The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1905-10-06
Found Political Situation Not as
Good as 1t Ought
TO Be.
SAYS THE FILIPINO PEOPLE
NOT READY FOR INDEPENDENCE,
The Distressing Agricultural De-
precision, Brought About by Nnri-
ous Unavoidable Causes, VIII lie
Felt For Years, and VIII Cause
Fiiipinos TO Criticize the Gov
eminent.


San Francisco, Sept. 99.-The Pa
clfc Steamship Co.'S liner Korea has
arrived from the orient, beating the
Eaus-Pacihc record by several hours,
Among her passengers were Secretary
of War Taft and most Of the members
Of the party which left with him for
the far east on the Manchuria on July
S last,
In an interview Secretary Taft said,
In part;
Reports coming from the Philippine
islands seemed to indicate that it
would be wise for the head of the war
department to make a visit Of inspec-
ton to these islands during the past
summer, and his going with a suf-
fcient staf was thought to present a
good opportunity to form a party of
congressman, senators ard representa-
uyes to visit the islands as guests Of
the Philippine government.
suspend Habeas Corpus.
THE political situation in some e
spects was not as good as it ought to
be. A wave of Chinese ladronism has
swept Q the province of Cayite, and
1t has been found necessary to sus-
pend the writ of habeas corpus in the
province of Cayite and Batangas, the
neighboring province. The same was
true of Samar, but the use Of troops
in Samar and the use Of scouts and
constabulary in Cayite has put an end
TO this business. However, there were
two or three men responsible for the
keeping up Of %ladronism. who had not
been captured, Complaints were made
against the Constabulary, and while
many of them were unfounded, it was
probably true that a change of con-
g~tabulary ought to be effected, and it
is now under consideration by the gov
eminent.
The distressing agricultural depres-
sion, due to the loss Of rs per cent. Of
the agricultural cattle, drought, locust
and the cholera, as well as other
causes, will probably not cease to be
felt for several years. This naturally
Bubjects the government to criticism.
because this alien government is much
more likely to be criticised for existing
conditions, however free from blame
In respect to them, than a native gov
srnment.
Not Ready For independence.
Some of the younger men of edu-
,ation have been advocating immedi-
ate independence. 1t, therefore, became
necessary to state with considerable
Emphasis the policy of the administra-
ion on this subject, and to say that
II the opinion of the administration
was 10 possible hope for indie
)endence. short of a generation, be-
the people could not be fitted
or self-government in that time; in
Iced, it will probably take a much
period.
"All the days in Manila we're spent
by the congressman in investigating
agricultural conditions with the view
the possible effect Of a possible
in tariff on the Philippine pro-
of tobacco and sugar. OF
it is too soon to speak of prob
able legislation by congress upon Phil
.ppine matters, but | am sure that the
rip has added greatly to the interest
Philippine questions. which will be
aiken by the members Of congress who
we're in the party and that the more
accurate information which they now
have will lead to wise and intelligent
legislation"