The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1904-01-28
GOVERNOR TAFT TALKS ABOUT
THE PHILIPPINES.
Great Need of the Hour Is More
Railroads, and a Period of Great
Activity in This Line Is Anttci-
pated--American Capital Has
Been Slow to Grasp Opportunities


pines, arrived here during the after
noon on the steamer Korea. He was
accompanied by Mrs. Taft, their two
children, f. w. Carpenter, his private
secretary, and Carson Taylor, secretary
of the Philippine st. Louis commits
sion
Immediately upon arrival in the har-
Dor Governor Taft and party were
transferred to the government tug Slo-
cum, which proceeded with all dis
patch to the Oakland mole, where the
Atlantic express was held in waiting
to start the moment the distinguished
passenger was on board.
In conversation with representa-
tive of the Associated Press, comment
ing upon the existing situation of af-
fairs in the Philippines, Governor Taft
said that conditions there were better
than ever before, and he doubted if
greater tranquility ever prevailed, even
under the Spanish administration.
Railroads to Be Built.
eve are now looking forward" he
said, "to period of great activity in
railroad building throughout the ISL
ands. English and Belgian capitalists
have so far controlled the islands, but
the people are anxious for the intro
duction of American capital, which so
far has not been forthcoming.
"This may be due to the fact that
it is too much employed in other
branches of industry, or perhaps in
vestors in this country are too afraid,
lacking the experience of English pro-
moters in dealing with financial mat
ers in the Orient.
Zone American syndicate, headed
by a Mr.. Swift, of Detroit, is now en-
gagged in the construction of electric
railroads, grid-ironing the streets of
Manila, with the object in view of ex-
tensions which will connect the subur-
ban points.
1.-TWO new branch lines have just
been authorized by the government,
one of 35 miles and another of 81
miles, on the line of the road now run
from Manila to Dagupan. This road
was originally built by the Spanish.
EngIishmen Seeking Franchises.
English capitalists are now seeking
franchises in other directions, and Sec
rotary Root has had surveys for two or
three trunk lines, which have already
been published, and for which esti-
mates have been asked.
"The greatest need of the hour in
the islands is railroads. The opportu-
nifty for their construction is not linn
tied to any particular island, though
just now they are confined to Luzon.
Every island in the group can support
a railroad running for so miles along
the coast, to handle supplies and coun-
try produce. American capital, it is
hoped, will appreciate this opportunity
and sescure the roads.
1.-THE census will be published in
October next, provided the country is
as tranquil as it is now. The bill will
authorize the election of an assembly
of not less than 80 nor more than 100
members. This assembly will be a
legislative body, coordinate with the
commission, passing all enactmenls of
the government of the territory 1t
will be provided, however, that should
they fail at any time to pass the neces-
sary appropriations the governor and
treasurr will have the power. The as
sembly will also be regarded in the
light of an educational institution.
'This will give the present Philip
pine commission two and a half years
in which to complete their arrange
ments for the government of the ISL
ands and the fulfillment of what they
may consider necessary legislation.
Cannot Govern Themselves.
In reply to question whether the
Filipinos were in a position to govern
themselves, he said that they certainly
were not at present and to make pre-
diction ON the subject would be look
ing too far ahead into the future.
In reagrd to the trouble between
Japan and Russia and the general stu
alton in the far East which prevailed
when he left, the ex-governor said that
affairs looked quite warlike. He had
hopes, however, that the crisis might
yet be bridged over and peace pre-
served. The mikado was a man Of
tact, his caliber being shown by the
high class Of advisers he has gathered
around him.
No significance of political nature,
said Governor Taft, need be attached
to the haste with which he was travel
ing. Secretary Root hadsbeen detained
now one monah longer than he had ex-
pected and was anxious to turn affairs
over and get all settled 50 he could