The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1912-02-28

Unprecedented prosperity is being
enjoyed by the Philippine Islands
between them and THE United States.
and the cry of hard times there no
longer can be raised say the members
of the Philippine commission in their
report of 1911. The United States has
shared in this prosperity by increasing
its exports to the archipelago to $49,-
100000 or moro than $12,5O 90. 90 dur
in" the year. Free trade has resulted
in increased revenu to the Filipinos
in sugar and tobacco and an improve
ment in the market for crops.
The opening of new railway lines
in various parts Of the islands has re-
suited in stimulating industry and fos-
tering production, the territory
through which they pass having
awakened to h Development OF agri,,
cultural industries. a steady and
healthy growth of the postal savings
bank. Filipino depositors having in
creased Ill per cent over the num-
Der of the previous year.
Health conditions Of the entire ISL
ands never have hecn better than dur
ing the past year..
Commercial Development.
II is stated that the cry of hard
times can no longer he raised in the
Philippine Islands as most of the
tlISSS ioNC SlI'N Su IL SCb1 VI VII
p~recedented prosperity. The result
of the legislation h ycongress. which
practically granted free trade between
the islands n the United States,
has surprised even its most optimistic
riends and advocates. The second
year of experience with this law has
shown a decrease of $4,000, 900 in ex-
siderable increase in the imports from
the United States. The fact that the
markets of the United States We're
open to the products of the islands
has resulted in an increase in the
price of sugar and tobacco and an
Improvement in the market for crops,
but these products. as heretofore.
markets in the nearby countries of
the orient.
Imports.
The total value of imports into the
islands during the ear amounted to
$~49,S33,722 as compared with s37.-
067.G30 for 1910. The United States
headed the list Of countries with forty
per cent of the total inportations as
against thirty per cent in 1910.
Exports.
The total value of exports was S39,-
1889 as compared with $33,717,-
$50 the previous ear Exports to
the United States decreased from
$~18.793.67s in 1910 to $16,s13,s 1854,
but this country still occupies first
place, taking over forty per cent Of
the total exports. The principal ar
ticles of export are hemp. copra, sug-
ar. tobacco, cigars. and cigarettes.
Balance Of Trade.
For the first time since 1904 the
balance Of trade was against the ISL
ands to the extent of s10.055,093. This
difference. however. is less than at
first appears if We take into consid-
Grafton the value of articles imported
free of duty by the army and navy,
the government of the Philippine ISL
ands. and government-aided railways.
These importations. amounting in val
ue to ~$4,S65,933. have been Included
In the figures for 1911 for the first
time.
There was an increase in customs
revenues Of nearly $4,000 900 and in
internal revenue Of more than 81.
500, 900.
Peace and Order.
Tranquility has reigned throughout
the SLAM with only such disturb
ances as might be expected in any
community, and having no other than
a purely local Significance.
Railroads.
Railroad construction has progress-
Ell steaollv 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-
structfon on the lines south Of MANILA
is being rapidly pushed. All portions
in operation have proved Unexpected
v" productive from the start.
The opening Of these lines had an
almost magical effect In stimulating