The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-08-18
FILIPINO WEATHER
The Islands Boast a Well Conducted
Weather Bureau, Thoroly
Equipped.
A Relic of Spanish Regime Amerl'
cans Have Continued and En-
larged the Work.
FROM Tho Journal Bureau, Room 4b Post Build
ing, Washington.

from The Journal Bureau, Room IS Post Build
ing. Washington.
washington. d. S., Aug. 1S.-Altho the
meteorological service OF the Fhiippihe
Islands is probably the oldest established
in the extreme East, no full and compre-
henstye report of it's operations has been
available for public reference until that OF
its director, Rev. FIR. Jose Algue, .. d.
for 1912 was published In two parts. IN
Guiding report Of the secretary OF the
weather bureau on the establishment OF
the service, it's development under the
Spanish regime, and covering period
from 1855 to 1902. This report In attrac-
tive form. has just been received by the
bureau Of insular affairs, war department
and bears evidence Of careful preparation
and compilation.
To the Jesuit order belongs the credit
of having first recognized the Importance
of meteorological observation TO the com
mercial and agricultural interests OF the
islanders and their neighbors. Under the
enthusiastic direction Of FIR. Federlco
Fauna, the Justly famed Manila obserVa-
tory was installed in 1866 with the neces-
sary instruments for its important work
The story Of the increase OF the Facilities
Of the observatory and Of Its valuable IN
struments, added from time to time, Is
one to be read with interest and the re-
suits obtained stand as monument TO
the t1reless energy OF the saVants VINO
have directed the institution.
The usefulness Of it's workings began to
be felt and appreciated in 1879 When the
observatory began a series or wonderfully
correct representations on the probable
Trajectory of typhoons. These, then novel,
predictions attracted considerable atten-
ton to the observatory and from that time
1t has enjoyed an enviable reputation IN
the scientific world. The warnings sent
out have been of benefit not only to the
people Of the Philippines but have a recog-
,1o1>i ,ta Of mt
countries similarly subject to the ravages
Of these terrific storm conditions. Their
importance to shipping interests cannot
be over estimated. ....- ....
1t was not until April %, 1884. that the
government of Spain by royal decree In
corporated the observatory as an official
bureau and established as an adjunct to
the institution 13 auxiliary stations at
various points in the islands. On July 10,
1886, the present observatory was COM
pleted and the various instruments and
appliances heretofore acquired were
transferred. Since that time It's attaches
have made valuable contributions to
scientific literature, and have invented
and improved useful apparatus, and the
observatory has creditably participated in
several noteworthy expositions.
.. Americans Take Charge.
Upon the American occupation most
cordial relations We're at once established
with those in charge Of the observatory
and while, thru lack Of prompt con1mun1-
cation with the secondary stations due to
internal disturbances. the data for fore
casts was not so complete, yet the bureau
rendered efficient service and continued
to display weather signals which COM
mendable and public spirited attitude
met with prompt recognition from Ad-
miral Dewey, then commanding the
American naval forces in Asiatic waters
The Philippine commission after con-
ference with the authorities Of the weat
er bureau at Washington and under date
of May %, 1901, published an act organic
ing the Philippine weather bureau. BY
this act the bureau is required to print
and distribute daily reports Of weather
conditions together with it's forecasts and
under it those formerly in charge have
been continued in its direction, and gener-
GUS appropriations have enabled them tc
increase their usefulness thru the estab-
lishment and reorganization of stations
and the purchase Of necessary instruments
therefor.
Manila on the west coast of LUXOR
shows a monthly mean temperature vary.
ing from II degrees in January to SO de.
grees 06 F. in May.
The month of February in Baguis
4Benguet) Is the coolest of the year; the
temperature rises rapidly in March reach.