The Washington times., 1901-12-22
NATIVE POLICE
In PHILIPPINES.
The Taft Commission Fines
Them to Be Effective.
RAILROAD SITUAlI0y IN ISLANDS.
Importance of the Question of
Granting Franchises How Con-
ditions Differ From Those Pre-
vaiing in Civilized Countries
Capitalists Are Cautious.

In its last report 10 the Secretary of
War the Philippine Commission present
ed it's views at some length upon the
question whether native troops and ma
tive police should he used in establishing
and maintaining order in the islands. and
whether they could with safety be large
~ substituted Tor American soldiers.
Among the reasons given for reaching
an affirmative conclusion. the undesirable
ity~of maintaining large army Of Amer
leans in the islands. on the score both OF
public policy and OF economy. was point
ed out
Although the organization Of con-
stabulary of natives is only partially
completed! they have already done some
very effective service in breaking up
bands of ladrones and arresting notorious
criminals.
Chiefs Of the Constabulnry.
The commission has asked for and OBJ
tained the detail of Capt Henry T. Allen.
Sixth cavalry. United States Army. as
CHIEF OF the Philippine constabulary. and
of Capt. D. J. Baker. Twelfth Infantry.
United States Army, as first assistant
chief
The other assistant chiefs have been
selected from ex-ofIicers and soldiers OF
the regular and volunteer armies sery-
ing in the Philippines, though number
OF Filipinos OF known ability and fitness
have been appointed Inspectors.
Railroad Franchise Ln,v.
As regards laws governing railroads in
the Philippines. the commission recon-
mends the preparation of a general law
authorizing and prescribing formula for
the creation of railroad corporations, Civ
ing them the usual rights to locate their
routes. condemn private property and
thereafter to operate their roads when
constructed.
The commission. however. questions the
advisability under the existing conditions
OF enacting such a law. or whether fran
chises should be granted to specific cor
po-ations. and IL this policy is to be pur-
sued. whether any aid should be extended
to-ihen, either in donations or public
lands. guaranty OF interest on their in
vestment. or other assistance.
The commission argues that were the
situation in the Philippines even ap-
proximately the same as In the United
States. they would not hesitate to rec
ommend the enactment of general
law permitting railroad corporations TO
be formed for the purpose OF building
lines wherever the projectors might de-
teimine, The State imposing no burden.
comforting no gratuities. and leaving them
TO work out their destiny in their own
way.
Capitalists Slow to Invest
The remoteness OF the islands from the
centres of civilization. I; is further argued,
and the consequent lack OF knowledge as
to their resources which generally pre-
walls, and their unsettled and disturbed
condition. conspire to make capitalists
slow to invest there.
The railroads most imperative1y needed
in the Philippines, as set forth in the
report. 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 mineral timber,
and agricultural wealth. Considering the
topography of the two islands referred
10. railroads should be located not only
with reference to present returns. but
also with regard to ,uture needs
Wants of Luzon mud Mindnnao.
SO far as relates to the island OF Luzon.
about 600 miles of railroad would meet
all reasonable. demand for many years
10 come. and could be built at a probable
cost OF 5000 coo. In regard to the island
oi Mindanao. with an area of 81. 900 square
miles. the commission is unable to es,i-
mate with any dafree OF accuracy the
number OF miles of railroad needed for
Immediately opening up the island.
The difficulties of communication be-
tween various points in the Philippine
Islands arc a serious obstacle to the eff
cisnt administration Of all branches OF
ihc Government When il is considered
hat in some cases a month or more. in
others weeks. and in nearly every case
dass. must elapse in going from Manila
to the various provincial capitals. and
vice versa, the extent OF the difficulty
in measure be understood 1t
seeus. therefore. to the commission abso-
lutely Indispensable that some efficient
transportation system should be devised.
Department of Posts.
The department Of posts. the commits
sion reports. has steadily extended its
operations during the past year so as to
meet every reasonable demand upon it,
The service has been. all things consid-
red. very satisfactory and ere litable
Outside OF the commercial ports. the
Army and Navy. aud American civilians
here is yet very little demand for fire.
qucs.t mail service
Under the Spanish regime The postal
department was conducted in the most
primitive way. All coastwise vessels were
required 10 carry the mails without com
pensation, and presidents OF towns were
required to act as postmasters and to
distribute and forward mails without cost
10 the Government
The introduction OF a cheap snd regu-
lar mail service in the Philippines along
modern lines "a is held bv the commits
sion. would undoubtedly prove of immense
benefit TO The people. and in time become
self-suppOrting