Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-06-25

laws in the islands I have never seer
a drunken Filipino during the six
years / have been the governor gen
eral. Also 1 would single out as one
of the splendid specimens OF Ameri
canized natives Emilio Aguinaldo, the
former instruction leader. who has
become one OF the most useful and pa
triotic citiZens-he is always ready to
cooperate with me and has played the
American square-deal plan In a way
that has made me admire him deeply
Has Refused Jobs.
AT last years Fourth of July cele.
hration he marched at the head Of a
delegation OF his veterans. I have re-
peatedly offered him offices of respon-
sibility and trust, but he has stead
lastly refused TO accept by saying that
he could be of more use as a private
citizen"
Gen. Wood. in paying his compi.
ment 10 the former insurgent leaders
helpfulness. signaled out Senator Que
zon as the exactly opposite to Agui-
naldo. in the matter of patriotism and
friendliness. The generals faith and
confidence in the F'ilipinos Is highly
set. despite "many isagreeable situa-
tons OF administration that have
arisen with the Philippine Legislature. ="
hut through il all. he said Il have
heeu always shown the greatest re.
spect. and been Hospitality received I'm
my visits all over the islands. and
never once within my adminiStra ton
have ! received threat OF violence"
He disposed Of the matter Of the
differences with the Philippine LeEis-
lature good naturedly by saying they
we're nothing serious. and were about
the same that occur every day or so
in this country between governors and
their Legislatures.
Il admit" he said. that | have had
70 use my veto power very freely, and
more than l liked hut II was neces-
sary as the medium Of defeating what
l considered impracticable or uncon-
stitutional legislation"
May Seek Changes.
In the matter Of future legislation.
the general said that he would treat
this subject in his next annual re-
port hut he intimated that he would
ask for some minor changes in the
organic act passed by Congress which
gives the Philippines their form OF
government.
In discussing the economic situs-
that the archipelago possessed I'M
dreamed-of wealth. and that there
was great opportunity for capital I'm
the development of these resources.
In his opinion the rubber industry
should become a large and important
factor He said that it was a crop
happily suited to the islands. and I
have reason 10 believe that sufficient
rubber can he grown there to supply
the demands of the United States"
Gen. Wood does not believe that the
acreage limitation put on rubber by
the Philippine legislation will he a
serious obstacle. However. he is in
favor Of diminishing the limitations.
He said the island treasury is in
healthy state. He is especially proud
Of the progress made in the treat
ment of ieprosy in the isla nds. and he
Is hopeful of the complete eradication
or this scourge in the near future.
IF its eradication is accomplished.
he said. 1.-The system being used will
serve as a model 10 the world and II
will repay this Government for all
that ii has spent in the Philippine
wars"
Gen. Wood spoke sdmiringly of the
Presidents Summer home and ex-
pressed the belief that he thought
Mr.. Coolidge's vacation in this part
Of the country would do him a world
Of good. He did not explain whether
he meant world Of good in a physical
or mental way or merely in a political
way.
Politics was one subject the general
would not touch. Neither did he
make any mention OF the report on
the Philippines made to the President
last Winter by Col. Carmi Thompson
He did state. however. that he
thought the War Department had
during the many years 1t has had
of affairs In the islands
done a splendid job.
1t was quite apparent that Gen.
Woods brief stay in the Black Hills
agreed with him. The rest and quiet,
and the bracing air. seemed to
him. When he left 1t this
was very noticeable.
The President said afterward that
he greatly enjoyed having Gen. Wood
with him.