The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-02-02

washington, Feb. 2.-Governor
Taft, in the annual report of the
Philippine commission, says the year
was one of considerable suffering
among the people of the Philippine
islands on account of a short food
supply, but that the worst is passed.
While he does not consider the fu-
ture as brilliant as it might be, he
believes we are beginning an era IN
the history of the islands which, with
the assistance of proper tariff reduc-
ton in the United States and proper
navigation laws for the islands, will
be one Of decided material develop
ments. At no time has there been
less Ladronism than when this was
written, Dec. 10, 1908. .
One Of the greatest obstacles with
which the government has had to con-
tend, he says, has been the presence
of absolute, drunken and laWless
Americans.
Governor Taft reviews at length the
negotiations leading up to the present
status Of the friars' land settlement.
He says:
Whatever may happen during the first
few months of the coming of the American
bishops, it is certain that the spirit or
the American Catholic church is so differ
ent from that of the Spanish church from
a political standpoint, that the influence
of the Spanish friars will gradually Wane
and that Of the American bishops become
| controlling, bringing about that which we
so much desire. the Americanizing OF the
Roman Catholic church in the Philippines
Tariff Recommendations.
! The value Of the sugar exports from
| the islands for the fiscal year ended
| June 80, 1902 increased $1,194, 396
over the previous year, due, Governor
| Taft says, to the natural result OF a
betternent Of conditions as to tram
! uuility To prevent further falling Oft
| in the product of leaf tobacco, Gov
ernor Taft urges the reduction Of the
| duty to rs per cent of the D1ngley
| tariff rates.
Governor Taft says political condi-
| tons on the islands make the time
ripe for a period of great construc-
! ton. During the next decade rail-
roads, canal and steamship companies,
he says. should revolutionize the IN
| terror trade of the islands and should
! have a marked effect on the export
trade. For this reason he recon-
! mends that the Philippine commits
sion be authorized, with the approval
| of the secretary of war and the presl-
! dent, to enter into contracts with rail-
road companies to whom franchlse
| for the construction of a road shall
! be granted by which an income of not
| exceeding 4 per cent and probably not
! exceeding per cent shall be guaran-
| teed on the investment.
| Health, Schools, Revenue.
Concerning the cholera epidemic
| which began in March, 1902, the re-
! port says the number Of cases was
more than $50, 900 and the number 81
! deaths more than 100000. In Manila
the epidemic is decreasing, due to the
better water supply. This remedy, i
is believed, finally will be the solution
Of the health problem.
| There has been a great Increase II
school attendance in all the province
but one. Still only about 10000, o
10 per cent of the population of schoo
age, are receiving public instructor
Teachers and schoolhouse are anon
the crying needs of the islands.
The revenues of the islands for tn
year ended June 80 1908, exceede
those of the previous year, but Gov
ernor Taft says that by reason Of tn
necessary extraordinary expenditure
a considerable deficit will be mad
should they continue to the end of tn
| present fiscal year. He favors cor
gressional act authorizing the issuin
of bonds for permanent improvement