New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-08-18
PHILIPPINE RAILROADS.
Construction of an ErtensiUe System
Favored by Secretary Root.

Washington Aug 17-Secretary Root has been
in correspondence with Governor Taft regarding
the construction of system of railroads in the
Philippine Islands amounting to about six hundred
miles 1t is proposed to build a line from Manila
through Luzon the harbor at the northern end
of the island. Another projected line is branch
from this north and south line over the mountains
to the eastern coasts. Another proposed line is
from Manila. south to Batangas II has also been
suggested that a line be constructed along the
west coast of Luzon from Dagupan, the present
terminus of the Manila and Dagupan road, to the
north end of the island.
The propositions which have been considered by
the Secretary of War and the Governor of the
Philippines contemplate aid by the Philippine gov
eminent in the construction of the roads. 1t is
believed that a guarantee of the interest the
cost of the roads, in case they prove unable to
pay such interest out of the earnings, will be
sufficient to induce capital to invest in the enter
prises. The Philippine government could not grant
lands to aid in the construction of the roads but
it could grant rights of way. 1t has been deter
mined that the Philippine government has author
ity to guarantee the interest the bonds, the
payment of interest if made, TO constitute lien
the railroad property.
The Secretary of War believes that the
struction of these roads would be of immense
benefit and would settle for all time the question
of possible Instructions in the island of Luzon-
For police and patrol of the island. the roads, it
is believed would he far superior 70 regiment of
soldiers. while the cost of a regiment would be
nearly double the amount or interest the govern
ment would pay on the cost of the railroad. The
Secretary says that the building of railways in
Cuba has eliminated the prospects of disturbances
in that portion of the island where they have been
constructed. He thinks a similar result would
follow the building of railroads in the Philippines.
Engineers have been making surveys in the ISL
ands. and railroad men have been in consutatlo
with the Secretary the project. which mas
reached such stage that it is believed early action
will be taken looking to the building OF railroads
extensive scale.
Some of the projects for railroads include con-
struction of short lines in Mindanao, but these are
not considered of such Importance as those OF
Luzon. the roads in the large island Will make
policing easy problem. ,
In connection with the proposed system or rail-
roads Secretary Root and Governor Taft have
been considering the claim of the Manila and
Dagupan Railroad against the United States. The
road has made a claim for damage done by lnsur,
gents before and since the American occupation and
under the peace treaty. Secretary Root has re-
fused approve the plan of settlement because
there is clause in the charter of the road proVld-
ing that it shall become the property of the gov
eminent at the end of fifty years. and one OF the
articles of agreement in the settlement on which
the railroad company insisted was that the gov
eminent should relinquish ali claims under the
fifty years provision