The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-04-05
Cnrpetbneism I'm Manila.

thankful TO General Macarthur for his
assurance that the commissary scan
dals at Manila are not as bad as they
are painted, and it will accept the state
ment without question. Perhaps, how
ever. il would be just as well for The
Government not to take too much FOL
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, fol
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, it was openly a:.d
frequently charged that fragrant condi-
tons 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
ings, 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 to the
American mainland. But such things
will not down. They are beginning TO
reach the national ears and eyes in a
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 a Mr.. E.
Ellsworth Cary. who has just returned
from two years sojcurn in the Phil
ippines, spent partly in newspaper and
partly 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 he makes in regard to matters
urgently demanding a coroners 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 looking after gang who have been selling
romm'ssary supplies. Lieutenant Sweet will do
Come very good work if be is let alone, but
iess the War Department renders some assistance
there is danger THAI the reform movement viii
be checked
''W hat Is needed is an investigation that shall
probe 10 the bottom the suspicious features con-
nected with the occupancy Of the PHILIPPINES,
y. Causes which have recently prolonged the
rebellion.
80 Under restrictions on trade.
g. The granting Of SPECIAL passes for launches,
enabling a select few to trade III prohibited ter
Titory.
- Dealings Of certain Manila frnAs with the
insurgents.
Is Granting of certain contracts for build
% The chartering Of local steamers for inter-
island trade at unheard-oi rates
-. The granting Of special and valuable privi-
leges TO private individuals.
6 The purchase OF the mosquito feet formerly
the property Of the Spanish Government
AT the signing Of the Treaty OF Paris Spain
which valuable to the United States but
useless TO Spain.
The Spanish Government offered the boats to
high official at reasonable figure; he refused
the offer and sfterward bought the boats from
private parties, paying one hundred thousand
dollars more than the first offer. Then through
some Of the vessels and the Government paid an
additional eighty thousand dollars TO cover this
loss.
Government contractors have had their goods
III naV H. It
duty.
Certain contractors have been favored with
large contracts. For example suppose five tons
Of rice and ten tons OF sugar were needed. A
certain contractor would be given tip; he
would order the supplies from Hongkong.
when he had the goods in his house the
officers in COLLISION would call for such bids
for rice and sugar 70 be delivered in fOTty-eight
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 estab-
lshments."
These suggestions. which might be
called charges without any great stretch
of the Imagination, are Of a nature
which the Administration would do Ill
TO 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. it would
be particularly interesting TO learn why
trade with localities where the insur-
gents were in control was denied to
merchants In general but allowed 10
few favored individuals. II would be
also edifyinG to know why certain firms
in Manila were permitted to 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 TO incur the en-
nifty Of people who have powerful
friends in Washington. Such an inds-
erection might make him a poor risk for
life insurance Office to assume.
The remainder of the presentment
does not require calculation. 1t pre-
sents prima facie case of corruption
and loot ths| ought to startie the Gov
eminent, Is IT viii the people. Such a
situation need not have existed. how