Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-08-09
The Taft Party and Business.

The following is taken from a Manila
cable:
Senior Herrera presdente of the federal
party who is also presidente of the munic-
fpal board of Manila, at a banquet of the
governors at which the guests included
Congressman Gilbert, Curtis and Howard,
attacked the administration of Gov. Wright,
whom he accused of not following Iafts
satisfactory policy. Since Taft's departure
the Filipinos as whole have been dis
satisfied considering themselves INSULT
GENTLY represented in the government
Their complaints, Herrera said. had been
inadequa tely investigated and the judiciary
was manipulated by the Philippine COM
mission.
Gov. Curry vigorously refuted these
charges, though he admitted certain con-
stabulary abuses. which. he said. the gov
eminent was energeticelly eliminating
THE other governors disapproved some
of the charges but either did not dare or
were not inclined to contradict Herrera. 1t
Is generally considered that Herrera was
intoxicated with his own eloquence.
This afternoon Senator Scott opened the
meeting of sugar planters. Secretary Taft
announced that several Filipinos wished to
discuss the political situation and recon-
mended that the speeches be restricted to
economic conditions. The congressman
present concurred in this suggestion.
Commissioner Luzurriaga. who repre-
sented the sugar planters asked the aboli-
ton of the tariff. congressman Dubois,
Grosvenor and Patterson and Secretary
Taft frequently questioned him"
The anti-imperialists entertained them
selves for awhile drawing fancy pictures
of Secretary Taft and his party on their
way to. and while in, the Philippines There
a splendid ship provisioned at the gov
ernment's expense and without regard to
expense, ceaseless gayety clear across the
Pacific, round of receptions and froics
in the archipelago. and a leisurely journey
home. In other words. we were asked to
believe that nothing but junket was In
anybody's mind, and that nobody would
return home the wiser for the trip or the
better prepared to deal with the Philip
pine general question
This report shows the other side of the
matter. Everything is not frolic ashore
The legislative members Of the party are
gathering Information about both business
and politics. and probably before they get
through with their inquiries will discover
many points of value which will guide
them in dealing with Philippine matters at
the coming session of Congress. Men Of
their experience and sense of responsibility
are certain to see the Importance Of i'm
proving so rare an opportunity.
The Star expressed the belief at the out
set that this trip would be fruitful of good
results. 1t pointed out the real object Of
1t, and how in the nature Of things those
who went would return with their store of
practical knowledge Increased. 1t rejoiced
In the presence of so many senator's and
representatives, among Secretary Taft's
guests. and expressed the hope that they
would take good look around. Every
thing seems TO be going well on that line.
When the sugar men. the tobacco men,
and the hemp men have told their stories
and explained their economic views, the
American legislators who have heard them
Will be the better prepared to deal with
the question of a more liberal tariff for the
archipelago