The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-09-20

for last quarter were 30 per cent greater
than ever In Spanish history. ard August
collections show further increase Total
revenue for same period was one-third
greater than any quarter under Spain.
though cedula tax. chief source of Spanish
revenue. has been practically abolished.
Economy and efficiency of military gov
ernment have created s.lrplus fund of six
millions Mexican which should be ex-
pended 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
prohibitory tariff rates inherited from Spain
and still operative. with proper tarin ana
facilities Manila will become the great port
of the Orient. Spanish revenue laws throw
ing burden OF taxation on the poor give the
wealthy comparative immunity. Tariff now
prevents importations from America OF
canned goods, machinery and other neces-
saries. Spanish inland revenue chiefly de-
rived from poll tax, tax on small business,
fishing license, the like. but no land tax
Are formulating laws remedying these
evils, and confident that by judicious GUS
toms laws, reasonable ad valorem land tax,
and proper corporation franchise tax, I'M
position 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 ef-
ficient government, including military and
constabulary.
BAD condition of currency hinders busi-
ness. Steps should be taken towards early
resumption of gold standard. Are prepar-
ing stringent civil-service law giving equal
opportunity to Filipinos and Americans.
with preference for former where qualifi-
cations are equal to enter at lowest rank
and by promotion reach head of depart
ment. Municipal corporations are being
organized on popular basis. Much needed
reform in civil and criminal procedure,
criminal code and judicial system favored
by Filipino bar will be effected. Railroad
franchises should at once be granted Rail-
roads will revolutionize life and business in
these wonderfully rich, beautiful and
healthful tropical islands, Forty-five miles
of railroad extension under negotiation will
give access to large province rich in valu-
able minerals. mile high. with strictly
temperate climate. curing tropical diseases.
Railroad construction will give employment
to many, and communication will furnish
market to vast stretches of rich agricui-
tural lands.
public schools. school supplies and English
teachers are greater than commission can
provide until comprehensive scool system
is organized. Night schools for teaching
English to adults are being esta blished in
response to popular demand Native chill
dren show aptitude in learning English
Spanish is spoken by a small fraction of
the people, and in few years the medium
of communication in courts, public Of
fees, and between different tribes, will be
in English. Creation of central government
Rico under which substantially all rights
described in bill of rights in Federal Con-
stitution are to be secured to the people of
the Philippines, will bring to them content
ment prosperity, education and political
enlightenment"