The age-herald., 1902-02-01
TAFT TELLS IF
 THE ISLANDS Says CiViI Government Exists
 in All the Provinces SITUATION IS VERY BRIGHT
There Are Two sultans, One In Mln- danao and the Other In Jolo Group, But They Do Not
 Always Control.

Washington January S1.-The investi- gation into the conditions in the Philip pine archipelago apropos of the effort to secure legislation for the government of these islands was begun by the Senate committee on the Philippines today.
 William Taft, civil governor of the archipelago was the first witness call ed There was full attendance of mem- bers of the committee and Senator Lodge of the committee, explained that the com mittee not only desired the fullest in- formation concerning the islands. but any advice that Governor Taft might offer concerning the questions at issue.
 Governor Taft said he had gone to the Philippines in the spring of 1900 and had the past year. He said in all the Filipino or Christian provinces Is a form of civil government. There are thirty-four of these provinces. The Moros are all friendly except a few who had never been otherwise than hostile to the Span- iards. Even these were nov being brought over by the prospect of trade, Ol WlllCh AliCy dAC NCAJ AOiiN-
 Tour When Time Was Ripe.
 The commissioners tour of the island, Governor Taft said, had only been under taken after the reelection of President Mckinley, when the time seemed ripe for the establishment of local government in the islands. They presented to the digni- taries of the various places visited an explanation of the provisional and muni- cipal acts
 We had some oratory," he said, mot from the rear platform of the train, but generally from the windows of the car" . He then gave in detail the proceedings of the meeting at the various places vis- tied, saying that some seventeen capitals of the provinces were visited on the first tour. At each place the delegates of the peoples representative were met, the pre- scribed special act was passed and the Governor appointed and authorized to or ganize municipalities. These provincial governments consisted, he explained, of a Governor secretary, superintendent. treasurer and a fiscal or prosecuting att torney. In all cases where the selection could be made without arousing jealousy natives were appointed. All these natives had been chosen. All these appointments are temporary and next month their suc- cessors will be elected.
 Americans Placed In Charge.
 When the factions were too strong, Americans were placed at the head of each provincial government. In all cases the treasurer and superintendent were Americans. The commission had first given it's attention to the northern pro- vinces and in April started south on a trip of fifty-four days. They had been received most cordially everywhere.
 This latter remark led the witness into a few conservative remarks on the sub ject of Filipino hospitality. 'The Span iards,' he said, will always tell you his house Is yours. but he does not always mean that you should take him at his word, but the Filipino will tell you the same thing, and he always means what he says. He will turn his family out and install you in his habitation."
 Speaking of the Island of Negros, he said that 1t was peculiar in its topogra- phy, and that previous to the commis- sion's visit there was difficulty ih the matter of government. There were so many officials in the government that of the 27.000 Mexicans only about 10000 were left for other expenses than the payment of salaries.
 Governor Taft said the commission had gained experience in trying to reorgan- ize the province of Antique. but the peo- pie resisted vigorously.
 Governor Taft said 1t had been found impossible to put Filipinos over the Moros. They are subject to their ratos or chiefs and refuse to recognize the au- thority of a Filipino.
 There Are Two Sultans.
 There were, he said, two Sultans one in Mindanao and the other in the Jolo group, but the Sultans do not always control their datos. The Sultan of Min danao. he said is very poor but the sov- ereign of Jolo is a thrifty man who is constantly trying to increase his income and constantly getting into row about it.
 The Jolo Sultan had. he said, refused to recognize Spain's claim to any prop erty. in the islands except the custom house and there is question as to the ownership in many instances. This com plication existed not only between the Sultan and the United States, but be- tween the Sultan and his subjects. Ask ed if the Moros were generally peaceful, the witness replied that they were so ex- cept in individual instances. There is. he said, mo war or even insurrection in the Moro provinces, but there are oc- oF Ay,,a