Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-05-02
NOW IN NEED OF MONEY
ENOUGH SUPPLIES HAVE REACH
ED SAN FRANCISCO.
Secretary Taft Explains to Chairman
Phelan the Facts Connected With
Congressional Appropriations.

Secretary Taft has received the following
telegram from Mr.. James d. Phelan, chair
man Of the finance committee OF the relief
and Red Cross funds. dated San Francisco,
April %:
AS the funds appropriated by the govern
ment are to be discussed under your direc-
ton. the information having come to US
directly from the President, we would re-
spectfualy request that you inform us to
what extent. II any. the finance committee
OF the relief and Red Cross funds which
| now has consolidated all funds. may ex-
pect to handle the government appropria-
ton. We seek y concentration of funds and
work for obvious reasons and would be
giad to serve you in this or any other ca
pacify. Dr.. Devine will keep you advised
OF our work. We now need money and not
supplies"
Secretary Taft's Reply.
Secretary Taft, as head of the War De-
partment and president of the Ameri-
can Red Cross. replied to Mr. Phelan by
telegraph as follows:
you and your committee evidently mis-
conceive the nature and legal limitations of
tho congressional aid and do not under
STAND the facts. Instantly on receipt of Gen
tunston's telegram of the extent Of the dis
aster ana the pressing need of food and
shelter for more than 100000 people, al
though was without lawful authority to
do So ordered sent to San Francisco ra-
lions costing 100000, tentage, blankets,
cots and bedding costing more than 81 coo. :
900. and medical stores costing $50 600. to
be used and distributed for the relief Of the
sufferers. The transportation Of these sup
plies cost more than $4,000.
Action Of Congress.
II made this order anticipating that Con-
ress would ratify my action. Congress did
SO by joint resolution and authorizing me to
furnish for relief Of the sufferers subsis-
tence. quartermaster's and medical stores
Tor RELIEF OF the sufferers and appropriated
si,NoOoO Tor these purposes to be used In
my discretion. The President then advised
congress that expenses had already been
incurred for these purposes aggregating 81
100000 and recommended the aporopriatfon
OF $l,JooOOO more, $25OOO 600 In all
congress thereupon increased the appropri-
ation 10 S2,oooOOO in ALL and authorized me
TO use this amount not only for subsistence
quartermaster's and medical stores but also
the transportation of troops. On the recon-
mendation Of Gen. Greedy and Mayor
Schritz. ordered $500 more troops to
SRan Francisco which. with previous trans
pcrtation for same purpose. involves an ex-
pense of $250,OOO
There is left available of the appropria-
ton, therefore, not to exceed SEQ OOO
which, under the law can only be expended
| for rations, quartermaster's and medical
supplies and transportation of troops which
can only be expended through the lawful
| agents of the War Department to wit:
The bonded officers Of the subsistence, quar-
term aster's and medical bureaus, under my
| direction.
Cannot Transfer the Funds.
II have no power or legal authority to
| turn over the money appropriated by Con-
| gress to your committee to be expended by
| you or to expend it for any but the specific
| purposes stated in the congressional resolu-
| lions. Should you think that the supply of
| rations or quartermaster's stores or medical
supplies ought to be increased, I shall be
| glad to direct the purchase and forwarding
OF them to the proper army officers in San
Francisco for distribution, but cannot or
| der the payment of money out Of the treas
ury OF the United States to your committee
| for any purpose. My discretion Is to be ex-
ercised only as to the amounts to be ex-
pended for the specific purposes mentioned
| In the congressional resolutions and is thus
| limited by law. As president of the Red
Cross Society, I have already directed the
remittance to you by telegram of $500 600
out Of the funds of that society and am
prepared to order the remittance of more
as you shall need It,
1T VIII aid us In taking proper action If
you will advise me of the amount Of money
you have on hand and in general the Eur
poses for which you need more. ] infer
from your kilograms that you now have on
hand food supplies, tentage, blankets and
clothing enough for present needs
WILLIAM H. TAFT,
Secretary of War and President Of Red
Cross"