Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1900-07-20
I'm THE PHILIPPINES.
BRITISH CoNsULs ON. AMERl-
CAN IMPROVEMENTS

BRITISH CONSULS ON m ERR
CAN IMPROVEMENTS.
Cav and Order Being Restored and
Natives Returning to Agricultural Pur-
Izits-Improvements Every whore -
postonce and Telegraph Well Conducted
Consul Halstead sends from Birm-
ingham, June II, 1900, the following
abstract of the annual report of the
, British consul at Manila:
1.-THE collapse of the instruction last
November and the opening Of the ports
since January having restored conf
dence great activity in commercial
quarters has ensued. Law and order
are being restored as rapidly as pos
sible but the immense size Of the coun-
try renders it difficult task. The
natives, believe, would willingly re-
turn to their agricultural pursuits, but
the influence Of their leaders appears
sufficiently strong to keep them from
surrendering.
prices have increased to such an ex-
tent that Manila, which till recently
might be classed as cheap place to
live in, must now be considered the re-
verse. As yet the provision markets
are not seriously affected, though
fruit, vegetables, game, etc., are 20 per
cent dearer; but house rent, servants,
carriages, horses, launches, and labor
Of every description are already treble
tho price Of last year. In consequence
Of the great demand, launch hire and
everything connected with shipping
commands its own price. Improve
ments are visible in every direction,
and already the town has quite q DIFF
ferent appearance from last year. The
work Of draining the filthy town ditch
Is and stagnant pools, which is in
contemplation, may possibly entail an
epidemic, but the advantage to poster
ity IL inestimable. The recovered
land of the city walls and moat will
provide building sites which Ameri-
can enterprise will know how to uti-
lie; and although Manila will never
become a fashionable watering place,
it may become a great commercial
power in these waters before the first
quarter of the century is passed.
1.-THE two vell-known leading indus
tries OF Manila-hemp and tobacco
will, / fear, suffer very severely for
some time from the late instruction;
but there are no doubt at present gold
en- opportunities for the employment OF
capital and talent in many local trades.
Ice manufactures, livery stables, ho-
tells, and general enterprises are much
wanted; but most strongly deprecate
young men without capital (no matter
what their education may beg coming
here in search of employment. The
departments of the post-otfice and tele-
graph, being now under American and
British control, are admirably con-
Quoted. The telephone, the water sup
ply, and the electric lighting are Span
ish, and also deserve great praise. The
electric-lighting plant is being enlarged
and Manila will soon be one of the best
lighted towns in the east.
"The Chinese labor question is one OF
great Importance In these islands.
Americas experience Of it in Califor-
MIA not being satisfactory, there is
strong influence against 1t; but, taking
into consideration the natural indo-
lence OF tho Filipino, it will probably
be found impossible to do without the
Chinese. One OF the principal objes-
lions is that by their Industrious hab-
its they gradually obtain a monopoly
in all retail trades: but this may be
remedied by combining their enterprise
simply to manual labor. and for this
they are most admirably adapted, and
In the hot season positively necessary.
The Fllipinos make excellent clerks,
II they can be we'll overlooked; but If
allowed, they will spend their time in
gambling and cockfghting. They have
no idea Of putting energy into any OF
their pursuits, and have no CONNER
cial instincts; they also care little for
money, loss or gain being to them ap-
parently a matter of Indifference"
The British vice-consul at 1loilo
says:
"The United States forces have now
successfully occupied the better part OF
the Island, the end Of the year augurs
we'll for a happier future. and, when
once a peaceful rule is established,
many important Improvements will
take place.
1.-THE Island of Negros is in more
satisfactory state, and, although the
crops for 1900 may not be very large,
owing to the difficulties which had to
be overcome in procuring labor, the
planting for the 1901 crop is extern
sive."