The Minneapolis journal., 1903-12-28

Dr. A. J. Brown, in his book The New
Era In the Philippines, details enough
about the progress already made in the
archipelago to enlist the earnest sympa-
thy and cooperation of all patriotic Amer
leans in the work doing there. He prop
Eerly regards the question, "Should we have
taken and occupied the Philippines?' as
largely academic, and he believes that,
confronted with conditions and RESPONSE
bilities, the work Of acting under these
responsibilities, chiefly that of helping the
|people in the best way along the pathway
of the worlds highest civilization, cannot
be evaded without fragrant dishonor to
the national name and prestige. Our en-
trance into the, orient brought new re-
sponsibilities and work for public men Of
high character, tact and judgment The
sordid and unscrupulous the nation has no
use for in connection with the depen
denotes, and DR.. Brown asks the pertinent
question: '1n what spirit shall we gov
ern them and train them for self-govern-
inent?" Writing from his Christian stand
point, he would multiply all formative and
restraining Christian influences.
He shows that, while English is the Of
| fetal language and is taught in the public
schools in the Philippines, the many native
| languages must be acquired thru the
| Spanish, or Spanish -Tagalog, or Spanish
| Visayan, spoken by most Of the eight mil
lions of people Spanish has no future in
| the islands, as it is most probable that
there will be developed ultimately an
-English-Fiipino language, which will be
| the .vernacular. In three centuries the
! Filipinos have learned little Spanish, and
dislike it because it was the language
of their late oppressors.
| Dr. Browns account of the public school
system under American auspices is very
interesting. The officers and teachers are
men and women of high character and in
telligence, and they are doing splendid
educational service for the Filipinos. He
| quotes from speech made by a boy Of
| II to Governor Taft at Lawag which
shows deep appreciation of the benefits Of
modern educational methods and a fine
| quality Of genuine patriotism. There are
! 100000 pupils enrolled thruout the arch-
! pelago, and the average daily attendance
| is $4,000, and attendance is not compul-
sorry. The boys and girls are in separate
| buildings, which are provided by the local
! communities. The schools now cost the
government million dollars, including
inornlals and trade and agricultural!
| schools.
| DR.. Brown notes a considera BILE influx
of natives into the evangelistic mission
schools, and an increasing native demand
! for the Bible and books about the Bible.
II. B. Could. the author of The Apex,
affirms that he was long seeker after
TRUTH had believed everything others
| have believed, but he made up his mind
to know instead of believe, the latter
process being to him a delusion. IIe
says nowshe has discovered the truth
and can answer Plates query What
/ is truth?' But the substance of
4 Mr.. Gould's discovery is that if men would
claim brotherhood with the elder brother
Christ. they must believe and practice his
teachings. That, however Is the theol-
ogy which underlies the gospel. 1t is no
8 new discovery. Except men abide in
Christ the branch abides in the vine
I and except they do his expressed will.
i they cannot claim kinship with him. This
4 is the keynote of all serious evangeistic
1 preaching.