New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-04-30
PHILIPPINE MINERALS.
Rich Deposits Treating Capital for
DereLOnment.

ALNANAO HSffANth'
CFrom an occasional correspondent Of The Tribune)
Manila, March 2O-with the advent Of Secre-
tary Taft and the investigating committee
which make up his party, the people OF the
Philippines are looking forward 10 a revival
Of the business interests which have grown
dormant in the past few years.
The United States possesses no territory
equalling in wealth of virgin resource these
seemingly despised islands. This is a fact that
* is hoped the investigating committee VIII
develop in striking a manner as TO compei
The attention Of the American people.
Among the many resources OF the islands
The principal ores are the hemp tobacco and
sugar lands. Hemp is one Of the best paying
crops in the islands; sugar and tobacco only
await The reduction of the present American
tariff 10 become an important factor in the con-
stantlv Increasing wealth OF the country. II
is not TO these agricultural products alone. how
eyer that the people of the Philippines are
looking for the profits that sure TO come TO
those who await the development. slow, maybe.
but sure that must come under American ad-
Ininistration OF the islands. Although il is not
generally known. there is a wealth of mineral
riches IN the Philippines that are second 10
none in American territories.
The Western volunteer regiments, whose terms
Of service ended some five years ago. had IN
on the lookout during the march and while in
camb for desirable prospects" II was no
uncommon sight in the so-caled Days Of the
Empire" 10 see a group Of soldiers kneeling by
some inland stream industriously winnowing
lis sands in pans" made from the divided sec
tions Of their canteens. Many valuable claims
were located, marked, and left till the hour Tor
final discharge came. after which they were
proved up, and have since been developed as
the finances Of their diseoverers would permit
Working under grub stake" contracts, the
auriferous miners have contrived TO make both
ends-rneet: companies have been formed 10 work
the numerous coal deposits scattered through
out the islands: so that. take it all in ALL the
investigating committee, among which are
prominent mine owners and operators, will find
much in a mineral way TO report TO their aoi-
leagues in the next session Of Congress.
THE COAL DEPOSITS.
The coal deposits Of the Philippine Islands
offer many opportunities to the American in
weston Their development win settle the fuel
and power questions. which are among the
serious problems confronting those interested
y in the development of the Archipelago.
The coal Of the Philippines is black, ptchy
Ignite probably of the Eocene age, somewhat
similar to the so-called coal found in the
Stale of Washington. It is widely distributed
throughout ths Philippine Islands, southwark
from the Island of LuzOn. An inferior grade Of
brown Ignite is also found but is not Of
understandable quality. The black Ignite, how
ever, compares favorably with the best grades
Of japanese coal (Which is a Ignite) used by
the transpacific liners and by the United States
transports while in Pacific waters The heating
power Of the Philippine Ignite is from two
thirds TO three-fourths Of the best Cardiff coal.
The existence Of these extensive deposits has
been known TO the natives for many years, a
mountain in the Maya district bearing the name
'UliDg" which is the Visayan name for coal
The Spaniards first started 10 develop the coal
mines in 1927 but met with little success owing
% their Ignorance and avarice. AT time
the Spanish government was so impressed with
the value Of this industry that II was created
a monopoly which was later abandoned.
Since American occupation numerous mines
have been located and worked with varying
success. Lack Of sufficient capital to install the
machinery, etc, necessary 10 mine and prepare
for market this valuable commodity is the prin-
cipal cause for complaint among the Philippine
operators. The majority of the properties viii
bear the most careful scrutiny. and the present
owners viii welcome the advent Of the capital
necessary 10 their full Development
The Bureau Of Mining is keeping in touch
with the development Of the mineral wealth Of
the islands and 10 its chief Mr.. Hiram D. Nc
Caskey, your correspondent Is Indebted for the
following comparative analyses Of the Goals OF
the Philippine Islands, Japan and Australia: