Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1901-12-04
PHILIPPINES GOVERNMENT.
Islands Soon to Be Under Actual Civil
Rulc-The Friar Question.

washington, Dec. 4.-Since the decis-
ion of the supreme court the most press
ing necessity before congress is legisia-
ton to create actual civil government
for the Philippines, for the court in eff
feet has decided that all ordinary laws
apply to the islands In the absence of
affirmative action by congress. When
the friar question in the Philippines is
settled there will be no more fighting In
those islands," said Representative
Cooper of Wisconsin, who will be the
chairman of the house insular affairs
committee, which will have charge of
all legislation relating to the new pos
sessions excepting the tariff.
II consider the friar question one OF
the most important that will confront
u.s. and when that has been solved sat
isfactorily and the enormous amount OF
land held by the church representatives
has been acquired by the government
and has been divided among the people
who will settle upon 1t there will be no
more strife.
THE friars own approximately 100000
acres OF land. The government should
appralse it, placing fair valuation up
on 1t. purchase 1t from the friars and
throw 1t open for settlement to home
steaders Our homestead laws could be
made to apply we'll to the Philippines,
and with good results. The people who
would acquire this property would feel
secure In their rights, would reap the
benefit of their labor and have some In
centive to industry. This plan has been
heartily recommended by Secretary
Root and seems to meet with general
approval.
Much important legislation for the
Philippines will be necessary for the
near future, so as to develop the re-
sources of the islands and promote the
welfare of the people There must be
laws to raise revenue with which to de-
fray the expenses Of maintaining the
government. Other laws must be
enacted relating to banking and curren-
cy. timber and mining lands. lands for
settlement, transportation and naviga-
tion.''
"Granting of limited franchises will
be necessary to develop the wonderful
resources of the country and give en-
ployment to hands that are now idle"
said Representative Cooper. Busy
people are the happiest on earth, and
we can grant franchises with the proper
restrictions limiting the period of years
for which they will run, which will pour
money into the Philippine archipelago
at such rate as to develop that Won
derful country in manner which it's
inhabitants have never dreamed.
1.-THE granting of homestead rights
will be the longest step towards furnish
ing occupation for the natives of the is
lands. and as soon as they learn that
they will be perfectly secure in their
rights and that the government will not
deprive them of the fruits of their la
Dor. predict that the people will settle
down, cease the warfare which breaks
out now and then, and they will be a
contented and happy people. Some of
the legislation of the character have
referred to is absolutely necessary and
should be enacted without delay. Every
one appreciates the Importance of the
action, and in my judgment the most
pressing needs Of the islands will be at
tended to-"
There is urgent need for the enact
ment of banking and currency laws for
the Philippines as well as for the tariff.
1t is probable that 1t may be decided to
put thru the legislation needed most be-
fore the appointment of the committees
but at the same time 1t is true that all
action may be postponed until congress
reassembles after the Christmas re-
cess.