The Washington weekly post., 1900-12-25
Gen. MacArthur's View of
Philippine Problems.
FINANCE, CUSTOMS, ANDJUDICIARY
Provisional Rule Reimbursinx Banks for
Losses In ExehaBse-increased Customs
Revenue Under American Methsds-Can-
tract Laber Essential &c Island ,Bnsines.
Laws stripped Of Spanish severity-
Mineral Wealth Awaiting Development

The War Department has made public
series OF reports made to Gen. Mac
Arthur by the subordinate officers constl-
tuting the heads of the various bureaus
and departments which has administered
the civil affairs OF the Philippine Islands
during the last year. These are sum
married in the report of Lieut.. Col.
Crowder, Thirty-ninth Infantry, secretary
TO the military governor.
Under the head OF Treasury Depart
ment." II is said that the problem of Sc
curing a stable currency has never ap-
preached definite solution In the Philip
pines. though it had not pressed for i'm
mediate settlement until very recently,
when United States and Mexican dollars
were for a few days evenly exchanged.
This was terminated by provisional or
der, whereby the government arranged to
reimburse the banks for any losses they
might sustain through paying out Mexi-
can silver for United States currency from
disbursing officers and trade. Doubt is
expressed, however. as to the desirability
of continuing this arrangement.
The customs service is discussed at
some length in the report, and IL IS stated
that there does not seem to be any pres
ent necessity for an increase In the num-
tNA Va pOA - VI AtLfntlOn is 0l-
rected to the marked increase in the Gus
toms receipts under American manage
ment This is explained in part by the
fact that formerly a large part OF the i'm
ports came from Spain. and paid no du-
ties. Also, the American system of COL
lection is said TO tend TO honest coIIee-
tiOns.
The new tariff adopted for the island
is set out IN detail. In almost every case
specinc duties are fixed, following the es-
tabhshed system in the islands, which IL
was believed TO be dangerous to change
to the aa valorem system.
Contract Labor Needed.
The extension of the United States i'm
migration laws to the islands, without
substantial change to meet the local con-
dltions, Is said TO have proven of doubt
ful expediency, and especially so with
regard to the contract labor law. 1t Is
essential. says the report, for the mer-
camille interests to secure employees from
abroad under contract, else business will
suffer. These laborers do not come into
competition with the native residents
More than 25.00O Chinese entered and left
the Islands last year. Only one-nintn OF
the land in the archipelago has been
brought under cultivation, and there Is no
land tax.
Regarding the judicial department, IL
only was found to be necessary 10 provide
a system which would be divested Of
those harsh and oppressive features so
much in conflict with American stand
ards. 1t was impossible, for lack of time.
to supply an entirely new system. SO
some changes regarded as indispensable
we're made by general order. II ap-
pears that the operations Of the law as
thus qualified have been satisfactory in
securing to defendants in criminal cases
the fundamental rights of Anglo-Saxon
law. The writ OF habeas corpus
has been frequently invoked, and under
its speedy operation nearly 100 prisoners.
the heritage of Spanish regime, have been
liberated from unwarranted detention.
Wealth I'm Mining Under Proper Laws.
Col. Crowder thoroughly indorses the
recommendation of Lieut.. Burritt, in
charge Of the mining bureau. looking to a
change in the mining laws. He
says that these are extremely cumber-
some, and that once they are brought Up
TO American standards the mineral condi-
ton of the country will soon be enormous
ly improved, as experienced prOspectors
and competent mining engineers now In
lHt SbtAu iNnNJ w hiaNti NahO AisD
work Of exploitation.
Col CrOwder closes with a summary of
the report OF Gen. J. F. Smith. military
governor Of Negros, showing that this ISL
and, which has had under the entire Pc
riod OF American control. a substantially
form Of government has
In marked and favorable con-
trast with the other islands. The attitude
Of the people is highly favorable toward
the United States, and the largely autono-
nous government which they now enjoy
seems to be their fitting reward. and the
people are naturally desirous that IL
should be continued. But II will be inpos-
sible to discriminate in favor OF Negros,
the report says I'm the scheme OF govern
ment To- be ultimately adopted. so that
are expected not easy OF
adjustment.