Evening star., 1898-05-23
TOCOLLECT REVENUE
The Governments Intentions as to
the Philippines.
REGULATIONS NOW BEING MADE
VIII Follow Spanish Customs Laws
Formerly in Force.
GENERAL MERRITT'S DUTY

That the United States government
means to take possession OF the Philippine
Islands. for some time at least. is shown
in the fact discovered today that the tariff
experts in the treasury. under the direc-
tion of Assistant Secretary Howell. are
busy making up a schedule of the tariff
duties TO be levied at Manila and other
ports in the Philippines.
In anticipation of the early occupation of
the islands by the military and naval
forces Of the United States the Treasury
Department recently began the formula
t;,n OF regulations and a scheme of Gus
toms tariffs. which will be collected by
the military authorities and turned into
the treasury of the United States a
military contribution" That the Presi
dent has authority to collect the Philip
pine revenues under existing conditions is
not a matter of doubt. 1t was several
tunes done during the last war with Mex
leo. and the authority Of the government
in the premises was sustained by decisions
OF the United States Supreme Court. The
court in case which grew out of the cap
tire and occupation of San Francisco and
all of the upper part of the state of CaEfor-
mia by the United States troops held that
the President, under the Constitution. the
ccinNltEutr-lfl-cAle1 OF Jnt army anu navy,
had a righ: to exercise the belligerent right
OF a conqueror and to impose duties on inn
pIrts as military contribution for the sup
port of the army. This was the view held
by tine court III another case, where it was
also decided that the capture of Tampico.
Mexico. ny the United States forces. though
sufficient to cause it to be regarded b.
other rations as part of our territory. did
L in, "a rlc # the. United
States under our Constitution and laws. 1T
remained - said the court, "a foreign coun-
try within the revenue laws of the United
States
VIII Follow Spanish Customs Laws.
The tariff rates now being prepared by
the Treasury Department will closely fol-
lew the Spanish customs laws until recent
ly ill force IN the Philippines. Just what
these customs laws produced is not known.
but the assumption Is that inasmuch as
the rome government realized last year
approximately 100000. the actual amount
collected was double that amount. The
government will assume control of the rev.
tnues the principal seaports are
In our possession. and will continue to con-
troll them at least until Congress takes
specific action in the case or until peace
has been declared between the two coun-
Dies.
The customs regulations now being pre-
pared will be enforced by General Merritt.
and it is thought the collections will be ex-
tensive when it is once known that this
country is in full possession.
Should the Philippines become the perEla-
nent property of the United States Con-
gress will have to make permanent tariff
laws for the islands. These laws will be
such to develop the industries of the
Islands and to make contentment and hap
HineSs for the people. At the present time
10 such laws be made, as the admin
istration has outlined policy for per-
manent possession. The President has full
power To levy tariff contribution. Presl-
Eent Polk set the first example of this
kind and maintained his position in a dis
pute with Congress as TO his right to do
30 \ precedent was then established,
which is easy TO follow now and leaves no
doubt.
General Merritt will receive these regu-
.ations SO Soo1 as he is in full possession
Of the islands