The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1902-01-23
GOVERNOR TAFT DISCUSSES THE
SITUATION THROUGHOUT
T., THE ISLANDS. ~; :.
THE WAR is NOT GENERAL
Insurrection Confined to the Province
of Batangas and the Island of Sa
mar-ls Much Encouraged by the
Growth of Peace Sentiment in the
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. Begin to Ap
preciate Civil Government


San Francisco, Jan. 22-Governor
General Taft, who has arrived from
Manila, expects to start for Washing
ton during the day. He will stop at
Cincinnati, his home, en- route. Dis.
cussing conditions in the Philippines,
Governor Taft said:
II wish the press would correct the
impression that there is war on all
the islands. The Instruction is con-
fined to two localities province
of Batangas and the Island Of Samar.
Since arriving have received most
encouraging cable from General
Wright, who is the acting governor in
my absence. It said that owing to
General Bells strong repressive meas
ures the trouble in Batangas was being
quieted. He further said that 700
rifles had been surrendered, and as
there are only LOO to 1900 rifles in
the province, there is no doubt that
Batangas will be as peaceful as any
of the other provinces.
II don't think General Bell will have
need to adopt the reconcentrado
there will be any necessity for this, as
his dispatch plainly indicates that the
province is in fair way of pacifica-
ton. The dispatch says there are 843
teachers in the islands in $50 places,
and zoo OF these places are unoccupied
by United States troops. I may say
that the Filipino is not hostile to the
teacher. One was captured some time
hn H~ T.
mock. The inference is plain that
they entertain no hostility toward ped
agogues.
81 wish to impress upon everybody
that civil government is success.
There is strong peace party in the
islands and it is composed of the most
influential men among the Filipinos.
They are working earnestly and ZEAL
ously toward bringing about happy re-
lations between their countrymen and
the government. They are using all
that is in their power to bring in the
recalcitrant leaders. I have never
been so encouraged as to the prospects
OF the Philippines as I have within
the past three months.
There Has Been a Great Change
in the sentiment of the people. They
are beginning to appreciate the fact
that CIVIL government means better
times for them.
IF you had seen the farewell re-
ceptions that were given me by the
people on my leaving the islands, you
would have realized that there was
sincerity in the expression of the wish
for civil government to continue. Be-
7 1nff T
governors of the different provinces
and the tone of each report was most
encouraging. I am encouraged and 1
shall so report to Washington.
There are IS provinces capable of
government. The only place where
there is trouble is in the Island of
Samar. That is the most difficult
island for military operations. There
are no roads, and the troops have to
use water courses when water is pour
ing down the runnels to follow the
natives to their Businesses. But we
are confident that it is only question
OF a short time when the island will
be pacifed.
Speaking of the Moros, they are
not capable of receiving a civil gov
eminent. They still have tribal rela-
lions, as did our Indians, and obey
their chiefs. There are two sets of
Moros-the river Moros and the lake
Moros
1.-THE lake Moros have been distinct
ly hostile to us and were ever active
against the Spaniards. l am glad to
say that better feeling has sprung
up among them and they are now com
mencing to bring in the products of
their lands and barter them. The
river Moros have always been sub
missive. I don't wish to create the
Impression that the lake Moros are in
state Of warfare.
The great question and difficulty
that presents itself to the government
is the land question. The titles to
lands are very unsettled and it is a
difficult matter to adjust them"