We found conditions exactly as described in the Spanish report. The

country was gently rolling, its elevation ranging from forty-five

hundred to fifty-two hundred feet. The hills were covered with short,

thick grass, and with magnificent pine trees, which for the most

part grew at considerable distance from each other, while along the

streams there were wonderful tree ferns and luxuriant tangles of

beautiful tropical vegetation. It took us but a short time to decide

that here was an ideal site for a future city, if water could be

found in sufficient quantity.

We revisited each of the several springs discovered and described

by the Spanish committee, but decided that they would be inadequate

to supply a town of any great size. Mr. Scheerer now came to the

front and guided us to the very thing that we were looking for,

but had hardly dared hope to find; namely, a magnificent spring of

crystal-clear water. At that time it was flowing nearly a million

gallons per day. It burst forth from a hillside in such a manner as

to make its protection from surface drainage easy, and we decided

that there was nothing lacking to make Baguio an admirable site for

the future summer capital and health resort of the Philippines.

It was obvious that the construction of a highway from San Fernando,

in Union, to Baguio would involve considerable expense, and we asked

Mr. Scheerer about other possible lines of communication. A study

of the Spanish maps had led us to consider two: one up the valley of

the Agno River, and the other up that of the Bued River. The latter

route had the great advantage of affording direct communication with

the end of the railway line at Dagupan.

Mr. Scheerer took us to a point which commanded a view for some

distance down the Bued River valley, and conditions looked rather

favourable. Mr. Higgins undertook to make a trip down this valley to

the plains of Pangasinán, reporting to us on his arrival at Manila,

so we returned to that place and awaited advices from him. He was

furnished with a guard of soldiers from Trinidad, and attempted to

go down the river bed, but encountered unexpected difficulties, and

his progress was finally checked by a box cañon from which he escaped

with difficulty, spending a night without food or water on a chilly

mountain top known as "Thumb Peak." The following morning he managed

to cross to a high mountain called Santo Tomás, whence he returned

to Baguio. He was, however, of the opinion that the trip down the

cañon could be made without special difficulty by a party suitably

provided with food and tentage.

Convinced by our report that active measures should be taken to

establish communication with this wonderful region, the commission,

on September 12, 1900, appropriated $5000 Mexican, "for the purpose

of making a survey to ascertain the most advantageous route for

a railway into the mountains of Benguet, Island of Luzon, and the

probable cost thereof."

Captain Charles W. Meade, then serving as city engineer of Manila,

was selected to make the survey. There was every theoretical reason to

believe him competent, and we did not question either his integrity

or his ability. After being absent from Manila for some time, he

reported in favour of the Bued River valley route, saying that it

was entirely feasible to build a railway along it.

He suggested that, as the construction of a wagon road would be

necessary in building the railroad, we might as well undertake that

first, and so be able to go to Baguio in wheeled vehicles before the

railroad was completed. He asked for $75,000 United States currency,

with which to build this road, stating that he expected to be able

to do it for $65,000, but would like $10,000 as a margin of safety.

On December 21, 1901, the commission passed an act authorizing the

construction of a highway from Pozorubio, in Pangasinán, to Baguio,

"the same to be built under the general supervision of the military

governor and the immediate direction of Captain Charles W. Meade,

Thirty-sixth Infantry, United States Volunteers, who has been detailed

by the military governor for that purpose, along the general line

of survey recently made by Captain Meade for a railway between said

towns." The $75,000 asked for were appropriated by this act.

Work began promptly at both ends of the line. In June, 1901,

I set out on my first trip through the wild man's territory in

northern Luzón. Incidentally, and for my personal satisfaction only,

I inspected the work on the road. We had been rather disappointed by

Captain Meade's failure to make more rapid progress. At the lower end

I found that delay was being caused by a huge cliff necessitating a

very heavy rock cut. I was assured by Captain Meade that from this

point on the line ran through dirt most of the way, so that the road

could be completed very rapidly. This statement proved to be grossly

in error. It took years of hard work to open up the road.

Its cost when finally ready for traffic was $1,961,847.05. Its length

was forty-five kilometers eight hundred ninety-one meters, [507] of

which thirty-four kilometers were in non-Christian territory. Some

ten kilometers of the remainder have since been incorporated in the

first-class road system of the province of Pangasinán, as this part

is chiefly used by the people of that province in shipping their

agricultural products to Benguet, and in maintaining communication

between their towns.

The additional cost of the road to date [508] since it was first

opened is $792,434, making its total cost to date $2,754,281.05. This

includes not only the actual cost of maintenance, but very extensive

improvements, such as the metalling of the road from the so-called

zigzag to Baguio, the construction of five steel bridges, and the

replacing of all the original bridges on the road and of all the

original culverts except those made of concrete or masonry.

On my arrival in Benguet in 1901, I found that good progress had been

made on the upper end of the road, which had penetrated for a short

distance into the cañon proper without encountering any considerable

obstacles.

On October 15, 1901, the commission stated in its annual report to the

secretary of war, "He [509] has been much delayed by the difficulty of

procuring the labour necessary for its early completion, and several

months will yet elapse before it is finished!" They did!

On August 20, 1901, Captain Meade was relieved, and Mr. N. M. Holmes

was made engineer of the road.

