Evening star., 1901-12-19
PbiIippines Affairs.

The House has done it's Immediate duty
,,U-,rd the Philfrntnes in the matter of
financial legislation, passing the revenue
bill promptly by majority so large as u
silence all suggestions that this government
will turn in it's tracks in the treatment OF
the archipelago. The bill as 1t passed the
House yesterday rs framed to afford the
islands the fullest possible benefit OF the
policy of tariff imposition, following the
lines laid down by the Supreme Court de-
cisions. 1t gives the forge of law to all en-
actments of the commission prescribing
tariff on goods imported into the Islands,
and it furthermore establishes tarin rate
upon goods imported into the United States
from the Philippines The revenue from
both sources is to be turned into the Philip
pines treasury. so that the islands shall re-
ceive the fun benefit of the tariff. This en-
actment Is distinctly a measure for the good
government and prosperity of the islands
OF immediate Importance in connection
with this action by the House is the an
nual report of the Philippines commission,
an abstract Of which appears in the news
columns today. 1t carries important
recommendations. all looking Enthusiastically
to the betterment of conditions, the solidi-
fying of the prestige of the United States,
10 the advancement of the natives toward a
higher stage of self-government and the
removal of obstacles to q full, free under
standing between the two peoples.
The commission renews its former recon-
mendatiou that the friars' lands be bought
BY the United States. Since the submis-
sion of a similar proposal year ago the
Secretary of War has warmly indorsed the
proposition. which is now before Congress
in fair terms for action this winter. The
method proposed is practicable, the lands
TO be bought and placed upon the market,
bonds issued for the purpose to be hqui-
dated through a sinking fund secured by
the sale or lease of the lands. All ques-
tions of title Of a broader nature, such as
between the religious orders and the gov
ernment. are to be submitted upon appeal.
II desired by the litigants, to the United
States Supreme Court, otherwise to be set
tied by the supreme court of the Islands
The reasons for prompt action to this end
are urgent. The friars lands are palpa-
BILE cause of friction in the Philippines,
even under American sovereignty. The ma
tives should be given early guarantee that
this government will not continue the Span
ism policy in this respect. They should be
given access to these fertile areas, which
are the chief sustenance of the population
government owes it to itself and its wards to
adopt the course of best solution, as laid
down by the commission, at this session of
Congress.
The commission presents other important
recommendations, the enactment of a gen.
eral law specifically confirming the legisia-
tive and administrative powers conferred
upon IL by the Presidents proclamation,
congressional provision for the beginnings
of representative government in the islands
and the enactment of public land mining,
incorporation, coinage, banking timber and
franchise laws.
The subject of franchises is most i'm
portant to the welfare of the people, who
are sadly in need today Of public facili-
ties for trade and manufactures. The sub
1ect of the franchises is to be carefully
dealt with to prevent unwise exploitation,
but it should not be unduly delayed, as the
insular resources are today suffering in
large degree from a lack of development.
This report marks progress. There is
substantial reason for national self con-
graduation in this account of stewardship.