Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-02-02

their talents and inspired by the same pa
triotsm. have devoted themselves to the
work of transplanting American ideas to the
Philippine archipelago.
Among these thorough Americans IS
man well known in Washington, a genial
personality, and one who has served the
country in many capacties-Mr. Arthur
w. Ferguson, the executive secretary Of
the Philippines.
Mr.. Ferguson, who is now about to leave
Washington. after stay Of several months,
will return to the fardistant islands to
again take up his arduous duties. The
equipment of Mr.. Ferguson for the place
for which he was selected was apparent,
and that he fully met the expectations OF
the commission has been recognized by
Judge Taft and the other members and
demonstrated on many occasions. Judge
Taft stated that ferguson could tranlate
an Indifferent speech in English into such
classic Spa nish that it created enthusiasm"
In fact. it is well established that the
american idea became known to the Fill
pinos through Mr.. Fergusson's interpreta-
lions to them of that which Governor TAFT
and the commissioners had to say.
A Spanish Tribute.
This point is well expressed by the news
paper Ell Progreso. the organ of the Span
iards in Manila, which in its issue of Sep
TENDER 80. 1902. said:
1--WE honor our columns today with the
likeness of the popular secretary Of the
civil government of the Philippines, in tes-
timony of gratitude for his constant cour-
tesies to this publication
mr.. Ferguson. more than at present.
formerly, when a formidable barrier OF
suspicious and sad memories separated FIJI
ipinos and Spaniards alike from the Amer
lean authorities. was. with his deep knowl-
edge of our language and his absolutely i'm
partial spirit. the link that Joined elements
SO separated. removing prejudicial distrust
and obiterating destructive prejudices.
More than an interpreter, Mr.. Ferguson
te, tow. for ~, afoy, afv,
uganda of the civil commission. SO tirelessly
carried out. not only in the regular sessions
In Manila. but also in the most distant
provinces of the archipelago, he did not
limit his efforts to the simple phonogra phic
1--WE find more appropriate word to ex-
press our idea) reproduction of the con-
vincing arguments Of Mr.. Taft; but, identi-
fled with his policy of forgetfulness and
confidence. he gave to those memorable
speeches that brought about such marvel
GUS results in the pacification of the coun-
try the picturesque color Of the Latin ora
tory, poetizing with the rhythm of our
tongue the dry Saxon laconiSm.
For us here Mr.. Ferguson has been
the valued and never-to- be-forgotten as
sistant of the civil commission"
His Executive Ability.
In addition to the work of interpreting
Mr.. Ferguson has shown that he possessed
executive ability of the highest order. He
organized the Office of executive secretary
of the islands, a department having sixty
two clerks, and to which forty five pro-
vincial and LOGO municipal governments
report directly and from which they re-
ceive their instructions.
Mr.. Ferguson was formerly connected
with the bureau Of the American republics,
where he was chief translator. He was the
official interpreter of the Spanish-American
peace commission in Paris, and every word
Of the important document known as the
treaty of peace was sifted through his brain
To- x-iv,rr ynI, oty,fa IN
that his skillful diplomacy was of avail in
securing understanding between the rep
resentatives Of the two nations
When leaving the Philippines last fall to
enjoy a well-earned respite from his work,
Mr.. Ferguson was made the recipient Of
magnificent presentation watch, chain and
charm, given with the Injunction that the
timepiece would indicate to him that he
should not fail to come back.
A Touching Farewell. ::
The leading Spanish newspaper in Manila.
Ell Concrete, gave to Mr. Ferguson the
following farewell:
1.-The executive secretary. Mr. A. w. Fer
gusson. sails tomorrow the transport
Mcclellan. He goes to the United States
on a six months leave of absence, for the
purpose OF seeing his father and securing
a rest from the very exacting task that the
him for more than two years.
"Mr. Fergussons work Is one of the most
difficult we have ever seen performed mere
Not every one would have possessed suffi-
cient ability to carry out, with the success
he has, his thorny mission. rireless in his
work and with pronounced eagerness to be
useful to everybody. he has been a fit ex-
ecutor Of the work of Mr.. Taft.
HE may well be proud Of this and sat.
isf1ed besides at the esteem in which he Is
held, without distinction. by every one. we
ourselves not being among the least OBJ
ligated thereto BECAUSE his personality
and the courtes!es with which he has ever
distinguished U.S." 50
In returning to his post Mr.. Ferguson
will be attended by the best wishes OF his
many friends and with the well-understood
idea that higher honors await him.
Mr.. FERGUSON. accompanied by his fam,
n.y. will leave Washington about February
IL for Seattle on visit to his father, and
will sail from San Francisco early in
March,