Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-05-02
TRAINING OF THE FlLIPINos
The Establishment of American Trade School System Promises Ex-
 cellent Results.

The average Filipino does not take kindly to manual work, says the Shang- hai Times. The tropical climate and his past education are all against him, and it would be almost surprising if things were other than they are Four centuries of Spanish misrule have left a 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 headway 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, 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 1anguished, 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.
 Tn the act establishing an educational system in the archipelago by the Americans money was appropriated for a trade school in Manila. This school secured a few carpenters tools and be- gan work in very limited way on Jan uary ', 1902. A month later classes in telegraphy were established. Great op- portunities await the educated Filipino in all branches of industry, and as soon as he is capable of filling 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 mili- tary department are now in charge of this arm of the civil government Event ually all will be under it's, 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 Fil- ipino boy seems in many ways to be equal to the American boy.
 Tn neatness he excels; in accuracy of work he falls short So long as his work appears well 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 not
 Schools for instruction in handicraft are now being carried on in Zamboanga with Moro teachers; in Tagbilaran, Boho1; 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 Lepanto- -Bontoc province, and another in Nueva 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 home or the schoolroom. Tn Manila the work of the trade school has been more of modern, practical education along different industrial lines. An eff fort has been made to find out the needs of the country, and then try to fit young men to fill them.