The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-03-12
PHILIPPINES A FARMERS KL0ND|KE
Written for the Sunday Standard.

Written for the Sunday Standard.
Washington. D. c., March I'll was
sent to Japan, China and the Philip
pines solely in the interests of agrcul-
ture. 1t was pleasant trip to me, but
1t was undertaken primarily for bust
ness reasons and the pleasure l derived
from it was a secondary consideration.
My instructions from the department of
agriculture We're:
First-To secure such seeds and
plants as would be of economic value to
our people.
Second-To inquire into the conditions
of trade affecting our agricultural prod
ucts in those countries and promote
them in every way possible.
I would like to say here that found
no hostility to the introduction of Amer
lean farm products in the Orient; upon
the other hand, in Japan and China,
there was manifest friendliness to the
United States, and 1T only requires
proper attention to secure large share
of the commerce of these countries.
Japan has made marvellous strides to-
wards the highest civilization, and
many of her statesmen are among the
most enlightened and liberal in the
world. Japan is not only shaping her
course along wise lines, but is one of
the most potent factors in all of the
problems of the East. In language and
religion she is closely allied to China,
over which she is eXerting a strong and
friendly influence and must be consid-
cred in all matters relating to the future
of that empire. The exceeding friendli-
ness of the people of Japan to the Unit
ed States is shown on every occasion.
Any tribute of communication to the
United States made before a japanese
audience is sure of applause. This rem
ders it easy TO extend American trade
along all lines. but our flour, cotton,
lumber. butter and cheese are in spe-
cial demand and will be further sought
to meet the growing necessities of the
Japanese.
The Philippines are the center of at
traction and. l am glad to report. com
ing direct from the islands and after
a careful study of agricultural condi-
tons there. that they are rich in I'M
developed wealth and offer an almost
unlimited field for vigilant and hard
working Americans to make money
The soil is exceedingly fertile and the
climate unsurpassed. Agriculture will
thrive when the government becomes
stable. The islands abound in mahug-
any and other valuable timber. A sec
ton of mahogany tree seven feet in
diameter was sent from Mindanao to
Consul Williams at Manila. Coal iron
and copper are abundant. With peace
and ability to purchase. the Philippines
will become large consumers of Ameri-
can exports.
At present agricultural methods are
of the most primitive character, and i.
will be many years before they will ex-
port largely any products except pos
sibly tobacco, hemp and sugar Ameri-
can farmers who go to the Philippines
will find clear field for the growth of
profitable products. The practical ag-
riculturists of this country will take
complete possession of these islands,
sweeping away the ancient implements
and the slow methods and doubling
and trebling the agricultural output in
a short time
l do not think the present insurrec-
ton will be long-lived, as Agunaldo's
strength has been overestimated. With
peace restored, the farmers harvest