The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-09-28
TAFT HOPEFUL OF
ISLAND PROGRESS
Secretary Of War Tells Of Con
ditions in Philippines as
He Found Them.

San Francisco, Sept. 2s.William H.
after tour of the Philippines and
visit to Japan, speaks in hopeful tone
Of conditions in the islands. He says,
The political situation is not as good
as it might be. A wave Of Ladronism
has swept over the province Of Cavite
and it has been found necessary to sus-
pend the writ of habeas corpus in the
provinces Of Cavite and Batangas, the
neighboring province. The same was true
of Samar but the use Of troops In Samar
and the use Of the scouts and constabu-
larry in Cavite has put an end to this
business.
Some Leaders at Large.
However, there were two or three men
responsible for the keeping up Of the
Ladronism who had not been captured.
Complaints were made against the con-
stabulary, and while many Of them were
| unfounded, it was probably true that a
change in the constabulary ought to be
effected and it is now under considera-
ton by the government.
The distressing agricultural depression,
due to the loss of Is per cent Of the agri-
cultural cattle, drouth, locusts and the
cholera, as we'll as other causes, will
probably not cease to be felt for several
years. This naturally subjects the gov
! eminent to criticism, because this alien
government is much more likely to be
| criticized for existing conditions, how
ever free from blame in respect to them,
| than a native government.
| Demand for Independence.
Some Of the younger men of educa-
ton have been advocating immediate in
| fhocofOra C.
sary to state with considerable emphasis
| the policy Of the administration on this
| subject and to say that in the opinion Of
the administration there was no possible
hope for independence within a genera
| ton, because the people could not be
| fitted for self government in that time
| indeed, it will probably take a much
| longer period. @.. "r:
| Government Better.
While the conditions in the Philippines
were not as favorable we would like tc
have them, and probably will not be
favorable until the depressing conditions
shall be followed by prosperous season
; still progress is being made. The govern
ment is more efficient, inefficient men are
being eliminated, and things are settling
: to business. Economy is being practicee
more and more in the government; Fill
pinos are being introduced very rapidly
) to the practices of Americans, and on the
J, whole, in looking back over two years
decided steps forward have been taken.
Of the questions which were oper
when we started on this trip and in the
settlement of which it was hoped the tr1I
might lend aid, one was the establlshs
ment of a special tribunal for the hearing
of disputed questions in relation to posses
sion Of churches and rectories and GENE
taries. I am glad to say that before w
reached the islands a law had been en-
acted which it was hoped would rapid.
these issues directly to the supreme court
The Friars' Lands.
There was also remaining unsettled
question about the title to one-half of tn
can order. After conference with tn
representations Of .the orders a satisfac
tory compromise was effected by whic
/ good title to the lands will. be immediately
conveyed to the government and posses
sion given as far as that possession is Il
! the vendors, and the difference as t
price, a matter of some 100000, will b
left to adjustment by arbitration.
The question Of the operation Of tn
internal revenue law is one which is sti
under consideration. The principles
law taxing tobacco and alcoholic liquor!
of course, are to be maintained, but tn
question whether the provisions Of tn
law are not too inquisitorial with respec
to other matters and whether the tax
not too high at present are all question
| which require some study before they ca
| be decided.