The Indianapolis journal., 1903-09-27
THE PHILIPPINE CENSUS.
Various Points Settled by Recent
Enumeration.
Boston Transcript.

Boston Transcript.
Subject to possible revisions which will
not materially affect its general accuracy,
the enumeration of the inhabitants OF the
Philippine islands has been completed. The
rough count gives the population as $685.
574, of whom $4,000 are included in the
category of the wild tribes" This census
is to all intents and purposes the first
worthy Of the name ever taken in the
Philippines The Spaniards made esti-
mates, and indeed they could do little
more than that, since great regions in the
islands were to them unknown lands. Span
ish control beyond the lines of military
occupation was largely theoretical outside
of Luzon. The Spaniards never got inland
in force enough TO make any observations
of the condition Of the people of some Of
the large Islands, where there was a tacit
truce with welI-understood lines of de-
marcation.
We have heard some Of our officials say
that their Spanish predecessors with whom
they were brought In contact were found
but blind guides. Some of these Spaniards,
ha hdter years of service in the PhiiPpin,ssfs ,sf
and conditions of the natives. We once
heard American official who at
home on leave of absence say that many
an intelligent sergeant Of our army which
has marched and fought all over the
islands has a clearer Insight into their
social and economic conditions than the
average Spanish captain general. The
Spaniards not only did not have the oppor-
tunity to make a trustworthy census, but
they did not have the desire TO do so. Gen.
suses were not in their line anywhere.
This census will correct several errors
and will compel revision OF certain judg-
ments of the islands and the people. Thus
IT is found that the guesses made. both by
the Spaniards and our earlier on1cials. at
the population were too high. Even a year
or two ago there were American officials
who thought that the enumeration would
show the presence of at least 100000 people
100000 too high, 1t now appears. Another
revision of opinion as to the capabilities OF
the Filipinos is called for by the revela-
tion that the wild tribes constitute only
about 10 per cent. OF the population. This
is a condition favorable to us.
The civilization of the Philippines Is very
different from ours; the struggle that has
been going on has been largely collision
between two civilizations suddenly brought
together by the chances OF war, but what
degree OF advancement the people have at
tained should make their development
easier under our guidance. This guidance
should not guide too much or too insistent-
ly A wise administration will not seek to
Amerfcanize too rapidly in anything, and
should avoid altogether attempting 10
Americanize certain things. A demonstra-
ton of the greater value or an American
idea to their well peing ought 10 De the best
way with a people among whom General
Sanger has found so many intelligent emu
merators.
General Sangers experience i'm directing
the Cuban census qualities him to speak
authoritatively OF the capabilities of a
people as enumerators. and he frankly
admits that without the faithful service
and cordial cooperation Of the FiIipinos his
work In the Philippines would have been a
Iamentable failure. Politically the census
may have an important effect on our rela-
tions with the Philippines. since IL is 10 be
the basis of representation OF the local
legislature we have promised To establish,
somewhat similar TO that Of Porto Rico.