prosecutor of [[Hamilton County, Ohio]], based in Cincinnati. In 1882, he was appointed local Collector of Internal Revenue.  People who disagreed with Taft's beliefs and opposed the decisions he made called him a “trust buster”.  Taft married his longtime sweetheart, Helen Herron, in Cincinnati in 1886. In 1887, he was appointed as a judge of the Ohio Superior Court. In 1890, President [[Benjamin Harrison]] appointed him [[Solicitor General of the United States]]. In 1892 Harrison appointed him to the newly created Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, a post which he held until 1900. It was then that he met Theodore Roosevelt for the first time.<ref>Pringle (1939) v. 1 </ref>

After admission to the Ohio bar, Taft was appointed Assistant Prosecutor of Hamilton County, Ohio, based in Cincinnati. In 1882, he was appointed local Collector of Internal Revenue.  People who disagreed with Taft's beliefs and opposed the decisions he made called him a “trust buster”.  Taft married his longtime sweetheart, Helen Herron, in Cincinnati in 1886. In 1887, he was appointed as a judge of the Ohio Superior Court. In 1890, President [[Benjamin Harrison]] appointed him [[Solicitor General of the United States]]. In 1892 Harrison appointed him to the newly created Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, a post which he held until 1900. It was then that he met Theodore Roosevelt for the first time.<ref>Pringle (1939) v. 1 </ref>

In addition to his judgeship, between 1896 and 1900 Taft also served as the first Dean and a Professor of Constitutional Law at the [[University of Cincinnati]].  Eventually, he became the Chief Judge of the Sixth Circuit.  One of Taft's most famous opinions was in ''[[Addyston Pipe and Steel Company v. United States]]'' (1898).<ref>Pringle (1939) v. 1 </ref>

In addition to his judgeship, between 1896 and 1900 Taft also served as the first Dean and a Professor of Constitutional Law at the [[University of Cincinnati]].  Eventually, he became the Chief Judge of the Sixth Circuit.  One of Taft's most famous opinions was in ''[[Addyston Pipe and Steel Company v. United States]]'' (1898).<ref>Pringle (1939) v. 1 </ref>

From 1901 to 1903, Taft served as the first civilian Governor-General of the Philippines, a position in which he was very popular among both Americans and Filipinos. He resolved one of the most aggravating problems in 1902, going to Rome to negotiate with [[Pope Leo XIII]] for the purchase of lands in the Philippines owned by the Roman Catholic Church. Taft then convinced Congress to appropriate $7,239,000 to purchase the lands, which he sold to Filipinos on easy terms. In 1903, President Roosevelt offered Taft a seat on the Supreme Court, but he reluctantly declined when Filipino groups begged him to remain in Manila as Governor-General.<ref>Pringle (1939) v. 1 </ref>

 

From 1901 to 1903, Taft served as the first civilian Governor-General of the Philippines, a position in which he was very popular among both Americans and [[Filipino people|Filipinos]]. For example, in 1902 Taft visited Rome to negotiate with [[Pope Leo XIII]] for the purchase of lands in the Philippines owned by the Roman Catholic Church. Taft then induced Congress to appropriate $7,239,000 to purchase the lands, which he sold to Filipinos on easy terms. In 1903, President Roosevelt offered Taft the seat on the Supreme Court to which he had for so long aspired, but he reluctantly declined when native Filipino groups begged him to remain in Manila as Governor-General.<ref>Pringle (1939) v. 1 </ref>

==Secretary of War, 1904-1908==

==Secretary of War, 1904-1908==

==Presidency 1909-1913==

==Presidency 1909-1913==

[[Image:1909.jpg|thumb|270px|As Roosevelt leaves office he gives Taft custody of his "baby" (TR's policies)]]

[[Image:1909.jpg|thumb|270px|As Roosevelt leaves office he gives Taft custody of his "baby" (TR's policies)]]

