Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1900-01-24

that, too, In quite recent times. The largest
island is the most northern OF the group, the
island Of Luzon, and 1t Is on this island you find
the large tobacco and sugar plantations. 1t is
also the seat of the capital, the city Of Manila,
and also Of some of the larger cities Of the group
OF Islands, As to the population of the islands it
has been estimated at from 8 to 10 millions, and
consists of natives or Tag 1Qaniards, Chinese,
Japanese, Hindoo's and mixed races. OF these
the most interesting to the Americans are the
natives, and In the language OF Senator Bever.
idge of Indiana, they rare race of eavages who
have been modified by three centuries of contact
with decadent race" Will not deny that the
natives may have been at one time little better
than savages, and in fact that some Of the inland
tribes are very little better at the present time,
but still one must admit that those In Manila
and adjoining country are very far advanced from
that state of civilization at the present time and
are almost more highly civilized than are the
paniards themselves. With the incoming OF
American civilization in Luzon, it Is almost i'm
possible TO realize the advancement that will be
sure to take place. The people there are very
anxious to learn our language and our ways, and
the way they accomplish it would be surprise to
most people who have not had the opportunity to
see them In their native land.
had a talk with Mr.. Anderson, who has
charge of the schools that have been started over
there by the American government and he told
me the advancement being made by the pupils in
these schools, was something remarkable, and
that after they were once started they seemed
even more anxious to advance themselves than do
our own children.
Great possibilities are in the range of
In .Iou 60
should the United States only assume a protect
crate over them, almost all the important posi-
tons will be allied by natives who are competent
to hold SUCH positions. and surely new era of
advancement and civilization Is in store for
them in the near future.
The question has been asked me q number of
times II the better class of people in Manila
weae in favor of the United States having con-
troll OF the islands, In answering would say
that they profess to do go, but IL the position of
our government was more definitely settled, and
they knew more what to expect in the near future,
they would be more outspoken as to their posi-
ton.
Nearly every family in Manila have or have had
relatives in the nsurgent army, and can you
blame these people for not receiving us with open
arms when many home has been made desolate
a nd many life lost by our warfare. Had we
settled all difficulties without bloodshed, and am
q believer that 1t couldlhave BEEN accomplished,
had We had any other man at the head of affair.
in Manila than General Otis they would be much
more outspoken in favor of American rule and
American institutions.
As to the condition of affairs whom the fighting
commenced last February twas shown very con-
clusively that were not prepared for the Begin
ming Of hostilltlee. General Otis always said
when he cablegrameu to Washington, toat he had
the situation well in hand and that no more
troops were needed. But still when hostilities