The daily democrat. [volume] (Anadarko, Oklahoma) 190?-1908, 1907-08-06


Probably the greatest work which
the United States is doing in the
Philippines Is that which Is being ac-
complished by the small army of edu
Gators which were sent TO the islands
as soon as possible after the latter
had come under control OF the Amer
lean government. II is still a long
and hard road ahead before anything
like what IL is hoped to accomplish
is realized, but what has already been
done for the educational redemption
of the Filipinos Is the strongest kind
OF a guarantee OF this country's abil-
ity to perfect that which Il has begun.
And certainly there is not any more
inspiring spectacle than that of this
conglomeration of orientals imbiblng
western civilization and the English
language through American channels.
Perhaps there is no one better quail.
fed to tell of the progress of educa.
ton in the archipelago than George
William Beattie. superintendent OF the
Philippine Normal school at Manila.
Mr.. Beattie went out as division SUI
perintendent Of schools for the island
of Negros. after having served for
many years as county superintendent
of schools and earlier as treasurer Of
San Bernardino county. In view of
the chaotic conditions which existed
in the islands this combined business
and educational experience was Of
especial value. Having set things to
rights in Negros, he was called to his
present post in Manila.
in establishing a school system" ="
Mr.. Beattie explained, the change
from Spanish to English was trlfling
in comparison with other issues. II
was necessary to decide whether to
continue the Spanish practice of CIV
ing instruction in the native languages
or to employ a common tongue. In
settling this question the attitude of
the Filipinos themselves was consid-
cred. They realize their isolation
from the rest of the world, CONNER
cially as well as intellectually, and
also the lack of that national unity
which has become so conspicuous in
at least one neighboring oriental ma
tion. They know that English is the
language of commerce, and that by
learning II they can open the door to
the worlds markets. They know that.
so long as the Tagalog of Manila has
nothing in common, so far as language
is concerned, with the Ilocano OF
northern Luzon or the Visayal of the
southern islands, they can never be-
come a nation. They know, too, that
their native languages are without a
literature and they often refer to En-
glish as shakespeare tongue Fur
thermore. the Filipinos crave social
recognition. and therefore desire the
language of their acquired mother
country, be 1t Spain or America
These considerations made the think
ing natives insist that instruction in
the schools be given in English; and
the government willingly acceded be
cause of the difficulty of supplying
| textbooks In the various dialects and
/ Of preparing Americans to teach In
| the native tongues. The adoption OF
English in the schools gives entire
satisfaction to the people, notwith
standing the belief of some American
teachers that the Filipino's choice
would prove suicidal.
"The Fillpinos are very eager fol
education. think | can safely say
that nothing the American govern
ment is doing for the Philippines Ii
more appreciated by the natives thar
the effort that is being made to edu
cate them. Whatever differences there
may be between Filipinos and Amer
leans regarding matters OF govern
mental policy, there is no opposition
to the schools | fear, however, tha
not all the Filipinos know what thu
word education means To the masses
It is a vague something, like indie
pendence or AladdinB lamp, that Il
supposed to cure all ills and open al
doors of opportunity-iust how or VIII!
they know not. They observe tha
rich and powerful nations have abun
dant educational facilities, and the!
are convinced I'm their own minds tha
through general enlightenment thei
national aspirations may be realized
1t is pathetic to see the franknes
with which Filipinos admit their pres
ent helplessness-ascrib It TO ignoi
ance.
"As students. Filipinos are faithful
and Industrious. II is more neces
sary to restrain than TO stimulate tn
advanced students, as they are in cor
slant danger of ogerwOiking The
submit readily to authority, and dis
clpliDe in the school is a simple prot
lem.
when the American public school
were first opened the young peopl
filled them to overlooking and tn
adults crowded the night schools, tn
dominant thought being to ccquire