The times., 1901-04-05
Carpetbneism fin Manila.

thankful 10 General Macarthur for his
assurance that the commissary scan
dals at Manila are not as bad as they
are painted, and il will accept the state
ment without question. Perhaps, how
ever. it would be just as we'll for the
Government not to take too much Tor
granted, but to insist upon thorough
Investigation of administrative condi-
tions in the Philippines, and not to be-
gin by laying in a stock Of WhiteWash-
Whatever may be asserted to the con-
trary, there can be no question that, for
a year past, the Administration has
been on notice that people in Manila al
legged to be influential with both the
local vice regal and the imperial au-
thorities at Washington were believed
TO be conducting a profitable contra
band commerce with the rebels. If any
steps were taken to enquire into the
truth Of such reports. we are not ap-
prised Of the fact. During the discred-
liable regime of Otis, ii was openly and
frequently charged that fragrant condi-
tions Of reasonable trade and of loot
and robbery existed in the Philippines,
to which the Viceroy seemed entirely
blind The only effect of these warn
ines. as far as we have been able to OBJ
serve. has been to increase the rigidness
of the press censorship at Manila, and
to threaten newspaper correspondents
with deportation in case they should
dare to communicate the truth 10 the
American mainland. But such things
will not down. They are beginning TO
reach the national ears and eyes in
way that demonstrates the practical po-
litical shrewdness Of the Administration
in keeping the lid of the box screwed
down until after the late Presidential
election. As an Illustration Of the man
ner in which the actual situation Is be-
coming known TO the country, we have
the statement attributed to Mr.. E.
Ellsworth Cary, who has just returned
from two years sojourn in the Phil
ippines, spent partly in newspaper and
oartly in Government employment. 1t
IS assumed upon the authority OF the
New York World that Mr. Cary has
had unusual opportunities for inform
ing himself in regard to the inside facts,
and we should assume as much from
the thoroUghgoing character of the sug-
gestions ne makes in regard TO matters
urgently demanding a coroner's inquest.
We give his statement as it appeared in
the World" Of yesterday Mr Cary is
quoted as saying:
The dispatches state that Lieut.. P. K. Sweet
is ltoking after gang who have been selling
Comm'esary supplies. Lieutenant Sweet viii do
Some very good work If be is let alone, but IN
les the War Department renders some assistance
there Is danger tha% the reform movement viii
BE- checked
What Is needed is an investigation that shall
probe 70 the bottom the suspicious features con-
ne,ted with the occupancy Of the PHILIPPINES,
!. Causes which have recently prolonged the
rebellion.
'2 Under restrictions on trade.
g. TIE granting Of special passes for launches,
enabling select few TO trade in prohibited ter
=. Dealings Of certain Manila firms vith the
5. Granting Of certain contracts for build
ings. etc.
.'6. The chartering of local steamers FOR inter
island trade al Uuheard-of rates
-. The granting oi special and valuable pTiyi-
leres 10 private individuals.
s. The purchase Oi the mosquito feet formerly
the property q the Spanish Government
AT the signing o. the Treaty of Paris, Spain
had 81 Philippine waters dozen small eunboats
which were valuable 10 the United States But
useless 10 Spain
The Spanish Government offered the boats to
high official 1t a reasonable figure; be refused
the offer and sfterward bought the boats from
private parties paying one hundred thousand
dollars more than the nrsJ offer Then. through
the fault Of some one, the insurgents looted
some Of the vessels and the Government paid
additional eighty thousand dollars TO cover this
loss.
Government contractors have had their goods
carried il Government boats and landed free Of
duty.
Certain contractors have been favored with
large contracts. For example, suppose five tons
a rice ana ten tons Of sugar we're needed.
certain contractor would be given tip; he
would order the supplies from Hongkong.
when he bad The goods in his house the
officers IN coIlusion would call for such bids
for rice and sugar 90 be delivered in fOrty-eight
hours The favored bidder would be the only
one who could meet the requirements. and he
would put IN fancy BID and get the order.
This explains why certain officers have carriages
and horses and servants and one OF more rstab-
lshmen,s."
These suggestions. which might be
called charges without any great stretch
OF the Imagination. are OF a nature
which the Administration would do III
20 ignore II they are founded upon
truth they singularly corroborate the
less specific charges which have been
creeping out from Manila ever since
Otis went there, In spite OF the most
vigorous efforts to suppress them. As
Mr.. Cary Is reported as saying. ii would
bt lfdE tltuldIiE interesting 10 ltd4 II Why
trade with localities where the insur-
gents were in control was denied 10
merchants in general, but allowed 10 a
few favored individuals. II would be
also edifyinG TO know why certain firms
in Manila were permitted 10 transact
business with the rebels. and perhaps 10
furnish them with arms. ammunition.
and other military supplies in exchange
FOR tobacco and hemp. Aguinaldo could
throw a great deal Of light on this sub
Ject if he were asked to; but he proba-
bly, knows better than 20 incur the en-
nifty Of people who have powerful
friends in Washington Such an indis-
erection might make him poor risk for
life insurance Office TO assume.
The remainder Of the presentment
does not reqeire elucidation It pre-
senie q prima facie case Of corruption
and loot they ought to startle the Gov
eminent, Is # win the people. Such a
situation need not have existed. how