The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1904-05-07
TRAINING OF THE FILIPlNos
The Establishment Of American Trade
School System Promises Ex-
cellent Results.

/
The average Filipino does not take
kindly to manual work, says the Shang-
hal Times. The tropical climate and
his past education are all against him.
and 1t would be almost surprising II
things were other than they are. Four
centuries of Spanish misrule have left
lasting impression on the natives OF
the Philippine islands that hand labor
is degrading and that anyone earning
his living by this means is lower than
the Chinese coolie. which means much
from the standpoint of Filipino.
This prejudice against honest work
must be overcome before any great
Roadway can be made in the industrial
world. It is hoped that this will be
accomplished by the Industrial and
trade schools now established or to be
established throughout the archipelago.
The Spanish government attempted to
do something in this line, and in March,
1891, a school of arts and trades was
established in Manila, and about the
same time another in Iloilo. Elaborate
courses were laid out on paper, and at
first the schools were crowded, but ow-
ing to the fact that suitable facilities
were not provided, that supplies were
not forthcoming, and also because OF the
natural indifference OF the natives to ex-
ertion, the school languished, and was
of little practical value. A school OF
agriculture was established even earlier
than the trade schools, but this also was
more or less of failure, as were the
others
In the act establishing an educational
system in the archipelago by the
Americans money was appropriated for
trade school in Manila. This school
secured few carpenters tools and be-
gan work in very limited way on jan
uary Z, 1902. A month later classestn
telegraphy were established. CREATOR
portunties await the educated Filipino
In all branches Of industry. and as soon
as he is capable of filing them,
good positions will be open to
him. One very important line of work
In which the Filipino has great oppor-
tunity for advancement is in the tele-
graph division of the constabulary. All
lines not under the control Of the mill
tary department are now in charge OF
this arm of the civil government Event
ually all will be under its direction.
Success in this department of the trade
school seemed certain. and there was
apparently great desire on the part OF
the students to get out into the field as
operators. In manual work the Fill
ipno boy seems in many ways to be
equal to the American boy.
In neatness he excels; in accuracy Of
work he falls short. So long as his
work appears we'll he seems satisfied,
but he is slow, and where much physi-
cal exertion Is required, the American
boy can easily outdistance the Filipino
The need Of more modern tools and
methods is most apparent In Manila,
to small degree, they are up to date,
but in the country, as rule, they are
rot.
Schools for instruction in handicraft
are now being carried on In Zamboanga
with Moro teachers; in Tagbilaran,
Bohol; Cuyo. Cuyo island; San Isidro,
province OF Nueva Ecija, and in Baguio,
Benguet province; and money has been
appropriated for the establishment OF
an Industrial school for the Igorrotes In
Lepa nto- Bontoc province, and another
In Nueya Viscaya, many days travel
from civilization The schools already
established have been successful in a
modest way. The equipment has been
extremely practical, the object made
having been such as could be used In the
..r.@ or the schoolroom. In Manila
,.s Edrk Of the trade school has been
more Of modern, practical education
onz C!rerent industrial lines. An ef-
sort has been made To find out the needs
re he country, ard then try TO fit young
Iza % a.. them.