New-York tribune., 1901-02-21
SUCCESS IN PHILIPPINES.
DIR. BECKER TALKS on CONDITIONS
REQUISITE THERETO - CULLEN
MEDAL FOR DIR. MENDENHALL

The handsome gold medal known as the Cullurn
MEDIA was presented last evening by the American
Biographical Society 10 Dr. T. c. Mendenhau the
FORMER Chief OF the Cnited States Coast Survey
and the society listened with evident interest and
pleasure 10 an address by DR.. GEORGE r Becker
OF the United States Geological Survey on "con-
ditions Requisite to Our Success in the Philippine
Islands" Seth Low presided al the meeting which
was held In Mendelssohn Hail. in West Fortieth-
81. and before he presented the medal to Dr. Men
denhal he explained that the Cullum Medal is pro-
Nided Cor by fund left the society by the late
General George W. cunum and is given only in
recognition OF services in geographical research
The medal, he said, had been given previously 10
three men. Nansen, Peary and John Murray OF
England, whose services had commanded the ad-
miraton of the society.
Or. Mendenhall was a professor in the Trnperial
University OF Japan before he was Chief of the
United States Coast Survey. and for some years he
has been president OF the Polytechnic Institute IN
Worcester. Mass. In accepting the medal DR.. Men
denhau said he thought IL was intended 20 give
recognition 20 what he called the geography OF
precision" as distinct from the geography OF dis
coyery"
Or Becker read his address explaining that ne
wished he able 10 defend himself from incorrect
quotations, because he recently had been credited
IN some newspaper reports with having made two
rneposerous discoveries. one Of the missing INK"
and the other OF the location of the Garden OF
Eden He explained that ne had gone 10 the Phil
inpines an agent OF the United States Govern
ment after the fall OF Manila, and he had
spent fourteen months there making researches
BY way of explaining the difficulties 81 government
IN the Philippines. he said there are than
sixty distinct languages spoken IN the islands,
counting the many distinct dialects that exist Al
most every stage Of civilization is found Some OF
the pagan tribes stil practise cannibalism. The
Christian communities contain ali that can be
called civilized. Hostile feelings between many
frffer
relations existing in some of the Islands SINH
ar % those formerly existing between the tribes Of
North American Indians. Practically the only
native literature consists OF religious tracts and
catechsms. Education in Spanish outside OF the
laree cities has been discouraged. Even Aguinaldo
freaks Spanish with difficulty.
II the Filipinos we're lefi TO themselves. DR.
Becker, SAID. war among the tribes would be in
tnsurrection in the Philippines was begun by the
,suves without justhcation. II has lasted longer
man meny people Thought possible, partly be
cause Of The influence Of the anti-ilnperiaists in
~ told DIT Becker eighteen months ago that they
INTENDED 70 hold ont until after the Presidential
declared, has ever been waged 50 humanely as the
~. f N ne PhiLinpnss has been carried on eg
by many filpinos when the insurrection is ended
&c there vii he fewer wounds 10 be healed IN
consequence. Oiiccrs IN the service OF the United
sta,es have acquitted themselves with bravery,
clean.
PHILIPPINES f9T a hah rs f Bkn sad snd n oss
sno schools needed in the civilization of the
people OF the islands The lands of the religious
soers ought 20 be- purchased by the Government
The friars are more OF landlords than religious
saoers. Laws for the Philippines require delicate
handling. The Filipnos will remain chiefly agri-
rltural people. and for tnat reason. The speak
taid the islands should have tariff for revenue
enF. Tribes will require diverse treatment accord
hg 20 their state OF civilization barbarism They
slght 20 be allowed 10 have much liberty OF ac-
ton possible
Above an things. said DR. Becker Jet merit alone
Entrol The selection OF Representatives OF the
nhlieo states IN the direceOn Of government in the
fMhppincs. The Philippine Commission contains
nen or the right stamp. and n should be the hon
ofane ambition OF able and natriOtic Young men
% seek service for the Government in the Philip