The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-12-24
LAWS FOR THE F|L|P|NOS.
REPORT ON CONDUCT OF CIVIL AZ
FAIRS IN THE ISLANDS.
Heads of Bureaus Tell of the Pro-
gress Made Towards Introducing
American Systems-Mining and

WASHINGTON, Dec. 23.-The war de-
partment has made public series of re-
ports made to Gen. Macarthur by the
subordinate officers constituting the heads
of the various bureaus and departments
which have attended to civil affairs in
the Philippine Islands for the last year
They are closely summarized, but suffi-
GENTLY full to cover the situation. The
report says a stable currency has not been
used, and Mexican dollars were for few
days evenly exchanged. This was termi-
mated by provisional order by the gov
eminent, N which it was arranged TO
reimburse the banks for any losses they
might sustain through paying out Mex
lean silver for United States currency
from disbursing offices and trade Doubt
Is expressed. however, as to the desira-
bility of this arrangement Attention Is
directed to the marked increase in the
customs receipts under the American
management. Tins is explained in part
by the fact that formerly i large part
OF the imports came from Spain and paid
no duties. Also, the American system of
collection is said to tend to honest col
lettions The new tariff adopted for the
Islands Is set out in detail. In almost
every case specific duties are fixed. fol-
lowing the established system in the is
lands, which II was believed to be dan
gerous to change TO the ad valorem sys-
tenn.
The extension of the United States i'm
stantial change is said to have proved Of
doubtful expediency, and especially so
with regard to the contract labor laws.
1t is essential says the report, for the
mercantile interests to secure employees
from abroad. else they will suffer The
alien laborers do not come into competi-
ton with native residents. More than
10000 Chinese left the islands last year.
Only one-ninth of the land In the archi-
pelago Is under cultivation, and there Is
no land tax. Regarding the judicial de-
partment, ii early was found to be nee
essary to provide a system which would
be dfvested of those harsh and oppres-
sive features so much In conflict with
American standards.
1t was impossible for lack of time to
supply an entirely new system. so some
changes regarded as indispensable were
made by general order. 1t appears that
the operations of the law. as thus quail
fled. have been satisfactory in securing to
defendants In criminal cases the funda-
mental rights of Anglo-Saxon criminal
law. The writ OF habeas corpus has been
invoked and under its speedy operation
nearly 100 prisoners, the heritage OF Span
fsh regime, have been liberated from I'M
warranted detention. Col Crowder thor
oushly indorses the. recommendation Of
Lieut. Burnett. in charge of the mining
bureau, looking to a thorough change In
the mining laws. He says that these
are extremely cumbersome and that. once
thNy biotsht up W Amtfltdn Stdn-
dards, the mineral condition of the coun-
try soon would be enormously improved.
az experienced prospectors and competent
mining engineers now in the islands
stand ready to undertake the work of ex-
ploitation.
Col. Crowder closes with a summary Of
the report OF Gen. ]. F. Smith, military
governor Of Negroes, showing that this
island will be held until the entire period
of American occupation Is completed The
government Is in favorable contrast with
x.th tgln do t4t.1. ~ n,
is highly favorable, and the largely au-
tonofnous government which they now
enjoy seems to be their fitting reward.
be- continued. But 1t will be impossible
to discriminate in favor Of Negroes. the
report says, In the scheme OF government
ultimately to be adopted that the COM
plioations expected are not easy of adj
iustment