The Washington times., 1904-01-28
Conditions Better Than
Ever in History of
the Islands.
RAILROADS CHIEF NEED
Education of Natives Rapid.
Will Soon Be Ready for
Self-GoVernment.

Governor Taft is busily engaged at the
Arlington Hotel attending to mail which
has been accommodating in Washington
since ne sailed for this country from
Manila He will be in conference with
Secretary Root almost constantly be-
tween now and Monday, the day when
he viii enter upon his duties as. Secre-
tary of War.
Guests of President.
Secretary Root and Governor Taft
were guests Of President Roosevelt at
luncheon today. They reached the White
House together at 1:45 this afternoon.
President Roosevelt. Secretary Root
and Governor Taft will probably decide
In few days upon a new member of
the Philippine commission. w. w Rock
hill. the director of the Bureau OF
American Republics. was offered the
place on the commission. but Is said to
have declined the position. Judge Win
throp is among the men mentioned.
The condition of affairs in the Phil
ippines is better now than at any time
since the American occupation" said
Governor Taft. "and better than ever
under Spanish rule. Development is par
ticularly rapid just now in all lines Of
commerce and industry. though the ex-
tension of this development into the in
terror is delayed somewhat by lack Of
railroad facilities.
Railroads Needed.
What business men Of the islands are
looking forward to now more than any
thing else is railroad construction. 1t Is
hoped that American capital can be in
terested IN these railroads. but IL II can
not English and Belgian capital is ready
TO come in. Financiers OF the United
States generally have not had much ex-
perience in the Far East. and naturally
they are timid. 1t is hoped, however
that before long some of the great rail-
road builders OF America may become
interested" "
Governor Taft then described the Man
ua-Dagupan and other railroad systems
in the Philippines.
Railway building is by no means
limited to Luzon. The trunk lines are
necessarily limited TO one or two. but
there is plenty Of room for branches, as
most Of the islands are of sufficient size
TO permit the construction OF railroads
fifty miles long into the interior. Sur,
veys have been made and plans have
been completed for the Luzon system.
and the railroad is simply waiting for
capital. railway system will increase
the productiveness OF the islands so per
cent in five years"
Continuing on the subject Of railroads,
Governor Taft said one company is
gridironing the city OF Manila with a
trolley line. This system is TO connec5
a number OF suburban towns with the
Philippine capital
Education of Natives.
AS 10 the education of the natives up
to United States standards. Governor
Taft said the public school system has
developed wonderfully, and has done
much I'm spreading American ideas.
THE census We are taking OF the peo-
pie" continued the governor. will be
completed next fall and should the con-
diuons be as tranquil as they are now
IL Is proposed TO call a general assembly
for the purpose Of electing a legislative
body Of from fifty TO one hundred TO CO.
operate with the United States authori-
ties. The board Of commissioners re-
main IN power two and a half years
more. and by the end Of that time
think the natives will be able to govern
themselves"
The governor talked long and earnest.
ly on the social and economic conditions
in the Philippines. pointing out many
improvements that ought to be made
and which he expects to initiate as Sec
retary Of War.
At present the United States military
strength in the islands is about 1900
Governor Taft believes 10000 soldiers
would be enough 70 maintain order.
When asked about his visit TO the
Mikado. ard conditions in the Far East
Mr.. Taft said:
las 10 the Russo-Japanese troubles.
CONTINUED on Fifth Page.)