Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-26
CROPS OF THE ISLANDS
GOV. WRIGHT QUESTIONED
ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES.
Tells Why the Pending Tariff Bill Re-
ducing the Duties Should
Be Passed.

Governor General Luke E. Wright Of the
Philippine Islands testified today before the
Senate committee having charge Of the
pending Philippine tariff bill. He talked at
length concerning Industrial conditions in
the islands and answered many pertinent
questions.
On the. Senate committee are senators
representing states vitality interested in the
products affected by the bill, and on that
account the examination was particularly
important. Senator Burrows brought out
the fact that hemp Is the chief export prod
uct Of the islands and that a great deal of
conee is grown. He asked Governor Wright
why the Philippine commission had not
directed its labors to educating the Filipinos
TO extend the raising of crops which would
not enter into competition with American
products.
Governor Wright responded that these
crops are raised on hillside land, and that
the natives are congested near the sea,
where the land is fit only for tobacco, sugar,
rice, cocoanuts and similar products. He
said that to do what the senator had sug-
gested would necessitate a readjustment Of
the population, which cannot be shifted
like pawns on a chess board The governor
added. however. that hemp raising Is being
developed rapidly.
The Tobacco Crop.
Senator Brandegee took decided interest
in the tobacco crop of the islands and ask
ed many questions concerning 1t. Gov.
Wright said that he did not believe the
Philippines would ever produce grade Of
tobacco equaiing the Cuban product He
thought very little of the product would be
shipped to this country. but that the OPEN
ing OF this market would stimulate growth
and raise the price paid to growers by man
ufacturers He said that the manufac-
turers would prefer not to have free trade
with the United States. for the reason that
they have already built up market, and
under present conditions can control prices
Senator Culberson asked why we should
not have free trade with the islands alto
gether and why . per cent of the Dingey
rates should be collected on some articles
for period of three years.
Why Duties Must Be Imposed.
1t was explained by Gov. Wright that
under the treaty with Spain that country
would occupy the same relations for three
years as this country and under the most
favored nation clause that would virtually
mean general free trade with the Philip
pines. He said that free trade would come
eventually between the United States and
the Philippines, and probably then the rev.
enues for the islands would depend upon
internal taxation.
Senator Culberson raised the point wheth-
err there was not constitutional reason for
giving free trade to the islands, but Gov
Wright. while admitting that the question
was one on which great lawyers including
the Supreme Court of the United States.
differ. said: 1T is my opinion that Con-
gress has full power to deal with all ques-
lions concerning the relations between .ae
United States and the Philippines. And we
should not pretend to be altruistic and be-
nevolent II secretly we are to be selfish In
our treatment of these people,
The committee adjourned until tomorrow
at 1890 O'Clock. when representatives OF
tobacco interests will be heard.