New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-10-03
SECRETARY TAFT BACK.
Pleased 5oith Philippine Trip
Praises ComsuIs IN China.

Washington Oct. 2-After an absence of more
than three months, Secretary Taft returned to
Washington at 1927 o'clock this afternoon. es-
tabIishing g record from Yokohama to Wash
ington by making the trip in fourteen days and
arriving two days ahead OF schedule time.
The trip from San Francisco was made over
the Southern Pacific. the Union Pacific. the Chi
cago and Northwestern and the Baltimore and
Ohio railroads. OF the original members of the
Congressional party only one. Senator Foster.
OF Louisiana, returned to Washington with the
Secretary. The Other members went home by
different routes or stopped on The way across
the continent and only Colonel Clarence Ed
wards and several members Of his Immediate
party arrived with him. At the station to meet
Secretary Taft were General Bates. the acting
chief of staff: General Oliver, acting Secretary
Of War; Chief Clerk scofeld, Of the War De-
partment; ". Leon Pepperman assistant chief
Of the Isthmian Canal Commission; Mr.. Crom-
well, of New-York, the chief fiscal agent Of the
commission and other officials. Secretary Taft
appeared TO be hearty and vigorous. and cor
daily greeted those who met him. He made
quick trip TO his me. and then proceeded to
the War Department. There he expressed graft
6cation that the long journey was over and that
It had been accomplished without uishap to any
of the party
In briefly discussing his trip the Secretary
said that the natives of the Philippines have
reached the point where they can take part in
legislation with profit 70 themselves. and thai it
viii be Z good education for them There are
he added, sufficient number well qualified 20
compose one branch OF the legislative body
Speaking Of the consular service in China he
said he had made no statement since reaching
tnls country which he meant to be construed as
a reflection the personnel Of the service and
declared that If any such impression had been
created he desired II corrected. The American
consuls. he explained, are poorly paid made
quateIy equipped with clerical help and occupy
buildings Tot in keeping with the dignity Of the
country they represent One European country
he said. had ten times many men in its con-
sular service in Shanghai as the Americans It
Is wonder, he added, that this country is able
20 secure such capable men as it has in
the consular service in the Orient men who are
working hard and conscientioUsly, when they re-
celVe such low salaries He also pointed out
that an Ambassador received only 81 500 where
II costs him $4,000 to live. Mr.. Taft said pro-
vision should be made for better paw of officers
in the consular service.
The Secretary will treat of his trip to the
Philippines in his annual report.
When Secretary Taft reached San Francisco
II was his desire to be here in time to attend
the Cabinet meeting, which will be held at the
White House tomorrow morning Under ordi-
nary circumstances, he could not have been in
Washington for that meeting and speciaI ar
engagements were made by the railroad passen-
ger services TO land the party in washington
to-day. From Chicago to Washington over
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad the score
tary's special train consisted OF the rrfvate
car Colonial and three other cars and broke
all records in running TO Washington The
fastest average schedule run from Chicago to
Washington is twenty-three hours The dis
lance is 788 miles. The actual running time Of
Secretary Tafts train was eighteen hours and
eighteen minutes. little less than minute
and half mile for every mile of the journey.
Secretay Taft expressed himself as highly
pleased with the record run. He left San Fran
cisco at p. m, Pacific time, on September %.
and arrived in Washington at 1927 o'clock this
afternoon, making the entire distance from San
Francisco TO Washington in ninety hours and
twenty-seven minutes.
The home run over the Baltimore and Ohio
from Brunswick TO Washington, ffty-one miles
was made in fifty-nine minutes the entire trip
from Chicago to Washington being made with
relays Of four Of the latest type Of passenger
engines in use the road.
Secretary Taft dined with President and Mrs
Roosevelt at the White House tonight. The
Secretary spent the evening there, and told the
President Of the results of his trip to the Phil
ippines
Secretary Root also d1ned at the White House
tonight, as did also several Of the Presidents
friends including Commissioner Garfield