The age-herald., 1902-01-23
TAFT SAYS 15,OOO
 MEN ARE ENOUGH Standing Army in Philippines Can Soon be Reduced C0NSTABULARY EFFECTIVE Says Reduction of Dingley Tariff Rates Will Mean the Opening Up
 of a Large Market for To-
 bacco and Sugar.

San Francisco, January 2.-Regarding a standing army in the Philippines Gov ernor Taft is reported by the Call to have said:
 Fifteen thousand men will be an ann pie force In the islands before the close of the year. I was told this only a few days before I came away. Officers thor oughiy versed in the situation gave me the figures.
 '.I will explain to you how peace can me maintained in the islands. We have organized a native constabulary which is working effectually. Congress allows us to maintain constabulary of 5000 men. They are under the command of Major Allen, who has already enlisted 2500 men in this branch of the service. When the force is fully organized the men will be distributed in the provinces, 15o men to each province.
 Commanded By Officers. The detachment of constables are com manded by four officers, three of whom are retired volunteer officers. and the other a native Filipino. When the con
  tailed in the field to clean out the La drones who are intimidating the natives. These Filipino constables can be main- tained by the government at a cost of $26O each year. while the soldiers in the islands cost Uncle Sam about 5000 head.
 q know that the Pacific coast people would like to see free trade instituted be- tween this country and the islands said the Governor, but I am sorry to say that l cannot see how it would work. The civil government adopted tariff schedule which is working well, but our internal revenue receipts are not large. When you tax country too heavily you spoil 1t, and that Is the situation in the Philip pines.
 We have asked that the Dingley tariff be reduced for the products of the island at least 50 per cent We hope that Con- gress will be as generous to the Philip pines as 1t was to Porto Rico.
 Will Open Up Large Market. mean the opening up of large market for the tobaccco and sugar of the islands. as we'll as for other products there. Hemp you need and are buying in larger quantities every day. By so reducing the Dingley tariff good market for the Pa cific coast will be opened up."
 Governor Taft said that there had been no serious clash between the civil and military authorities. and declared that the best of good feeling existed between him and General Chaffee.
 This evening Governor Taft will be the guest of honor at reception to be rendered him by the Union League Club. in which the Chamber of Commerce, board of trade and other. organizations will join.
 Taft Notifies Root.
 Washington. January 22.-Secretary Root received a personal telegram today from Judge Taft, civil governor of the Philippines announcing his safe arrival at San Francisco much improved in health" and saying that he will leave for Washington this afternoon. Secretary Root informed Governor Taft that as Philippine legislation Is being considered actively by congressional committees, it might be desirable for Governor Taft to arrange his plans so as to arrive in Washington from Cincinnati the latter part of next week. in order to give the committee the benefit of his knowledge of the situation.