New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-01-22

ahoat and In English shipbuilding yards he en-
tered the Brazilian Navy and took active
part In the war with Paraguay. He superin-
tended a series OF engineering works in Peru.
and then went out to Manila, where he arrived
in 1877. and remained about fourteen years
During that period he examined and reported
upon the value OF large concessions Of land in
various sections Of the Philippine group CON
structed and remodelled extensive sugar works
introduced vacuum pans and improved machin-
cry. designed and executed plans FOR water
works, enlarged the mint and built iron
church at Manila, engaged In many other i'm
portant works and was member OF the Central
Commission OF the Philippine Exhibition at Ma
drid. In the OF his residence ne visited
nearly all the principal islands. examined large
timber tracts and reported upon mining districts
and acquired an intimate knowledge Of the re-
sources Of the group and the habits and pecul-
iarities OF the population.
Mr.. Sawyer naturally takes an active interest
in the new fortunes OF the Philippine group
under American administration, and has clear
ideas and strong opinions respecting the policies
which should be adopted by the United States
Government. Military rule, at firm and
flexible he considers an indispensable require
ment AT the outset considerable force may
be needed but with wise administration he
thinks that there will be no difficulty in govern
ing the islands with garrison not larger than
FIVE thousand men. There ought 10 be. In his
judgment four principal posts: Manila In Lu-
zon, Iloilo in Panay, Zamboanga in Mindanao
and Yolo in the Sulu chain. With transports
available at these four points. the troops could
be sent at short notice TO any section where they
might be needed In connection with these four
garrisons Of Regular troops there should be n
native army Of ten thousand men, differed by
Americans. MIR. Sawyer laws great stress upon
the fact that the islands are inhabited by vari-
Gus tribes differing in language and customs
and without common interests to draw them to-
gether He cannot be persuaded that there will
be any serious difficulty in managing them or
that large American garrison will be required
for permanent occupation.
This English expert apprehends that the chief
danger Will arise from an excess OF American
energy II these sluggish Malay races are hur-
RED and rushed they will be irritated and ex-
asperated. They must be dealt with deliberately
and cautiously. The American officials must
expect TO waste time in conferences and negotia-
tons and be content with slow and laborious
progress. With the proper degree OF hexlbility
in adapting themselves 20 existing conditions.
they can make large Of the more intelli-
gent natives. and especially OF the Josuits, and
can govern the islands with remarkable facility.
Mr.. Sawyer has travelled through the Jungles
on foot. surveyed mining districts, and made
special study of the sugar industry. and he IS
convinced that the Americans have acquired
most valuable possession in the Philippine
group. He does not think that there are seams
Of true coal. but he Is confident that there are
rich gold districts which have never been ex-
plored and that there are many sources OF
mineral wealth in addition 10 the great agri-
cultural ndustries-sugar. hemp and rice.
l. y. r.