Summary

With major questions regarding limits to corporate power arising in the courts, Roosevelt foresaw the need for a progressive justice on the Supreme Court. Roosevelt notified Taft in the Philippines of his intention to nominate him to the court. A second retirement, in fact, would leave the court with two vacancies. Taft wired the president that he was delighted and flattered with his wish to put him on the Supreme Court, but that his loyalties were now with the people of the Philippine Islands and he must decline. Roosevelt fired off a stern letter to Taft telling him that he expected him to matriculate at the court as soon as possible. Grudgingly, Taft agreed and prepared to move back to Washington. An outcry of support for Taft as governor of the islands arose there, as well...