The Grenada sentinel. [volume] (Grenada, Miss.) 1868-1955, 1913-07-04
FACTS ABOUT
THE PHILIPPINES,
A Readable Letter From a Former
Crenadian. The People. Gov.
ernment and so on.

fa;rs Wish TO SLaCe tnaC any OF all
narts rs'.s, of it may be rejected as you deem
ppSdvisable, without fear of offense. My
;naxnerience as journalist is no more
% fnlly realized than by myself, hence !
sball sb,lil leave entirely to your wisdom and
Judgment the matter of paraphrasing,
sshanging or rejecting any part of this
Istter without materially altering the
facts. :. ,ooo
the lack of knowledge or interest in
Philippine affairs was very discernable,
and among those who had ever given
the islands thought, considerable mis-
understanding was prevalent. 1t is
therefore with pleasure that submit |
the following:
General Description-Th Philippine
Group consists of approximately 1000
;nhabited islands; contain square area |
nf l2S. 900 square miles and popula-
lion of about 5000, 900 inhabitants.
Aside from Luzon and Mindanao, a
dozen of other Islands worthy of con-
sideration complete the group, the re-
mainder being small groups or islands
Of minor Importance. The capital, Ma
Mia. is situated on Manila Bay, Island
Of Luzon; contains population of $780,
600 inhabitants and is one of the most
cosmopolitan cities in the Orient; is
mort of considerable shipping import
ance, and its modern improvements are
more noticeable than perhaps in any
citv of the East. 1t compares favorably
in many ways with cities of like size in
the States. Wonderful Improvements
| have been instituted since American oc-
cupation, both in Manila and through
| the various provinces, but are more no.
ticeable in the city of Manila, whose
police and fire departments, water
works. sewer system, street car SER
vice. streets, churches, hotels and
clubs. are even superior to many cities
in the United States. Within very
short time automobile service can be
had over all the islands of Importance.
Peace Conditions The peace cond-
tons now existing through the islands
are exceptionally good. One is safe in
travelling alone in any section, with the
exception of few wild tribes, whose
percentage of the present population,
If based on a percentage, should be
preceded by a decimal point. Occa-
sional feuds exist, but are seldom con-
Quoted against or connected with Gov
ernment authorities.
Finances nnanclal conditions
here have shown gradual improve
ment since American occupation: The
internal revenue system installed in
1905, though slightly deceptive, is a
fair index to finances, which showed
collections for 1912 over $l8, 900, 600,
against $500, 900 for 1905. The customs
receipts show like increase for the
past, but will probably show decline
in the future, owing to increased pro
duction of domestic commodities. Lack
of capital has greatly retarded the
growth OF business. Money can be
loaned at from Is to 25 per cent annu
ally in different localities, with fair Sc
curity. Failure to possess clear title!
among holders of real estate renders i
difficult to secure loans from banking
institutions. The Bureau of Lands Il
doing considerable survey work, which
when completed will no doubt lend con
siderable relief to existing conditions
In many cases the natives entertain
sort of fear toward legitimate institu
tons and prefer paying as much as III
per cent to private individuals 10
loans.
Education-The public school syster
has made good progress during the pas
ten years. A large share of the youn
ger generation now speak more or les
English. Lack of funds makes it nee
essary to employ native teachers anon
the lower grades and their pronuncls
ton is usually faulty as result. In
children show great interest in bot
their studies and athletics, and schoo
rooms are invariably crowded and inat
equate. feel safe in predicting tn;
in ten years English will be general
understood and in twenty years frol
today that such will be the commo
language, should the islands be r.
tanned by the United States Cover
ment; otherwise they will undoubted
revert to their original dialect,
Languages-The establishment OF
common language among the Fillpin
would be one of the most prohtabie
vantages that could possibly accrue
their welfare. hesitate to make
positive statement as to the actu
quantity of different dialects now
vogue, but to be conservative won
place them at score, each OF wh'
branches into the dozens, rendering
very difficult to converse between 7
different sections without the aid OF
INTERPRETER
Domestic Life-Epergy among t
Filipinos is extremely low, their desil
being about on par with their enere
They are generous, with little thoue
or care for comforts Of the future, q
are exceptionally addicted to gamblir
their favorite sport being cock hghtir
They appear good losers. Their ray.
ite resort to violence is knife l
''bolo," the most common instrrme
found in the Philippines, Is. very SIM
to large knife; other tools are seld'
seen or used for any purpose the D
serving both for domestic use and -as
weapon. In the interior, men or bt
are rarely found without thisfinst
ment when away from theirhomes;
The houses are invariably built IT
bamboo and covered with nipa, ,,wh
is similar to the palm leaf and v
durable. Comforts are entirely ,lacki
the floor often being fused. as. 40