Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1899-09-15
SPIRIT OF THE PRESS
FACTS AND OPINIONS GATHERED
FROM CONTEMPORARIES.

NAVAL OFFICERS DECISIVE TESTIMONY.
The report of Paymaster w. B. Wilcox
nd Naval Cadet L. II. Sargent to Ad-
niral Dewey last winter, concerning
heir journey of 600 miles through the
Bland of Luzon in October and Novem-
|er, 1898, given to the department at
he time, is summarized in an article
y Mr.. Sargent in the September Out
oOk and 1t indicates somewhat of the
violence upon which the admiral reached
ais conclusion that the people of these
stands are capable of self government.
hese officers brought from their travels
aluable, first hand testimony to the
fleet that under the native republic
hen existing, law and order and in
ustry prevailed as much as in Massa-
husetts or Illinois. "During our abb
ence from Manila" Mr.. Sargent says,
we travelled more than GOO miles in a
Fery comprehensive circuit through the
orthern part of the island of Luzon,
reversing characteristic and important
istrict In this way we visited seven
provinces. As tribute to the efficiency
# Aguinaldo's government and to the
aw abiding character of his subjects,
bffer the fact that Mr.. Wilcox and
pursued our journey throughout in
perfect security, and returned to Ma
hila with only the most pleasing re-
collections of the quiet and orderly
life which we found the natives to be
eading under the new regime"
In his descriptions of the many towns
hey passed through, Mr.. Sargent leaves
bn the mind only picture of peace,
order and happiness among a bright,
intelligent and ambitious people, al
hough their knowledge of the affairs of
he world was limited. sour entertain
nent in the different towns varied ac-
tording to the facilities at hand but in
Ill cases music was a leading feature.
n the absence of all accessories, the
Village band would be called into the
would play tune after tune well into the
hight, while we conversed at our ease
with the village fathers.
1--WE spent three days at Iligan, and
hink that it was here that we were
brought into closest touch with the
Filipino character. The cultured class
which | have spoken of before, was
trongly in evidence; and think that
before leaving we had discussed: views
with nearly every member of 1t. They
hll realized that they were passing
through crucial period in the history
bf their people, and young and old were
lager to acquire all possible knowledge
hat might assist them to think clearly
1t this crisis. Their realization of the
gravity of their position did not how
liver, rob their character of its natural
kayety, nor make them forget their
Huty as hosts. On the evening follow
ng our arrival ball was given in our
honor, which was attended by all the
Flite of the town. There were present
bout so young women and twice that
humber of men. All were dressed in
European fashion. The girls were
pleasant and intelligent; the men COM
ported themselves in all respects like
gentlemen. The national hymn was re-
beated several times with great enthu.
siasm. The ball lasted until nearly
hree o'clock In the morning and broke
up with good feeling at its height.
son the second evening we were in
Hited to attend the theatre where two
bne-act Spanish plays were presented
by the young society people of the
own. In the performance of the play
I'VE saw our friends-these typical young
Filipnos-in light in which few of
bur nation have had chance to view
hem. They comported themselves
with credit in position where humor,
Intelligence and artistic ability were the
requisites of success"
Mr.. Sargent in testifying as to the
drinking habits of the natives says he
did not see an intoxicated man on his
Journey.
''From here we proceeded by land
southwark through the western pro-
Einces. During this part of our journey
I'VE were thrown into closer association
than previously with the military ele-
ment of the population, of which hope
to have an opportunity to speak further
In subsequent article
In conclusion Mr.. Sargent says: II
cannot see what better guage we can
obtain al present of the intelligence and
iuuitiou VI lhc WHOIc TlllpluO race lIdu
the progress that has been made by its
favored members with the limited op.
portunites at their command. Through
out the island thirst for knowledge is
manifested, and an etravagant respect
for those who possess it. | have seen a
private native citizen in town in the
interior exercise a more powerful influ.
ence than all the native officials over
the minds of the inhabitants, simply be-
cause he was known to have been edu.
Gated in the best schools at Manila, and
was regarded for that reason as a supe-
rior man. The heroes of these people
are not heroes of war, but of science
and invention. Without rival, the
American who is best known by reputa.
ton in Luzon is Mr. Edison, and any
native with the slightest pretention to
education whom you may question on
he. ta1r IoI; ,.l, 10,