New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-12-25


way whatever. He had called on Senator Da-
Wis, ard inquired the best way TO communicate
with the Commission. and told to address
Judge Day the chairman in writing But this
he never did
EVERY POINT FOUGHT FOR.
The Senator said that the work OF the Com
mission had been arduous. for the reason that
every point gained had 10 be fought for from
start to finish. The Spanish Commissioners OBJ
jected on principle to every proposition ad-
vanced, and the formation Of each article Of the
treaty as it appeared when signed was secured
only by d!nt OF determined effort
Senator George Gray Of Delaware. did not
wish to answer any direct inquiries about the
work OF the Commissioners. Despite the inm-
ical utteTances Of the French press he said the
Commission had been well received and courte-
ously treated by the people Senator Gray was
asked, in view OF Bryans declaration against
expansion. what his personal views on the Ques-
tion were. - have decided views on the ques-
ton" he replied. but l shall not express them
until I get to the Senate Answering further
inquiries. he said that the treaty does not bind
this country 70 a policy Of Imperialism 1t
leaves simply the arbiter of the destiny Of
the Philippines
Senator Davis presided al n concert on board
the ST. Louis on Thursday evening and made
n short speech in the course of which he said
more for the benefit Of his fellow voyagers than
he was willing to say 10 reporters yesterday.
In somewhat guarded address he said the
Commission had gone over with well-dehned in
structions and had succeeded in obtaining not
only all they had sought to get, but a little
more He explained that on more than one oc-
casion during the conference there seemed a
probability Of negotiations being broken OF. be-
cause Of the refusal Of the Spanish Commits
sion TO accede 10 the demands Of the repre-
sentatves Of the United states. This was true
particularly. Senator Davis said. with regard
to the occupation Of the Philippines and the as
sumption of the Cuban debt
Another passenger on the 81. Louis was Brig.
adier-Ceneral c. 4. Whittier. who went to
Manila as Assistant InspectOr-General on Cen
eral Mcrritts staff bat who was later put
IN charge OF the customs at the port NJ
Manila. From August 20 TO October 81
when he ordered TO report TO the
Peace Commission at Paris. General Whittier
SAID that the revenue from the port duties at
Manila reached S1OOOpDO but he explained
this does not indicate the revenues which might
be expected from Manila under ordinary con-
ditlons. When he took charge Of the customs
everything was in a state Of chaos and lie was
Of the opinion that the yield in duties Of 81 900
600 during the period stated was not a fair
innate Of the revenue that would be derived
PHILIPPINES COMMERCIAL ADVANTAGES.
Speaking Of the commercial advantages Of the
Philippines. General Whittier said that the
islands. properly administered. would prove ex-
tremely valuable TO their possessors. The Islands
were extremely fertile and any product grown
In tropical climates could be grown there The
quality Of the tobacco was excellent and under
improved agricultural methods could be made
to rival even the Havana leaf. The sugar was
good and coffee. while not grown in large guam
titles could he made 10 yield a larger harvest
under improved conditions. General Whittier
declared that tue natives were. as a rule, peace
loving and thrifty. What they want most Of
ALL. he said lis either no government at all or
government that Will allow them a certain de-
gree Of Independence. All they 10 wish '-r
is opportunity TO grow their crops in quiet
ness and without interference, and my observa-
ton teaches that they will welcome any
government which will insure them these
things"
General Whittier said he had met Aguinaldo
and thought the insurgent leader came nearer
70 being a great man than any man of twenty
nine years OF ge he mad ever known
a large crowd was waiting at the American
Line pier for the arrival Of the ST. Louis. Most
OF the Commissioners We're deck the ship
was warped into her pier. and they We're
recognized cheers were raised in turn for each.
AS the Commissioners came up The gangplanli
a busler played My Country. 'Tis Of Thee. 4"
and followed 1t with the strains Of Home. Sweet
Home The courteses OF the port had been eX-
tended to the Commissioners. and in conse-
quence their baggage was passed by the Custom
House officers without examination. John
Rdgely Carter welcomed the Commissioners a
the pier on behalf OF President Mckinley ana
the State Department Accompanying Mr.,
Carter was Adelbert s. Hay son OF the Secre-
tary Of State, both Of wnom came direct from
Washin gton TO convey the Presidents personal
congrat llatiOns and to superintend the arrange
for the journey Of the Commission to the
capital The Commissioners travelled 10 Wash
ineton on a special train, which left the Jersey
City terminus of the Pennsylvania Railroad at
10 o'clock.
THE PARIS EXPOSITION
b p. Woodward, the United States Assistant
Commissioner General to the Paris Exposition
Of 1900 was also aboard the ct. Louis He has
been aiding Commissioner-Genera Peck in pro-
curing concessions Of space and other accom-
moeations for American exhibitors at the Ex-
position.
There is" he said. practically nothing new
to say at this time. | left Paris on the 10th,
and have been called over 10 participate in
the permanent organization Of the personnel
Of Commissioner General Peclls working staff
and to familiarize myself with the general plan
and scope Of procedure in the future IN order
that upon my return the Paris end Will be
able to cooperate intelligently with the New
York and Chicago Offices.
"COmmissiOnor-Gene Peck and every mem
Der Of his staff have been at all times most
cordially received by the Paris Exposition Of
fcials and l may say were generously
treated so far acceding TO our requests for
additional exhibit space, for il should be
known. the limits OF the Paris Exposition
grounds are fixed by infcxible boundaries The
work Of constructing the different exhibition
palaces. the great Alexander Bridge and the
quay, that TO linc the banks Of the River
Seine is being vigorously prosecuted, while all
other indications point to that success which
fia ~ Y