New-York tribune., 1902-02-08
THE PHILIPPINES NEEDS
PURCHASE OF FRIAR,S' LANDS
MOST IMPORTANT.
GOVERNOR TAFT AGAIN BEFORE THE
SENATE COMMITTEE VIEWS
ON TARIFF CONCESSIONS.
fsr TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE. ]


Washington, Feb. 7.-Governor Taft's testi-
rnony before the Senate Philippine Committee
to-day followed the general lines taken at yes
terday's hearing. In explanation OF his state
ment that the chief benefit of tariff conces-
sions TO the Philippines would be political and
sentimental rather than industrial or CONNER
cial, the Governor said that Philippine trade
could not possibly develop with any regularity
or certainty for the next ten years, and for
that reason. among Others he opposed any
Limitation on the life of the concessions granted,
such as had been suggested by Senator Patter-
son and other Democrats. It the better
plan, he argued, to show the Filipinos that the
United States was disposed to give them certain
definite trade advantages and then to allow
commercial relations between the United States
and the islands TO develop without interruption
till further changes become advisable.
Governor Taft said there was nothing more
important for Congress to do than to authorize
the purchase of the lands held by the friars.
Nothing gave the Filipinos so much trouble as
the friars. It was hoped that the friars would
go to other countries if their lands were pur-
chased. but there was no power to eVict them
Relative to the treason statute of the Philip
pine Commission Governor Taft said: While
should like very much TO earn the appreciation
OF Senator Hoar for humanity l must decline
10 do SO at the expense OF the fact or at the
which is mine much as any Of my colleagues
BENEFIT OF TARIFF CONCESSIONS.
In regard TO his testimony of yesterday to the
effect that sentiment the main reason Tor
asking substantial reduction of the rates Of
the Dingley law, so far as they apply TO the
Philippines he said he feared that the state
raent might be misunderstood. The idea he
had meant to convey by that statement was
that the Philippine Commission welcomes every
evidence of a desire the part of the American
people to aid the Philippine people, and he be-
neved that any such evidence Of discrimination
would aid the Philippine administration in its
work That in time such a concession as was
proposed would be of vast benefit to the farm
ers Of the islands-and practically all the in
habitants were farmers-he did not doubt. He
was sure the political effect would be good, but
that there would be any immediate substantial
effect he did not think was true, regardless of
the statement made in his official report that
such a reduction would advance in
trade bv leans and bounds He did not mean
TO withdraw the recommendation; on the con-
trary, he would be glad to have reduction Of
30 per cent Governor Taft also explained that
he had not intended to convey the idea that the
So 0000n0 acres of land in the Philippines not
controlled by private ownership is arabic. Much
of the area is, he said, covered by mountain
ranges and is not therefore capable of cult-
walton.
In response to a suggestion from Senator Cul-
berson Governor Taft said he did not think the
bill providing a tariff between the United States
and the Philippines should be temporary, as is
the case with reference to the Porto Rican bill.
THE INSULAR REVENUES.
Speaking of the new revenue bill passed by
the Philippine Commission, he said that so far
the effect is conjectural, but it hoped the
amount under the impetus it would give to the
trade would soon equal the returns secured un-
der the old law which were 100000 or S10-
100000 There had so far been a great increase
in the importation Of food products. especially
canned goods, which principally from the
United States and Spain.
Governor Taft explained the contracts which
have been let for harbor Improvements, invov
ing an expenditure Of S3,000000 and in
sponse to questions by Senator Hale said that
contracts also had been let for the construction
OF twenty launches, small seagoing boats,
for the transportation of mail OF provincial Off
GERS. The cost Of these boats will be 81. 100000.
He had asked for bids from San Francisco, he
said, but they were so high that the commission
was obliged to contract for them with Shanghai
and japanese firms.
Governor Taft asked for power to pass gen.
eraI corporation laws. Most of the enterprises
there now, he explained are controlled by Eng
lish capital
Mr. Dubois wanted to know If It would not
be advantageous for the government to build
and control railroads. telephones. etc. That
answered Governor Taft, which the commits
sion wishes to avoid"
Regarding corporations Governor Taft
thought It would be wise for Congress to give
TO the commission some discretionary power in
the matter OF building railroads.