The sun., 1903-12-25
7AFT'S STIRRING FAREWELL.
PLAIN TALK no FTLIPINOS AND
AMERICANS AT MANILA.

Critics OF the Administration scored-Good
Work OF the Past Year Pointed Out
Thousands Gather to Say GOod.By
to the Retiring Governor OF the Islantis
=. Special Gable Despatch ioHHE SUN.
MANILA, Dec. 24.-Ex-Gov. Taft sailed
| to-day on his return to the United States
Prior to his departure he delivered two
| strong speeches.
The first was made at the Union Reading
| College. In it he described the duties of
the Americans In the Philippines, and ex-
planned the doctrine Of the Philippines
for the Filipinos. He scored that section
Of the American press which opposes the
policy Of Mckinley and Roosevelt, and
analyzed and ridiculed the half-hearted-
ness Of merchants and the press here toward
| the Administration. He urged active
| cooperation with the Government. Even
| the opposing press unanimously applauds
his remarks and regrets the lateness of his
| declarations.
| The second speech was delivered al
banquet Of 400 Filipinos. He particularly
addressed off1ceholders the heads Of the
political parties and lawyers. He warned
them to desist from speculating upon in
dependent self-government until the schools
were filed with children In every village
and the masses were better educated
Meantime, he said, all forces were working
to elevate the Filipinos. Rapid promo
tions would be given and new Offices would
be bestowed when natives were capable of
administering them.
The speakers who followed Mr.. Taft
were representatives Of the chief provinces,
and they all indorsed his statements.
Fifteen Thousand soldiers, sailors, marines
and constabulary, large provincial dele
cations Of the political parties and labor
unions escorted Mr. Taft, who drove with
Gen. Wade, from the Palace to the Luneta.
Twenty thousand persons lined the route.
When the retiring Governor reached the
Luneta he was Joined by Gov. Wright and
Admiral Stirling, and review OF the parade
| was held. Subsequently Mr. and Mrs. Taft
planted two trees as souvenirs OF their stay
here. They then proceeded to the steam
ship Gaelic, accompanied by seventy-fve
launches Two hours were spent in hand
shaking on board the steamer before she
sailed.
Mr.. Taft stated that the reluctance he at
first felt at leaving Manila had been modified
by the surprising progress made this year in
all branches Of the government. The condi-
tion Of the archipelago WAS now more favor
able than at any other time In its history,
despite the long continued pestilence and
agricultural depression. He was able to
say that the cholera, bubonic plague, rinder-
pest and ladronism were we'll controlled.
Only few favorable crops were needed
to bring peace and extr raordinary pros
perity. The treatment Of ladrones as
criminals by the courts had been very sue
cessful, and the sentimental martyrdom
arising from summary executions had been
done away with.
The present income of the Government
was running slightly behind, owing to the
poverty Of the provinces, which was largely
due to locusts. The hemp production,
however, has broken all records. A million
bales were produced during the year. The
sugar and tobacco crops increased over
those OF 1902, but low prices threaten to
destroy these most important industries.
while tho increase in the import duties In
Japan, China and Java impairs valuable
markets. Mr.. Taft said he anticipated
very heavy losses unless the United States
aids by reducing the tariff to rs per cent,
which he will strongly urge when he reaches
Washington. He will also urge that in
creased powers be given to the Philippine
Commission 80 that it may issue municipal
bonds. At present Congressional restric-
tions render such issue impracticable.
Mr.. Taft strongly favors legislation in favor
of the coastwise shipping trade.
He declared that the Church situation
has vastly improved with the purchase of
the friars' lands and the introduction OF
American Bishops. The movement headed
by Bishop" Aglipay is not important,
except in Negros. Panay. Ilocos Norte and
among the Luzon Tagalogs The currency
question s gradually righting itself.
Mr.. Taft believes that the present army
force Of is 900 men is about the right mini
mum. The troops are in good location
to exercise strategic influence upon the
Oriental situation. In conclusion, he said
he hoped to revisit the Philippines in 1905.
Universal regret is expressed at Mr..
RIt- 4 kL,. .aln