The age-herald., 1902-02-03
TAFT CRITICISED
 IN THE ISLANDS
People Think 15,000 Men h. sufficient for Garrison Duty
INTERESTED IN CONGRESS
Local Politics Have Been Forgotten in Anxiety to Know What Action Will Be Taken in Regard to
 the Philippine Islands.

Manila, February 2.-Manila is intensely interested as to what action Congress will take concerning the Philippine Islands. Ordinary local politics have been forgotten. and two parties have been formed, the optimists and the pessimists. Some think that life and property are un- safe outside of the towns of the islands, while others ridicule such ideas and con sider life and property to be assured.
 Criticism of the statements of Civil Governor Taft that he believed 15,000 men would be sufficient to garrison the islands In a year are plentiful Yet the majority of the business men who are financially interested in the provinces and consequently claim exceptional opportun- ities for feeling the pulse of the people, say Governor Taft Is right on one condi- tion only, that being Congress acts for the benefit of the Philippines.
 Capt. Frank Green. president of the American Chamber of Commerce here, says he fully believes that Civil Cover nor Taft's forecast can be realized if Con- gress will arrange to open the country to mining and homsteads laws and to en- large the forestry reserves. Should this legislation be effected an act by the Philippine commission granting fran chises would naturally follow, and Amer ican capital in large quantities as well as many American miners and homestead seekers would come to the islands.
 Would Have Good Constituency.
 '.lf this were accomplished" continued the president of the Chamber of Com merce, i've would immediately have a large body of resurceful and self-reliant men scattered throughout the archipela- go who would become a source of infor- mation for the government, concerning the natives surrounding them and who would constitute a reserve force in case of necessity. Then consequent develop ment of the islands would give employ ment to an increasing number of Filippins who while busy making money, would have less time to plot. The good wages ment to an increasing number of Filipnos in the field desert the insurrection in or der to enjoy their share of the prosperity.
 Every one admits the excellent work done by the native constabulary, which will be increased. Many municipalities also now possess a fairly efficient police force. The concentration of the Ameri- can troops into substantial barracks would reduce the sick rate among them and 15,000 men, under such circumstances, would equal 10000 men now. Given these conditions, it can readily be seen that in case of a local outbreak with which the police would be unable to cope the con- stabulary would be handy; should it be necessary, the military can come in then, as last resort there would be this ever increasing body of American citizens willing to render assistance.
 '.I consider the assurances made by Civil Governor Taft. before the Senate committee on the Philippines regarding future peace in these islands to be time ly. inasmuch as they will have a tendency to bring about more rapid legislation on the subjects most needing attention.
 Harmony Between Officials.
 A prominent member of the govern ment says that the order of General Chaf- fee to military commanders to harmonize with the civil authorities will have some effect The member of the government in question thinks whatever friction there has been in the provinces is probably due to the contnua ton in these provinces in a military capacity of the same officers who previously wielded civil power there. "'rhe people at home" said this member of the government, "are prone to blame General Otis and General Macarthur for