Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-07-19

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. cators which were sent to the islands as soon as possible after the latter had come under control of the Amer ican government. It is still 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 country's abil- ity to perfect that which it has begun. And certainly there is not any more inspiring spectacle than that of this experimentation of orientals imbibing western civilization and the English language through American channels. Perhaps there is no one better quail fled to tell of the progress of educa- tion in the archipelago than George William Beattie, superintendent of the Philippine Normal school at Manila. MT, Beattie went out as division su- 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.
 Tn establishing a school system" MT. Beattie explained, the change from Spanish to English was trifiing in comparison with other issues. It was necessary to decide whether to continue the Spanish practice of giv- ing instruction in the native languages or to employ 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 na- tion. They know that English is the language of commerce. and that by learning 1t 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 visayan of the southern islands, they can never be- come a nation. They know. too, that their native languages are without 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 it 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 Fllipinos are very eager for education. I think I can safely say that nothing the American govern ment is doing for the Philippines is more appreciated by the natives than the effort that is being made to edu- cate them. Whatever differences there may be between Filipinos and Amer. jeans regarding matters of govern mental policy. there is no opposition to the schools. I fear. however. that not all the Filipinos know what the word education means. To the masses 1t is vague something. like inde- pendence or Alsddin's lamp, that is supposed to cure all ills and open all doors of eppcrtunity-iust 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. It is pathetic to see the frankness with which FilipinOs admit their pres ent plessness-ascribing it to ignor. ance.
 "As students. FIlipinos are faithful and industrious. It is more neces- ssry to restrain than to stimulate the advanced students. as they are in con stant danger Of overwoTking They submit readily to authority. and dis cipline in the school is simple prob lem.
 When the American public schools were first opened the young people filled them to oyeraoving and the adults crowded the night schools. the dominant thought being to acquire a