The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-10-20

tie as possible with the customs, man.
ners, ceremonials and beliefs which
go to make up the individuality of a
people.
For nearly three years now, our
government has been operating a free
public school system the cardinal
point of which is the Introduction of
English, which the Filipino wanted,
and in teaching which not the slight
est attempt has been made to stamp
out any of the native dialects. Our
educational efforts have possibly done
more to give these people a true con-
ception of the benefits of civilization
and good government than all the
other influences we have brought to
bear upon them; indeed in this work
is to be found a solution for a large
part of the problem.
Among the greatest difficulties that
the promoters of free education have
found to contend with are the apathy
of the lowest class and the antagonism
of the highest. In the Philippines,
the masses have learned little else
than the catechisfn and the higher
classes have acquired hardly more
than a veneer. Education is now de-
sired apparently with great eagerness.
but when the novelty wears off and
hard work is required, attendance de-
creases. For the present at least a
purely utilitarian view of education
must be accepted, yet the ideal for
the future must be a higher one
namely, development of physical and
intellectual powers, Strengthening of
moral character, widening of SYM
pathies, and, incidentally, preparation
for citizenship. I cannot agree with
the view that popular education in
the Philippines is likely to do harm
rather than good, and that people
would remain better and happier with
out it. My liking for the people and
knowledge of their character arouses
IN me the hope; my belief in the abil-
ity, tact and courage of the Ameria
IeaCh6r in mo An Fos
and my observation and Judgment
confirm me in the conviction that non
ular education of the F'ilipinos if not
unduiy hurried and if conducted along
success. -
by accident the United States
found itself in the Philippines. Can
any one question the advantage of the
change from Spanish domination to
American protection? Thirty-nine
years have passed since the close of
the Civil war and the negro problem
Is stu! unsolved; at the end of a like
period OF time we shall still be strug-
gllng with the Philippine question In
trying to solve it, we must leave time
out of consideration, and we shall be
graVely disappointed if we do not look
facts in the face and thus keep from
building hopes too high. 1t is a huge
and novel task-this training some six
or eight millions of tropical, irldolent
people for self-government
In our work everywh ere we must
assure the Filipino free and prompt
Justice and security of property; and
must inStill moral restraint and ideal
standards which will help him through
the perils of an unknown freedom. The
question is a national one and to the
extent of his opportunities every citi-
zen should do his part in the assisting
by encouragement those to whom has
been assigned this difficult pioneer SER
vice. -
1.-THE Filipinos are bound to develop
in some way, and in the right one if
we persist in our present course. From
their many innate gifts something sub
stantial is certain to result if the con-
ditions are at all favorable: and we
Americans are the conditions