The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-08-20
TEE PROPOSED PHILIPPINE
RAILROADS.


ment La made OF the purpose to construct
somewhat extensive railway system m inc
island of L,lzon. The project has been
under consideration for many months ana
representatives Of well-known railway build
ers have gone over The proposed routes
making careful study OF their possibilities
and their probable cost, From the point OF
view Of tho mechanical construction only,
there 10 no doubt that the lines can DO built.
although 1t Ia probable that their mileage
cost would DO considerable. Behind the
question of possible construction there lies
quite another question, that OF the possi-
bility Of profitable operation.
In such a land az LuSon, railway con-
struction presents a double consideration,
the political and The commercial. Com
nercially, the projected line to northern
Lueon can only be regarded as a doubtful
undertaking for many years to come. The
cost OF the road would be great for various
unavoidable reasons. All rails. equipment
and appliances Of oil kinds must be taken
out from the United States unless the con-
ditious OF the contract made 1t possible TO
purchase in other markets. Tie conforma-
ton Of the land along the proposed route,
across the Sierras and down the Cagayan
Valley, is such that great number OF
bridges and strongly built culverts would
be absolutely necessary. The torrential
rains of the summer months turn rivrilets
into raging currents, and the number OF
such streams flowing down the hllsides
into the main river is very greab Substantial
culverts and strongly constructed piers and
l,,,kv Ror l,rsI xxyilI h6s
lively required.
The question Of Ia Dor for the construction
Of the line is also an important considera-
tion. Can a sufficient supply Of efficient
Filipino labor be obtainedp The alternative
IL the Chinaman. In certain departments
OF labor. the Filipino 10 efficient. His success
az NAVY" is not well determined.
The question Of possible traffic presents
many uncertainties. The people OF the
region are not producing people, and it 10
question how far increased facilities for
transportation would increase their dis
position to produce. The Cagayan valley
Is probably the best tobacco area Of the
islands, and from that district there comes
a notable portion of the supply Of the Philip
pine weed. Heretofore, 1t has been brought
by steamers from Aparoi the port at the
mouth OF the river. Upon that crop, the
question will be the relative cost of trans
portation by rail or water. In sugar pro-
ductiou, tho same question appears The
Issue will turn upon short or comparatively
short rail transportation to tide water and
thence by steamer to Manila, or long
all-rsil haul across the mountains TO the
same port of shipment.
While railway construction is quite sure
TO make business wherever production is
possible, it 10 probable that as q strictly
commercial enterprise a railway in Luzon
10 doubtful investment without heavy
subsidy from the Government
Upon the side of the political considera-
ton. much more is to be said. Employ
ment would be furnished for many hands,
and large amount Of money would be put
into circulation. II this could fall into
Filipino hands. duly fitting end would be
served, II it became necessary to use the
Chino" for the manual labor, the benefit
would be doubtful. The Chinaman is
highly commendable worker, but he is I'M
queetionably an industrial parasite wher-
ever he goes.
hhO "a elbiiChU ioi lue pEcnCI vi
peace In the island by facilitating the dis
tribution Of troops, in case Of need, is good
only as far as it goes, The proposed lines
could touch only a comparatively limited
area. and, In case Of war or instruction
a long single line is vital spot easily at
tackled and protected with difficulty. Eng
land found that out in South Africa.
On the whole, the enterprise is undoubt-
eddy commendable, though rather from a
political than from a commercial stand
point. It would doubtless be welcomed
by the Filipinos in general. In their own
way, they have quite an idea of progress
and development, and the last three years
have seen them converted from the
"Apaohes, which Mr.. Roosevelt then called
them, into a people whom Governor Taft
very wisely advises us to govern with some
idea Of their special interests and whom he,
also very wisely, makes an important part
Of his governmental machinery. Even
should the road cost the United States
few millions Of dollars, there is little doubt
that 1t would prove wise investment and
a very helpful factor in the solution OF one
OF our most difficult problems