The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-12-13
.INSULAR LEGISLATION
AWAITS GOVERNOR TAFT
The New Secretary Leaves
Manila on January 6.
REDUCTION OF THE TARIFF
His Efforts Will Be Opposed by Big In
terests-Immibratio and
Railroad Construction.


Governor Taft is expected 70 leave
Manila OF January 6 for Washington to
assume the discharge Of his new duties
as Secretary Of War. He has made ar
ranSements to make the trip in about
three weeks and will thus reach the
CAPITAL i'm the latter part OF January and
take the oath Of Office about Feb
Iuary l.
it is not expected that much legiSla-
tion affecting the Philippines viii be I'M
d,rtakcn until after the arrival Of the
rev Secretary of War. There are a
number OF matters with which he is
especially familiar. more so than anyone
else. ard upon which his advice and
7, communication are wanted. Governor
Taft has been a persistent advocate OF
a reduction Of the Philippine tariff and
viii continue TO urge Congress to lower
the duties upon articles imported from
the islands. although IT is extremely
doubtful If any such legislation will be
passed AT this session.
Big Interests Opposed.
The sugar and tobacco interests are
united in opposing any reductions and
will probably be able to defeat action
upon reduction bin should one be In
troduced. The leaders in the Senate
and House are also disinclined to under
take anv tariff legislation affecting the
Philippines for the reason that II would
continue the tariff agitation which it is
already evident the Democrats intend 70
keep alive. The Republicans are firmly
resolved to leave the tariff strictly alone
after the Cuban reciprocity bill is en-
acted into law.
There are influential interests at work
in an effort TO induce Congress to amend
the Philippine act affecting the leasing
of agricultural. mining. and timber
lands. At present the limit is about
1900 acres to one individual OF company.
and i'm the opinion of many members OF
Congress who have taken special in
tcrest in Philippine legislation this Is as
FAR as Congress ought TO go in permit
ting the monopolization OF Philippine
lands. It is said that Chairman Cooper,
OF the Committee on Insular Affairs of
the House. is one of those who is OPP
posed to granting further privileges to
companies organized for the purpose of
'gobbing" up the lands Of the Filipinos.
There are, however. influences at work
In an attempt to have the limit removed.
Chinese immigration.
Influence coming from the same quar-
ter will be brought to bear in an effort
TO modify the Chinese immigration laws
affecting the Philippines. The Chinese
exclusion act passed by the last Con-
gress was made applicable to the Philip
pines. as well as to the United States
proper, and In consequence the China
men are prohibited from entering the
islands. Filipino labor is indolent, how
ever. and the big corporations which
have already entered the islands and
others which are preparing to do SO de-
sire 70 make satisfactory arrangements
for labor TO develop the industries
This, they assert, they are unable to
do with the Filipino laborers. and hence
they are anxious for a modification of
the exclusion law which will permit the
importation OF Chinese coolies under
contract for a term Of years. 1t is
claimed that this is the only way in
which an adequate and proficient supply
OF labor can be procured. Such leEisla-
tion is, however. bound to meet with de-
termined opposition. not only by labor
ing people in this country. but by those
who believe that in the development of
Philippine industries the Filipinos them
solves should be given an opportunity TO
q.
would deprive Filipino labor of an op-
portunity to improve it's condition.
Railroad Construction.
Another matter i'm which the advice Of
Governor Taft will be important 70 the
committee of Congress dealing with the
Philippines viii be the matter OF rail-
road construction. Experts have figured
that $50.0o0,OO0 will build trunk lines in
Luzon and Cebu, with branches reaching
various ports. which would be a great
boon in developing the islands and pro-
noting the cause Of civilization This
money would BE- forthcoming at once II
provision were to be made by Congress
guaranteeing per cent dividends for q
term Of years. and at the same time
providing for Government supervision OF
construction.
Some Of the projected lines. Il is said
would pay as well, II not better thar
this, from the start, while others woulc
not be so prosperous until after tho
country into which they are projected 4
better developed. With Government aid
however. IL is contended that adequat,
railroad facilities could be provided. and
that the guara nteeing Of returns to in
NCstOrs would In the end be a great sa
ing 10 the Government. in that II woult
increase the revenues OF the Islands anS
decrease the cost OF maintaining a mill
tary force by reason Of the civllizing in
nuence Of railroad building
Governor Taft is anxious TO aid in tn,
construction Of railroads throughout tn,
Islands. and his recommendations IN thi
respect Will be Of value TO Congress IN
dealing with this subject