The record-union., 1898-11-12

tance- The line is in fair order, tele-
graphic communication is destroyed In
many places, probably requiring
month for their restoration. The line
has opened and developed country OF
most extraordinary fertility. Rice is
the principal product. Much sugar, a
small amount of indigo on the northern
part of the line, possibilities of cotton,
coffee and almost anything. The sta
tions are at short intervals, in accord
ance with orders from the Spanish Gov
ernment, which subsidized the line. For
the first hundred miles all of the land
is under cultivation From there to the
terminus, a different and prettier coun-
try, with high palm trees of beauty.
but not yet much cultivated as that
south. With new extensions and lines
contemplated on the island, added pro-
ductive power and wealth would be i'm
parted to the island.
"A week later I went up the Pasig
River TO the Laguna, extraordinary fer
tility of soil being again the marked
characteristic, and possibility for the
requirement of large estates if We con-
troll the country, and if good titles can
be assured
The islands to the south, Panay,
Cebu, Samar Mindanao and possibly
the Salu or Jolo archipelago, should be
investigated as soon as our relations
with the Spanish permit. am extreme
ly anxious to make this journey under
the auspices and at the invitation
| OF English merchants thoroughly ac-
quainted with the islands. If one half
they say Of the richness Of these be
| true, 1t would be a most valuable ac-
QUESTION to the United States. T trust
that / shall not be deemed intrusive in
these remarks and suggestions. Be
ing an army officer, and at the same
| time Collector of Customs at Manila,
my duty would seem to be to the Sec
retary Of War and to the Treasury,
and l submit these remarks as directed
| to them as we'll as to yourself.
Il desire no place here, except upon
the ship to return to America, but I am
so thoroughly impressed with the
wealth and beauty Of the most peculiar
conditions existing here, that am most
anxious for the success of our Govern
ment in working out this experiment
with the best fruition.
The inhabitants are unique-the ma
tives clean and clever, the Chinese
more active and persevering, all beasts
Of burden, accustomed to little in the
way Of pay or food or shelter. We pay
house servant who works most salts
| factorily $40 a month, equaling S4.7O
| of our money, he furnishing his own
food. The arrival Of our army raised
| wages temporarily, to the great dis
turbance of the merchants here, but
things are about restored to their nor
NAL basis, and should continue so. un-
less some ill-considered change of the
prevailing currency occurs.
The custom house receipts during
our incumbency, twenty-four working
days, amount to S606OOO With the in
crease Of industries, contingent upon
our occupancy, they should amount
within two years to SS,000,0OO year at
| least
The mining explorations and ven
lures promise WELL especially in coal
and iron. Capital may prof1tably be
expended in opening banks. cotton
| mills, factories, breweries, inter-island
shipping and trade.
Few Of our people consider that all
| OF the customs here are radically diff
fereN from those of the United States.
You can't upset the habits and tradi-
tlons of two centuries in two weeks.
The Oriental will, for long time vet
prefer rice and opium to pie and baked
beans. 'Festina lente' should be the
rule of our conduct Very respectfully
your obedient servant.
CHARLES A WHITTIER.
"Brigadier General Of Volunteers. Col
lector of Customs"