The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1906-02-02
THE EVENING TINES GRAND FORKS. n. s.

Ing public land and planting cocoanuts.
The three members of the Philippine
commission, who visited the province
In November, 1904, state that evil
dences of prosperity and progress
were everywhere abundant. In every
community visited in this province and
others there were found some persons
who were waking up to their oppor-
tunities and were taking advantage OF
modern methods in their work. The
majority of the people seemed con-
tented, and the unrest of the discon-
tented ones was invariably due largely
If not wholly to local feuds, which by
their existence had placed them in the
attitude of opposition to the efforts Of
the authorities in Office.
1t is commendable fact to be noted
that the Philippine commission states
that so Moros and SO Igorots have
Joined the cOnstabulary and have
proved themselves to be excellent
fighters and very determined officers
of peace.
ROad Tax Law.
The desirability for the construction
of good roads throughout the islands,
whereas those now existing in most
PAosihSSS uCNohC UOSS lIIS
rainy season, caused the commission
to take up the question of the desira-
bility of the enactment OF a compui-
sorry road-tax law requiring every
able-bodied male inhabitant in prov
ince to work not exceeding five days
each year upon the roads or to pay
in lieu thereof a sum sufficient to en-
ploy a laborer in his stead No in
telligent opposition to the establish
ment Of this tax was found in any of
the provinces; indeed, on the con-
trary, many people urged the adoption
Of such law at once.
Industrial Conditions.
With the exception of the disturb
ances cited, quiet and order have gen
orally prevailed throughout the archi-
pelagO, and, on the whole, life and
property have been as safe as in other
civilized countries. In many prov
inces there is fully as much land un-
der cultivation as ever before, and in
all OF them the only drawback to the
full cultivation of all lands heretofore
cultivated has been the ack of cara
boas and other draft animals, on ac-
count of the deth of many from rind-
erpest and other cattle diseases,
There was an increase In exports over
the preceding year of $2,129,73S.
There is falling off in. the imports
of $2,342, 203, entirely due to the falling
off in importations of rice, the princi-
pal article of food of the people More
than $4,OO0,000 less was expended for
rice than the year previous. This sim
pie statement tells it's own story. The
prospect for the next rice crop is un-
usually good, and it is confidently ex-
pected that, unless some unforeseen
disaster occurs, a still further decrease
in rice iportations will be made the
coming year. The ordinary American
pillow, reaper, harrow, and hoe are
gradually being introduced, and the
Filipinos readily appreciate the diff
ference between their crude agricul-
tural implements and those employed
by us.
Reforms In Administration.
On April 1, 1905, commission of
four members was appointed to inves-
tigate the methods in vogue in the
various bureaus and Offices and make
recommendation as to needed reforms,
what bureaus and Offices might be con-
veniently consolidated in order to pre-
vent duplication OF work, etc The
Commission, acting on the recommen.
dations of this commission, cut down
the number of bureaus from "a to 25
by consolidation and readjusting their
duties. and abolished considerable
number of positions, from all Of which