On February 3, 1902, a little sanitarium was opened in a small native

house at Baguio. During the following July I was sent to it as a

patient, and while in Benguet again inspected the road which had been

continued high up on the cañon wall to a point where, on a very steep

mountain side, a peculiar rock formation had been encountered at the

very grass roots. This rock disintegrated rapidly under the action

of the sun when exposed to it. Comparatively solid in the morning,

it would crack to pieces and slide down the mountain side before

night. A sixty-foot cut had already been made into the precipitous

mountain side, and the result was an unstable road-bed, hardly four

feet in width, which threatened to go out at any moment.

My trip to Baguio promptly relieved a severe attack of acute intestinal

trouble from which I had been suffering, and when Governor Taft fell

ill the following year with a similar ailment, and his physicians

recommended his return to the United States, I did my best to persuade

him to try Baguio instead. He decided to do so.

Five rough cottages had meanwhile been constructed for the use of

the commissioners, the lumber for them being sawed by hand on the

ground. Boards had been nailed to frames as rapidly as they fell

from the logs, and had shrunk to such an extent that a reasonably

expert marksman might almost have thrown a cat by the tail through

any one of the houses. At night they looked like the old-fashioned

perforated tin lanterns, leaking light in a thousand places. These

were the luxurious homes provided for the high officials of the

government of which so much has been said!

We paid for them an annual rental amounting to ten per cent of their

cost, which had of course been excessively high on account of the

necessity of packing everything used in them, except the lumber,

up the Naguilian trail.

However, we were in no frame of mind to be critical. We had put in

three years of killing hard work, labouring seven days in the week,

and keeping hours such as to arouse a feeling little short of horror

among old British and other foreign residents. We were all completely

exhausted, and Mr. Taft was ill. For my part, I would gladly have paid

almost any sum for a tent under the pine trees and the privilege of

occupying it for a few weeks.

On the trip up Mr. Taft had ridden a magnificent saddle horse which

had been given to him by General Chaffee. At the time he left, Manila

had been burning hot. When he was at last seated on the porch of the

little house which was to be his home for weeks, with a cool breeze

sighing through the needles of a spreading pine tree close at hand,

his satisfaction knew no bounds. Already his magnificent constitution

had begun to respond to the stimulation of the wonderful mountain air,

and filled with enthusiasm he summoned a stenographer and dictated

the following cablegram to the secretary of war:--

"April 15, 1903.

"_Secwar_,

"_Washington_.

"Stood trip well, rode horseback 25 miles to 5000 feet

altitude. Hope amoebic dysentery cured. Great province this,

only 150 miles from Manila with air as bracing as Adirondacks

or Murray Bay. Only pines and grass lands. Temperature this

hottest month in the Philippines in my cottage porch at three

in the afternoon 68. Fires are necessary night and morning.

"_Taft_."

As quick as the wires could bring it, he received the following reply:

"_Washington_, D.C., April 16, 1903.

"_Taft_,

"_Manila_.

"Referring to telegram from your office of 15th inst., how

is horse?

"_Root_."

When he read it his shouts of laughter, rolling over the hills of

Baguio, must have been audible half a mile away!

Mr. Taft's sojourn in the hills put him again in fine condition and

made it possible for him to return to Manila and resume the heavy

burden of work which there awaited him. The other members of the

commission also greatly benefited by their stay in the hills.

While there we heard disquieting rumours as to the practicability

of completing the road. There was a difference of opinion between

the engineer in charge and one of his immediate subordinates as to

the route which should be followed. The consulting engineer of the

commission was accordingly requested to make a survey to determine a

practicable route for the unfinished portion of the road and estimate

the cost of completing it. In due time he advised us that it was

practicable to complete it, but that the cost would be at least

$1,000,000. Warned by our experience with Meade, we wished additional

expert advice, so summoned to Baguio Colonel L. W. V. Kennon, a man

of great energy and executive ability, who had had large experience

in engineering work in mountainous country, and requested him to go

down the Bued River valley and report on the progress of the work,

and the practicability of completing the road on the route which had

been determined upon.

Being the youngest and most active member of the commission, I was

detailed to accompany him. On this trip I became convinced that

all of the engineers interested, except the consulting engineer,

had grossly understated the difficulties which must be overcome

before the road could be completed. Colonel Kennon decided that it

was entirely feasible to build the road, but that the comparatively

short stretch already completed from Baguio into the upper end of

the cañon must be abandoned and a new line adopted. Furthermore,

he gave us some very definite and extremely unpleasant information

as to the probable cost of completing the work, his statements on

this subject confirming those of the consulting engineer.

The commission was thus put face to face with the hard facts but did

not flinch. On the contrary, it passed the following resolution on

June 1, 1903:--

"On Motion, _Resolved_, That it be declared the policy of

the Commission to make the town of Baguio, in the Province of

Benguet, the summer capital of the Archipelago and to construct

suitable buildings, to secure suitable transportation,

to secure proper water supply, and to make residence in

Baguio possible for all of the officers and employees of

the Insular Government for four months during the year, that

in pursuance of this purpose the Secretary of the Interior,

the Consulting Engineer to the Commission, the Chief of the

Bureau of Architecture, and Major [510] L. W. V. Kennon, United

States Army, whom it is the intention of the Commission to

put in actual charge of the improvements in Benguet Province,

including the construction of the Benguet Road, the erection

of the buildings and the construction of a wagon road from

Naguilian, be appointed a Committee to report plans and

estimates to the Commission for the proposed improvements in

the Province of Benguet and to submit same to the Commission

for action and necessary appropriation, and

"_Be it further resolved_, That steps should be immediately

taken looking to the increase of the capacity of the Sanitarium

by at least twenty rooms, to the construction of seven more

cottages on the grounds of the Sanitarium, to the construction

of a Governor's residence on the site overlooking the big

spring which is the source of the Bued River immediately

south of the Sanitarium proper, to the construction of an

Administration building sufficient for the Commission, the

Commission's staff and the Executive Bureau, of at least

twenty-five rooms, and to the making of a plan for a town

site for the municipality of Baguio; but that the details

of construction and improvements, with such variations from

the indicated plan as may seem wise, shall be left to the

committee appointed under the previous resolution."

