Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-09-05
TAFT AT MANILA
A Change in inc Policy of the
 Government May Result ~. .. From Visit.

Washington, D. C., Sept. 5.--A
 change in the administration of the
 Philippine Islands is foreshadowed
 by the visit of Secretary Taft to the
 archipelago. This contemplated
 change is one of the most important
 questions winch the secretary will
 have to consider while he is at Man
 fla, as it involves the highest inter-
 est of the islands and their relations
 to the American government.
 Nearly two years ago, Judge
 Magoon was selected as vice goyer-
 nor of the. Philippines and 'reolly
 was en route to Manila, when Presi-
 dent Roosevelt and Secretary Taft
 decided, on account of the serious
 situation in Cuba, to make him the
 provisional governor of that island.
 Even at that time, it was expected that Judge Masoon's service in Cuba would be oniy temporary and that he would be able, in a short time, to proceed to Manila to undertake the duties of the vice governor. His service in Cuba was so valuable, however, and the developments of the Cuban situation so unexpected, that it finally was determined to keep him at Havana and make other provision for the vice governorship of the Philippines. It was proposed to appoint Judge Magoon governor of the Philippines, as soon as he could familiarIze himself with the administrative details of the island government, tut as the provisional government Of Cuba will be contin- ued yet for an indefinite time, it is not likely that Judge Magoon will go to Manila at all
 It. therefore, is necessary to ar range the Philippine government anew and this will be done by Sec retary Taft, probably while he is in Manila. General James F. Smith, of California. now is the governor of the Philippines, but it is under stood that he has no desire to re- main in the islands. The plan al ready tentatively agreed upon, is to appoint Judge Tracy, of the supreme court of the islands, as vice governor and subsequently, to name him as governor to succeed General Smith. Governor Smith is popular with all classes of Eilipinos-far more so than his ore lecessor, General Luke Wright-and that was particular reason for his appointment. He wishes, however, to return to Cali fornia and it is regarded as probable that he will be appointed to one of the California judgeships soon after his successor as governor of the Philippines is chosen.
 Judge Tracy is regarded as man of eminent ability and peculiarly we'll qualified to administer the af- fairs of the islands as governor. The position would be acceptable to him and his appointment would be popu- lar among the residents of the islands, natives and foreigners, alike. Since he has been in the islands he has won the regard and confidence of all classes and his work on the bench has appealed strongly to President Roosevelt and Secretary Taft. It is believed that Judge Tracy will make an excellent gover- nor of the Philippines, as he is man of great firmness and is not likely to be swayed by a transient popular clamor. Through his fla with legal questions pend ing in the islands he would be able | to take up Inderstandingly the ad- | duties of either vice | governor or of governor.