NEW LINES.

The different provincial boards have shown a lively interest in local telephone systems connecting the pueblos with the provincial capital. The policy of the constabulary has been to furnish the provincial boards with all the wire and instruments they were willing to put up and an expert to install and maintain the systems in working order, the provinces to furnish the poles and labor. This has resulted in considerable activity, especially in the provinces of Mindoro, Sorsogon, and Misamis.

EXPENSES AND MATERIAL.

The expenses of the division have been heavy, due to the fact that a beginning was made from nothing, and it has been the aim of the superintendent to make all lines permanent. With this end in view, rebuilding has been with hard wood or iron poles. Ten thousand iron poles have been purchased by this bureau and 9,000 contracted for by the Signal Corps, to be paid for from civil funds, on the recommendation of this office. Iron poles are by far the cheapest in the end. They will last for at least fifteen years and form a permanent asset; storms do not destroy them nor floods carry them away.

In order to secure uniformity of equipment, material standards have been adopted and adhered to. This simplifies requisitions and the repair of instruments. Two designs of telephones are being used—the standard long-distance Bell telephone for easily accessible stations, and a portable telephone for installation at points where instruments must be packed over mountain trails by carriers.

Some 200 telephones have been received from the military, installed on lines transferred. These comprised several different makes and, having been in use for considerable time, are becoming unserviceable. They will all soon have to be replaced by new instruments.

CABLES.

During the year cables purchased from insular funds have been laid by the Signal Corps cable ship Burnside from Boac, Marinduque, to Masbate via Romblon, and from San José, Panay, to Cuyo. The former is operated by the Signal Corps as part of the trunk line to the south; the Cuyo cable by this division.

The Commission has authorized the purchase of cable, to connect the island of Catanduanes with the mainland, and there is also on hand sufficient cable to connect Iloilo with Baocolod, Negros, necessary to close the only gap in an alternate route from Manila to Cebu.

The insular government should either own a small cable ship of about 700 tons burden or make some arrangement with the military whereby a properly equipped vessel can be kept continually in these waters. The Burnside left for Alaska on June 10 and will probably not return before December. In the meantime the cable between Zamboanga and Jolo is open since March 11, 1903. This and other breaks which will certainly occur from time to time can not be repaired until the Burnside returns. The interests of commerce and of the insular government are far too important to be left to a chance interruption that would necessarily continue for months.

The superintendent wishes to thank Maj. W. A. Glassford, chief signal officer of the Division of the Philippines, for his hearty cooperation in the exchange of material and supplies, and Dr. E. B. Bryan, general superintendent of education, for his assistance in the organization of telegraph schools.

Captain, Signal Corps, U. S. Army, Superintendent Telegraph Division.

The CHIEF OF PHILIPPINE CONSTABULARY,

Manila, P. I.

With the development of telegraph schools much greater progress may be expected in the near future. The Ilocanos are showing special talent in this direction, far outstripping the pupils from other parts of the Archipelago in the required efficiency. It is believed that within six months at least 50 Filipino operators will be capable of handling small stations.

The telegraph division will open a fairly good career for a number of capable Filipinos who are now being enlisted into this branch of constabulary service. It is proposed to give them promotion in accordance with their proficiency in work up to include inspectorships.

In accordance with telegraphic instructions received from Washington, Captain Wallace is to be relieved as superintendent of the telegraph division October 1, 1903. It would be highly advantageous to the interests of the insular government that he be retained at least until the beginning of the coming year. His intimate knowledge of his profession, of the conditions existing in the Archipelago, and his good judgment make his work especially valuable and his retention desirable.

DISTURBANCES.

The district chiefs, in setting forth the special events of the year in their respective commands, have shown that the disturbances, which were the aftermath of a long period of warfare, have been largely aggravated by plagues affecting man and beast. It is also evident, from the ease with which many of the people of the mountains and in remote localities can be deceived by skillful intriguers, that we must be prepared to meet frequent local uprisings for a long term of years. Until the plane of a higher civilization and a better education have been reached throughout the Archipelago it will be necessary to

garrison such a number of places as will permit all inhabited localities being reached by frequent patrols. This is not said in disparagement of the numerous educated Filipinos, who are extremely desirous to see thorough and consistent order maintained, but rather in corroboration of their sentiments.

