Arizona republican., 1910-12-27
DUR OUTLYING POSSESSIONS Report Of Chief of Insu|ar
 Bureau
 CONDITIONS ARE IMPROVED
The Effect of Tariff Legis- lation on Trade of the Philippines Islands Are Free From Disorder Prosperity of Porto Rico.

Washington. Dec. 26.-The chief of the bureau Of insular affairs in his re- port, made public today says regarding the new commercial relation between the United States and the Philippines:
 Through the tariff legislation of August 3. 1909. establishing practical free trade between the United States and the Philippines. special interest at taches to the commercial returns for the fiscal year 1910, since, in ccmpari- son with those of the previous year, they may be considered as roughly measuring the operation of the new law The accuracy of the comparison is to a considerable degree influenced by the abnormally small trade showing of 1909 and by the operation of free trade embracing less than a full year. while import values in 1910 are some what affected by the withdrawal un- der the present tariff of the free entry privilege previously granted govern ment supplies With due regard to these factors however. the summari- zation of trade returns is ample to show that the establishment of free
  countries marks a new era in the ma terial development of the islands.
 "In both imports and exports the values recorded far exceed those of any previous year. Imports amounted to S37, ,O67, ,630 and were $9.275.2S3 in ex- cess of those of 1909. while there was an increase of $S.S7O.6 606 in the export total of $39. .S64, 169 for 1910. In both branches of the trade the United States was credited with the larger part of these insreases, imports of American goods more than doubling in value and exports increasing more than 80 per cent"
 While there has been a marked i'm proYement in commerce and in industry there has been a lessening of disorder. The report continues:
 With very minor exceptions. readily controlled by the civil police power. and of themselves of less importance than numerous disorders occurring during the same period in the United States. peace and order have marked the conduct of affairs during the year throughout the Philippine Islands. While no reduction has been made in the number of United States troops in the islands, no call upon them has been necessary. or seems likely in the inn mediate future, and their continued presence may be considered valuable from an internal point of view so long as present conditions continue, merely for moral effect The constabulary has continued on the same high plane or efficiency that has marked its admin istration and conduct for number or years and has demonstrated its fitness to cope promptly and certainly with such disorder or lawlessness as has recently appeared The assignment of officers of the army to the higher posi- lions in the constabulary. as stated in n.eyious reports. has helped largely to this end. and it is reflecting In no sense upon the junior officers. nearly all or whom have done most creditable serv- ice. to add that no change in this re- spect should be contemplated
 "Of Porto Rico the report says;
 Porto Rico has enjoyed an excep- tionally prosperous year. free on the one hand from serious political agi- tation and marked on the other by encouraging commercial and indus trial development.
 The administration during the past year has been a distinct sue cess. for which the present governor is entitled to much praise.
 That confidence has been estab- lished in the stability of the gov ernment and the opportunities pre- sented seems evidenced by increased investments and operations as well as by the introduction of new capi- tai.
 Based on an approximately 60 per cent valuation, the total assessed value of all property in 1909 was sl21 .S66.149. an increase of S424s.524 over the previous year.
 The census just taken shows population of 1.11S.012. a substan- tial increase in number and a dens- ity of BIO per square mile. which is greater than that of any state in the Union except Rhode Island ana Massachusetts. This population is cnposed largely of a cOntenteG and producing people. capable of greatly increased activities. A considerable number of adults employed during the day have enrolled in night schools throughout the island, which is indie ative of a desire ;o tettCr thoir material condition. whi'e an iT,rl". alton that appeals especially t0 the people of the rural districts is