In his annual report dated November 15, 1903, Governor Taft said:--

"In connection with the subject of health, reference should be

made to the province of Benguet and to Baguio, the capital of

that province. The secretary of commerce and police will refer

to the work now being done in the construction of the Benguet

road from Pozorrubio, through Twin Peaks, to Baguio. There

have been serious engineering mistakes made in the road,

and it is proving to be much more costly than was expected;

but when completed its importance in the development of

these islands can hardly be overestimated. One of the things

essential to progress in the islands is the coming of more

Americans and Europeans who shall make this their business

home. If there can be brought within twelve hours' travel

of Manila a place with a climate not unlike that of the

Adirondacks, or of Wyoming in summer, it will add greatly

to the possibility of living in Manila for ten months of the

year without risk. It will take away the necessity for long

vacations spent in America; will reduce the number who go

invalided home, and will be a saving to the insular government

of many thousands of dollars a year. It will lengthen the

period during which the American soldiers who are stationed

here may remain without injury to their health and will thus

reduce largely the expense of transportation of troops between

the islands and the United States. More than this, Filipinos

of the wealthier class frequently visit Japan or China for

the purpose of recuperating. People of this class are much

interested in the establishment of Baguio as a summer capital,

and when the road is completed a town will spring up, made up

of comfortable residences, of a fine, extensive army post,

and sanitariums for the relief of persons suffering from

diseases prevalent in the lowlands. It is the hope of the

government that the Roman Catholic Church will send American

priests as it has sent American bishops to the islands, to

assist in the moral elevation of the people. The fear of the

effect of the climate has kept many from coming. The Roman

Catholic Church authorities have announced their intention

of erecting rest houses at Baguio for the purpose of the

recuperation of their ministers and agents. The Methodists and

Episcopalians have already secured building lots in Baguio for

this purpose. It is the settled purpose of the Commission to

see this improvement through, no matter what the cost, because

eventually the expenditures must redound to the benefit of the

government and people of the islands. We have already stated,

in the report on the public land act, that it is proposed,

under that act, which allows the organizing of town sites,

to sell the public land in suitable lots at auction so that

every one interested shall have the opportunity to obtain a

good lot upon which to build a suitable house." [511]

Mr. Taft would be delighted could he see to-day how completely his

anticipations have been fulfilled.

Colonel Kennon was put in charge of construction work, and things began

to move. They kept moving until the road was finished. From this time

on we knew that the expense involved would be out of all proportion

to the original estimate, but we were determined to push the work

through, having reached the decision that it was worth while to open

up communication with Baguio at any cost within reason, because of its

future certain value to the people of the islands as a health resort.

On April 1, 1904, I rode over the road in a vehicle nearly to Camp

Four, and came the rest of the way to Baguio on horseback over a new

trail which zigzagged up a mountain side near Camp Four and followed

the crest of the range from there in. A little later the Commission

came by the same route, and spent the hot season in the cool Benguet

hills.

On January 29, 1905, Colonel Kennon drove into Baguio in the first

wagon to arrive there over the Benguet Road, which was opened for

regular service on March 27th of the same year. The cost of the road

on November 1, 1905, had, as previously stated, been $1,966,847.05,

and the cost of the heavy work in the cañon had been approximately

$75,000 per mile, which is not excessive when compared with the cost

of similar work in the United States, especially as this sum included

maintenance of the portions constructed during previous years.

The fact that a certain amount of congressional relief funds was

expended on the construction of this road has been made the subject

of very unjust criticism. A large number of poor Filipinos, who were

in dire straits, were thus given an opportunity for remunerative

employment, and the distribution of a portion of the congressional

relief fund in this way was in entire harmony with the fixed policy

of the commission to avoid pauperizing the people by giving money

or food outright to able-bodied persons, and to afford them relief

by furnishing them opportunity to work for a good wage. A further

reason why the expenditure of money from this fund on the Benguet

Road was appropriate is found in the fact that the region opened up

is destined to play a very important part in the cure of tuberculosis,

which is the principal cause of death among the people of the lowlands,

but is practically unknown among the Igorots of the hills.

During the earlier years after the road was open owners of bull carts

in Pangasinán made large sums transporting freight over it. This is

not the case at the present time, as the growing volume of freight

requiring to be moved led to the blocking of the road with bull carts

and necessitated the installation of an automobile truck line so that

it might be more expeditiously handled.

In December, 1904, the great landscape architect, Mr. D. H. Burnham,

visited Baguio, and made a plan for its future development. He was

enthusiastic over its possibilities, and gave his services free of

charge. His plan is being closely adhered to, and although funds are

not now available for going far toward carrying it out, we have at

least avoided anything which would interfere with it.