===Policies===

==1908==

After serving for nearly two full terms, the popular [[Theodore Roosevelt]] refused to run in [[U.S. presidential election, 1908|the election of 1908]]. Roosevelt certified Taft as a genuine "progressive", in [[U.S. presidential election, 1908|1908]], pushing through the nomination of his Secretary of War for the presidency. At the age 51 Taft easily defeated three-time candidate [[William Jennings Bryan]]. Taft considered himself a "progressive" because of his deep belief in "The Law" as the scientific device that should be used by judges to solve society's problems. Taft proved a less adroit politician than Roosevelt and seemed to lack the energy and personal magnetism of his mentor, not to mention the publicity devices, the dedicated supporters, and the broad base of public support that made Roosevelt so formidable. When Roosevelt realized that lowering the tariff would risk severe tensions inside the Republican Party, pitting producers (manufacturers and farmers) against department stores and consumers, he stopped talking about the issue. Taft ignored the risks and tackled the tariff boldly, on the one hand encouraging reformers to fight for lower rates, then cutting deals with conservative leaders that kept overall rates high. The resulting [[Payne-Aldrich tariff]] of 1909 was too high for most reformers, but instead of blaming this on Senator [[Nelson Aldrich]] and big business, Taft took credit, calling it the best bill to come from the Republican Party. Again, he had managed to alienate all sides.<ref>Pringle (1939) v. 1 </ref>  

After serving for nearly two full terms, the popular Roosevelt refused to run for a third term in 1908. Roosevelt certified Taft as a genuine "progressive", pushing through the nomination of his Secretary of War for the presidency. At the age 51 Taft easily defeated liberal Democrat, [[William Jennings Bryan]], running for the third time.  

Taft considered himself a "progressive" because of his deep belief in "The Law" as the scientific device that should be used by judges to solve society's problems. Taft proved a less adroit politician than Roosevelt and seemed to lack the energy and personal magnetism of his mentor, not to mention the publicity devices, the dedicated supporters, and the broad base of public support that made Roosevelt so formidable. When Roosevelt realized that lowering the tariff would risk severe tensions inside the Republican Party, pitting producers (manufacturers and farmers) against department stores and consumers, he stopped talking about the issue. Taft ignored the risks and tackled the tariff boldly, on the one hand encouraging reformers to fight for lower rates, then cutting deals with conservative leaders that kept overall rates high. The resulting [[Payne-Aldrich tariff]] of 1909 was too high for most reformers, but instead of blaming this on Senator [[Nelson Aldrich]] and big business, Taft took credit, calling it the best bill to come from the Republican Party. Again, he had managed to alienate all sides.<ref>Pringle (1939) v. 1 </ref>  

Unlike Roosevelt, Taft never attacked business or businessmen in his rhetoric. However, he was attentive to the law, so he launched 90 antitrust suits, including one against the country's largest corporation, [[U.S. Steel]], for an acquisition which Roosevelt personally had approved. As a result, Taft lost the support of antitrust reformers (who disliked his conservative rhetoric), of big business (which disliked his actions), and of Roosevelt, who felt humiliated by his protégé. Progressives within the Republican party began agitating against Taft. Senator [[Robert M. LaFollette, Sr.|Robert LaFollette]] of [[Wisconsin]] created the [[National Progressive Republican League]] to replace Taft at the national level; his campaign crashed after a disastrous speech. Most of LaFollette's supporters went over to Roosevelt, leaving LaFollette embittered and alone. More trouble came when Taft fired [[Gifford Pinchot]], a leading conservationist and close ally of Roosevelt. Pinchot alleged that Taft's Secretary of Interior [[Richard Ballinger]] was in league with big timber interests. Conservationists sided with Pinchot, and Taft alienated yet another vocal constituency.

Unlike Roosevelt, Taft never attacked business or businessmen in his rhetoric. However, he was attentive to the law, so he launched 90 antitrust suits, including one against the country's largest corporation, [[U.S. Steel]], for an acquisition which Roosevelt personally had approved. As a result, Taft lost the support of antitrust reformers (who disliked his conservative rhetoric), of big business (which disliked his actions), and of Roosevelt, who felt humiliated by his protégé. Progressives within the Republican party began agitating against Taft. Senator [[Robert M. LaFollette, Sr.|Robert LaFollette]] of Wisconsin created the National Progressive Republican League] to replace Taft at the national level; his campaign crashed after a disastrous speech. Most of LaFollette's supporters went over to Roosevelt, leaving LaFollette embittered and alone. More trouble came when Taft fired [[Gifford Pinchot]], a leading conservationist and close ally of Roosevelt. Pinchot alleged that Taft's Secretary of Interior [[Richard Ballinger]] was in league with big timber interests. Conservationists sided with Pinchot, and Taft alienated yet another vocal constituency.

