Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-10-29
PHILIPPINE PROBLEM
DUTY OF AMERICAN PEOPLE IN
THE ISLANDS.
Address by Dr.. George F. Pentecost
Appeal for Funds for Church
Erection.

In the opinion Of Rev. DR.. George r.
Pentecost of the Presbyterian Church. the
United States came into the possession OF
the Philippine archipelago by an act OF
Providence, not for purposes of expansion
but to place before the people of this coun-
try task which no other people, all thinge
considered, are capable of performing. The
clergyman SO expressed himself last even
Ing In an address in the Church OF the
Covenant before an audience composed CT
the members of several congregations.
Professionalism and Patriotism In the Phil
ippines' was the theme Of the address, Ill
which the speaker explained the need OF
Presbyterian Church building in the city OF
Manila, and solicited contributions for TIE
erection of such an edice. Although the
Philippines were the topic of the discourse.
In his Introductory remarks DR.. Pentecost
said Professionalism and Patriotism In the
Philippines" was an alliterated topic ana
suggested the scope of the address. he en-
larged by changing the subject to Protest
antism. Patriotism and Providence in the
Philippines" Providence, declared the
speaker has to do with nations as we'll rs
individuals; the history Of the world Is the
history Of Providence among people. All
the great movements of the world. he con-
tinued. have been under the providential
The Reign of Spain.
The reign Of Spain in the Philippines and
the Catholic hierarchy are responsible for
the condition In which the islands were
found upon the invasion of the Americans,
continued the minister. He explained at
this juncture that the Catholic hierarchy
of the Philippines and that Of the United
States have no connection and are material
ly different From the conditions noted. DR..
Pentecost said, has grown a perilous prob
lem. 1t now confronts us--the question of
the far east. especially the Philippines
He said the Almighty Ruler of the uni
verse Is turning new page in the history
of the world. and He has called upon the
people of the United States to write that
history. The question of the American in
the Philippines is being duly considered.
Five years ago. DR.. Pentecost said, when
all eyes were turned to Cuba. o call from
the far east was heard. The Philippines,
he declared. have better resources than
Japan and the territory is much larger.
Any country of the globe, in his opinion,
would make large concessions to the United
States If it could thereby gain possession
of the archipelago. 1t was through Gods
providence. DR.. Pentecost maintains, that
we came by the islands. but not for the
mere task of evangelizing the Inhabitants
thereof. These islands, he wished to i'm
press upon his auditors, lay just east of
country of 7OO.O00O00 Asiatics. Seven years
ago the cabinets of Europe, in planning
their operations and schemes, scarcely ever
gave America thought. Since the Spanish
war ended. however. the United States has
become of age and has passed from the
nursery. 1t is not only taking It's place
among the countries of the world but is
leading them No nation. he said, is as
closely scrutinzed as Is the United States.
Influence Of the Schools.
After describing the improvements in the
island under the American reign, the
speaker referred to the schools. He said
that in twenty-five years not only the
Spanish language. but all Spanish tradi-
tions and ideas will have been eradicated
from the archipelago. In obtaining con-
troll of the Philippines the people of the
United States, in the opinion Of DR.. Pente-
front door Of an Asiatic people. and the
object of this school will be to demon
strate American patriotism and civiliza-
ton. This government must accept the
responsibility of settling the question of
the far east, not only lifting up the peo-
pie of the Philippines. but to act in China
when the time arrives. The center of in
terest is Picking. Our interest in China, the
speaker said, does not center alone in the
"open door" These doors will be slam
med in our faces If the movements of Rus
STA are not checked, and within very
short time the United States will have to
say whether or not the door shall re-
main open.
tecost says that there Is the question Of
the civilization and Christianization Of the
people of the country.
Rev S. B. Rossiter, who has been chosen
as pastor Of the First Presbyterian Church
in Manila, and who will take up the work
begun by Dr. Pentecost, addressed the
audience on the outlook in the islands and
enumerated his plans.