New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-12-04
PHILIPPINE PROGRESS.
Judge McDonomgh Reports Islands
affairs IN ErceLIent Condition.

Albany, Dec. SPECIALIZATION II. McDonough,
formerly Secretary OF State of New-York. and now
a member of the Supreme Court OF the Philippines,
reviews in a letter received by Labor Commissioner
McMackin the military, civil and economic condi-
tons in the islands He says, in part:
I have been really surprised at the great progress
made here in establishing civil government. listen
been here about five years. telling about the mill
tary rule OF three years ago, when one could not
without military pass, and when it was danger
ITS we have an orderly city well protected by
American and native police, most Of the former
gladly in the police at a salary OF S75 a month.
which seems large when compared to their army
We making modern and model city Of
orent We viii soon have an up to date electric
street railway. We have electric lights in the prin
and building sewers. We are spending millions of
Goltars IN u}e construction or DOCKS ana preak-
waters ana dredglng the harbor. Much money IS
also being expended in the erection Of now public
thrG0g6ogt the province We have only one steam
Manila to Dagupan a distance Of about l25 miles
railroads are to be built soon.
The country is SO tranquil now that there is little
dangerous extent with such projects. We occa-
sionaly have trouble in the back hin country with
what as train robbers do at home. but they are
promptly pursued usually captured quickly tried
The government has organized four thousand or
and scouts, Differed by Americans. and these are
distributed throughout the archipelago to preserve
order and enforce the law. They quite proud
of the privilege of serving under the Stars and
Because Of the existence Of this body of men, the
men Of the regular army are relieved of active
work and kept at posts, to be called upon only
in of emergency.
These islands are rich in resources. I have been
Informed by competent authority that the forests
alone owned by the government are worth at least
$3.50 100000. This year we derived a revenue from
sales of ripe timber of $4,000 and it likely
for cabinet work may be obtained here
have met many of our little brown brothers"
the famous AgunaldO and l really IA
vorably impressed with them. They are, the
whole, a simple pious, clean and obedent people.
Many of them have had the advantages of a good
education. and are very bright Three Of them are
sitting with me in the Supreme Court. and am
very fond Of them; of them is Solicitor Cen
eral of the islands, splendid official who for a
time was out with Aguinaldo, and others Of them
are in minor places under the government, The
masses are entirely satisfied TO live under the
protection of the United States and would pro-
test If the government to abandon the ISL
ands, for the leaders know they would fall prey
to Japan or China If our government gave up the
archipelago
The religious, or friar, question has caused
siderable discussion here and at home, but IT looks
now if that question would be speedily settled.
In fact, there is not nearly so much friction as
things right TO be settling this question
effectuay. The situation will be changed for the
better, too. when the four Yankee bishops are
installed
crops, business prosperity, religious freedom fer
all the outlook for the Philippines is bright Pres
ident Roosevelt has Loyalty and faithfully carried
out President McKinleyS plans The census has
been taken, and the people discussing the
question OF their assembly, and already candidates
mentioned for that body