New-York tribune., 1901-11-24
TEACHER FOLLOWS FLAG.
SUPERINTENDENT ATKINSON TELLS OF
EDUCATIONAL WORK IN THE
PHILIPPINES.
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIRuNE.l

TBY TELEGRAPH THE TRIRuNEl
Washington Nov. 23.-Those interested in ed
ncation will find the latest official Information
with regard to that subject in the Philippines III
the report of General Macarthur to General
Miles. This report has in its appendix report
from f. w. Atkinson, general superintendent
OF public instruction in the archipelago. which
includes reports Of his subordinates up TO May
81 last. This statement brief as it is, is suffl-
cient to impress with the immenseness Oh
the problem-the education of a million ana
half of children in country just emerging from
warlike condition in all its parts. ana sun
here and there under the control of bands OF
robbers. II makes it evident that the school-
master is abroad with the flag. The military
authorities early found many natives who
wanted the English language. Mothers and
children quickly and cordially responded to the
efforts OF the American teachers. They consti-
tute large body by which American influences
find access to the hearts of the people The gen.
eral superintendent Of education has put the
entire archipelago in the care of eighteen as
sistants, stationed many strategic points
He seeks personal knowledge of conditions by
extensive visitatons and especially tries 10
gather views and suggestions from natives
There must be already on the ground some If
teen hundred American assistants. Some were
examined and found qualified from the soldiers
and officers as Mr.. Atkinson wrote. He says:
Division Superintendents Mason s. Stone G..
NJ Brink and Barker Sherman have just ar
rived from the United States. and have Deen as
signed to the divisions of Negros, Pampansa
and Samar, respectively OF the teachers al,-
pointed up to date, two men failed TO so 20 thelr
stations two women teachers ceased work on
account of being ordered out OF certain QlStIlctS
by the military authorities. one man has been
returned to the United States on account OF III
health and two women nave feslsheu' d 'olai
loss of seven.
Four hundred and eighty-seven soldiers ap-
piled him: seventy-nine passed the required
examination satisfactorily. Every possible ques-
ton comes up for consideration. There Is cry
tns need for buildings Rooms vacated by the
army are turned over to schools ScnoolIooil.s o -.
are everywhere overcrowded and many nave 10
windows or floors. Sometimes single teacner
has from one hundred to two hundred puplis'
The Philippine Commission by formal act appTo-
priated money and provided general oulilhes IoI
the direction of the superintendent In single
act last February they appropriated SloZ.ooo a.
In another act Sioo0o was appropriated Tor nor
NAL and trade schools. and S1o,ppo Tor the agri-
cultural schools
Snanish education existed mainly in few in
stitutiors-the University of Manila and half
dozen so-caled colleges. The departments o.
the university may have turned out IN Its MS
tory over ten thousand graduates. There were
schools law, medicine and engineering, out
they were mainly ecclesiastical in some form
Doubtless there were real students and men or
marked attainments among them. Whatever
there was of substance merit is retained, anG |
the better aspirations are put TO use. spanish |
will linger here and there. Four thousand or |
five. thousand may now be taught in various |
Philippine districts. but English is the main IAN
guage whatever else may be taught in a limited /
degree In a period estimated at five years more
will be able speak English for purposes of /
trade than the whole number ever able in the /
Islands to speak Spanish.