Evening star., 1901-12-23
The System Proposed for the Philip
pines.
VIEWS OF THE TAFT COMMISSION
Need for a Railway Limo Into the
interior.
IMPROVING MAN1LA's PORT

police could be used In establishing and
maintaining order in the islands and could
with safety be largely substituted for
American soldiers have been confirmed on
investigation and reflection It was held
By the commission that the masses OF the
people were anxious for peace and quiet
and ready to accept American sovereignty.
but as matters then stood they were terror
lied and often forced into an attitude Of
hostility which they did not feel. and that
organizing troops and police from their
own people would inspire them with con-
ffdence and courage and convince them that
they could best protect themselves by ac-
lively aiding the civil and military author
tiles. The objection made as to the loyalty
and effectiveness Of native troops and po-
lice was discussed and the conclusion reach
ed that 1t was without foundation.
The commission now reports that the mil
titary authorities have from time to time
organized numerous companies Of native
scouts commanded by American officers,
aggregating about $500 men. These or
ganfzations have uniformly performed faith
full and effective service. and there has not
been single instance of treachery or de-
sertion. A fact so significant would seem
70 put at rest the only practical question
which ever arose as to their availability.
The Proposed System.
In order to establish an effective and mo-
oAiS AoA SS ol1ACI CouApClSlAk duu tSliapit Ql-
rection, adequate at all times to meet any
emergency that might arise. the commits
sion has enacted law establishing the
Philippine constabularly. The general
scheme Is to create an insular force of not
exceeding $50 men for each province, Sc
lected from the natives, who may be
mounted In whole or In part, and who are
one or more, not exceeding four. provincial
inspectors. The whole body y placed under
the control Of chief and four assistant
chiefs OF constabulary. The islands are d.
vided into four departments. and each as
sistant chief is in immediate charge of a
department. The chief of constabulary is
empowered. temporarily, in case Of ext
gency. to combine the forces Of two or
more provinces.
The commission has obtained the detail
of Capt. Henry 7. Allen, 9Th Cavalry. U. s.
A, as chief, and Capt D. ]. Baker, 18th
Infantry, u. 8. A, as first assistant chief
cial inspectors, as a rule have been select
ed from ex-of1cers and soldiers OF the reg
ular and volunteer armies serving in the
Philippine Islands, though number of
F1lipinos OF known ability and fitness have
been appointed inspectors. They have been
for several weeks past engaged in three
provinces in recruiting members OF the
force. The work is being conducted with
DISCRIMINATION and judgment, and it is be-
Heved will result in procuring an unusually
fine body Of native constabulary. About
909 men have already been enlisted. AL
though the organization Of the constabu-
already done some very effective service in
breaking UP bands OF iadrones and arrest
ing notorious criminals.
Need of Railways.
Regarding the demand for railway lines
in the island the commissions report says:
"The railroads most imperatively needed
are those which will penetrate and open up
the interior of the great islands Of Luzon
and Mindanao, and thereby make possible
the development of their great natural min
eral. timber and agricultural wealth. Con-
ands, railroads should be located not only
with reference to present returns, but also
with regard to future needs.
Taking into consideration the foregoing,
we are doubtful whether capital for invest
ment in railroads will speedily find it's way
here unless the government offers some
special inducement. So far as relates to
the Island Of Luzon, about 1,000 miles of
railroad would meet all reasonable de-
mands for many years to come. and could
be built at probable cost of, say, $35, ,000
600. This would include trunk line of
about 600 miles in length, extending from
one end Of the island to the other; an ex-
tension Of the present Manila and Dagupan
railroad northward. say, about 200 miles;
an east. and west line, beginning at Ma
Mia, from Is to 100 miles in length; a line
bdSupdn TO beDSOet, ABOUT 90 miles
in length. and perhaps two or three other
short feeders to tie main central line
AS stated in our last report, the Island
OF Mfndanao, with an area Of something
more than $4,000 square miles, except along
Its lfttoraI, is practically terra incognita
Observations made of the country along its
coast, short excursions inland and the re-
ports from Jesuit missionaries and few
Americans who have penetrated into the
remote sections of the island lead to the
conclusion that it is in soil, hardwood and
minerals perhaps the richest island in the
group; but 1t Is almost wholly undeveloped
and principally inhabited by Moros and
other non-ChriStfan tribes 1t is difficult
to state with any degree Of accuracy the
number of miles Of railroad Immediately
needed for opening up this island. 1t is
much more compact In shape than the ISL
and OF Luzon, and probably 500 miles would
meet every requirement of the Immediate
future
Manila Harbor Improvement -
A previous report Of the commission set
forth the importance Of improving the har-
Dor of Manila. It further mentioned the
fact that the Spanish government had pre-
pared elaborate plans and specifications for
this work and had partially carried them
into execution. 1t was further stated that
the chief engineer. division Of the Philip
pines. had these plans in his possession and
had carefully examined them and pro-
nounced them to be well adapted with some
minor notifications, to the end. In view.
and that, in his judgment 1t would cost
about So, ,5OO, ,O00 gold, to carry out the pro-
ject In its entirety. 1t was further stated
that the commission had enacted a law ap-
proprtating 81 600. 900. gold. for the purpose
and that the work would be let, after ad-
vertisepent both here and In the United
States: to the lowest responsible bidder.
The commission now reports:
The chief of engineers, after consulta-
ton with other experts. has made consid-
erable modification OF the original Spanish
plans. retaining. however. their most sa-
lient features. The commission has further
legisiated so as to. in effect. pledge that
appropriations would be made to an amount
not exceeding $2.O00,000 additional when
ever the same should be necessary. and
has authorized the chief of engineers to
make contracts. within that limit for the
entire work. In pursuance of this act he
has gone forward and after duly advertis-
Ing. both here and In the United States. as
he was required to do by the terms of the
act. he has let the main work to the At
lantic. Gulf and Pacific Company Of New
York for about S2,150,000. The Contractor
is now engaged In collecting here the nee
essary outfit for the vigorous prosecution
of the work and will begin active opera