Taft fought for the [[Antitrust|prosecution of trusts]] (eventually issuing 80 lawsuits), further strengthened the [[Interstate Commerce Commission]], established a postal savings bank and a parcel post system, and expanded the civil service. He supported the 16th Amendment by Senator [[Nelson Aldrich]], which allowed for a federal income tax, and the 17th Amendment, mandating the direct election of [[United States Senate|senators]] by the people, replacing the previous system whereby they were selected by [[state legislature]]s.

Taft fought for the [[Antitrust|prosecution of trusts]] (eventually issuing 80 lawsuits), further strengthened the [[Interstate Commerce Commission]], established a postal savings bank and a parcel post system, and expanded the civil service. He supported the 16th Amendment by Senator [[Nelson Aldrich]], which allowed for a federal income tax, and the 17th Amendment, mandating the direct election of senators by the people, replacing the previous system whereby they were selected by state legislatures.

===Foreign policy===

===Foreign policy===

Taft actively pursued what he termed "[[dollar diplomacy]]" to further the economic development of less-developed nations of Latin America and Asia through American investment in their infrastructures.  Throughout the early part of his presidency, Taft had difficulties with [[Nicaragua]]. When the United States shifted its interests to [[Panama]] for the purpose of building a canal, Nicaraguan President [[José Santos Zelaya]] negotiated with [[Germany]] and Japan in an unsuccessful effort to have a canal constructed in his state. The Zelaya administration had growing friction with the United States government, which started giving aid to his Conservative opponents in Nicaragua. In 1907, U.S. warships seized several of Nicaragua's seaports. In early December, [[United States Marines]] landed on Nicaragua's [[Caribbean Sea]] coast. In December 1909, Zelaya resigned and left for exile in Mexico. The U.S.-sponsored conservative regime of [[Adolfo Díaz]] was installed in his place. Military invasions increased with Marine landings in 1910 and 1912. The Marines stayed in Nicaragua through 1925.

Taft actively pursued what he termed "[[dollar diplomacy]]" to further the economic development of less-developed nations of Latin America and Asia through American investment in their infrastructures.  Throughout the early part of his presidency, Taft had difficulties with [[Nicaragua]]. When the United States shifted its interests to [[Panama]] for the purpose of building a canal, Nicaraguan President José Santos Zelaya negotiated with [[Germany]] and Japan in an unsuccessful effort to have a canal built in Nicaragua. The Zelaya administration had growing friction with Washington, which started giving aid to his Conservative opponents in Nicaragua. In 1907, U.S. warships seized several of Nicaragua's seaports. In early December, Taft sent in Marines to prevent a civil war; Zelaya left for exile in Mexico. The U.S.-sponsored conservative regime of Adolfo Díaz was installed in his place. Military invasions increased with Marine landings in 1910 and 1912. The Marines stayed in Nicaragua through 1925.

 

One of Taft's main goals while President was to further the idea of [[world peace]]. Given his judicial sensibilities, he believed that international [[arbitration]] was the best means to effectuate the end of [[war]] on Earth. As such, he championed several reciprocity and arbitration treaties. In 1910, he convinced congressional Democrats to support a reciprocity treaty with [[Canada]], but the [[Liberal Party (Canada)|Liberal]] Canadian government that negotiated the treaty was turned out of office in 1911 and the treaty collapsed. In 1910 and 1911, however, he secured the ratification of arbitration treaties that he had successfully negotiated with the [[United Kingdom]] and [[France]] and thereafter was known as one of the foremost advocates of world peace and arbitration.

One of Taft's main goals while President was to further the idea of [[world peace]]. Given his judicial sensibilities, he believed that international arbitration was the best means to effectuate the end of war on Earth. As such, he championed several reciprocity and arbitration treaties. In 1910, he convinced congressional Democrats to support a reciprocity treaty with [[Canada]], but the Liberal Canadian government that negotiated the treaty was turned out of office in 1911 on a wave of anti-Americanism and the treaty was never ratified. In 1910 and 1911, however, he secured the ratification of arbitration treaties that he had successfully negotiated with Britain and France and thereafter was known as one of the foremost advocates of world peace and arbitration.

