The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-09-20

preston and corruption which existed In
all provinces under Maloios tnsurgent
government during the eight months of
its control The result will be factfonal
strife between jealous leaders chaos and
anarchy. and will require and justify ae-
tive Intervention of our government or
some other.
Business. interrupted by war Is much
improved as peace extends. but invest
ment OF new capital is retarded by doubt
concerning the policy OF the United
States. In Negros more sugar is In cni-
tivation than ever before. New forestry
regulations give impetus to lumber trade.
and reduce the high price of lumber.
Cultivation OF rice In some provinces is
retarded by loss OF draft cattle through
disease and war. Meat Is now Is cents
pound.
Customs collections for last quarter were
50 per cent. greater than ever IN Spanish
history. and August collections show fur
ther increase. Total revenue for same pe-
riod was one-third greater than any quar-
ter under Spain though cedula tax the
chief source OF Spanish revenue, has been
practically abolished.
Surplus Fund Created.
Economy and efficiency OF military gov
ernment has created a surplus fund of
six millions, Mexican. which should be
expended In much needed public works
notably Improvement of Manila harbor
the conditions of which. with consequent
delay and expense in landing goods. is a
greater embargo on business than many
nearly prohihitory tarin rates inherited
from Spain and stili operative. With
proper tariff and facilities. Manila will
become the great port of the Orient
Spanish revenue laws, throwing the bur-
den Of taxation on the poor. give the
wealthy comparative immunity. Tariff
now prevents importatfons from America
OF canned goods. machinery and other
necessities. Spanish inland revenue was
chiefly derived from poll tax, tax on small
business, fishing license and the like. but
no land tax. Are Formulating laws rem
edying these evils. and confident that by
judicious customs laws. reasonable ad
valorem land tax and proper corporation
franchise tax, imposition of no greater
rate than that in the average American
state will give less annoyance. and with
peace will produce revenue sufficient to
pay expenses of efficient government. In
ciuding military and constabulary.
Bad condition of currency hinders bust
ness. steps should be taken towards
early resumption OF gold standard. Are
preparing stringent civil service law Civ
ing equal opportunity 10 Filipinos and
Americans. with preference for former
where qualifications are equal 90 enter at
lowest rank and by promotion rreh head
OF department.
Municipal corporations are being or
ganized on popular basis Much needed
reform in civil and criminal procedure.
criminal code and judicial system favored
by Filipino bar viii he effected.
what Railroads. VIII DO.
Railroad franchises should at once he
granted Railroads viii reyolutionize life
and business in these wonderfully rich.
beautiful and heaithful tropical islands.
Forty-hve miles of railroad extension un-
der negotiation. Will give access TO a large
| province rich in valuable minerals. a mile
| high. with strictly temperate climate. cur
Ing tropical diseases. Railroad construc-
| ton viii give employment to many and
| communication win furnish market 10
vast stretches Of rich agricultural lands.
/ Calls from all parts OF the islands for
public schools. school supplies and Eng
/ ltsh teachers are greater than the COM
/ mission can provide until comprehen-
sive school system Is organized. Nigh,
/ schools for teaching English 10 adults are
being established in response TO popular
/ demand. Native children show aptitude
( IN learning English. Spanish Is spoken BY
/ a small fraction Of the people, and in a
/ frw years the medium of communication
I in courts. public Offices and between diff
serent tribes will be English.
Creation ef central government within
eighteen months, like that Of Puerto Rico,
under which substantially all rights ae.
/ scrihea IN bill OF rights In federal conSti-
/ teton are 20 be secured 20 the people
| Of the Philippines. will bring 20 them con.
1 teniment eas-ation and political eniight.
| enmenL
WILLIAM II, TAFT.
DEAN G. WORCESTER.
LUKE r WRIGHT,
| nhNkf 6 lllE.