New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-12-01
NEEDS OF PHILIPPINES
InsulM Report Makes Recommends
ton for the Islands.

Washington, Nov 8o--Colonel Clarence r. Ed
wards chief of the Bureau of Insular Affairs, in
his annual report to the Secretary OF War says
that the three most important needs of the Philip
pine Islands are a Market the opportunity for
farmers to borrow money at reasonable rates and
adequate transportation facilities. *:
Provision for the last of these has been made
by Congress- He says the first of the needs, in so
far as IT may be provided by the reduction of the
tariff gained the consideration of Congress in its
last days and to verdict in favor Of the prop
osition given, but too late to be acted by
either house. ..zs.--
The report recites that is understood that there
is still considerable apprehension that any tariff
reduction would interfere with the sugar and to-
bacco industries in this country, but the belief is
expressed that, with possibly two excep-
tons those Congressman who had the opportunity
to investigate the subject at first hand last sum-
mer were convinced that the apprehension is need
less. u. r.. .s... -za-..-.:-
Colonel Edwards says the recommendation upon
which the Curtis bin based should be pre-
scented to the coming Congress with the following
additional recommendations:
That after the expiration Of the ten-year period
from the date OF the ratification of the Treaty OF
chandise to the ports OF the Phtiippne Islands
under the same conditions as ships and mer-
P P9fn islands Of ali articIes he eToWfh and
product of either Of these countries.
That the application Of the coastwise laws Of
the United States and the Philippine Islands he
postponed until April il. 1903 which date this
trade shall be carried in American or Philippine
bottoms.
been given by the Philippine Commission to an
agricultural bank scheme, e being stated that at
present the farmer and landowner find it next
impossible to borrow money upon their lands at
reasonable rate, the prevailing rates being from
PhiL~lne Commission probably viii recommend
Guarantees for a private bank the PhiIpp ne gov
eminent guaranteeing dividend Of per cent and
the commiss on regulating loans and limiting rates
of interest.
It IS stated that the limitations as 10 the size of
acted as a bar to the development of land for ag-
HAT the inta on should be increased to at lsast
ijG asIes for single homestead entry, and ma
1t is recommended that the limit in regard to the
number OF mining claims e De owned by one per
tinted States.
Regard ng the currency of the islands, Colonel Ed
wards says:
The rise in the price of silver which has occurred
" in a price which brings the bullion value of the
Philippine CONS fe up to P 5hei 5 Legal parity in gold
nently go above such parity. There would be dan
Coins in such amounts as to leave the islands with
an insufficient supply Of currency While there
OF silver may not be permanent. it seems de-
vide for the contingency of a further rise which
would embarrass the monetary circulation of the /
Appropriate authority should be given the Philip
S as to citizenship in the Islands rRe
aggregate of revenues from the date Of American
June 80 last $50 733. 1888 and the
expenditures for that period were S77u0756.
Speaking of the carrying trade. Colonel /
Edwards says;
The United Kingdom continues to dominate the /
foreign carrying trade 81 the islands. nearly so /
Der cent OF the value of imports arriving and more
han 70 per cent Of the exports departing under
he British flag. Spanish vessels take the second
-ank for the year i'm imports though figuring to i
smaller degree IN exports.
American vessels show gains in ls05 carrying 10 t
Der cent % both the imports and exports OF the ISL
nds.