The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-02-03
Views of Capt. Frank Green, Presi-
dent of the American Chamber of
Commerce at Manila.
CONGRESS MUST TAKE ACTION
THAT WILL RESULT IN THE INVEST
MENT OF AMERICAN CAPITAL.
with Industries Established Through
out the Islands, FilipinOs Would BE
Working Instead of Plotting.

MANILA, Feb. 2.-Manila is intensely in
terested as to what action Congress will
take concerning the Philippine islands. Or
dinarily local politics have been forgotten
and two parties have been formed-the op-
timists and the pessimists. Some think
that life and property are unsafe outside
of the towns of the islands, while others
ridicule such ideas and consider life and
property to be assured.
Criticisms of the statement of Civil Gov
ernor Taft that he believed 1900 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 opportunities for feeling the
pulse of the people say that Governor Cen
eral Taft is right on condition only,
that being that Congress acts for the ben
eft of the Philippines.
Capt. Frank Green, president of the
American Chamber Of Commerce here, says
he fully believes that Civil Governor Taft's
forecast can be realized if Congress will
arrange to open the country to mining and
homestead laws and to enla ge the forestry
reserves. Should this legislation be ef-
fected. act by the Philippine Commis-
sion granting franchises would naturally
follow and American capital in large guam
titles. as well as many American miners
and homestead seekers, would come to the
islands
IF this were accomplished" continued
the president of the Chamber of Com
merce 1--WE would Immediately have a large
body OF resourceful and self-reliant men
scattered throughout the archipelago, who
would become a source of information for
the government concerning the natives sur
rounding them, and who would constitute
a reserve force in case of necessity. The
consequent development of the islands
would give employment to an increasing
number of Filipinos, who. while busy max
ing money, would have less time to plot.
The good wages i'm sight would make even
those Filipinos in the field desert their in
surrection in order 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 American troops
into substantial barracks would reduce the
sick rate among them, and 1900 men, un-
der such circumstances. would equal 10000
men now Given these conditions II can
readily be seen that in case OF a local out
break with which the police would be un-
able TO cope the constabulary would be
handy; should il be necessary the mill
tary can come in, and then, a last re-
body OF American citizens willing to rem
der assistance.
''I consider the assurances made by Civil
Governor Taft before the Senate commit
tee on the Philippines regarding future
peace in these islands to be timely. mas
much as they will have tendency TO bring
about more rapid explanations on the sub
iects most needing attention"
\ prominent member of the government
says that the order of General Chaffee 10
military commanders to harmonize with
he cfx wi Ia
The member of the government in question
thinks whatever friction there has been i'm
the provinces is probably due 10 the con-
tinuatiOn in these provinces, in a military
capacity. of the same officers who previ-
ously welded civil power there. THE peo-
pie at home" says this member Of the gov
ernment. ARE prone TO blame General Otis
and General Macarthur for making state
ments which the facts did not seem 10
warrant. while as matter Of fact, both
generals were right General Otis Justly
considered he had the situation we'll i'm
hand, even though the fighting continued.
To General Macarthur is due much credit
for pacifying a large portion OF the Phil
ippine islands, but to General Chaffee
comes the greatest opportunity. that OF
stamping out insurrection in those places
where there has been the most stubborn
resistance. prolonged beyond what was
thought possible. / think that General
Chafee is doing this effectively. and that
his example and influence on the military
government will soon result la establishing
most cordial relations between the civil and
military authorities. General Chaffee rec
Ognizes that both these branches OF the
government are working by different means
TO the same end-the desire OF the Ameri-
can people that a clean and good govern
ment be established in every place possi-
BILE"
Gen Franklin Bell. commanding the
troops of the provinces OF Batangas and
Iaguna. southern LuZOn. has arrived here
10 confer with General Chaffee. He be-
lieVes there is every prospect for the final
termination OF the insurrection in these
provinces. Surrenders OF men and rifles
occur daily.