The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1907-07-13

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 cdu'
Gators which were sent to the islands
as soon as possible after the latter
had come under control of the Amer.
lean government. It Is still a long
and hard road ahead before anything
like what it 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 countrys abil-
ity to perfect that which it has begun.
And certainly there is not any more
inspiring spectacle than that of this
cOnglomeration of oTientals imbibing
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 Beatte, 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 triding
in comparison with other issues. It
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
oially as we'll as intellectually, and
also the lack of that national unity
which has become so conspicuous in
ton. They know that English is the
language of commerce, and that by
learning It 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 llocano Of
northern Lu2on or the Nisayan Of the
southern islands, they can never be
come nation. They know, too, that
/ their native languages are without a
7 literature and they often refer to En-
glish as 'Shakespcare's tongue Fur
thormore. the Filipiuos 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
text books in the various dialects and
Of preparing Americans tC 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 Filipinos choice
would prove suicidal,
The Filipinos are very eager for
education. think | can safely say
that nothing the American govern
mcnt is doing for the Philippines is
l,r I., H.,
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 l fear. however. that
not all the NlpinOS know what the
word education means To the masses
Il is = vague something. like indie
pendepce or Aladdins lamp, that is
supposed to cure all ills and open all
doors of opportunity Just how or why
they know not. They observe that
rich and powerful nations have abun.
dant educational facilities, and they
are convinced in their own minds that
through general enlightenment their
national aspirations may be realized
II is pathetic to see the frankness
With which Filipinos admit their pres
eut hnlplossuesS --ascribiuE II 10 iguor.
auce
AS students. FNipinos are faithful
and Industrious Ii is more neces.
. sary To restrain than 20 stimulate the
u8}aut cd students as they are In con,