The next important event in the history of Baguio was the first sale

of residence and building lots, which took place on May 28, 1906,

and was conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Public

Land Act relative to town sites.

Although a howling typhoon was sweeping Benguet at the time, 91

residence lots and 15 business lots were disposed of at this first

sale, and at a subsequent one held in Manila a few weeks later all

the remaining lots then surveyed were sold.

The town site includes two hundred sixteen square miles, and new lots

are surveyed as required. All sums derived from the sale of lots are

used for the improvement of the town site, and thus Baguio is made

to help build itself.

In the spring of 1900 the Baguio Country Club was organized. Because

of the extraordinary false statements made concerning it by certain

unscrupulous politicians, I give its history somewhat fully. Its

purpose was to afford a meeting place for the people of the town

and to give them an opportunity for outdoor sports. It purchased a

hundred acres of land on which a low assessment had been placed in

view of the semipublic purpose which it was to serve.

At the outset the "club house" was a rude, grass-roofed shed made of

pine slabs. Its doors and windows were mere openings which could not be

closed. It was erected in about a week. Three holes of a golf course

and a croquet ground had been prepared. These decidedly primitive

club facilities nevertheless served to bring the people of Baguio

together and give them an opportunity for a good time out of doors.

In February, 1907, a Country Club Corporation was organized

with a capital stock of $5000, of which $3000 have thus far been

subscribed. The shares cost $50. No single subscriber owns more than

three, with the sole exception of Mr. Forbes, who took ten to help

the club get started. Ownership of stock brings no emoluments, but,

on the contrary, indirectly involves expense which the present owners

have been willing to bear for the public good.

From these small beginnings the Baguio country club has grown into

an important institution. As funds became available from the sale

of stock, the payment of dues and tile generous donations of a

few members, an excellent nine-hole golf course was completed, and

tennis courts and facilities for trap-shooting were installed. In

March and April, 1908, a modest club house was built at a cost of

some $5000. It has two small locker rooms, a large living room,

a tiny office, a little bath, a kitchen, and nine single sleeping

rooms. Three very small cottages, costing $375 each, were erected

on the club grounds for the use of the members. Five larger cottages

have since been constructed.

Any person of good character is eligible to membership. The entrance

fee is $25, but officers of the army, navy and marine corps stationed

at Baguio are admitted without the payment of this fee, and persons

temporarily there may secure the privileges of the club by paying at

the rate of $5 per month. The annual dues are $20. The families of

members are entitled to the privileges of the club. Among its members

are the highest officials of the insular government and teachers,

clerks, stenographers and other employees drawing small salaries,

as well as numerous permanent residents of Baguio.

It knows no race or creed, and Filipinos take advantage of its

privileges quite as freely as do Americans. Representatives of

every nationality in the islands may be found on its golf course on

a pleasant afternoon. It is the common meeting place of Baguio, and

hardly a day passes without the giving of some pleasant luncheon or

dinner in its little living room or in the outdoor space covered by

an overhanging roof at its eastern end. No more democratic institution

ever existed.

Congressman Jones, in his attacks on the Philippine administration, is

fond of stating that "there is a club for officials at Baguio." The

statement is true, but reminds one of that other statement of a

ship's first mate who came on board intoxicated just before the vessel

sailed. The following morning, happening to look at the ship's log for

the previous day, he saw the entry "The mate drunk to-day." It was his

first offence, and he begged the captain to erase this record, but the

captain said "It is true, is it not?" and insisted that it must stand.

A little later the captain was taken ill. Upon resumption of duty he

found an entry in the log reading: "The captain sober to-day." When

he furiously insisted that it be erased, the mate said "It is true, is

it not?" Now, it is true that there is a club for government officers

at Baguio, but in making this statement Mr. Jones and his ilk have

neglected to say that there is also at Baguio a club for employees; a

club for private citizens; a club for Americans; a club for Filipinos;

a club for foreign consuls and other foreign residents of the islands;

a club for business men; a club for clerks; and that all of these

institutions are one and the same, namely, the Baguio Country Club,

which is now strictly self-supporting and meets its obligations from

the funds derived from the dues of its members. These dues are absurdly

low in view of the privileges which it affords.

Although Mr. Forbes does not like to have it known, I cannot refrain

from stating that the club has not always been self-supporting, and

that he has repeatedly made up deficits from his private funds. The

cost involved in getting the golf course into shape was out of all

proportion to the resources of the organization. Sufficient funds

were not available to pay for the club house and cottages when they

were constructed, and had it not been for the generosity of Mr. Forbes

the club would not exist to-day in anything like its present form.

The polo field at Baguio has been referred to as another evidence of

extravagant governmental expenditure. It is true enough that it was

in the first instance an expensive luxury, as an immense amount of

earthwork had to be done in order to make a level piece of ground of

sufficient size. The field is administered by the Country Club, and is

open to the use of the public for any form of amusement which will not

interfere with its use for polo. The detractors of the government have

neglected to mention that the cost of its construction and maintenance

have been met from the private funds of Mr. Forbes.

Returning now to the story of the growth of Baguio, the next

step forward was the construction of an official residence for the

governor-general, for which $15,000 were appropriated. Mr. Forbes had

not the slightest personal interest in this appropriation. When it

was made he had no knowledge of the fact that he was later to become

governor-general, and his private Baguio residence was decidedly more

comfortable and commodious than this official one. His subsequent

occupancy of the latter building involved a real personal sacrifice.