The past year has witnessed the extermination of bands led by Rios in Tayabas and Laguna, San Miguel in Bulacan and Rizal, Modesto Joaquin in Pampanga, Roman Manalang in Zambales and Pangasinan, Protacio Flores in Pangasinan, Timoteo Pasay and the Feliz brothers in Rizal, Dalmacio and Rufo in Western Negros, Flores in Misamis, Anugar in Samar, Concepcion in Surigao, Colache in Sorsogon, Encarnacion in Tayabas, and numerous others of lesser note.

The following "popes" have been captured: Rios, of Tayabas; Faustino Ablena, of Samar, and Fernandez, of Laguna. Margarita Pullio and Catalina Furiseal, two women posing as "saints," and who were interested in the distribution of "anting-antings," were also captured. There still remain "Papa" Isio in the mountain fastnesses of Negros and "King" Apo in Pampanga and Nueva Ecija.

The following is quoted from the report of Colonel Bandholtz:

Rios represented himself to be an inspired prophet and found little difficulty in working on the superstitions of the extremely ignorant and credulous inhabitants of barrios distant from centers of population. So well did he succeed that he had organized what he designated as an "Exterior Municipal Government" (for revenue only) with an elaborate equipment of officials. He promoted himself and his followers in rapid succession until he finally had with him 1 captain-general, 1 lieutenant-general, 25 major-generals, and 50 brigadier-generals, and a host of officers of lower grade. In appreciation of his own abilities, he appointed himself "generalisimo" and viceroy, and stated his intention of having himself crowned "King of the Philippines.' Titles earthly not proving sufficient, he announced himself as the "Son of God" and dispensed "anting-antings," which were guaranteed to make the wearer invulnerable to attack. Of the ladrones killed during this period few were discovered who were not wearing one of these "anting-antings."

The dense ignorance and credulity of the followers of Rios were clearly shown by the fanatical paraphernalia captured by Captain Murphy on March 8 near Infanta. Among these was a box, on the cover of which was painted the word "Independencia," and the followers of Rios profoundly believed that when they had proven themselves worthy the box would be opened and the mysterious something called independence for which they had so long been fighting could be secured, and that when attained there would be no more labor, no taxes, no jails, and no constabulary to disturb their ladrone proclivities.

When this miraculous chest was opened it was found to contain only some old Spanish gazettes and a few hieroglyphics, among which appeared the names and rank of the distinguished officials of the organization.

The following telegram, of recent date, from Captain Borseth of the constabulary of the province of Leyte, also gives an idea of the methods used by these fanatics:

When the campaign against the "pulajans" ceased around Ormoc, Leyte, there still remained in the mountains the leader "Papa" Faustino Ablena, who in his correspondence signs himself "Señor Jesus y Maria." He has worked on the ignorance of the people in the foothills. Constabulary located him July 28 in the center of the mountainous region between Dagami and Ormoc, where he had built a fort defended by 2 small brass cannons and about 100 men. On the information received I sent out two parties of police and volunteers. The "pulajans" remained in their fort and resisted the attack over an hour. "Papa" Faustino was wounded in the chest, his two sisters captured, and 32 of his followers killed. I brought in 2 cannons, 1 army bayonet, 1 shotgun, 1 large box of important correspondence, a lot of powder and iron slugs for cannon, also all their paraphernalia. Lieutenant O'Connor, of the constabulary, and Lieutenant Poloive, of the municipal police of Jaro, led the attack. This is the only band in the province.

Several presidents of the "Filipino Republic" and numerous ministers of the same have been captured or killed. The courts of first instance have been crowded with work caused by the trials of misguided individuals who led or assisted in quasi religious or political movements, which were, for the most part, ordinary brigandage faintly disguised.

It is a curious fact, however, that among the various religious sects found in the Archipelago there is an invariable effort and desire on their part to become possessed of arms to reenforce the propaganda of their creeds.

In the category of these religious and fanatical movements may be cited the following varieties, the tenets of whose belief comprise the idea of a church militant in its highest form: Dios-Dios, Pulajans, Colorados, Cruz-Cruz, San Iglesia, Cazadores, Colorum, Santos Niños, Guardia de Honor, Soldados Militantes de la Iglesia, and Hermanos del Tercero Orden.

San Miguel-Partido Nacionalista movement.-The most serious disturbance, amounting to a local uprising, was that led by San Miguel, who with many of his forces has been killed; most of the others have been sentenced to long terms, or are awaiting trial. The effective combinations made by the scouts and constabulary, as stated in Colonel Scott's report, show what can be expected of native troops, not only in maintaining order among their own people, but wherever their services may be required. To him is chiefly due the organization and direction of the numerous expeditions, scouts, and reconnoissances that finally completely overthrew and destroyed this uprising.

