Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1910-02-27
(Clarence E. Edwards in
0ZOn0l

OZOne)
Manila, Philippine Islands, have
spent some time investigating the
business opportunities of the islands
and have about come to the conclu-
sion that it is a good place for an
American to make money in but a
poor place to live in. There are so
many opportunities in the United
of that are equally as good as those
in the Philippines, that could hard
lily advise Americans to come to the
islands expecting to grow rich from
the vast opportunities. This is a
wonderful country and the chances
to make money are numerous, but
the disadvantages are so great that
l am sure that the same energy ex-
pended in any part of the United
States, especially on the Pacific coast
would bring better returns and would
also bring more peace of mind.
In the first place the weather here
is something that few white people
can stand for any length of time. I
have not seen a white woman since
I came who can be said to be in good
health. The climate depletes their
systems to such an extent that they
become weak and debilitated after
being here six months. After a year
they have to go away or pine away
I do not mean to say that no white
woman can live here and remain in
health, but the fact that isolated in
stances of healthy women are pointed
~ h ic ic huf f11
proof Of the rule.
During the rainy season, and this
season generally lasts fully seven
months out Of the year, it is almost
impossible to have anything about
the place in fit condition to wear.
Clothing is damp and the muggy at
mosphere keeps one in a constant
state Of perspiration. Put your leath-
err shoes away at night and the next
morning you will find them covered
with white mildew. Leather rots
so rapidly that it is impossible to
keep shoes, belts, or gloves in condi-
ton to wear. It Is unnecessary to
say that such a condition is not con-
ducive to health.
Since Americans have taken charge
of Manila things are in much better
sanitary condition, but they are still
far from what Americans would call
clean, for the sewer system is still
such as would not be tolerated in any
land on earth. The smells that rise
up during a rain are such as almost
drive one to distraction. Smallpox
and plague are prevalent at all times
and while whites are usually we'll
cared for at their homes and in no.
tells, the natives die in numerous cpl.
denies that are never reported
abroad. Cholera is here nearly all
the time and it increases in virulence
at times until it becomes a veritahls
pestilence.
I suppose will he iiaken to task
for writing In this manner about the
city OF Manila, but feel 1t my duty
to my readers to tell exactly the con-
dltions that exist. The climate is
enervating in the extreme, and the
reason why labor is so cheap here Is
because it takes about four times as
many people to do what is required
as would be necessary in the United
States. The fact that people can live
so cheaply here that they can be
hired for twenty-five cents a day, is
evidence OF what ! say being true.
The twenty-five cent man does about
ten cents worth of work and is really
a hinderance instead of help to his
employers. Men and women spend
the day when they should be at work
in gossiping and smoking and If you
chide them for their laziness they
will simply leave you in the middle
of their job and go home.