The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-03-19
FAST CHANGING CONDITIONS.


FAST CHANGING CONDITIONS.
Although the ants would have you
understand otherwise, the plain truth
is that as something possessing the ele-
ment of cohesion the Instruction in
the Philippines is a thing of the past.
1t is true that gangs of banditti and
bushwhackers are operating in some
parts of the archipelago, but organ
izied resistance to federal authority
has ceased and even the marauding
bands are daily becoming fewer by
their members surrendering or being
broken up and dispersed. Observation
of the reports sem out from the islands
by the military authorities and news
paper correspondents must satisfy all
reasonable persons that the dawn of a
new era is showing itself in the
islands. AS the natives better under
stand the intents and purposes of the
administration the more readily they
yield obedience and are laying down
their arms. Scarcely a dav passes
that does not bring information of the
surrender Of hundreds of former rebels
and the taking of the oath of alleg-
lance. In some instances thousands
have done so'in a single day.
The Taft commission is finding its
work ensy and the difficulties it had
to contend with when it began its la
bors have about disappeared. It now
simply passes from province to
province and from town to town estab-
fishing local government and INSTALL
ing officials. The members are received
with cordiality and rejoicing and
their progress through the islands is n
kind of triumphal journey. Districts
that only a short time ago were in
open hostility to the United States
are now thoroughly pacifed and do
ing all in their power to give proof of
their good will and friendly intentions.
The combined reports of the commits
sion and General Macarthur prove
that the claim made last fall by the
republicans that the reelection of Nc
Kinley would mean a speedy collapse
of the instruction are being verified
and that the day of peace and order is
near at hand.
Acting on the change in conditions
brought about during the past few
months, the president is preparing to
avail himself of the authority given
him under the Spooner amendment to
the army appropriation bill and will
shortly issue a proclamation substitute.
ing civil for military government in
the islands. The change is to be
made April 1, the date fixed for is.
suance of the proclamation. Coeval
with the proclamation appointments
carrying executive, judicial and the
necessary civil authority will also be
announced. This will practically
leave the administration Of the islands
under the Taft commission.
Municipal laws have been framed
by the commission Oh a very liberia
scale, as are all the other laws ant
will undoubtedly be comparativel,
easy of enforcement, as most of then
are the results Of the ideas of the com
} mission as formed from the sugges
tions and advice of natives, who wer
consulted on every proposition befor
decisive and final action was taken
To make government Of the island
all the easier it is the intention
wherever possible, to appoint native
} tn the civil offices that have been Gre
, ated, thus redeeming the pledge c
self-government as far as 1t is deeme
wise at this time.