In 1908 a modern hospital and the governor-general's residence were

completed. No other government official is furnished a free house. All

have to rent government cottages or stay at hotels, unless they choose

to build for themselves. The policy of giving the governor-general

an official residence in Baguio is in accord with that which gives

him one at Manila.

In April, 1908, there was opened a "Teachers' Camp," to which came

American school teachers from all over the islands. They were housed

in a hundred and fifty tents, which were set up under the shade of the

pine trees. Larger tents served as kitchen, dining room, storehouse

and recitation rooms, while a structure of bamboo and nipa palm,

erected at a total cost of $150, was utilized for general assembly

purposes. Four talented lecturers were employed to instruct and

entertain the teachers. At one time there were a hundred and ninety

persons in the camp.

The credit for initiating this very important move is due chiefly to

William F. Pack, at that time governor of the province of Benguet, who

strongly advocated bringing the teachers to Baguio, and did everything

in his power to make the first assembly the great success which it was.

It has now become a fixed institution, and has accomplished

untold good. Americans who spend too many years in out-of-the-way

municipalities of the Philippines without coming in contact with their

kind are apt to lose their sense of perspective, and there is danger

that they will grow careless, or even slovenly, in their habits. It

is of the utmost benefit for school teachers to get together once a

year, learn of each other's failures and successes, and profit by each

other's experiences, forget their troubles while engaging in healthful

athletic sports, listen to inspiring and instructive discourses,

and above all else benefit by open-air life in a temperate region.

The Teachers' Camp is now a beautiful and attractive place. A fine

system of walks and drives make every part of it readily accessible. It

has an excellent athletic field. The teachers live in tents, but

good permanent buildings have been provided in which are located the

mess, a social hall, recitation rooms, etc., and several comfortable

cottages have been constructed for the use of visiting lecturers

and others. An outdoor amphitheatre which seats a thousand persons

has been built at small expense by taking advantage of peculiarly

favorable natural conditions. Filipino teachers share the pleasures

and benefits of the camp with their American associates, and the

"assembly" certainly does great good.

During the hot season of 1908 the Bureau of Lands transferred a number

of its employees to Baguio, quartering them in tents. This was done

in order to ascertain the practical effect of sending American and

Filipino employees to this mountain resort. The conclusion was reached

that the small additional expense involved was more than justified

by the larger quantity and higher quality of the work performed as a

result of the greatly improved physical condition of the workers. Every

Filipino sent to Baguio gained in weight, with the single exception

of a messenger who had to run his legs off! Other bureaus subsequently

followed the example of the Bureau of Lands, with similar results.

During the 1909 season, the railroad having reached Camp One, five

large Stanley steam automobiles were operated by the government in

transporting passengers from this place to Baguio, and more than two

thousand persons were thus moved over the road.

Meanwhile, the unexpectedly heavy expense involved in completing the

road had been made the subject of severe criticism by the public press

of Manila. Most of the critics were entirely honest, having no idea

of the character of the country opened up, or of the importance of

making it readily accessible.

Just at the time when the commission should have crowded its programme

through to conclusion, it faltered. The only government construction

work performed at the summer capital that year, in addition to what

has been mentioned, was the erection of a small office building and of

a barrack building for labourers, the enlarging of five government

cottages, the addition of out-buildings, and the enlarging of a

building which served as a combination sanatorium and hotel.

This policy of inaction was a mistaken one. It made the Benguet Road

seem like the city avenue which ran into a street, the street into

a lane, the lane into a cow path, the cow path into a squirrel track

and the squirrel track up a tree, for while one could get to Baguio,

there was very little there after one arrived. The accommodations

at the sanatorium were strictly limited, and there was some apparent

justification for the charge freely made that the Philippine Commission

had voted to spend very large sums of money to open up a health resort

from which only its members and its staff derived benefit.

The government had at the outset been obliged to construct its

buildings on a piece of private land purchased from Mr. Otto Scheerer,

as prior to the passage of the Public Land Act and its approval by the

President and Congress, building on public land was impossible. Now,

however, a town site had been surveyed, and plans for the future

development of Baguio had been made by one of the world's most

competent experts. The time had arrived for action. Mr. Forbes, then

secretary of commerce and police, argued vigorously for the carrying

out of the original plan of the commission by the construction of

adequate public buildings. To help the development of the place,

he purchased two adjacent building lots and on the tract of land so

secured built a handsome and expensive home, where he subsequently

entertained not only his personal friends, but guests of the

government, as well as various persons who had no other claim on him

than the fact that they were officers or employees of the government

who were in need of a change of climate and could ill afford to seek it

at their own expense. Among his house guests were General Aguinaldo,

Speaker Osmeña and many other Filipinos. It was Mr. Forbes's idea,

and mine as well, that members of the commission ought to set the

example by building at Baguio. I followed his example to the extent

of buying a lot and constructing on it a simple and inexpensive house,

thus obtaining the first and only home that I have ever owned.

Ultimately Mr. Forbes formulated a plan for the construction of a group

of government buildings, a mess hall and a large number of small and

inexpensive cottages for rental to government officers and employees

so that the executive offices of the government might be transferred

to Baguio during the heated term and it might become the true summer

capital of the Philippines. This plan was adopted in substance, and

it was decided to transfer the bureaus of the government to Baguio

for the coming hot season, so far as practicable.

