The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1898-12-14
MIsBl0NARY'g VIEWS ON
THIN PHILIPPINE ISLANDS.
Roy Mr. liykoH OF tho American bible
Society Makos Sensational State
monls on Religious Matters,

Nigw YORK. Doc, i9.-T'ho American
fllblo Hooloty has received a special ro-
port from iioy. John II. ilykca, whom II
directed IN September last 10 proceed
from Shanghai. China. 10 Manila and In
vostIgalo concerning the Philippines as
flold for bible work, ilo reports con-
oerhng tho Islands, the people. tho ylows
OF Admiral Dowpy ana other American
officers,
Tho nrul part of tho report n devoted
30 describing tho racial ANA other char
aotoratlcH of tho inhabitants, and 10 a
statement OF tho diversity OF languages
spoken IN tho islands, Further on Mr.
Ilykca aayai
mot moro lhgn one.thlrd Of tho arabic
land of tho valleys Of LuEon has bcon
bright under cultivation Tho noun
iains hro rich IN tho most valuable tim.
Dor ~ ba found anywhere In the world,
While some Of tho valleys have been de-
nuded OF tho forests. Spanish oflclal oh.
Htfuction has ofeclually spared tho waltz
able trcoa of tho interior II IL not bad
thing that II required about two years
effort and large foo IN order TO got u
license 10 fell a single tree and a heavy
duty before II could bo exported.
Tue climate 10 continual summer
ana II II not unhealthy for Europeans
Tho cold or dry season IL from November
% February Inclusive, tho hot season
from March 10 juno, and tho wot season
from July 10 October. Tho average TEN.
peraturo for tho year ID about VI degrees
rahfunhut. Tho most common diseases
among Europeans aru malarai fever.
diarrhooa and dynontery."
Mr.. ilykva deyoioa much space 20 a re-
cltaL OF Instances OF what ho terms "aa.
cerdotai dop0iism ana onielL ra-
paclty" under tho spanish regime. ana |
says regarding tho formers
II am suru that tho NOman Catholics |
OF tho United Blales would bv an much |
hhookod az anybody at tho immortality of I
tho frlAr. am aware tina, this IL not /
lt0man Catholicism aA II In 10 DO found |
in England and tho United States today. |
and Il IL necessary that thia should bo |
emphasized In order 10 comprehend tho |
religious condition u tho people ana 10
adequately realize their spiritual needs.
III II astonishing that a law or stand.
ard ot morals does not exist among tho
people whta Wo consider tho character
OF their spiritual teaoheu II Is generally
conceded that tho Filipino priests arc
vastly moro moral han tho Spanish ri.
Arn. and IL IL perhaps this fact and their
Inherent supgrsuuonH that has prevented
tho people from abandoning all roliKion.
with tho native religion la a mero form
and not a spiritual life Tho symbols OF
tho faith and tho observance of religious
rites Aru about all ho knows about 70.
iigion Tho friars have long been losing
their hold upon tho people. They cannot
much longer DO hold In mental ana snir-
ltuai thraildom' In concluding his rc-
port Mr. liykou says;
"donsfh otis ;ho military and civil
governor. said ihoro cannot be any doubt
OF tho great need ol our work Tho tspan.
ihh pntaa aro thoroughly hated by tho
F1llplnos ard their hold upon tho people
IN gOns.
lilo would welcome tho American ni.
bio society and any other missionary or.
q EtnltAaon. and ho would have much
pleasure IN giving W any heip In his
power. Ito thought that our work would
probably bo dlHoouraFinK AZ tho start
but there could bo No difference oi opin-
Ion 40 TO this being tho churches great
cat opportunity In tho philippines
Admiral Dewey received mo most cor
daily and spoke most freely and snthu.
slaahealiy about opening missionary
work ilo said he waA anxious Tor tho
churches aud tho blbIs society TO come
in and bslsin work AZ once. We could not
cone too soon"