Adams County news. [volume] (Ritzville, Wash.) 1898-1906, 1904-01-27
EX-GOVERNOR TAFT RETURNS
RETURNS TO TAKE POSITION OF
SECRETARY OF WAR ROOT.
Was Accompanied Homo by His Fam.
lly.-Hs Says Philippine Islands Elk.
pect . Period Of Great Activity
Conditions Better Than Ever Before
Electric Lines Being Built.

SoA cIduCA6CO.- GA.0OV0TuOT VIII
liam H. Taft Of the Philippines has
arrived on the steamer Korea. He was
by Mrs. Taft, their two
children, F. w. Carpenter, his private
secretary, and Carson Taylor, secre'
cary 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
# greatly tranquility ever prevailed
,ven under the Spanish administra
ion.
I'VE are now looking forward" he
aid, ITO a period of great activity In
'ebuilding Throughout the islands. Eng
ish and Belgian capitalists have &C
ar controlled the field, but the people
# the islands are anxious for the in
reduction 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
Dads, gridironing the streets of Ma
lila. with the object In view of ex.
ensions which will connect the subur.
ian points.
Building Electric Lines.
1.-TWO new branch lines have just
Jeen authorized by the government,
me of IS miles and another of 81
niles. on the line of the road now run.
ling out for a distance of 120 miles
rom Manila to Dagupan. This road
vas originally built by the Spanish.
English capitalists are now seek.
ng franchises in other directions ana
secretary Root has had surveys for
wo or three trunk lines, which have
,lready been published. and for which
estimates have been asked.
"The greatest need Of the hour in
he islands is railroads. The oppor.
unity for their construction is moi
limited to any particular island, al
hough just now they are connned to
-uzon. Every island in the group car
support railroad running for SO miles
llong the coast to handle supplies and
country produce. American capital, II
s hoped, will appreciate this oppor-
unity and secure the roads.
Legislative Matters.
"The census will be published in
october next and on that date, pro.
'ided the country is tranquil as a,
present, the government will author.
ize the election of an assembly of not
less than so nor more than 100 mem.
.ers. This assembly will be a legis.
alive body-coordinate with the com
mission, passing all government enact
nents for the territory. It will be
provided, however. that should they
all at any time to pass the necessary
preparations the governor and treas
lrer will have power to do so. This
.ssembly will also be regarded in the
light of an educational institution.
This will give the present Philip
inc commission two and a half years
aoAO Al WulCu " HI
angements tor the government of the
stands and the fulfillment Of what
hey may consider necessary legisla.
.iOn."
In reply to a question whether the
tflipinos were IN a condition to gov.
srn themselves. he said they were Ger.
ainly not at present and to make a
prediction on the subject would be
.ooking too far ahead into the future.
His Trip.
The reception given to himself and
wife by the mikado was flattering in
he extreme and the imperial host lost
10 opportunity to express his firm
friendship and sympathy with the
United States and he hoped friendly
relations would ever prevail between
he two nations.
Before leaving Manila. the mikado
detailed the japanese consul at that
city to personally escort Governor
taft and party to Toxic.