The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1900-04-16
EDUCATIONAL
System for the Inhabitants Of ths
Philippines.
NOT TIE FILIPINO ATKINSON
win be IN charge-The Practical Ad-
vantage of Such a systsn-Emogy
on the Death Of "Diclr" Bland.

lppluN CuIlIIliShlQu VIII U 10 pFuFlA@ llll
Philippine Islands with A complete cd
ucatloaal system suited to the needs OF
the people and their capacity. The
president OF the commission. Judge Wa.
H. Taft. Immediately after his appoint-
ment, realized the great importance OF
the educational work that must be done
in the Philippines. He set about TO We
cure a man OF experience old enough to
know his business, and yet youEs
enough to be vigorous, enthusiastic, en-
ergetlc, resourceful and capable for the
task before him. Judge Taft consulted
with President Eliot, OF Harvard. Dr.
Eliot ruggested that Prof, w. Atkinson,
OF Springfield Macs, the supeFintend-
ent Of the high school in that city, was
the best man for the work of whom h.
knew. Judge Taft communicated with
Mr.. Atkinson, and the result was that
Mr.. Atkinson came to Washington, met
the Philippine commissioners and WAS
offered the Philippine school superln-
tendency. II is understood that be has
finally determined to accept the posi-
ton, reslgning what Is really a life po-
sition at good salary, in 4 congenial
city, and with the responsibility for one
OF the best fitted out and finest high
school buildings in the country, for Il
position OF uncertain tenure, where,
though there might be great reputa-
ton, there is a danger of making mis-
takes that would not be helpful to fu-
ture usefulness. Mr.. Atkinson, In his
decision, has not been actuated by the
hope OF making a reputation Of nation
al character for himself as by the feel
ing that he was obeyipg patriotic call
to duty. OF course, as an entecprisIrs
ana ambitious man, he has not forgot
ten the great opportunities before hun
in the work of educating the Fllipinos,
but in view OF the uncertainty rs &c
how bong he can remain educational
superintendent OF the Phllippines-th
political uncertainties OF thu United
States being remembered-Mr. Akin
son would probably not have consld-
cred the proposition if It were not that
he felt It his duty to go.
A Graduate Of Harvard.
Mr.. Atkinson is a graduate of Har-
ward, has made a success Of his educa-
tional work and is favorably known in
the educational circles OF the United
States. He Is about thlrty-four years
old.
1t is, Of course, too carly for an ex-
act plan for the educational system Of
the Philippines to be outlined. English
VIII be taught to the Fllipinos and the
elementary matters OF education will
he given great attention, 1t Is uuder-
stood that at the beginning and closa
OF school sessions there will be eSer-
clses calculated to inspire reverence and
respect for the American flag and the
government OF the United States. II
is probable that Filipino scholars win
be required to salute the flag when IT
is flung to the breeze in the morning
and when 1t is furled at night The
ften seems to BE- TO take from the
United States u few very competent
teachers OF all religions, those who have
a knowledge of Spanish being prefer
red while these teachers will be sup
piemcnted by native Fiipinos whose
qualifications are satisfactory, but this
matter has not been definitely decided
and will not be until much later.
1; is not expected that the school Su-
perlntendcnt, or commissioner, win 50
TO the Philippines until June. nor is IL
probable that he viii take a crops OF
teachers with him then. He must first
study the situation in the Islands, must
advise with the members OF the Philip
pine commission ana win eSperist'eIu
Americans ana Flllplnos friendly to inc
United states, ai'sr ms arrival IN tnt
philippines In the meantime ne WIN
ma much TO occupy MN IN pIannil's'
as far as may be without personal m
vesilgaton oil the Philippine education
al nSds Tor school system IN the
beginning that system WIN certainly Dc
not very elaborate In addition to 'he
elementary branches Whlch must o'
taught 1t Is the present iuel 10 es'ao-
llsh Industrial ana agricultural hrancA-
es oil the schools For TINS purpose ar
Atkinson Is expected 10 make an es'
pecial study OF the Industrial sehoo'"
OF the United States particularly oil
those OF the SOUTH where the negroes
are taught. The same study VIII, In all