THE PHILIPPINE TRADE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2481, 21 April 1909, Page 5

THE PHILIPPINE TRADE.

CLOSED TO ALL BUT AMERICANS

AMERICA’S BROKEN PROMISES

United Press Association— Copyright (Received April 21, 12.35 a.m.)

LONDON, April 20. The “Daily Mail’s” announcement

that the Washington Government intends to close the Philippine market to other nations, by establishing free trade between the Philippines and America to the exclusion of other States, means, the ruin of an extensive and growing British trade. Special resentment is felt because of the American specific assurances in .1899 that no changes would be malie injurious to our oldestablished commerce. An export duty was recently imposed on Philippine hemp, and a full rebate given on all sent to America. Till then London was the centre of the hemp trade. America also, declared all trade between America and the Philippines coastal, and that none but ships on the American register could participate therein. TUI then the trade was largely carried on by British ships. There are twenty British firms in Manila alone. The largest Import and export firms are British; the leading banks are British; and the railway is British; and many of the -most important enterprises are backed hr British capital.