Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-11-29

the cavalry ought to be increased. because
the technical skill required in artillerymen
and the length of time needed to bring them
up to the requirements of modern artillery
service would be greater even than in the
equipment and preparation of a cavalry
force. For this reason 1 have referred to
the general staff the question what changes
in the proportion of the various branches
ought now to be effected without an in
crease in the size of the army in order that
tne force of artillerymen should be brought
np to Its proper proportion in time of peace
In view of the difficulty of enlarging it in
time of war. The result of the study of the
general STAFF upon this subject will be COM
muntcated to Congress as soon as its con-
illusions have been reached"
The Militia.
In chapter devoted to the militia Secre-
tary Taft says, in part:
Under the provisions of section 13 of the
new militia law, magazine arms and equip
ments have been issued in sufficient num-
bers fully to arm the organized militia of
each state and territory, according to the
strength existing at the date of the passage
of the act-11O.921 rifles and 1923 carbines.
a total of 1864, having been issued to
oate-and amounts aggregating 1896 1913 50
representing the value of the arms which
nad peen charged to various states and ter
ritorles, nave been placed to the credit of
their respective allotments from the militia
appropriation. In addition thereto eratui-
tous issue of ammunition, caIiber 80 has
peen MADE In exchange, round for round.
TOT corresponding ammunition suitable to
the obsolete arms replaced under the pro-
visions of the act.
The military secretary estimates that
about 20 per cent of the total strength of
the organized militia would respond to a
call for service under the federal govern
ment."
The Philippines.
The latter portion of the report is devoted
to a review of the progress and needs Of
the Fhlhppine government, many of the de-
talis or which were contained In the recent
~ published report of the chief of the in
suiar bureau. Owing to the drought. To-
Gusts. ETC., the trade of the Philippine Is
lands for the past fiscal year was So, 900 900
less than for the preceding year. when II
anounteu 10 SoS,o00,OoO Another probable
cause or the reduction was the interference
with current business, due to the change or
money from the Mexican silver standard IN
a gold standard OF course, all the adyan-
a eases ot ene more stable currency will be
apparent only after some years of its main
tenance and use. but of the great benefit
which has been effected for the Philippines
there can be no Doubt
Secretary Taft reviews the nroy;s;o,,.. -.
the Cooper Philippine tariff bin at Jenetb
and says he cannot too strongly urge The
passage of the bill by the Senate. II bawo
ing already passed the House
ANY other method of governmental aid
to railroads than the one authorized in the
section involves the governmental CON-
struction of them There are many objec-
tons TO this To begin with, the credit of
much strained in borrowing sufficient
money with which to construct the needed
railroads More than this. state construc-
ton and maintenance of the railroads
would involve too much governmental con-
troll. 1t would increase the civil service to
point where it would become top-heavy,
and would make the conduct Of a govern
ment. already most difficult because of the
conditions existing In the islands almost
impossible of success. With the mandate
OF the American people so clear upon the
issue which have been discussing, I re-
spectfully urge that the passage of the
section in question concerning the rail-
roads ought not to be longer delayed"
Tariff Duties in Philippines.
Secretary Taft recommended a substitute
for section Of the bill greatly charging
the power of the Philippine commission
with respect to the imposition of duties on
imports into the Philippine Islands 'It is
obviously impossible" says Secretary Taft,
"for Congress to consider at this short
session. or at any session. the detail Of
tariff bill for the distant Philippine Is
lands. because It Is so little acquainted
with the local conditions and the local re-
quirements. Would 1t not be wiser, there
fore, to vest the commission-the present
legislative body of the islands--with pow
er to amend the customs act. upon the APP
prevail of the President of the United
States? Within little more than two
years II is quite certain that the Philip
pine assembly, a popular representative as
sembly of Christian Fihpinos. will have
an equal voice in the legislation OF the Phil
ippfne government with the Philippine COM
mission. Cannot Congress. therefore, safe
~ intrust first TO the commission and then
to the two branches OF the Philippine leg