The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-02-08
JUDGE TAFT-s STATEMENT.
of His Testimony as to
Conditions in the Philippines.

WASHINGTON, Feb. THE Senate
committee on Philippines to-day continued
it's consideration of the question of the
revenue of the Philippine islands, Governor
Taft still being on the stand. He began his
statement with an explanation of that
portion of his testimony yesterday TO the
effect that sentiment was the main reason
for asking a substantial reduction of the
rates of the Dingley law so far as they ap-
ply to the Philippines, saying he feared the
statement might be misunderstood. The
idea he had meant to convey by that state
ment was that the Philippine commission
welcomes every evidence Of a desire on the
part of the American people to aid the
Philippine people, and he believed that any
such EVIDENCE of discrimination would aid
the Philippine administration and it's work.
That in time such a concession as proposed
would be of vast benefit to the farmers of
the Philippines and practically all the in
habitants were farmers, he did not doubt.
He was sure the political effect would be
good, but that there would be any immedi-
ate substantial effect he did not think was
true, regardless of the statement made in
his official report that such a reduction
would cause an advance in trade by leaps
and bounds He did not mean to with
draw the recommendation: on the con-
trary, he would be glad to have a reduc-
ton Of 80 per cent.
Governor Taft also explained that he had
not intended to convey the idea that the
5000 600 acres of land In the Philippines,
controlled by private ownership, is arabic.
Much Of the area, he said, is covered by
mountain ranges and is not, therefore,
capable of cultivation.
In response to a question from Senator
Culberson Governor Taft said that he did
not think a bill providing a tariff between
the United States and the Philippines
should be temporary, as is the case with
reference to the Porto Rican bill.
Speaking of the new revenue bill, passed
by the Philippine commission, he said that,
so far, the effect is conjectural, but 1t was
hoped that the amount, under the impetus
II would give to the trade. would soon
equal the returns secured under the old
laws. which was 100000 or $4,000, 900.
There had so far been a great increase in
the importation of food products. especial
ly canned goods, which come principally
from the United States and Spain.
Governor Taft explained the contracts
which have been let for harbor improve
ments, involving an expenditure of $3,OO,-
ca, and in response TO questioning by Mr..
Hale, said that contracts also had been
let for construction OF twenty launches or
small sea-going vessels for the transporta-
ton of mail of provincial officers. The cost
for these boats will be $1,000, 600. He had
asked for bids from San Francisco, he
said, but they were so high the commits
sion was obliged to contract for them with
Shanghai and japanese firms.
Governor Taft asked for power to pass
general corporation laws. Most of the en-
terprises there now, he explained, are con-
trolled by English capital.
Mr.. Dubois wanted to know If it would
not be advantageous for the government TO
build and construct railroads, telephones,
etc.
THAT is a question of general economic
consideration answered Governor Taft,
which the commission wishes TO avoid
Reverting to the subject of corporations
Corarpor To ~ Thought In would he wise
for Congress to give 10 the commission
some discretionary power in the matter OF
building of railroads.
Governor Taft said there was nothing
more important for Congress to do than
to authorize the purchase Of the LANDS
held by the friars. Nothing gave the Fill
was hoped the friars would go to other
countries if their lands were purchased,
but there was no power to evict them.
Governor Taft brought up the matter
later referred to and explained by Senator
Patterson on the floor of the Senate rela-
tive TO the treason statute of the Philip
pine commission. In the course of his re
marks Governor Taft said: 'Whil | should
like very much TO earn the approba ton
Of Senator Hoar for humanity l must de-
cline to do so at the expense of the fact
or at the expense of seeming TO avoid the
responsibility, which is mine as much as
any of my colleagues
In his explanation in the Senate Mr.. Pat
terson asserted that Governor Taft had
made a statement before the Philippine
committee in which he said that Mr.. Pat
terson inadvertently no doubt had con-
veyad a wrong impression TO the Senate
and 70 the country as to his attitude toward
those laws. Mr.. Patterson's statement,
Governor Taft said, had put him in the atti-
tude of criticising his colleagues on the
committee. The particular statute was
enacted while he was i'll. but by anything
he may have said he did not intend to con-
vey the impression that he was opposed 70
the laws enacted. The responsibility for
their enactment was az much his as Of his
colleagues.
Mr.. Patterson said he had stated in his
own way the impression Governor Taft
original statement had made on him. That
impression, he said. was wrong. Governor
Taft not only docs not disagree with the
law. he added, but approves OF IL as De
culiarly necessary. Mr.. Patterson dis
claimed any intention or desire TO misrep-
resent Governor Taft.