New-York tribune., 1902-02-11
AN AID TO INSURGENTS.
Gov TAFT ON EFFECTS OF
TTTERANCES HERE.
PHILIPPINE COMMISSIONERS BARELY
ABLE TO LIVE ON THE SALA-
RTES THEY RECEIVE.
by TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE ]

lBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE
Washington, Feb. 1O.-Governor Taft resumed
his testimony to-day before the Philippine Com
rnttee Of the Senate, discussing in a candid
and convincing way the exaggerated impress
gions spread abroad in this country of the
princeliness OF the salaries paid to the higher
officials Of the insular government AS he
showed, the salaries fixed by the War Depart
rnent for the Governor and the commissioners
were exhausted by the excessive cost of living
IN the Philippines. The Governor was urged by
Mr. Patterson, of Colorado to tell the commit
Tee whether such a speech as that recently
made by Mr.. Hoar in the Senate would subject
the speaker TO trial for treason If made in the
Philippines. Governor Taft asked to be excused
from answering the question to-day, and went
on to other topics. He will not go on the stand
again until next Friday.
Senator Lodge asked to the effect Of utter
Rnoes calculated to encourage the Filipinos 10
resist the authority OF the United States, to
which the Governor replied: Such utterances
are great obstacle to the success of our ef-
forts"
THE COMMISSIONERS SALARIES
In beginning his statement to-day Governor
Taft said that the estimate for preliminary ex-
renses in the Philippines must include a con-
fderable outlay for school buildings. It was
nacessary. he said, to make salaries from 20 to
q per cent higher than in the United States.
Senator CuIberson inquired concerning the
salaries and allowances Of the commissioners.
as each of the commissioners paid $50, ,OO0?'
he asked
No" was the reply. When we first went
out the commissioners were each paid $4,000
and the chairman $4,000 and in addition there
was an allowance of So, 800 TO each for expenses.
making 2 total of S15.500 and S17.JOO, re-
spectively. When I was appointed Civil Gov
ernor I was allowed 5000 for my legislative
outies and $4,000 for my duties as an execu-
tive. making $4,000. The other commissioners
were allowed 5000 for their legislative ser
vices and $4,000 for their executive duties
making $4,000, all in gold"
rs each allowed a private secretary?"
''Yes"
And you also have a large clerical force?"
You would think so if you should step into
our Offices You also would get an idea of
the necessity for such a force"
What other allowances are made?"
None, except that am allowed as Governor
10 live in the Malacanan. the old Governor Cen
erals palace"
rs il an extensive place?"
Rather. II costs me S125 in gold a month
to light, and pay $1,000 a year out of my own
AOOheL IOr servant hire There are fourteen
ponies in the stable. eight of which I own. and
also keep three carriages. The grounds are
extensive, but they lighted by the city of
manila as any other park would be-"
Are the other members Of the commission
provided with residences
they are not. All Of them pay rent, and
can assure you that I would much prefer to pay
mine TO being required TO live in the MaIacanan
and keep up that establishment. If I may be
allowed a word personal, would say that OF
my Sl1,J00 salary last year had My 81. 500
Ieit at the end OF the year. and I sure that
Il my Illness had not prevented my entertain
-Dg TO q desirable extent there would have been
nothing left Of the $4,000 now paid, and Gen
eral Wright and Judge Ide have assured me
'hey could save nothing. There is much enter
talnlng necessary and the cost Of everything
ii greater than in Washington. Indeed. money
goes Sc fast that il seems to melt. There are
10 perquisites or allowances other than those
nave mentioned
The Governor added that the commission had
nOthing TO do with fixing the salaries of its own
members, that having been done in Washing
uon bat he said IL was impossible to secure