Funds were appropriated for the carrying out of Mr. Forbes's plan,

but before the construction work had fairly begun there occurred,

on October 17, 1909, a destructive typhoon. Eighteen inches of rain

fell in nine hours, and twenty-six inches in twenty-four hours. The

Bued River quickly rose fifty feet, carrying away trees and rocks

which obstructed its course, and seriously injuring the road for

miles. Four of the largest bridges were swept away and the work of

constructing government buildings, which was just about to begin,

was greatly retarded. It was not thought possible to transfer the

bureaus of the government to Baguio for the coming hot season as

planned. Indeed, there were not lacking those who insisted that no

one would be able to get there. Mr. Haubé, the energetic and capable

young engineer in charge, had the road open on the twentieth day of

December, and the projected buildings ready for occupancy in February,

a noteworthy and highly creditable achievement.

It was then thought that the storm which had done such serious damage

to the road was of unprecedented violence, but there was worse to

come. On July 14 and 15, 1911, a terrific typhoon swept across northern

Luzón, bringing down one of the world's record rainfalls. Between

noon of the 14th and noon of the 15th, forty-five and ninety-nine

hundredths inches of rain fell at Baguio. A mountain forming a part

of the wall of the Bued cañon split from the top and the detached

portion toppled over into the river, damming it to a depth of about

a hundred and fifty feet at a time when it was carrying an enormous

volume of water. When this dam burst, an avalanche of earth and rock,

swept onward by a huge wave, rushed down the cañon, leaving complete

destruction in its wake. Every bridge in its course was carried away,

and the road was left in such condition that it would have cost

$300,000 to open it for traffic. Then Providence, having apparently

done its worst, relented and sent another typhoon which washed away

most of the débris left by the first one, uncovering the road-bed

and making it possible to reopen communication for $50,000.

The cost of maintaining the Benguet Road has proved

excessive. Mountains tower above it on both sides to a height of four

to seven thousand feet and the drainage basin which finds its outlet

down the narrow gorge through which the road runs is enormous. Even

so, under ordinary climatic conditions its maintenance does not offer

very exceptional difficulties, as much of it is blasted out of rock;

but during extraordinarily heavy storms the danger of destruction by

overwhelming floods is great.

While a century may pass before there is another storm like the one

which brought down the terrific slide above described, there may be

one at any time, and when the railroad has once reached Baguio, it is

hardly probable that such extensive repairs as were necessary after the

last destructive typhoon will ever again be made, especially as the

horse trail built on a carriage road grade from Baguio to Naguilian

in the lowlands has been widened little by little, until it is now

safe for small automobiles. The maintenance of the bridges alone,

on the Benguet Road, is a very formidable item, while there is only

one short bridge on the Naguilian Road before the province of Union

is reached. As it runs on or near the crests of ridges all the way,

there are no extensive watersheds above it, and it is not liable

to serious injury during the most violent storms. The total cost

of the Benguet portion of this road to date [512] has been only

$33,405. This stretch is seventeen and a half miles in length and

does not include that portion of the road which lies within the city

of Baguio. The total distance from the centre of Baguio to Bauang,

the nearest railroad station on the coast, is thirty-four miles.

With the completion of the new government buildings and the transfer

of the several bureaus to Baguio for the season of 1910 a real boom

began. The old sanatorium building had long been leased to a private

individual who used it for hotel purposes, adding to it from time to

time. A second hotel had been built. The railroad had been extended

to Camp One and a regular automobile service established for the

convenience of the public between Camp One and Baguio. The Jesuits

had constructed a great rest house and meteorological observatory on

a commanding hill. The Dominicans had purchased a neighbouring hill

top and prepared to erect thereon a very large reënforced concrete

building to serve for college purposes and as a rest house for members

of the order who required a change of climate.

Development began early at Camp John Hay, an extensive and beautiful

military reservation set aside within the Baguio town site. Some

progress had been made in this direction prior to the coming of

Major-General Leonard Wood. That highly efficient and far-seeing

officer gave a tremendous impetus to the work. He had been something

of a sceptic on the subject of Baguio before visiting the place, but,

like all other responsible persons who take the trouble to see it,

promptly became an enthusiast when he had an opportunity to observe

conditions for himself. Many army officers and their families who

could not obtain accommodations in the limited number of buildings

on the reservation were glad to take tents for the season, and the

Camp promptly began to serve useful ends. It has steadily grown

and developed ever since, and is now a well-organized army post. Its

remarkable progress has been due in large measure to the initiative and

ingenuity of Captain M. R. Hilgard, who has been its commander since

October, 1905. Great progress has been made in erecting buildings,

but they are still far short of the needs of the service. At the

present writing [513] there are many tents in use by officers and

their families. These serve very well during the dry months, but with

the oncoming of the heavy showers, which usher in the rainy season,

become damp and uncomfortable and make it necessary for the occupants

to return to the lowlands just at the time when Baguio is growing

most attractive and the heat of Manila is becoming most oppressive.

The ground set aside in the military reservation is adequate for a

brigade post, and such a post should be established as soon as the

railroad reaches Baguio. The different commands in the islands could

then be ordered there in succession, and officers and men given the

benefits of one of the best climates in the world.