===16th Amendment===

===16th Amendment===

===Party schism===

===Party schism===

[[Image:1912fight.jpg|thumb|550px|TR (the bull) is attacked from all sides; Taft on horseback at left; Wilson (right) moves in for the kill. ''Puck'' magazine]]

[[Image:1912fight.jpg|thumb|550px|TR (the bull) is attacked from all sides; Taft on horseback at left; Wilson (right) moves in for the kill. ''Puck'' magazine]]

Despite his obvious achievements, progressives decried Taft's acceptance of the ''[[Payne-Aldrich Tariff Act]]'', which lowered the tariff on the farm products of the western states, whose citizens desired lower rates on Eastern factory products. Taft opposed to the entry of the state of [[Arizona]] into the Union because of its judicial features. Progressives grumbled that he worked too closely with conservative Senator [[Nelson W. Aldrich]] and Speaker of the House [[Joseph G. Cannon]]. By 1910, Taft's party was deeply divided between progressives and conservatives.  

Despite his obvious achievements, progressives decried Taft's acceptance of the ''[[Payne-Aldrich Tariff Act]]'', which lowered the tariff on the farm products of the western states, whose citizens desired lower rates on Eastern factory products. Taft opposed statehood for Arizona because of the liberalism of its proposed state constitution.  

Progressives on the left grumbled that he worked too closely with conservative Senator [[Nelson W. Aldrich]] and Speaker of the House [[Joseph G. Cannon]]. By 1910, Taft's party was deeply divided between left and right, with Taft on the right.  

[[Image:1912GOP.JPG|thumb|250px|Taft forces defeated Roosevelt and controlled the convention]]

[[Image:1912GOP.JPG|thumb|250px|Taft forces defeated Roosevelt and controlled the convention]]

On his return from Europe, Roosevelt broke with Taft in one of the most dramatic political feuds of the 20th century. To the surprise of observers who thought Roosevelt had unstoppable momentum, Taft outmaneuvered Roosevelt and LaFollette, seized control of the GOP, and forced both out of the party.  The main issue in 1911-12 was independence of the judiciary, which Roosevelt denounced. Most lawyers in the GOP supported Taft, including many of Roosevelt's key supporters like [[Elihu Root]], [[Henry Stimson]], and Roosevelt's own son-in-law, [[Nicholas Longworth]]. In lining up delegates for the 1912 nomination, Taft outmaneuvered Roosevelt, who had started much too late, and kept control of the Republican party.  

On his return in 1910, Roosevelt broke with Taft in one of the most dramatic political feuds of the 20th century. To the surprise of observers who thought Roosevelt had unstoppable momentum, Taft outmaneuvered Roosevelt and LaFollette, seized control of the GOP, and forced both out of the party.  The main issue in 1911-12 was independence of the judiciary, which Roosevelt denounced. Most lawyers in the GOP supported Taft, including many of Roosevelt's key supporters like [[Elihu Root]], [[Henry Stimson]], and Roosevelt's own son-in-law, [[Nicholas Longworth]]. In lining up delegates for the 1912 nomination, Taft outmaneuvered Roosevelt, who had started much too late, and kept control of the Republican party.  

1912 was the first year that some delegates were determined through primary elections. Primary elections were seen as a way to take power away from party bosses and put it in the hands of the people. Out of the 14 Republican primaries held, Roosevelt won 9, and Taft only won 3. Robert Lafollete won the other 2. Nevertheless, Taft had the delegates and won the nomination at the republican nominating convention in Chicago.

1912 was the first year that some delegates were selected through primary elections. Primary elections were seen as a way to take power away from party bosses and put it in the hands of the people, and was favored in the anti-Taft states. Out of the 14 Republican primaries held, Roosevelt won 9, and Taft only won 3. Robert Lafollete won the other 2. Nevertheless, Taft had the delegates and won the nomination at the republican nominating convention in Chicago.

Instead, Roosevelt was forced to create the [[Progressive Party (United States, 1912)|Progressive Party]] (or "Bull Moose") ticket, splitting the Republican vote in the 1912 election. [[Woodrow Wilson]], the Democrat, was elected, although many historians argue that Wilson would have won anyway, because the Republican factions would not support each other. Taft won a mere eight electoral votes, making it the single worst defeat for a President seeking re-election.  He achieved his main goal, however, keeping permanent control of the party and making the courts sacrosanct.

Instead, Roosevelt was forced to create the [[Progressive Party]] (or "Bull Moose") ticket, splitting the Republican vote in the 1912 election. [[Woodrow Wilson]], the Democrat, was elected, although many historians argue that Wilson would have won anyway, because the Republican factions would not support each other. Taft won a mere eight electoral votes, making it the single worst defeat for a President seeking re-election.  He achieved his main goal, however, keeping permanent control of the party and making the courts sacrosanct.

