The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1907-10-18
TAfT'S SPEECH
ONE OF EVASION
American Newspapers at Ma
Mia Call Upon the Secre-
tary for "Straight Talk"
MEETING OF THE ASSEMBLY
MESSAGE OF GOVERNOR GEN.
ERAL JAKE SMITH.

Manila Oct. 7.-Secretary Taft was en-
tertained at luncheon today by MaiCS
General Leonard Wood. commander of the
military division of the Philippines. In
the afternoon he attended a reception at
the Jesuit college and this evening he was
present at reception given in his honor
by the officers Of the army and navy.
Mr. Taft is not inclined to discuss Phil
ippine issues until after the official ban
quet, which is to be given him on Mon
day night, when he will outline the future
policy Of the government towards the
islands. The general impression caused
among the Filipinos by the secretary's
speech at tie opening of the assembly
is excellent but the American papers here
call for prompt announcement of the
governments policy towards the islands.
declare that Mr. Taft evaded any posi-
tive statements on the subject, and al
lege that his speech was a rehash of the
addresses which he made here two years
ago and has since delivered in the United
States.
Clash in the Assembly.
A clash occurred in the assembly today
between the president. Sergio Osmena.
Nationalist. and DOminador Gomez, who
seconded the presidents nomination yes
terday in ali eloquent speech, and who
y,
delivered an address declaring against
bringing politics into legislative business.
and asking the delegates to show their
patriotism by forsaking party affiliations
and legislatfng for the benefit of the Fill
pino people. Gomez, whose election is to
be contested, but who was formally sworn
IN with the other assemblymen yester-
day, made an appeal to the delegates to
disregard politics. but the president
stopped Gomez's speech, and announced
that he would use his authority as presi-
dent of the assembly to have it stricken
from the records.
Came as a Surprise.
Delegates were surprised at this early
beginning of the fight between the Ma
tionalists. or Conservatives, and the Radi-
Gals. The adherents of Gomez. who is
leader of the famous Katipunan revolu-
tionary society. anG ex-president of the
Nationalist party. during the course of the
days proceedings in the assembly de-
feated a plan to rush through that body
a series of special rules for parliamentary
procedure. which had been drawn up by
the president. The latter, however. man
aged to secure the temporary adoption of
the rules and it is understood that he viii
not permit them to De changed.
Petitions against confirmation of the
election of seventeen delegates. including
Gomez, Adriatico and Lerma, all of whom
are alleged to be unfit to take part in leg
islaticn for the islands. were presented
today.
Taft Tours Manila.
Secretary Taft toured Manila in an au-
tomobile and inspected improvements
since his last visit. He said the progress
was great and expressed pleasure with
the condition of affairs here and the re-
ports of governors of the province.
Mr.. Taft reiterated his denial that he
was disappointed by the result of the re-
cent elections. He expressed confidence
that the delegates to the assembly would
10 adj rta GA Of he
ent system OF government said he as
satisfied with the election of Osmena to
the presidency of the assembly. of whose
ability he spoke highly. and added that he
thought the assembly had made an aus
p;cious beginning. which presaged good
work in the future. Secretary Taft will
spend all his leisure time here in catch
ing up with his correspondence.
Governor Smiths Message.
A joint session of the Philippine COM
mission and assembly took place this aft
ernoOn to hear the message of Governor
General Smith on the state of the islands
He reviewed the history of the Philip
pines and pointed out what had been ac-
complished by the Americans in comDari-
son with the Spaniards, showing that the
American rule had meant Improvement
the reduction of taxation, and a better
distribution among the rich and poor alike
of the expenses of government which
were less than any other country in the
world having similar population. He
advised spending on schools the NOR ey
which had hitherto been used in the sup
preston of disturbances.
The governor general criticized the Fill
Pine municipalities for their indifference
neglect and extravaganza and advised the
adoption of laws for a better administra-
ton of municipal affairs.
Much of the lack of development Of the
islands, he said. was due to this malad-
mlnistration, especially the failure to
maintain in good condition the roads
which the government had built
The governor general said the assembly
would be held strictly to account by the
people in connection with the finances of
the islands, and gave the figures for the
receipts, expenditures, etc, of the fiscal
year 19O6-1907.