The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-06-29

villages in the province OF Manila have
been destroyed. The natives In the centre OF
Luzon are raising only as much food as they
require. Sugar making, which is largely
in the hands OF halfbreeds and Filipinos,
has been suspended over the entire field OF
military operations. The preparation OF
Manila hemp so effectively carried on by
the natives, cannot be improved under pres
cnt circumstances. and tho price Is likely
to fall further in foreign markets. Public
works have been ut standstill since tho
last native revolt against Spanish rule be-
gan on Aug 10. 1896; and public buildings
and other property for general use have
greatly deteriorated through neglect.
These he says, are among the inevitable
results Of war and are deeply deplored by
the Americans, who heartily desire the
prosperity Of the native inhabitants.
Mr.. BERARD reports it as q surprising
fact that the Americans whom fate led to
the Philippines with arms in their hands
have the instinct Of explorers and the train
ing OF men OF affairs. He says that after
the capitulaton OF Manila many men
among the volunteers-farmers merchants,
traders, civil engineers and others-began
to study the country and form plans for its
development in the event Of it becoming an
American possession. Innumerable letters
were soon on the way to the United States
with the news that this island country,
scarcely known before in America. was n
good place wherein to invest money. Many
OF the newcomers were particularly attract
ed to agriculture as promising large gains.
They perceived that Philippines planters
had been making money, though their
methods were primitive and detective, and
that when American ideas and machinery
were applied to agriculture the profits
would be most satisfactory. The Americans
in Manila also predicted that under the
new regime the methods of sugar making
and Of producing and preparing for mar
ket other products would be completely
changed and many other industries would
be developed. 1--WE shall see" writes Mr..
BERARD, chow much time 1t will take for
the Americans to bring about their pro-
posed industrial reforms"
The Consul testifles In every line he
writes to the firm faith OF the Americans in
the potentialties Of the Philippines and in
the changes for the better that will be
wrought by few years OF American occu-
DdlIol' llt says Nc are tanning vi new
railroads, bridges and highways that will
be built as soon as order is restored. to
render Manila more easily accessible from
all parts OF Luzon; OF the erection OF build
ings in all parts OF the capital that will
make the city one OF the most beautiful in
the Far East and OF works OF reconstruc-
tion and improvement in all the centres Of
population in the islands.
Mr.. BERARD does not risk his reputation
by prophecies either Of good or evil. 1.-THE
future will decide" he says, whether this
splendid prospect will be realized" But he
does say that the islands have very great
resources. mostly undeveloped; and he be-
lieves they arc entering upon new era.
He is certain the Americans will leave
nothing undone to make the Philippines a
profitable investment. and that our citi-
zens who are there have unbounded faith in
the value Of the islands and their capacity
for dpvplODmeDt