Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-27

per cent of the total importations as
against 80 per cent in 1910.
EXPORTS sss,77s,e2s.
The total value of exports was $780,
1859 as compared with s39.717L96O
the previous year. Exports to the
United States decreased from SIS.793.-
67S in 1910 to s16,S13,S64, but this
country still occupies first place, TAX
ing over 40 per cent of the total ex-
ports. The principal articles of ex-
port are hemp, copra, sugar. tobacco,
cigars. and cigarets.
For the first time since 1904 the bal
ance of trade was against the islands
to the extent of $10,055,09S. This diff
erence. however, is less than at first
appears if We take into consideration
the value of articles imported free of
duty By the army and navy, the gov
eminent of the Philippine islands, and
the government-aided railways. These
importations, amounting in value to
s., S65,933. have been included in the
figures for 1911 for the first time.
There was an increase in customs
revenues of nearly s1.OOO,OOO and in
internal revenue of more than $780,
| coo.
Tranquility has reigned throughout
the islands with only such disturbance
es as might be expected in any COM
munity, and having no other than a
purely local significance.
BUILDING OF RAILROADS.
Railroad construction has progress
ed steadily during the year. The main
lines in the islands of Panay and Cebu
are in full operation and only short
branch lines remain to be laid.
In Luzon the work on the northern
lines is nearly complete and the con-
struction on the lines south of Manila
is being rapidly pushed All portions
in operation have proved unexpectedly
productive from the start
The opening of these lines had an
almost magical effect in stimulating
industry and fostering production.
The territory traversed, which had
been abandoned, has experienced an
agricultural awakening. The province
Of Batangas shipped 10000 tons OF
oranges the first year.
Health conditions have been better
than ever before. Cholera has been
a lesser menace than during any pre-
vious year since its first appearance
after American occupation and nc
other dangerous epidemic has gained
Roadway in the islands. Extended in
, vestigations have resulted in discov
cries which have enabled the health
, officials successfully to combat a mum
Der of dread diseases, notably beri
beri, which has wholly disappeared ir
government institutions. The number
Of lepers is steadily decreasing in re
Spouse to preventive measures anC
, treatment
The general hospital, which is nov
in successful operation, is said t.
be the best arranged and best equip
ped hospital in the orient. Free dis
lpensaries and free medical, obstetrl
cal and surgical service for the poo
are beginning to play an importan
, part in improving health conditions a
Manila.
EDUCATION EXPANDING.
, The increase in school attendanc
has been very satisfactory, the avel
9 age attendance being over so per cen
n of the 100000 children enrolled. Tn
public school system, established an
conducted on the lines OF that in tn
states, has met with great public ia
: vor with the people. They also al
= preciate the work Of the university G
the Philippines as shown by the fac
that 81 per cent of the high schoc
D graduates have entered this universit
y which is twice as great as the propo
ton of high school graduates in tn
United States who enter college.
y Special emphasis is now being pla,
/ ed on practical agricultural and indu
Ic trial training in order to meet tn
: needs of the people and improve tn