I go somewhat at length into this movement, because it was the largest and because in it are aggregated kindred elements and motives to those found in all the others, namely, personal ambition and exploitation of the people on the part of the few, and gross ignorance and gullibility on the part of the many.

As a result of the guerilla warfare carried on after the departure of the revolutionary government from Malolos in 1899, chiefs were developed from the ladrones and other vicious classes who were disposed to continue preying upon the people after the mass of intelligent men had decided to conform to the new conditions. Encouraged by political demagogues living under a benevolent government it was but natural that trouble should follow. The islands found themselves in financial straits, due to warfare and numerous plagues; politicos appeared in many towns and barrios; a large percentage of men who could read and write were candidates for office; the prospect of the legislative chambers sharpened the activity of not a few; the innate love of secret societies could not be stifled at once, even though public meetings and a free press were duly authorized and fully utilized; there was also a certain number of proprietors disgruntled at the very modest land tax, which had never before been required of them. Under these conditions appeared the "Partido Nacionalista," whose platform as submitted to the Commission is shown by the following true copy:

PROGRAMME.

They are ours-the Philippines, Porto Rico, Guam, Wake, and Hawaii-not for subjugation, but for emancipation. (McKinley.)

ASPIRATIONS.

The National party will actively work within the law to secure for the Filipinos at the earliest possible date a most ample autonomy and in opportune time independence under the protectorate of the United States of America.

MEANS.

To obtain these expressed aspirations the National party will profit by the following:

First. To proceed at once with the greatest interest in order that this progamme may reach the Nationals in arms to-day, that they may be convinced of the great advantages that will accrue to our beloved country by public tranquillity, and that they fully recognize the law. We give them the fraternal embrace which unites us for all time in ideas and thoughts.

Second. To inculcate in the Filipino people a love of instruction, a desire to work, the necessity of economy, and the spirit of association.

Third. To work incessantly within the limits of the law to the end that Filipinos may soon enjoy all those civil and political rights so necessary in securing the welfare and prosperity of the people, as did the United States of America, and for the same causes which brought about the Filipino revolution.

Fourth. To appeal to the constitued authorities, asking that they eradicate from the Philippines all those elements so harmful to the welfare of the beloved people. Fifth. To work vigorously in order that agriculture, commerce, industry, and navigation may have a healthy life.

The elections which took place resulted as follows: Presidents, Santiago Alvarez, Pascual H. Poblete; vice-president, Andres Villanueva; secretaries, Macario Sakay, Aurelio Tolentino, Modesto Santiago, Cenon Nigdao, Aguedo del Rosario, Domingo Moriones, José Palma, Lopez K. Santos, Pantaleon Torres, Salustiano Cruz, Nicolas Rivera, Francisco Carreon, Briccio Pantas, Valentino Diaz, Erolio Santos, and Valentino Solis.

Of these Alvarez is a confirmed Katipunero; Poblete is editor of El Grito del Pueblo; Sakay was captured as "Supreme President of the Filipino Republic," was amnestied, and is now out in the mountains of Morong issuing Katipunan commissions; Tolentino has been sentenced to two years and fined $2,000 gold, for seditious plays; Nigdao, as "Acting Minister of War," surrendered; Del Rosario and Moriones were captured and sent to Bilibid for ten years each and to pay a fine of $5,000, gold, for sedition. Moriones was apprehended as "Minister of War;" Cruz, a colonel of Katipunans, was captured and is serving a ten-year sentence; Rivera was captured as "Minister of State," and is serving ten years in Bilibid with a fine of $5,000, gold, in addition.

While the discussion of political measures is not altogether germane to this report, I feel justified in touching upon the National party, because to it, more than to any other one cause is due the burden of field operations in the Tagalo provinces during the year. I do not mean to attribute evil and seditious motives to all members of this party, but it is unfortunate that good men should live with vicious companions. Disturbances in Manila and the adjoining Tagalo provinces always find a response among agitators and brigands throughout the Archipelago who, having nothing to lose, are ready to begin their raids upon reports from Manila. In most cases it is the Manila agitator, caring little as to whether the keynote of his propaganda be religious or political, who incites them to deeds of violence.

Characterized by its well-known liberal and generous policy the insular government was reluctant to take cognizance of the questionable procedure of this party dating almost from its origin as manifested in speeches delivered in public meetings in Manila, its suburbs, and