The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-01-02
PROSPERITY IS
RETURNING To
PHILIPPINES

Washington, Jan. 2.--The annual report
OF the Philippine commission. made pub
lie yesterday. says:
1T is stated that the remnant OF the
bands of ladrones which have infested
the provinces OF Cavite and Batanzas In
the neighborhood OF Manila since the
spanish regime have been finally broken
up, one OF the most desperate leaders
killed aud the others to the number Of IL
were so bounded by the constabulary that
they came in and voluntarily surrendered
without any condition, promise or induce
ment on the part OF the government other
than that they would be protected Ia,
coming 20 Manila and receive a fair trial.
with the surrender OF the constituted
leaders the lawless and disaifected had no
one around whom TO gather and we're
quick TO follow tho example OF the for
mer by surrendering their arms and en-
teripg peaceful pursuits. These two prov
lnces have always been the storm cen
tire of ladronism. but now that peace once
more reigns and life and property are
safe the people no longer fearing rob
berry or molestation while in the pursuit
OF their employments. or the devastation
of their homes, the carrying away OF their
wives and daughters and the destruction
OF their property and all OF the fruits OF
their industry at the hands of The out
laws, express unbounded relief and their
confidence in the permanency )f ,hese
conditions is attested by the fact that
they have placed under cultivation "A
larger acreage OF land than ever before.
Agulnaldo states that he believes there
will be very little further trouble from
outlaws in this section, and as further
proof OF his sincerity In this belief il Is
cited that since these surrenders no has
leased from the bureau OF lands nearly
1900 acres OF land In an outlying district.
close - inf ad
by outlaws.
''The reports OF the various governors
taken as a whole indicate that the crops
arc In more prosperous condition, ex-
cept as TO tobacco. sugar and hemp
plants OF the latter having been damaged
by destructive typhoon TO the extent Of
about A,Oo0,0o0 In value OF the crop The
reduction in the production Of tobacco is
due largely 10 lack of suitable market
that Of the United States being closed by
the absolutely prohibitory duties imposed
by the Dingley tariff and 10 the conse-
quent low price realized for the leaf
In the matter of exports the loss was
made up by the increase in the produc-
ton and expectation OF cocoanuts The
imports were reduced below the preceding
year by some 100000 a large portion OF
which consisted in the reduced importa-
tions of rice. which is a good sign as ie
indicates that the Filipinos are raising
their own rice and extending their agri-
culture. which for a number OF years has
been retarded by death of cattle and
draft animals from rinderpest. locust
plaques. etc. The balance OF trade In ia
vor of the islands was about $500. 600
Enormous numbers OF new plants Of
Manila hemp. maquey "a most useful fiber
plant) and cocoanuts have been set out,
land there has been a large increase in
the area planted 10 rice.
Another good sign OF returning pros
perfty Is the increased purchases of inn
proved agricultural implements and ma
chinery, which not merely denotes inn
provement in purchasing power on the
part of the people, but also furnishes the
material for constantly enlarged produc-
tiOn "