New-York tribune., 1907-10-18
TAFT'S DAY In MANILA.
SERIES OF RECEPTIONS.
Gorernment's Philippine Policy To
Be Outlined by Him Monday.

,,.rila oct. 17.-Secretary Taft was enter
...naa At luncheon to-day by Major General
.-.,,ord Wood Commander of the Division of
= rhuippines In the afternoon he attended
aoartion at the Jesuit College, and this
-,o,3ne he was present at a reception given
= tis honor by the officers of the army and
rayy.
" Taft is not inclined TO discuss Philippine
,..,,es extensively until after the official ban
,,e+ which will he given him next Monday.
-. he Will outline the future policy Of the
uo,ernn1ent toward the Philippines. The gem
srsl impression caused among the Filipnos
=. the Secretary's speech at the opening of
.te Assembly yesterday is excellent. but the
american papers here call for a prompt an
.o,,ncernent Of the governments policy toward
.to Islands. declare that Mr Taft evaded any
,ositi,e statements on the subject and aIlege
.,o+ his speech was q rehash of the addresses
,,icb he made here two years ago and after
rard in the United States.
Secretary Taft during the day made tour
n Manila in an automobile and carefully in
snected the improvements made since his last
visit 10 the Islands. He declared that the prog
-sss made during the last two years was ex-
,e,sive and expressed himself as being highly
,,sased with the condition of affairs in this city
"a the reports submitted by the governors OF
,be Philippine provinces
Continuing the Secretary reiterated his de-
,,ol that he was disappointed at the result of
the recent elections. and said it was Just what
he expected. He expressed confidence that the
dslegates to the Assembly would see the advan-
tape OF upholding the present system of gov
s-1ment He said he was satisfied with the
sla,ton of Sergio Osrnena, Nationalist, to the
presidency Of the Assembly, spoke highly Of
he
..rbv had made an auspicious beginning
uh,,b n-esaged good work in the future.
aclssb occurred in the Assembly to-day be
.er President Osrnena and Dominador Gomez,
-rbo seconded the Presidents nomination yes
tsrdsv. declared against bringing politics into
legislative business and asked the delegates to
sboz their patriotism by fOrsaldng party az
citations and legislating for the benefit or the
FYl,nino people. Gomez. whose election Is to be
contested but who was formally sworn in with
the other Assemblymen yesterday, made an
other appeal to the delegates to-day TO dlsre-
gard politics, but the President stopped his
speech and announced that he would use his
authority 10 have It stricken from the records.
The delegates were surprised at this early be-
ginning OF the expected fight between the Ma
tionalists. or Conservatives. and the Radicals.
The adherents Of Gomez who is leader OF the
Katipunan revolutionary society and ex-presl-
dent Of the Nationalist party. defeated plan
to rush through the Assembly a series Of special
rules for parliamentary procedure. which had
been drawn up by the President The latter.
however. managed TO obtain the temporary
adoption Of the rules. and it is understood that
he will not permit them TO be changed.
Petitions against confirmation of the election
Of seventeen of the delegates. including Gomez.
Adriatico and Lerma, all of whom are alleged
to be unfit to take part in legislation for the
Islands were presented this morning.
4 Joint session OF the Philippine Commission
and the Assembly was held this afternoon TO
hear the message OF Governor General Smith
the state Of the islands He reviewed the
history of the Philippines and pointed out what
had been accomplished by the Americans in
comparison with the Spania-ds. showing that
American rule had meant improvement, the re-
duction Of taxation and better distribution
among the rich and poor alike OF the expenses
Of government, which were less than in any
country in the world having a similar popuIa-
ton. He referred TO the fact that the new leg
islature OF the islands was fimilar to that of
several other countries. He advised eXpending
on schools the money which hitherto had been
used in the suppression Of disorders in various
parts Of the islands.
The Governor General criticised the Filipino
municipal officials for their Indifference neglect
and extravaganza and advised the adoption OF
laws providing for a better administration ot
municipal affairs. Much of the lack Of develop
ment Of the islands, he said. due to this
maladmiristration, especially the failure to
maintain in good condition the roads which the
government had built. Referring to the finances
Of the islands. he stated that the Assemb
would be held strictly TO account by the people
in this connection.