Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1905-12-01
NEEDS OF The PHILIPPINES
Head OF InsuIar Bureau Recommends
Free Trade with United
states.

states.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3o-Colonel Ciar-
ence r. Edwards, chief of the Bureau OF
Insular Affairs. In his annual report to
the secretary Of war. states that the three
most Important needs of the Philippine
islands today are a market. the oppor-
tunlty for farmers 20 borrow money at
reasonable rates OF interest and adequate
Transportation facilities. Provision for the
latter has been made by congress. He Gays
the first of these needs, 50 far as 1t may
provide for by the reduction Of the
Dingley tariff on Philippine products.
gained the consideration OF the congress
in its last days, and nine to nine verdict
I'm favor Of the pruposition was given,
but too late to be fpally acted upon by
either the house or ri ysenate. The report
! recites that it is understood that there is
still considerable apprehension that this
will interfere with the sugar and tobacco
industries in this country, but the belief is
expressed that, with poseibly one or two
exceptions, those congrs sglen who had the
opportunity to inspect this subject at first
hands this summer. aret convinced that
there is needless apprehension that any
| damage will obtain.
Colonel Edwards says Che recommended
ton upon which the Curtis bill will be
passed will be presented to the coming
congress with the Following additional
! recommendations:
That after the expiration Of the ten
years period from the dat of the ratifica-
fion of the treaty OF Paris which ad-
nitted Spanish ships and merchandise to
the ports of the Philippine islands. under
the same condi92nTs, 2Tn,tsd % iRs ah1 tbera ner h.
| free trade both ways between the Uniteu
states and the Philippine islands Of all
articles the growth ana product OF elIher
OF these countries. .
That the aunlicaton OF the coastwise
laws OF the United states to the carrying
! trade between the United states and the
| pbilinnine islands be postponed until
| AnrIJ IL 1893 from which date this trade
shall he carried in American or Philippine
bottoms.
Attention is called to the consideration
which has been given by the Philippine
commission to an agricultural bank scheme,
! II being stated that at present the farmer
and landowner find IL next to Impossible to
| borrow money upon their lands at reason
able rate. the prevailing rates being from
| . TO 10 per cent month. The report says
that the Philippine commission will prob
ably ask that il be permitted to grant con-
| cessions and guarantees for a private bank
the Philippine government guaranteeing q
dividend Of 4 per cent for certain period
and the commission regulating loans and
| limiting rates of interest.
| II Is stated that the limitations as 20 the
size OF the homestead imposed by existing
| law has acted as a bar TO, the development
of land for agricultural purposes. and the
| belief is expressed that the limitation
should be increased to at least 16o acres fol
a single homestead entry md materially in
En Irgc
lated islands. especially n the islands OF
Mindora. Palawan and Atindanao. where
only great Inducements Oolcapital will ever
reclaim valuable lands frr "a tho jungle and
savagery."
1t is recommended IL q, ard TO the mum
ber OF filing claims to bnto sned by one per
son be removed. follow the practice II
AYE United sitatcE .%L r---,S VI =
Regarding the chffuiftf 6f tins ssiandi
Colonel Edwards saws:
The rise In the price Oh silver which hal
occurred within the iastl three years hal
eliminated recently in a Ilrice which bring
the bullion value in thA Philippines ul
10 their legal parity inI gold and hai
caused fears that the eoihs might perma
| nently go above such parry. There woult
be danger that this wOqtd result in tn
expectation of the coins n such ainount
as to leave the islands y ID IN an insufhcien
supply of currency. Wht there are SOM
reasons for thinking thaptthe present pric
of silver may not be per Inanent, it seem
desirable that congress should take meas
ures TO provide for the contingency of
further rise which would embarrass tn
monetary circulation of the islands
may, however, under the conditions whic
have now arisen be found wise to mec
the rise in the price of silver by autnoriz
ing a return to coin containing less pur
silver than that now In use This resul
could be attained by the reduction of tn
weight or fineness, or both. OF the coin
to he hereafter issued for the Philippin
islands, with authority to recoin, In tn
discretion of the commission. the existin
pieces.
He adds;
For the present, pending further develop
ments in regard to the course of silver
IL is thought that the following step
may be prudently taken: Coinage of goI
pesos in denomination of 5 pesos and uu
ward, at the discretion of the government
of the Philippine islands.
| The acceptance by the Philippine govern
ment of deposits of gold coin or bars an
/, the issue therefor of gold certificates 1
convenient denominations in Philippine cur
rency.
Appropriate authority should be given tn
Philippine government. It is suggested. I
legislate for naturalization as to either
ship in the islands. The aggregate of rev
enues from the date of American occupa
! ton to January 80 last was $50, 7S3. los an
the expenditures for that period were S77
! | 71O 72g