The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-05-05
PHILIPPINES A RICH PRIZE
REPORT FROM THE AMERICAN
CONSUL AT MANILA


Other Countries Combined -
Area and Population Greater
Than That of New England, New
York, New Jersey and Delaware.
WASHINGTON, May 4-The under
standing at the state department is
that Consul Oscar +. Williams, the
American representative at Manila uf-
til the recent war began, is now aboard
the flagship Olympia in Manila harbor,
having accompanied Admiral Dewey
from Hong Kong, so that advices may
come from him to the state department,
as we'll as from Dewey to the navy de-
partment
A report from Consul Williams reach
ed the state department recently, under
date of Manila, Feb. rs last. 1t gives
full description of the Philippine ISL
ands, their resources, growth Of Amer
lean trade, ETC., and will be incorporat-
ed in the next volume issued by the
bureau of statistics Of the state de-
partment Mr. Williams report says:
Local and European authorities esti-
mate the area of the Philippine Islands
at 100000 square miles, and their pop
ulation of 100000. The island of Luz
zon. on which the city Of Manila is
situated, Is larger than New York and
massachusetts, and has a population of
100000, and the island of Mindanae
IS nearly, If not quite as large. There
are scores Of other islands. An idea
of the extent of the population Of the
philippines may be formed when it is
stated that the six New England states
and New York, New Jersey, Maryland
and Delaware have 10 per cent less area
and population"
Mr.. Williams states that twenty-five
consulates, representing the leading
fr~fa 49,
established at Manila
He adds the surprising statement:
The volume of the export trade COM
ing under my official supervision equals
that of my twenty one consular col
leagues combined"
He then shows in detail how the
trade of the Philippines with the Unit
ed States exceeds that Of all other coun-
tries combined and Is growing at a re-
markable rate. AS indicating the ex-
tent Of this trade, he says: To-day I
nave authenticated invoices for export
TO the United States amounting to $685.
066"
Export Trade.
lie says the exports to this country
average $1,000,000 MONTH The report
states that $4,000 bales Of hemp were
exported during the last three months.
Or these 1892 went to the United
States and $4,000 to Great Britain and
other countries. Mr.. Williams Shows
from this that the United States has
"a per cent Of the export trade from the
philippines as against SO per cent for
Great Britain and other countries He
says that last year the increase of ship
ments to the United States was 49,. 900
bales, and the decrease of Great Britain
22,000 bales. He adds:
or increased shipments from the
fnlllppines, those to the United States
were 81 per cent greater than to all
other countries combined"
He also gives details of the large
shipments Of sugar, cigars, tobacco.
woods, hides, shells, indigo and coffee
IN the item of sugar, which is second
IN Importance, the shipments to the
United states were '55 per cent Of the
total to all points.
In previous report Mr.. Willia ms
gives the railroad and ocean Steamship
facfIities Of the islands. The main rail-
road from Manila is first class. having
steel rails, stone culverts and English
engines which make forty-fiVe miles an
nour. There are four steamship lines
to Hong Kong and monthly line from
Manila to Liverpool
Besides these direct reports from Tho
United States consul, the state depart
/ nlent mas also a gazetteer published at
Hong Kong which gives a full account
OF conditions in the Philippines. 1t
shows that by the last census the non
ulatton Of Manila was 100000 natives
$1,000 Chinese, 400 Spanfards and $50
europeans other than Spaniards.
Inc town is made up of low build
mgs, as the people are in constant
dread of earthquakes. One of these
commissions killed 300 people. and the
last one, In 1880, wrecked most of the
town.
The city proper is within walls, where
the government buildings are located
The residence and business portions are
In the suburbs The Escotta is the
main business street and Is lined with
european stores and bazaars. The
rosario is lined with Chinese shops.
There are six daily papers, three
and complete electric light and tele-
phone plants. The Mexican dollar is
In general use.