The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-04-15

pine islands which contributes to the
moral force of this governments con-
tcntion that the Spanish flag must dis
appear from American territory.
These islands, 600 i'm number are in
habited by 100000 to 1O.0O0.0OO people,
largely natives of Malay extraction.
Says Mr.. Worcester: Extreme pow
erty is the rule among the civilized
natives, and it's cause is found in the
heavy burden of taxation imposed upon
them by their Spanish masters. Ev-
cry person over is years Of age is re-
quired to procure annually a credula
personal. or document of Identification,
the charge for which varies from $l50
to $25, according to the means of the
applicant. Should these sums seem in
significant it must be remembered that
the average native has little or no
opportunity to work for hire; that if
he does succeed in securing employ
ment his wages are often not more
than cents per day, and that he is
usually unable To dispose Of his farm
products for cash, being compelled to
exchange them for other commodities.
In addition to this personal tax there
is tax on coCoanut trees, a tax on
beasts Of burden, a tax on killing ami
mails for food, q tax for keeping a shop,
tax on mills or oil presses, tax on
weights and measures, a tax on cock
fighting and so on to the end of the
chapter. At every turn the poor native
finds himself face to face with the dire
necessity OF paying tribute; and he
frequently spends his life in an inef-
fectual effort to meet the obligations
thus imposed. Delinquent taxpayers
are treated with the utmost severity.
The first step is usually to strip them
to the waist, tie them to a bench or
post, and heat them numerically. |
have seen women subjected TO this
treatment. If this does not suffice i'm
prisonment follows, while pressure is
brought 10 bear on relatives and friends.
Should none of these methods prove ef-
fective deportation follows, with con-
fiscation of property and the leaving Of
women and children TO shift for them
selves. ] once saw forty-four men de-
ported from Siquijor because they
owed taxes varying in amount from
two to forty dollars. / was Informed
that they would be allowed to return to
their families, if they could find them,
after working out the amount of their
several debts. The wages allowed them
were to be six cents Per day. Board
WAS TO he furnished then, at n cost M
five cents per day, and they were to
clothe and shelter themselves! In 9TH
er words, their sentence amounted to
deportation for life"
In the Philippines, as in Cuba. official
position means simply license 10
| steal. It is said that Weyler in three
years accumulated $4,000, O0O while gov
ernor general of these islands on a sal
ary Of 100000 a year. The natives, as
| in Cuba, have been stripped OF the
| chance To make effective resistance
| They are not permitted to carry fire.
arms. The discovery by Spanish OFF,
| cial that a native has secTeted a gur
| means the natives deportation if not
| his summary execution. This is not
| government but slavery. and il is 10 be
| hoped that ere the United States fin
| ishes with Spain in Cuba circumstances
may make possible the liberation Of the
Philippines also. The Philippines are in,
| capable of self government, but they
ought TO be put under the protection OF
| some power which is fitted TO govern
| -