New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-11-17
PHILIPPINE FACTS.
Work of CiUH administration OF
Insular AFFAIRS.
TFnoM THE TRIBUNE BUREAU

1,-osb;rgton Nov 16-According to the report of
the chief of the Bureau of Insular Affairs Tor the
last year. which has just some TO press anu "ioh
contains much interesting matter reiduFe 10 lhe
administration of civil affairs in the Fhihpphes'
the work of establishing civil government may
now be said TO be accomplished
Within a period of four years dating from the
arrival of the Taft Philippine Commission In Manila
rho whole framework of the present government
has been erected, and the work was rendered the
more difficult because the ground had 10 De cleared
OF the wreck of the old Spanish system that was SO
foreign TO American ideas of government Inc
first three years may be called the period or con-
struction while the last year was the period OF
trial that witnessed the complete operation OF the
new machinery of government, and the results on
the whole have been most satisfactory.
Attention Is called to the legislation that the
commission recommends to Congress. and which
is embodied in bill now pending in the senate II
having passed the House at the last session. The
most important subject is material reduction OF
the present tariff rates Philippine sugar ana
tobacco. The Filpinos practically lost the Spanish
market by transfer OF sovereignty TO the United
States and naturally look to the latter country 10
take their surplus products This tariff reduction
can be made without injury to any American in
dustry. and is strongly urged by the Secretary
of War
The currency system Of the Islands has been en-
tirely changed The former money in circulatlon'
consisting Of Mexican, Spanish. Spanish-Flllplho'
Bombay and other silver coin. has been Withdrawn
from circulation, much of II recoined and the ne"
Filipino coinage provided by Congress supsu-
tuted therefor. Accounts are kept only in the
new currency. and this change from silver to
gold basis from a constantly fiuctuatng TO stable
and fixed rate of exchange, was accomplished With
out any disturbance to business and has elected
the admiration of financiers everywhere. 1t Is the
opinion Of Colonel Edwards that much of the bust
ness depression of which the Philippines have COM
planned due to the fuctuating rates of ex-
change. and this opinion is supported by the fol-
lowing cable dispatch from Governor Wright under
date of October 80. 1904
The gold standard is established fact and now
meets the approval of the entire public. Business
conditions much improved.
Negotiation fer the purchase of the frar lands.
which had been pending rather anticipated ever
since American occupation. has been carried to
successful issue, part of the purchase price having
paid. Four per cent bonds were issued in order TO
secure funds for the purchase of these lands. and
We're sold. after advertisement, at premium that
makes the net rate to the islands only about
per cent a
The Philippine tariff as approved by Congress
March S, 1902, having developed some Irregularities
has been revised, and the proposed revision has
been given to the public with request for sugges-
tions and recommendations, and it is suggested
that the commission have authority to make future
changes in the same necessity therefor arises,
The report reviews the work connected with the
stion at st. Louis and the visit of the honorary
commission of distinguished FilipinOs this
try. the object of both being acquaint this
try with the resources of the islands and the Fill
pinos with the institutions of this country. Elk
haustive tables given of the commerce of the
islands both in the way of exports and Imports
subject of coastwise and international shipping
laws and regula lions is reviewed, and the i'm
may develop railway system adequate to their
needs is dealt with briefly but clearly.