[[Image:FORCE.JPG|thumb|350px|left|Taft proved immovable. ''Puck'' cartoon 1912]]

[[Image:FORCE.JPG|thumb|350px|left|Taft proved immovable. ''Puck'' cartoon 1912]]

===Supreme Court appointments===

===Supreme Court appointments===

During his presidency, Taft appointed six Justices to the [[Supreme Court of the United States]]: [[Horace Harmon Lurton]] in 1910; [[Charles Evans Hughes]] in 1910; [[Edward Douglass White]] as Chief Justice in 1910; [[Willis Van Devanter]] in 1911; [[Joseph Rucker Lamar]] in 1911; and [[Mahlon Pitney]] in 1912.

During his presidency, Taft appointed six Justices to the [[Supreme Court of the United States]]: [[Horace Harmon Lurton]] in 1910; [[Charles Evans Hughes]] in 1910; [[Edward Douglass White]] as Chief Justice in 1910; [[Willis Van Devanter]] in 1911; [[Joseph Rucker Lamar]] in 1911; and [[Mahlon Pitney]] in 1912.

==Post-presidency==

==Post-presidency==

In 1922, Taft traveled to [[England]] to study the procedural structure of the English courts and learn how they disposed of such a large number of cases in such an expeditious manner. During the trip, [[George V of the United Kingdom|King George V]] and [[Mary of Teck|Queen Mary]] received Taft and his wife as state visitors. With what he had learned in England, Taft advocated passage of the ''[[Judiciary Act of 1925]]'' (often called the "Judges Bill"), which shifted the Supreme Court's appellate jurisdiction to be excersisable solely on review by [[writ of certiorari]], thereby empowering the Supreme Court to give preference to cases of national importance and allowing the Court to work more efficiently. Taft was also the first Justice to employ two full time [[law clerk]]s. 

In 1922, Taft traveled to London to study the procedural structure of the English courts and learn how they disposed of such a large number of cases in such an expeditious manner. King [[George V]] Taft as a state visitor. With what he had learned in England, Taft advocated passage of the ''Judiciary Act of 1925'' (often called the "Judges Bill"), which shifted the Supreme Court's appellate jurisdiction to be excersisable solely on review by [[writ of certiorari]], thereby empowering the Supreme Court to give preference to cases of national importance and allowing the Court to work more efficiently.  

In 1929, Taft successfully argued for the construction of the [[United States Supreme Court building|Supreme Court Building]], reasoning that the Court needed to distance itself from Congress as a separate branch of government. Until then, the Court had heard cases in [http://www.aoc.gov/cc/capitol/old_sen_ch.cfm a designated room in the basement] of the [[United States Capitol|Capitol]]. Taft, however, did not live to see the building's completion in 1935.

In 1929, Taft successfully argued for the construction of the Supreme Court Building, reasoning that the Court needed to distance itself from Congress as a separate branch of government. Until then, the Court had heard cases in [http://www.aoc.gov/cc/capitol/old_sen_ch.cfm a designated room in the basement] of the Capitol. Taft, however, did not live to see the building's completion in 1935.

While Chief Justice, Taft wrote the opinion for the Court in 256 cases out of the Court's ever-growing caseload. His philosophy of [[constitutional interpretation]] was essentially historical [[Constitutional interpretation#The contextualist approach|contextualism]]. Some of his more notable opinions include:

While Chief Justice, Taft wrote the opinion for the Court in 256 cases out of the Court's ever-growing caseload. His philosophy of [[constitutional interpretation]] was essentially historical contextualism. Some of his more notable opinions include:

*''[[Bailey v. Drexel Furniture Co.]]'', {{ussc|259|20|1922}} (opinion for the Court)

*''[[Bailey v. Drexel Furniture Co.]]'', (opinion for the Court)

** Holding the 1919 Child Labor Tax Law unconstitutional.

** Holding the 1919 Child Labor Tax Law unconstitutional.

*''[[Balzac v. Porto Rico]]'', {{ussc|258|298|1922}} (opinion for the Court)

*''[[Balzac v. Porto Rico]]'', (opinion for the Court)

** Ruling that the [[Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution|Fourteenth Amendment]] did not apply the criminal provisions of the [[United States Bill of Rights|Bill of Rights]] to overseas territories. This was one of the more famous of the "[[Insular Cases]]."

