Rock Island Argus., 1901-12-18
Seeks Absolute Powers.

Seeks Absolute Powers.
The Taft Philippine commission,
not satisfied with the extraordinary
powers now vested in it. is asking
congress to confer upon it powers
such as were never before vested in
such a body of men. Even republi-
can senators are astOunded, we are
told by Washington advice, at the
recommendations of the commission
for the enlargement of its authority.
Nest extensive of the powers asked
is that the commission shall have the
exclusive authority TO grant street
railway. electric light. telephone and
other municipal franchises in the
towns of the islands, subject only to
the confirmation of the president.
Another recommendation that
would confer much power L evil if
improperly used is that which would
empower the commission To issue in
sular bonds with which TO buy up
the agricultural holdings and other
property of the religious orders
These holdings amount to tens of
millions of dollars and are largely
vested in the Catholic church. After
buying these properties the commits
|
to dispose of them ON easy payments
tn such tenants as it may desire.
Other recommendations of the
commission follow:
That the commission shall he Civ
en- power to issue bonds for the city
of Manila or to authorize the muni-
cipaI board TO do so in an amount
not exceeding 100000 sufficient TO
make improvements in the water
supply and the sewerage and drain
age systems.
That congress shall confer upon
il the power to pass n public land
law making provision for the acquisi-
tion of homestead rights. the com
mission fixing the price for lands.
That in the matter of commercial
railroads throughout the islands the
commission be given power TO grant
its charters. with authority TO aid
the concessionaries with land grants
or guaranty of payment of interest
on the Investments, or both, subject
only to the approval of the president.
In addition TO these specific recon-
mendations the commission asks con-
gress to give it. authority to put in
force by congressional enactment all
the previous powers as vested in the
orders of the president.
In addition to these specific recon-
mendations the commission asks con-
gress to give it authority TO put in
force by congressional enactment all
the previous powers as vested in the
orders of the president. 1t also asks
to be allowed TO pass mining and
timber laws.
The commission requests congress
TO make such qualifications for voters
that most of the inhabitants could
not become voters. 1t raises as its
qualification for n voter the rule that
he shall be able to speak. read and
write English or Spanish. or that for
merIy he should have been a muni- |
cipal officer. or that he shall pay a |
tax equal to SIS a year or own pro-
p. rty to the value of $3.50.
The power to grant franchises |
means the disposition of millions of |
dollars worth of privileges in the /
islands TO whomsOeyer the commits
sion may choose. without restriction
or compensation to the municipali-
ties and without giving them a
voice. it is said. The Philippine com
mission, consisting of William II.
Taft, Dean c. Worcester. Luke +.
Wright. Henry c. Ide and Bernard
has practically controlled the
affairs in the islands for months.
Under the recommendations of the
little if anything is left
for congress to provide. If the com
missions resolutions are accepted by
congress the commission itself Will
be the supreme authority