The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1896-05-01

When the control of the military
forces of the Republic was placed in the
hands of the Minister of Foreign At
fairs it was expected that the expenses
in that department of the Government
would be materially cut.
There was a rumor on Wednesday
that a reduction had been made, and
against which the private soldiers had
made a protest. Inquiry was made at
the Foreign Office regarding it, but no
information was ELECTED. No informa-
ton for the press on any subject was
obtainable. 1t was evident that what
ever may have been in the mind of Min
lister Cooper or his clerks, regarding re-
auctions in the expense of support of
the military was there to stay, like
thumb mark on a registration certifi-
cate
Among the officers and men con-
ditions were different, and some were
free to tell their tales of woe to either
a policeman or a reporter. One high
private had it that their clothing al
lowance, amounting to $3.50 per month,
was to 0e suspended, and in the event
of such action being taken they pro-
posed to form union and kick; if the
kick was not effectual, then they would
go on strike and march to the Execu-
tive building in body and present
memorial asking for the exclusion of all
laws relating to the military.
Among the officers, according, to a
non-com, the feeling was one of disgust
combined with a forced desire to grin
and bear it. He understood that the pay
of Colonel Mclean would be reduced
$50 per month, that Captains Good and
Zeigler would try and get along on $15
per month less than they have been get
ting, and that first lieutenants would
cut down their expenses $12 per month
in order to meet a corresponding re-
duction in their salaries.
AS to second lieutenants, they were
not in it; that is, their positions were
10 be wiped out all together, and that
one of them, possibly Schaefer, would
be appointed adjutant in place of AdJu-
tant Broome, absent on leave, and Ev-
anSton would once more become SER
geant.
The consensus of opinion of the men
between decks seemed to be that the
cut was a sure thing.
Yesterday the feeling had changed and
whatever dissatisfaction had been felt
on Wednesday disappeared, the men
realizing that their position, even with
the reduction of the clothing allow
ance, was better than that of soldiers in
the United States.
Colonel Mclean was seen at the Pa
cific Club last night, and when asked
regarding the rumOr, said it would have
to continue a rumOr so far as he was
concerned. He had nothing for the
press, and would not have until the
matter was made official at 9 o'clock
this morning. The Colonel felt that if
he said anything, about the proposed re-
duction the Cabinet might consider him
out of order. and the first thing he knew
he would be called up-Or down.
From another individual it was learn
ed that the expenses at military head
quarters, including salary of 1925 to
Colonel Mclean. had been reduced to
S742 per month, and the salary of Of
ficers and privates of Companies E and
4
month. making total expense OF 81
ass per month The total appropriation
for the military is S133 900 for the pc
riod. At the present rate of expense
the amount expended during two years
would be $107,712, leaving a surplus in
this one fund of $25.2SS.
But before the end of the period still
further reductions may be made, and
if money should be required to push
work for which there are no available |
funds, whatever is left uneXpended in |
the military department may be used, |
borrowed, as it were. Who knows but
that portion of the money set apart for |
maintaining the dignity of the Republic |
from a military point may be used for
the construction of school houses where |
in young ideas may be taught how to
shoot.