The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1907-12-13
7AFTS VISIT DIDN'T SATISFY
RV SgNESS WEN IN PHILIPPINES
LOOkED FOR RANGES

rhai Immediate Independence HlOwIers
AMT NkIIatOrs NhO Scare capital
WOuId Re SuPDressed-Bu EIe lOId Much
~ Harmonic CONFLICTING interests.
MANILA, Nov. The visit Of Secretary
Taft 20 the Philippines at the time OF the
Inauguration Of the Legislative assembly
will mark in the history Of the islands the
maturing season of the Taft doctrines
which were expOunded and enforced by
him in 1901 and ave = nee been developed
by the various GovernOrs-General There
is no doubt that the FhpinOs have been
subjected 10 a sort of forced culture and
there are many we'll informed persons
who question the reality Of the present
progress.
The wisdom Of this experiment in govern
ment is open to debate, hut no on doubts
the sincerity of Mr.. Taft's motives or his
vigorous earncstness and faith in ultimate
success. Mr.. Taft mad upward of forty
speeches in his stay in Manila. Many Of
these were merely informal addresses and
touched very lightly on important issues.
HIS words have lone an immense amount
nf good and have served to harmOnize
conflicting interests and to explain doubtful
'N' 'A1 sou nv 49,
preiudicial to the insular administration
A straightforward. unreserved talk with
the leading American merchants and two
public assurances and promises to exert
every effort TO have the tariff revised favor
ing the Philippine sugar and tobacco in
forests have done much to clear the COM
mercial atmosphere. OF course. the Fill
pinos are vastly delighted and fattered
nth L.. v.a.s ..,l..,-V. and laxIahIwF
reiterated statement of progress and with
tho Wholesale enlargement Of ~self-govern-
ment as realized in The legislative assembly.
However, il would not be entirely truth
full to say tina the American business men,
Government officials and foreigners are
satisfied with MIR. Taft's N%tterances. Per-
haVs too much was expected. People
who have cast tier interests and fortunes
In the islands hoped for something more
definite and explicit concerning the future
If the Philippines. something straight
from rho shoulder about the policy Of the
United States toward these possessions,
something which would serve in unmis-
taxable terms 10 suppress and obliterate
or al lens. to discredit seriously the imme-
diate independence howlers and h agi-
tatOrs who. by keeping the credulOus masses
In a constant state of unrest. sometimes
bordering on disorder. discourage business
and efectually prevent the introduction
Of capital, on which the prosperity RI the
country absolutely depends.
On these matters of such vital importance
Mr.. Taft was silent or explained that he
could not speak for Congress-. To the
residents nf the Philippine Islands Mr..
Taft came as the high ambassador Of the
people of the United States and the per-
sonal representative of the President, and
it in to be regretted that he could not nave
tackled those things which are the burning
questions Of the day, the real heart Of the
situation for the merchants. with the same
earnestness and unreserved candor which
he gave ia the question Of the develop
Nant and capacity of the Filipinos for self
rnment.
hat he did say he said fearlessly and
but the sources of complaint and
= sficism are found in what he failed 10 say.