Baguio has continued steadily to develop, and the Benguet Road

no longer ends by running up a tree. The government has not only

erected a residence for the governor-general, but has established

offices for the chief executive, the secretaries of departments,

the Philippine Commission, the Executive Bureau, and the Bureaus of

Agriculture, Civil Service, Education, Forestry, Health, Public Works

and Constabulary. There are also a hospital, a series of tuberculosis

cottages for the treatment of patients from the lowlands, cottages

and dormitories for government officers and employees, a great mess

hall where meals may be had at moderate cost, an automobile station,

a garage, storehouses, a pumping plant, and labourers' quarters. At

the Teachers' Camp there are a separate mess hall, an assembly hall

and a fine athletic field.

The city of Baguio has a city hall, a storehouse, a corral and market

buildings. Lot owners who have built summer homes for themselves have

brought up friends to show them what Baguio was like. Curiously it has

never seemed possible to convey any adequate idea of its attractions

and advantages by word of mouth. Again and again I have urged sceptics

to come and see for themselves. When after the lapse of years they

finally did so, they have invariably asked me why I had not told them

about it before, forgetting that I had exhausted my vocabulary without

being able to make them understand. Practically without exception,

the persons who actually visit Baguio become "boosters."

It is fortunate in a way that the boom did not come quicker, for

the hard truth is that up to date the rapidity of the growth of the

summer capital has been determined absolutely by the local lumber

supply. The original Filipino hand-sawyers were ultimately replaced

by small portable mills, and these in turn by large modern mills

to which logs are brought by skidding engines or overhead cables,

yet it is true to-day, as it has always been true, that no sawmill

has ever been able to furnish dry lumber, for the simple reason that

the green output is purchased as fast as it can be sawed.

For a time the lumbermen took advantage of the necessities of the

public, but when timber on the government concessions first granted

them had been exhausted and they applied for new cutting areas,

my turn came. I fixed maximum prices on lumber which they might not

exceed without forfeiting their concessions. I also fixed a minimum

annual cut which they were compelled to make, and imposed a regulation

providing that at least half of the total cut should be offered for

sale to the public.

There is no justification for the claim that Baguio is a rich

man's city. The town site is very large and can be indefinitely

extended. Good lots may be had at extremely moderate prices, and the

cost of houses is strictly a matter of individual means and taste. A

large section is given up to small dwellings for Filipinos. The

man who earns his living with a bull cart has no more difficulty

in establishing a home there than does the Filipino millionnaire,

and rich and poor are building in constantly increasing numbers.

While experience has taught me that I cannot convey by words alone

any adequate conception of what Baguio is like, I must nevertheless

here make the attempt.

Twenty-one miles of well surfaced roads wind among its pine-covered

hills and afford beautiful glimpses of the luxuriant vegetation

along its numerous small streams. There are building sites to suit

all tastes, and each house owner is convinced that his particular

location is better than that of any one else. One spring supplies

exceptionally pure water sufficient for the needs of at least ten

thousand people, and an abundant additional supply can be obtained

when needed. The scenery is everywhere beautiful, and in many sections

truly magnificent.

Gently rolling hills enclose valleys with sides sometimes steep and

precipitous and sometimes gently sloping. The country is watered by

numerous streams bordered by magnificent tree-ferns, and by trees,

shrubs, and plants requiring a large amount of water, while the dry

hillsides bear noble pines standing at wide intervals and often

arranged as if grouped by a skilled landscape artist. During the

rainy season they are covered with ferns and orchids, while exquisite

white lilies, larger than Easter lilies, dot the hillsides. The dense

_cógon_ of the Philippine lowlands is absent. Bamboo grass or _runo_

occurs sparingly in the immediate vicinity of streams and springs, but

the hills are covered with a short grass seldom more than knee high,

so that one may ride or walk over them in almost any direction with

comfort. A system of excellent horse trails affords communication

with neighbouring provinces where one may see wonderful tropical

vegetation, magnificent scenery, strange wild peoples, and the most

remarkable terraced mountainsides in the world. These regions may

be visited with safety and comfort, as public order is well-nigh

perfect and rest houses have been provided at reasonable intervals

on all important main trails.

The delightfully cool climate of Baguio makes active outdoor exercise

enjoyable, and insures the speedy restoration to health and vigor

of persons suffering ill effects from tropical heat, or recuperation

from wasting diseases. Open fires are comfortable morning and evening

throughout the year, and the pitch pine wood burns beautifully. Except

during typhoons the rainy season weather is delightful. When one

wakens in the morning the atmosphere and the landscape have been

washed clean. The air is clear as crystal, and mountain peaks fifty

or seventy-five miles away stand out with cameo-like sharpness. The

needles of the pines fairly glisten and their delightful odor

is constantly in one's nostrils. The whole country is green as a

lawn. Roses, violets, azaleas, "jacks-in-the-pulpit," and several kinds

of raspberries and huckleberries, all growing wild, make one feel as

if back in America. One may visit the neighbouring Trinidad valley

and see cabbages and coffee, bananas and Irish potatoes, flourishing

on one piece of land. Strawberry plants imported from America bear

continuously from December to May. Fresh vegetables of all sorts tickle

palates which have grown weary of the canned goods of the lowlands.

Anywhere from twelve to three o'clock, the clouds begin to roll in and

heavy showers fall, usually lasting until nine or ten at night. Then

the stars come out. The next day is like its predecessor.

