The Washington times., 1906-01-22

Formal and official denial that the
members of the Philippine Commission
have been investing in real estate that
might be benefited by the construction
Of the proposed railway system in the
Philippines was made today by Secre-
tarv of War Taft. IN a letter to the
Senate, in response TO Senator CulDeT-
sons resolution OF inquiry adopted or
the 18th instant
The letter is accompanied by copies
Of cablegrams from the members OF the
commission who are now in the Philip
pines and by statements prepared By
Governor Wright and Cameron Forbes,
the two members who are now in Wash
iEgton.
The American commissioners all deny
ownership of any real estate in the
Philippines and the native commission
ers. all of whom were landed proprie-
tors before their appointment. deny
making any real estate investments
since their appointment that might be
directly benefited by the construction
of the railways,
Challenged by Taft.
Secretary Taft SAYS in his letter that
when he was governor of the Phillp-
mines. an article was published IN
Manila newspaper containing an insin-
nation that some member of the COM
mission was interested in investments
IN the Philippine Islands which would
ba affected by legislation of the COM
mission.
ION the publication of this article
he declares Il challenged the truth Of
IT'S statements by lette". and asked for
specifcatioys. The insinuation was
S-itbdrawa by formal retractiOn in the
newspaper. This was the occasion OF
an investigation which ! Instituted 10
ascertain whether any member or the
then commission. which was consti-
tuted at that time Of Luke +. Wright,
Henry {. Ide. Dean &. Worcester. bsr-
nard Moses. and myself, had made anY
investment in land or otherwise in the
Philippine Islands at that time, and
learned by personal inquiry and investi-
CATION that no American member of the
commission had made any such invest
ment in the Philippine Islands. OF
course, The Filipino members Of he
commission were known when appoint
ed to be the owners Of landed estates.
Army Officers Prohibited.
With reference to the question wheth-
er any officers of the army hold land
in the Philippines. Secretary Taft says
that owing 10 the fact that some 500
officers have served in the Islands since
American occupation. and that the land
records are distributed among thirty
six provinces. several months would be
required 10 make a thorough inyestiga-
ton. He adds. however. that when Gem
eral Macarthur was commander of the
Division OF the Philippines. an official
my officers from utilizing their positions
TO further private commercial interests.
Governor WTight's Statement.
washington, ID. G.. Jan IS. 1906.
My Dear Air. Secretary;
Il have the honor to acknowledge the
re celpt OF your note OF even date. in
closing a coupy OF Senate resolution.
dated January j.. 1906, and asking me 20
state whether ] have had or now have
any interest. direct or indirect. or any
option iu lands in the Philippines. or
whether 10 mmy knowledge any other
member OF the commission has such in
teTest.
now ard never have had. at any time,
any interest. direct or indirect, in lands
or any other property in the Philippine
Islands, or any option Tor the purchase
thereof except household personalities
necessary TO the comfort OF myself and
family / feel morally certain that no
other American member OF the commits
sion has any interest of any character
ia lands in the Philippine Islands. or
any option 10 purchase the same
''The propriety Of any member Of ths
Philippine Commission owning DroDrFty
in the Philippine Islands in lands or
other than mere household effects. in
Guiding horses and carriages, was a [ an
early date discussed by the members Of
the commission and IL was unanimously
npH q "a cir
IL was a manifest impropriety for any
Of US 70 have any such interest. and so
faF as l know and believe. that coueln-