The Washington times., 1903-12-25
TAFT SAYS FAREWELL
AND SAILS FOR HOME
Plain Talk to Filipinos and
Americans.
STIRRING SCENE IN MANILA
Ex-Governor Scores Critics of Admins
tration and Urges Islanders to
Be Loyal to Government.
STIRRING SCENE IN MANILA

MANILA, Dec. Z0--Ex-CsOvernor Taft
sailed today on his return to the United
States. Prior to his departure he de-
livered two strong speeches.
The first was made at the Union Read
ing College. In it he described the du-
ties of the Americans IN the Philip
pines, and explained the doctrine of the
Philippines for the Fiiipinos. He scored
that section of the American press
which opposes the policy of Mckinley
and Roosevelt. and analysed and ridi-
culed the half-heartedness of merchants
and the press here toward the Admin
istration. He urged active cooperation
with the Government. Even the oppos-
ing press unanimously @pplauds his re-
marks and regrets the ,ateness of his
declarations
The second speech was delivered at a
banquet of 400 Filipinos. He particular
ly addressed ofTieeholders, the heads
of the political parties and lawyers.
He warned them to desist from specu-
lating upon independent government
until the schools were filed with. child
rem in every village and the masses
were better educated. Meantime, he
said, all forces were working to elevate
the Filipinos. Rapid promotions would
be given and new offices would be be-
slowed when natives were capable of
administering them.
Sentiments Endorsed.
The speakers who followed Mr. Taft
were representatives of the chief prov
inces. and they all Endorsed his state
ments.
Fifteen thousand soldiers, sailors. ma
rines and constabulary. large provincial
delegations of the political parties and
labor unions escorted Mr. Taft. who
drove with General Wade, from the
palace TO the Lunets. Twenty thousand
persons lined the route.
When The retiring governor reached
the Lunesa he was Joined by Governor
Wright and Admiral Stirling, and a re-
view OF the parade was held. Suisse
quently Mr.. and Mrs. Taft planted two
trees as souvenirs OF their stay here
They then proceeded to the steamship
Gaelic. accompanied by seventy-five
launches. Two hours were spent in
Handwriting on board the steamer be-
fore she sailed.
Sees Great Progress.
Mr. Taft said 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
condition of the archipelago was now
more favorable than at any other time
in its history. despite the long continued
pestilerce and agricultural depression.
He was able 70 say the cholera, bubonic
plague, rinderpest and Iadronism were
well controlled. Only a few favorable
crops were needed to bring peace and ex-
traordinary prosperity. The treatment OF
ladrones as criminals by the courts had
- Ct ~
mental martyrdom arising from sum
mary 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 pro-
duction, however. has broken all
records. millio1 bales were produced
in the course of the year. The sugar
and tobacco crops increased over those
of 1902. but low prices threaten to de-
stroy these most important industries,
while the increase in the import duties
in Japan, China and Java impairs valu-
able markets. Mr. Taft said he autici-
pated heavy losses unless the United
States aids by reducing the tariff
10 g per cent. which he will strongly
urge when he reaches Washington. He
will also urge that increased powers be
given to the Philippine Commission so
that 1t may issue municipal bonds. At
present Congressional restrictions make
such issue impracticable Mr.. Taft
strongly favors Legislation in favor of
the coastwise shipping trade.
Friar Land Purchase
He declared the church situation TO be
vastly improved with the purchase Of
the friars' lands and the Introduction
Of American bishops. The movement
headed by Bishop Aglipay is not i'm
portant except In Negroes. Panay, Ilocos
Norte and among the Luzon Tagalogs.
The currency question is gradually
righting itself.
/ Mr.. Taft believes the present army
force Of 1900 men is about the right
minimum. The troops are in a good
! location TO exercise strategic influence
upon the Oriental situation. In conclu-
tion- he said he hoped 20 revisit the
Philippines in 1905.
Universal regret is expressed at Mr..