more clearness and precision to its provisions, this being a necessary feature in a measure which, in authorizing the increase of the land tax, has to provide for a new and adequate distribution of the increased revenues which it is expected will be obtained. It has been deemed especially advisable to specify that the portion of the land tax in excess of one-half of one per centum of the assessed value of the property shall not be devoted to anything except public works and improvements, the neglect whereof, in a greater or lesser degree, has so far been the weak point in the administration of the municipalities.

It is hoped that with the restrictions provided for in section 2, the elimination of the maximum limit of one-half of one per centum of the assessed value, above which the land tax can not be increased under existing law, will be a great boon to the municipalities, especially those imbued with a progressive spirit. Respectfully submitted.

To the Honorable,

JOSE R. DE Luzuriaga, Chairman, Committee on Municipal and Provincial Governments.

the PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINE COMMISSION.

The report was accepted.

Commission Bill No. 29 was thereupon read the second time and, together with the report of the standing committee thereon, referred to the Committee of the Whole.

It was considered in committee and reported back to the Commission with the following recommendation:

That the amendment recommended by the Committee on Municipal and Provincial Governments be not concurred in; that the bill be amended as follows:

Section 1, page 1, line 11, after the words "one-fourth of one per centum" insert the words "and not more than one and one-half per centum,"

and that as so amended the bill pass.

The amendment recommended by the Committee of the Whole was adopted and the bill ordered on file for third reading.

EXECUTIVE SESSION.

The Commission then proceeded to the consideration of executive business.

After the consideration of executive business, the Commission returned to regular session.

ADJOURNMENT.

Thereupon, at 11 o'clock and 20 minutes antemeridian, On motion by Commissioner Araneta,

The Commission adjourned to meet at 10 o'clock and 30 minutes antemeridian on Tuesday, December 3, 1912.

Attest:

117411-12

GEO. C. SCHWEICKERT, Secretary.

Third Philippine Legislature.

First Session.

JOURNAL OF THE COMMISSION.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1912.

The Commission met pursuant to adjournment. Present: Commissioners Worcester, Luzuriaga, Araneta, Palma, Sumulong, Branagan, and the Acting President. Absent: The President and Commissioner Elliott (on leave).

READING OF JOURNAL.

The Journal for Monday, December 2, 1912, was read and approved.

THIRD READING OF BILL.

Commission Bill No. 29. An Act amending Act Numbered Eightytwo, entitled “A General Act for the organization of municipal governments in the Philippine Islands."

Commission Bill No. 29 was read the third time.

The question then being upon its passage, the roll was called and the bill was unanimously passed.

The Acting President moved to amend the title by adding at the end thereof the words "by increasing the limit of the land tax which may be levied, and for other purposes. The motion prevailed and the title as amended was read and approved.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS.

Commissioner Araneta introduced the following bill:

Commission Bill No. 45. An Act amending section two hundred and seventy of Act Numbered One hundred and ninety, entitled "An Act providing a code of procedure in civil actions and special proceedings in the Philippine Islands," by making further provisions for the indemnification of court officers in certain cases.

By unanimous consent, Commission Bill No. 45 was read the first time by title only and referred to Commissioner Palma as a select committee for report and recommendation. The Acting President introduced the following bills:

Commission Bill No. 46. An Act further to amend section eighteen of Act Numbered Fourteen hundred and seven, so as to extend the provisions of said section to employees of the United States dying in the Philippine Islands and for other purposes.

By unanimous consent Commission Bill No. 46 was read the first time by title only and referred to the Committee on Matters Pertaining to the Department of Finance and Justice for report and recommendation.

Commission Bill No. 47. An Act authorizing the appointment of one hundred high school students as Government pupils, and making an annual appropriation for carrying out the provisions of this Act.

By unanimous consent, Commission Bill No. 47 was read the first time by title only and referred to Commissioner Sumulong as a select committee for report and recommendation.

EXECUTIVE SESSION.

The Commission then proceeded to the consideration of executive business.

After the consideration of executive business, the Commission returned to regular session.

(For appointments confirmed in executive session see p. 823.)

ADJOURNMENT.

Thereupon, at 10 o'clock and 50 minutes antemeridian, On motion by Commissioner Branagan,

The Commission adjourned to meet at 10 o'clock and 30 minutes antemeridian on Wednesday, December 4, 1912.

Attest:

GEO. C. SCHWEICKERT, Secretary.

Third Philippine Legislature.

First Session.

JOURNAL OF THE COMMISSION.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1912.

The Commission met pursuant to adjournment. Present: Commissioners Worcester, Luzuriaga, Araneta, Palma, Sumulong, Branagan, and the Acting President. Absent: The President and Commissioner Elliot (on leave.)

READING OF JOURNAL.

The Journal for Tuesday, December 3, 1912, was read and approved.

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL.

MANILA, December 2, 1912. GENTLEMEN: I have the honor to present to you by special message the following subject, which I deem of very great importance to the people of the Philippine Islands.

One of the most important factors in the present economic development of the Philippine Islands is the construction of railroads which, while being done by private capital, bears such an intimate relation to the Government as to be almost a governmental enterprise. It has become well-known to all who have given attention to the matter that our present law providing for the exercise of the power of eminent domain is so far defective as applied to the conditions existing here as to result in fraudulent practices upon a large scale which damage the public interests in many ways. By reason of the finality given the findings of the commissioners in expropriation proceedings under existing statutes as interpreted by the courts, it almost invariably happens that the award made is practically prohibitive of undertakings of this character.