The Washington herald., 1907-01-02

Much interest attaches to the annual
report of the Philippine Commission for
the fiscal year ended June 80, 1906. which.
with separate reports OF the governor
general of the islands and the heads Of
The four executive departments, were
made public yesterday.
IN brief, the report reviews the peace
conditions Of the archipelago. which are
described as being unprecedented in the
history of the islands. 1t is stated that
the agricultural depression of the year is
in a measure restored, and that the in
dustrial outlook is much improved.
The commission mentions the develop
ment of mineral resources, the ad-
vantages OF the newly-established postal
bank, and the better financial conditions,
brought about by large investments, pub
lie works, the extension of railroads. and
the general trend toward progress noted
in all the affairs OF the islands. The re-
port also contains several specific recon-
mendauons in the way of legislation, par
ticularly relief from the exactions Of the
tariff laws.
LadrOnes Scattered.
With reference to peace and good order
in the islands. the commission declares
that the remnants Of the bands of
Iadrones in Cavite and Batangas, that
have infested those quarters since the
Spanish occupation. have been broken up,
one Of the most desperate Of the leaders
killed, and twelve others so bounded by
the constabulary that they have sur
rendered.
Advices later received by the commits
sion state that since the end Of the
period covered by the report, these lead
ers have been Tied before a Filipino
Judge found guilty of shocking murders,
and all but one are under sentence OF
death, the one being sentenced to life inn
prisonment for his part in the disorders
of the last few years.
After going over in detail the various
outbreaks in different parts OF the archi-
peIago the commission afiTms that great
ct respect for law and order prevail, and
that the people are at this moment In
greater tranquility than at any previous
time for a century.
Industrial Conditions.
Industrial conditions in the islands come
IN for extended review. The typhoon Of
the early part of the year damaged the
tobacco. sugar, and hemp crops 10 the ex-
tent Of 100000 At this point, the effect
or the Dingley tariff upon the tobacco
crop IS gone into, and il claims that be-
cause Of the lack of a suitable market
for this product it is being measurably re-
duced. and in time will be hopelessly Grip
pied
The balance OF trade for the year in IA
vOr Of the islands was Sc. 060 900. the loss
on the exports Of tobacco being offset by
the unprecedented export of cocoanuts, Of
which there was an abundant crop. The
report states that a large output OF new
plants of manila hemp. maguey, and CO.
c0anuts was made during the year. and
that the agricultural outlook is really bet
ter than for any previous time since the
American occupation.
Owing to the continued agricultural de-
preston the loss OF carabaos. the locust
plague. the typhOon, and the excellent
condition Of the insular treasury, the land
tax was suspended for the benefit Of the
farmers for one year, and this has been
the means of a more rapid recovery from
the depression which threatened the is
lands the previous year.
or agricultural Bank
The commission renews its. recommen-
dalton for an agricultural bank founded
upon the plan of the Egyptian agricultural
bank. for the quicker development of the
agricultural resources of the islands. by
loaning money to farmers at low rates
Of interest to enable them to purchase
draft animals. TO buy seed. and make the
needed extensions in their agricultural
operations.
The commission discusses the need for
railroad building and other means of
transportation, and strongly urges some
measures to encourage road building in all
parts OF the Islands. improvements Of the
harbOr Of Manila is discussed at length.
and the expenditures for wharves. deep
enlng or channels, &c, are given in detail
The passing of some 100000 acres of the
friar lands into the possession of the in
sular government, and their rental mostly
70 former tenants, Is one of the interest
ing features of the report.
The commission makes a strong plea for
a revision Of the tariff act, in so far as it
relates to the islands and the giving of
relief TO the tobacco and other industries.
American Capital.
The report closes with an extended refer
ence TO the investment OF American capt.
tai in the archipelago, and the beneficial
effect it has on the welfare of the islands.
The commission says the unoccupied field
is large and will furnish excellent oppor-
tunity for Americans for years to come.
who. with their surplus energy and
money, should become residents of the
Islands and cast their lot with those far
away people.
The report, as whole, is a clear and
suggestive statement of present conditions
in the Philippines, and how they may be
improved by judicious legislation by Con-
gress along the line Of granting relief
from burdensome trade restrictions. and
in the way of providing means for the
islanders TO help themselves to larger and
more profitable industry and commerce.