The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-09-28

ptufHtS were maue 6E4In6I Ire COuBta- bulary, and while many of them were unfounded, 1t was probably true that change In the constabulary ought to be effected, and 1t Is now under con sideration by the Government The distressing agricultural depression. due to the loss of 75 per cent of the agricul- turaI cattle, drought, iocusts and chol- era, as we'll as other causes, will prob. ably not cease to be felt for several yaars This naturally subjects the Government to criticism because this alien government is much more likely to be criticized for existing conditions. however free from blame In respect to them, than a native government.
 Admipistration's Policy.
 Some of the younger men of edu- cation have been advocating immedf- ate independence. It, therefore, be- comes necessary to state with consider able emphasis the policy ef the admin istration on this subject. and to say that in the opinion of the sdministra- tion, there was no possible hope of in- dependence short of a generation, be- cause the people could not be ntted for self government in that time; in- deed. 1t will probably take much longer period.
 The party consisted, as is known, of Democratic as we'll as Republican Sem ators and Congressmen, and they, in their views, represent all sides of the Philippine question. but with a, self restraint and moderation which cannot be too highly commended 1t was tacitly agreed between the members of the Congressional party on both sides that 1t would be most unwise for them to discuss before the Filipinos their diff ferences of opinion, and. therefore, that any statement should be made by the representative of the administration as to the policy of political administra- ton. Hence the sight which some of the irreconciiiabie Filipinos had hoped for, to wit: A constant combat be- tween Republican and Democratic members with the Filipino people ns an audience, was not presented. and cannot express too emphattcaliy my depreciation of the patriotic stand which our Democratic brethren took in this matter in emitting diffusion of differences of opinion to the proper representatives In Congress.
 'All the days in Manila were spent by the Congressfnen in Investigating agricultural conditions with the view to the possible effect of possible change in tariff on the Philippine production of tobacco and sugar. An opportunity was also given to these Filipinos strongly in favor of immediate inde- pendence to present their views
 Tour 0k the kaAamd@.
 After a weeks festivities In Manila the party proceeded on the transport Logan on tour among the islands. In Manila, Iloilo and Cebu were heard comptainta of the failure of crops and of the stringency of the times. At Tacloban, on Leyte, one of the hemp provinces. and again at Legaspi. the chief city of Albay. the greatest of the hemp provinces, we found the people very happy and condition of prosper ity prevailing due to the profitable pro- duction of hemp
 ''Returning to Manila the delegation resumed its Investigations while it was occupied with conferences with Cover nor-Geueral Wright, the various mem bers of the committee prominent Fiit- plnos and others upon questions of governmental practice and policy. From Manila we went to Henghong on the transport Logan. There l received q telegram from the President requeet- ing that q visit fsanton and that cnn- fer with the Viceroy on the subject of the boycott then supposed to be in force.
 "The viceroy was seriously i'll in bed but he sent through the American Con. sul an invitation to the entire party to a luncheon with the provincial treas tirer, who represented the viceroy In the absence of tho latter, this functions being held at the Manchu Club in Can ton The whole of the party went to Canton, but 1t was not thought wise to enter the old city lest the members of the party be insulted. The Vfceroy had issued a proclamation commanding peace and directing that no indignity be offered to any American and 1t Is true that number of venturesome members of the party went into Can ton and were not molested In any way. still the great body of them were en- tertained in a different way. E'
 ''The next day, September 6, the party divided and about thirty of them con tinued on board the Logan while Miss Roosevelt and her immediate party. to- Rether with number of members of Congress and others to the number of about thirty, went direct to Tacku ana Pekin. H
 Nothing Antl-F0reIgB.
 We heard much while we were at Shanghai of the riots in Japan brought about by the popular disgust with the terms of peace with Russia, and at first we were much excited because 1t seemed as if the disturbances were d. rected against foreigners and especial ly Americans. Upon going to the seat of disturbances. however, we found them to be greatly exaggerated and that their purpose had been confined to the expression of hostility toward the ministers and police, who had most un- wisely interfered with some peaceful public expressions of disapproval of the terms of the treaty.
 'Of the questions which were open when we started on this trip and in the settlement of which 1t was hoped the. trip might tend, one was the establish ment of a special tribunal for the hear ing of disputed questions in relation to of churches and rectories and cemeteries. I am glad to say that before we reached the islands sat isfactory law had been enacted which 1t is hoped will rapidly dispose of these cases. The law refers the Issues d. rectly to the Supreme Court.
 There was also remaining unset tied about the title to onehaIf of the Friar lands-those owned previously by the Dominican order. After a con ference with the representative of the vendors. a satisfactory compromise was effected by which good title to the lands will be immediately convey ed to the government and posses sion given as far as that possession Is in the vendors. and the difference as to price, a matter of some g20o.- poo, will be left to adjustment by arr bitration.
 ''The question of the operation of | the internal revenue law Is one which is still under consideration. The prIn- sipIes of law taxing tobacco and al- .oholic liquors of course are to be l but the question whether | the provisions of the law are not too | with respect to other mat | ters and whether the tax is not too | nigh at present are all questions which | unvna afIaNv hAfnra fhaU ran !