Thanks for passing on that bit of history! I only posted that picture because it was the only illustration I could find of the "telltails" (or "telltales") warning which kept the brakemen from smacking into a tunnel or bridge. The poor kid dancing on top of the truck didn't have that to protect him.
You inspired me to brush up on my Taft history! Thanks.
I was wondering how you knew of that image! The average reader of 1909 would be most familiar with “telltails” — not so many today. It’s a rather clever cartoon.
I might suggest this book, meanwhile :)
https://www.amazon.com/William-Howard-Motoring-Presidency-1909-1913/dp/0786429526/