Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-05-12
IN THE OLD DOMINION
SHARP CRITICISM OF CONDITIONS
IN THE PHILIPPINES.
Special Correspondence Of The Star.

| RlCHMOND, va, May IL, 1SOt
Clarence Werner, formerly one of the best
| known newspaper men in the state. who
went to the Philippine Islands as soldier
| and who has been in the islands since the
American occupation, has returned to this
country Mr.. Werner served for some time
under the civil government, and later en-
gagged in private business. In discussing
the conditions in the Philippines, Mr.. Wer
ner says that from what he has read Of
the "carpetbag' conditions here immedi-
ately following the civil war. the govern
ment obtaining then in the southern states
was an ideal one as compared with that
which obtains in the islands at this time.
Mr. Werner says that there are a few
big salaried offices in the Philippines which
are filled by men with pull whose pro-
and that the subordinates are being re-
duced rapidly and the places filled by the
little brown brother" The reason for
this says Mr.. Werner. Is to show gradual
islands, but the pay of the favored few
is kept I'D, the natives being made to do
the work and to do it for about one-half
paid the Americans.
the commissioners in the islands, the privi-
lege for constructing having been granted
some two years ago, said Mr.. Werner.
THE engineers have surveyed and re-
roads exist only on paper. The commits
sioners say the estimates are too high and
will not agree for first-class work to be
done. They insist on cheap construction.
The engineer sent here some time ago to
superintend construction the part of the
Filipinos has resigned, disguised, and re-
turned to the states. Affairs in the island
are in bad shape. Where there is one ar
rival of an American in the Islands there
are two departures, and many who are there
now are only awaiting chance to get
back to the states"
Mr.. Werner is now engaged in literary
work In western city and may return
here during the year.
Ryan Not in Politics.
'"The reports that have appeared in the
papers attributing to Mr.. T. F. Ryan Of
Nelson county Interior motives for his ac-
tivity in matters that pertain to the good
of the state have done him a very grave
and serious injustice"
This is the statement made to The Star
correspondent by a close personal and po-
litical friend of the New York millionaire
within the last day or two, after recent
talk with Mr.. Ryan The gentleman con-
| tinued:
"Mr. Ryan has told me that he would ac-
cept no office at the hands of any political
party. He would not accept the presidency
were 1t within his grasp. He has told me
that he would not serve In the Senate of the
United States If he were elected for Hfe
and as for being governor, he has no desire
for that office. He is contemplating retire
| ment from Wall street and all business
cares His home in Nelson county is pala-
tial. and he is anxious to go there and to
,, engage in farming on a scale that will oc-
cupy all his time and not be worried with
the immense business affairs which now
| engross his attention. He wants to quit
business. He likes his country home, and
will spend the bulk Of his time there.
Mr. Ryan is a native of Virginia. He is
devoted to the state and to her interests
He Is trying to do what he can for the ben
eft Of the people, apd when he is charged
with having an eye on some political job
| 1t Is unfounded. He has all this worlds
goods he can desire, and there is no office
that he would have. I say this with a
| knowledge that the facts are as 1 have
stated them"
Trouble for the Railroads.
AS telegraphed The Star last week, the
| Southern railway is to make the fight
against the state corporation commissions
| order regarding the two-cent passenger
rate. The Star said the first step would be
| taken by that road, and some of the ON
Gals were indignant that that line should