The Kendrick gazette. [volume] (Kendrick, Idaho) 1892-1968, 1904-01-29
EX-GOVERNOR TAFT RETURNS
RETURNS TO TAKE POSITION OF
SECRETARY OF WAR ROOT.
Was Accompanied Home by His Fam
iIy.-He Says Philippine, Islands Ex-
peet q Period of Great Activity
Conditions Better Than Ever Before
Electric Lines Being Built.

Conditions Better Than Ever Before
Electric Lines Being Built.
San Governor Will
liam H. Taft of the Philippines has
arrived on the steamer Korea. He was
accompanied by Mrs. Taft. their two
children, F. w. Carpenter, his private
secretary, and Carson Taylor, secre-
tary Of the Philippine St. Louis expo
sitiOn commission.
In conversation with representa-
tive of the Associated Press, COM
menting upon the existing situation Of
affairs in the Philippines, Governor
Taft said that conditions there were
better than ever before and he doubted
if greatly tranquility ever prevailed,
| even under the Spanish administra-
ton. 81,
1--WE are now looking forward" he
| said, ito a period Of great activity in
rebuilding Throughout the islands. Eng
fish and Belgian capitalists have SO
far controlled the field, but the people
of the islands are anxious for the in
PRODUCTION of American capital, which
so far has not been forthcoming.
Zone American syndicate" he added,
by Mr.. Swift of Detroit, is now en-
gagged in the construction of electric
roads, gridironing the streets of Ma
Mia, with the object IN view of ex-
tensions which will connect the subur-
ban points.
Building Electric Lines.
1.-TWO new branch lines have just
been authorized by the government,
one of IS miles and another of 81
miles, on the line of the road now rum
ming out for distance Of 100 miles
from Manila to Dagupan. This road
was originally built by the Spanish.
English capitalists are now seek
ing franchises in other directions and
Secretary Root has had surveys for
two or three trunk lines, which have
already been published, and for which
estimates have been asked.
1.-THE greatest need of the hour in
the islands Is railroads. The oppor-
tunity for their construction is not
limited to any particular island, al
!. though just now they are connned to
), Luzon. Every island in the group can
support railroad running for 80 miles
. along the coast to handle supplies and
:. country produce. American capital, it
= is hoped, will appreciate this oppor-
: tunity and secure the roads.
Legislative Matters.
1.-THE census will be published in
/. October next and on that date, pro-
: vided the country is tranquil as at
present, the government will author
ize the election of an assembly of not
. less than so nor more than 100 men,
bers. This assembly will be a legis-
lative body-coordinate with the COM
mission, passing all government enact
y ments for the territory. 1t will be
; provided. however, that should they
. fail at any time to pass the necessary
, appropriations the governor and treas
urer will have power to do SO. This
!. assembly will also be regarded in the
light of an educational institution.
= This will give the present Philip
pine commission two and half years
, more in which to complete their ar
rangements for the government Of the
islands and the fulfllment of what
they may consider necessary legisla-
tion."
:. In reply to a question whether the
Filipinos were in a condition to gov
= ern themselves, he said they were GER
!. tainly not at present and to make q
prediction on the subject would be
= looking too far ahead into the future.
His Trip.
The reception given to himself and
wife by the mikado was fiattering in
the extreme and the imperial host lost
. no opportunity to express his firm
friendship and sympathy with the
United States and he hoped friendly
relations would ever prevail between
J. the two nations.
n Before leaving Manila, the mikado
detailed the Japanese consul at that
!. city to personally escort Governor
l. Taft and party to Toxic.