Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1905-1919, 1916-04-02
MOTORS POPULAR
IN PHILIPPINES
Islands Improved Roads
Now Used by More
Than 5000 Vehicles.


motor nation. its approximately two
million and five hundred thousand
automobiles representing about three
times the number Of cars in use in
the remainder of the world, 1t is only
natural that the Philippines. one of
its possessions, should emulate the
motherand in the general adoption
of the modern means of transporta-
ton. According to reports made by
re representatives. of the bureau Of for
eign and domestic commerce, the
Philippines as an automobile mar.et
compares well with almost any other
oriental country.
In Japan and China the number of
automobiles in use is almost negli-
gible and in French Indo-China very
small, while in the Dutch territories
and India proper. though somewhat
larger. the growth of the motor car
market is still trifling in comparison
with the area and population. In
Ceylon, a prosperous and fairly pro
gressive territory, with an excellent
road system and comparatively
large European and part European
population. the number of cars and
trucks in use is little. if any, greater
relatively than in the Philippines; and
in the Malay peninsula alone, where
conditions are those of boom coun-
try, can it be said that the market is
materially better.
The relatively large demand for
motor vehicles is due to n variety of
circumstances. First. although the
islands are not so highly developed
economically as some other oriental
countries. their per capita trade is
about the same rs that Of Japan or
the Dutch East Indies, and materially
greater than that of India or French
Indo-China; this indicates a purchas-
ing power which is a very important
factor in the demand Second. the
Philippines are not hampered. as are
Japan and China, by the customs of
dependence and human labor for
TRANSFORMATION and by the narrow
roads with sharp curves, steep grades
and weak bridges which are found in
such countries. Third, the people are
much less conservative than those of
most other oriental lands. The upper
and middle classes have a consider
able strain of European blood; they
feel essentially European in their civ
ii2ation, and take pride in showing
this by the character of their eXpen-
ditures. There are no religious or
caste preiudices to hinder. and COM
raratively little inclination to hoard
savings,
2.9O2 Cars in Philippines.
On June 80, 1915, the total num-
ber of motor vehicles exclusive of
motorcycles and tricyclcs) registered
in the Philippines was 2,9O2. or
these AIS were motor trucks. and the
remainder primarily passenger We
hicles The fact that about one-sixth
Of the total were trucks is worth
noting, for it is n large proportion for
an oriental country. The methods Of
handling freight in the east are ordi-
narily marked by extreme conservat-
ism and by an obstinate belief on the
part of the mercantile community,
European as we'll as native, in the
economy Of the low-paid native labor
as compared with rew-fangled innO-
vations. 1t is, therefore. n fact of
some importance when figures show
that this attitude in any particular
place has begun to change.
There are no very recent figures
for comparison with any other orient
al countries, but it is known that in
Singapore some three years ago there
were only Is commercial trucks in
use out of a total OF about $50 motor
vehicles. Until very recently the use
of motor trucks in the Philippines
has been practically confined to
Manila, but now the building of sugar
centrals and the construction of roads
into the hemp producing districts
have begun to make practicable and
profitable their use in the provinces,
and there are many signs that the
market thus opened up is likely to be
good.
Three Classes of Roads.
The road system Of the Philippines.
though of very recent origin and not
comparable in extent with these of a
number Of other tropical dependen-
cies, is still good. The roads for
wheeled vehicles are divided into
three classes, which are officially dis
tinguished as follows: First class,
those which possess substantial foun-
dations and a durable and continu-
Gus surfacing"; second class roads,
those partially or naturally surfaced
and continuously open to productive
vehicular traffic.: third class. all not
comprised in the two preceding.
On December 81, 1914, the mileage
built in the last seven or eight years)
was as follows. First class 1893
miles; second class. 1,274 miles; third
class, 1901 miles. The following fig
ures for the mileage of first-class
roads since 1908 show the rapid an
nual increase: 1908. 247; 1909, s44;
1910. $40: 1911. Ss4; 1912, 1,106;
1918, 1895: 1914. 1893. There are
also in existence on December 81.
1914. 6205 durable bridges and cul-
verts of all closes, with total span
cf 1861 feet.
Poll Tax Pays for Roads.
The total expenditure upon the con-
struction and maintenance Of roads
and bridges has run during tho calen-
dar years from 1911 to 1914 from
s2,200.000 to 100000, and tho ex-
penditure upon road maintenance
(excluding the heavy and temporary