** Ruling that the [[Fourteenth Amendment]] did not apply the criminal provisions of the [[Bill of Rights]] to overseas territories. This was one of the more famous of the "[[Insular Cases]]."

*''[[Adkins v. Children's Hospital]]'', {{ussc|261|525|1923}} (dissenting opinion)

*''[[Adkins v. Children's Hospital]]''  

** Disapproving of the Court upholding ''[[Lochner v. New York]]''.

** Disapproving of the Court upholding ''[[Lochner v. New York]]''.

*''[[Myers v. United States]]'', {{ussc|272|52|1926}} (opinion for the Court)

*''[[Myers v. United States]]'', (opinion for the Court)

** Ruling that the President of the United States had the power unilaterally to dismiss executive appointees who had been confirmed by the Senate.

** Ruling that the President of the United States had the power unilaterally to dismiss executive appointees who had been confirmed by the Senate.

*''[[Gong Lum v. Rice]]'', {{ussc|275|78|1927}} (opinion for the Court)

*''[[Gong Lum v. Rice]]'', (opinion for the Court)

** Reluctantly ruling that the [[Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution|Fourteenth Amendment]] did not prohibit [[Mississippi]]'s prevention of [[Asian]] children attending [[white (people)|white]] schools in the midst of [[racial segregation]].

** Reluctantly ruling that the Fourteenth Amendment did not prohibit Mississippi's prevention of Asian children attending white schools in state's [[Jim Crow]] system.  

*''[[Olmstead v. United States]]'', {{ussc|277|438|1928}} (opinion for the Court)

*''[[Olmstead v. United States]]'', (opinion for the Court)

** Ruling that the [[Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution|Fourth Amendment's]] proscription on unreasonable [[search and seizure]] did not apply to [[telephone tapping|wiretaps]].

** Ruling that the [[Fourth Amendment's]] proscription on unreasonable [[search and seizure]] did not apply to wiretaps.

*''[[Wisconsin v. Illinois]]'', {{ussc|278|367|1929}} (opinion for the Court)

*''[[Wisconsin v. Illinois]]'', (opinion for the Court)

** Holding that the equitable power of the United States can be used to impose positive action on the states in a situation in which nonaction would result in damage to the interests of other states.

** Holding that the equitable power of the United States can be used to impose positive action on the states in a situation in which nonaction would result in damage to the interests of other states.

*''[[Old Colony Trust Co. v. Commissioner]]'', {{ussc|279|716|1929}} (opinion for the Court)

*''[[Old Colony Trust Co. v. Commissioner]]'', (opinion for the Court)

** Holding that where a third party pays the [[Income tax in the United States|income tax]] due to an individual, the amount of tax paid constitutes additional income to the taxpayer.

** Holding that where a third party pays the income tax due to an individual, the amount of tax paid constitutes additional income to the taxpayer.

==Medical condition==

==Taft family==

Evidence from eyewitnesses and from Taft himself strongly suggests that he had severe [[sleep apnea|obstructive sleep apnea]] during his presidency, a consequence of his 300- to 340-pound (136- to 159-kg) weight. His legendary tendency to fall asleep in almost any circumstance, an open secret and source of embarrassment for his intimates, is now understood to have been the most obvious manifestation of the disease. Within a year of leaving the Presidency, Taft lost approximately 80 pounds (32 kg). His somnolence resolved and, less obviously, his systolic [[blood pressure]] dropped 40-50 mmHg (from 210 mmHg). Undoubtedly, this weight loss extended his life.<ref>http://www.apneos.com/taft_intro.html ''William Howard Taft and Sleep Apnea''</ref>

Taft retired as Chief Justice on [[February 3]], [[1930]], because of ill health. He was succeeded by [[Charles Evans Hughes]], whom he had appointed to the Court while President. Taft died of heart disease

==Death and legacy==

==Personality==

Taft was an avid golfer and also a baseball fan, but contrary to myth he did not create the seventh-inning stretch, which was custom decades earlier. He was, however, the first American president to throw the ceremonial first pitch at a baseball game, April 14, 1910.

* Taft was an avid golfer and also a baseball fan, but contrary to myth he did not create the seventh-inning stretch, which was custom decades earlier. He was, however, the first American president to throw the ceremonial first pitch at a baseball game, April 14, 1910.

==Bibliography==

==Bibliography==