Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-07-26

tion the people who sit in Congress.
Christian people and churches should
demand that Congress give the Filipinos
common justice. ! demand that you VIII
make an attempt to remedy the injustice
that has been done by the country to the
people of the Philippine Islands"
Deplores the Spells System.
Bishop Brent perceives in the spoils
system and use OF patronage in Ameri-
can politics a very serious weak spot as
regards the proper administration Of our
colonial dependencies. and thus contrasts
1t with the wonderful efficiency of the
British civil service of tenure during
good behavior and promotion only based
on tried experience and rigid competitive
examinations: Whatever criticism may
be made of England's colonial system,
no one can look without admiration ana
applause at the flower of manhood which
graces her positions of trust. Their
characters are sans reproche, their abill-
ty conspicuous, their devotion to work
marvellous"
Concerning the form Of government
best suited to the Filipinos. Bishop Brent
has this to say: lone who has had a wide
experience Of the east said to me few
days since: Whether in the realm Of
things ecclesiastical or in that Of politics.
remember that the oriental understands
nothing that does not come from above,
with the stamp of divine authority The
oriental knows but one form Of govern
ment. as rule. and that Is despotism." "
DR.. Brent Is further insistent that one of
our most fatal plumbers has been trying
to push the Filipino along at our own
lightning speed. and expecting him In
stantly to catch up with modern progress
He Is. however, hopeful as to the final
outcome, and expresses himself as fol-
lows as regards the future:
1.-THE unfolding days alone can declare
what our control of the Philippines win
accomplish for their people. We are lay
ing at their disposal. in however a blum
dering way. the best we have-freedom Of
religion. / put this first as being the
greatest: the benefits Of science, the adj
vantages Of free education, the principles
OF self-government. We shall without
question be called upon, from time to
struet-for such is the course of prog
ress."
Has Rare Descriptive Powers.
Combined with ripe judgment. the bish-
op has vivid Imagination. and his de-
ecriptions of life. customs and scenery
in the tropical wilderness and Businesses
of the Philippines are most delightful.
On no subject is DIR. Brent more at
home than concerning religious conditions
in the Philippines. He does not spare the
Gins and shortcomings of any Of his
fellow-citizens, but contends that. on the
whole. the majority of the Americans
resident in the islands are God fearing
ana of high moral character. Frivolous
people, by going to the Philippines have
suddenly realized that they have great
work to perform"
Although Bishop Brent, in a recently
published letter to Rev DR.. McKim, has
set forth his reasons for declining his
first election to the local episcopate. there
Is still hope that he will ultimately re-
consider his decision.
How the bishop is regarded in Wash
ington IL shown by the following brief
extracts from recent interviews with the
most prominent residents:
Mai. william E. Horton of the War De-
partment, who was a vestryman for
bishop Brent in the Philippines, says:
"Rishop Brent q 9 forcefUl yet diplo.