After the first rains, which usually come about the middle of April,

there is as a rule a month of beautiful weather with very little

precipitation. Then the rains begin to come steadily again, and keep

it up until the end of the wet season, falling in the manner already

described so that one can get one's outdoor exercise in the morning,

while the afternoon showers are conducive to industry.

The following table shows the average maximum, minimum and mean

temperatures for each month of the year, the figures covering the

period January, 1902, to January, 1908:--

Month Average Average Mean

Maximum Minimum

°F. °F. °F.

January 75.1 50.2 63.3

February 75.4 45.8 61.6

March 77.5 49.4 64.1

April 78.2 51.9 65.7

May 77.7 54 66.2

June 77 56.8 66.2

July 75.9 55.9 65.4

August 76 54.9 65.1

September 75.2 56 65.2

October 76.4 53.8 65.1

November 76.4 49.8 64.1

December 76.1 50.3 64.1

All of the above figures are for temperatures at a height of six

feet above the ground. Temperatures nearer the ground are decidedly

lower. It has been found that in the Baguio plateau the lowest

temperatures correspond to the deepest valleys. In such places white

frost is not rare during the months of January, February, and March,

while on the tops of hills the temperature is milder, frost being

almost unknown. During typhoons conditions do not differ essentially

from those experienced elsewhere in the islands, except that the

rainfall is exceptionally heavy.

Major-General J. Franklin Bell, who has given special attention to

mountain resorts the world over, vigorously asserts that Baguio has

no equal on the globe. Certainly the climate is more nearly perfect

than any other of which I have personal knowledge, and the delightful

coolness and the bracing air afford heavenly relief to jangling nerves

and exhausted bodies, worn out by overwork and by a too prolonged

sojourn in tropical lowlands.

One of the very important things about the Baguio climate is its

marvellous effect upon victims of tuberculosis.

Persons suffering from this disease in its earlier stages may

confidently look forward to restored health if willing to live

out of doors under the pine trees, and there have been a number of

extraordinary recoveries among those in advanced stages.

A series of little cottages which can be thrown wide open have been

operated for some time in connection with the government hospital,

in order practically to demonstrate the effect of the climate on

tuberculosis victims.

The results are conclusive, and whenever funds are available there

should be established a settlement of such cottages on some one of

the numerous good sites sufficiently removed from the town to avoid

any possible danger of infecting healthy persons. There should also

be a large mess hall from which good nourishing food can be served,

and plenty of level ground on which tents can be erected during the

dry season. Baguio's potential importance as a resort for victims of

the great white plague justifies every cent of expenditure necessary

to make it readily accessible.

The Sisters of the Assumption have erected a handsome building which

serves as a rest house and a girls' school. The sisters known as the

"Belgian Canonist Missionaries" are erecting a building which will

afford them a place to come for recuperation when wearied by strenuous

work in the lowlands, and will make it possible for them to open a

school for Igorot girls, which they are planning to do.

Bishop Brent has established an excellent school for American boys,

situated on a sunny hilltop. The instruction is very good, the food

excellent, and a healthier, heartier-looking lot of youngsters than

those who enjoy the privileges of this institution cannot be found

anywhere. There is abundant opportunity for them to play basket-ball,

tennis and golf. Some of them indulge in polo, playing on Filipino

ponies.

Bishop Brent also has a mission school for Igorot girls, and plans

to open a boarding school for American girls in the near future.

The Belgian missionary priests, locally known as the "Missionary

Priests of the Church of San Patricio," have their headquarters at

Baguio, where the chief of their order resides and where they come

occasionally for rest and recuperation. Archbishop Harry has a modest

home on one of the numerous hilltops.

The building of a school for constabulary officers, to which young

men arriving from the United States are sent before entering upon

active service, crowns another hill and commands a magnificent view

of the surrounding country.

Several business concerns, such as the Compañia General de Tabacos de

Filipinas, have erected rest houses for their officers and employees,

while the number of attractive private homes increases as rapidly as

the supply of building materials will permit. Filipino residents of

Manila have recently invested more than a hundred thousand dollars

in Baguio homes.

But this is not all. No description would be anything like complete

without mention of a unique structure which is certain to become famous

the world over. It has been built under the immediate supervision of

Major-General Bell, who has given freely of his time and thought to

make it the extraordinary success which it is. I refer to the wonderful

amphitheatre which stands at the side of the official residence of the

major-general commanding the Division of the Philippines. Advantage has

been taken of the existence of a natural amphitheatre with remarkable

acoustic properties. Man has added what Nature left undone, and the

result is an imposing and beautiful auditorium capable of seating

four thousand people, throughout which a whisper can be heard. It

is utilized for religious services, concerts, lectures, theatrical

performances and other public entertainments. No charge is exacted for

its use, but if an admission fee is collected, a liberal percentage

of the proceeds must go to some worthy charity. It has been terraced

in stone by Igorot labourers; the trees originally standing in it

have been protected, and tree ferns, shrubs and flowering plants

have been added. The result beggars description, and photographs do

it scant justice.

Igorots from Bontoc, and even Ifugaos, now visit Baguio with increasing

frequency, attracted by a large market established especially for the

benefit of the hill people, where they may sell their manufactured

articles or agricultural products, and may purchase at moderate cost

the commodities which they need. The Benguet Igorots do not raise rice

enough for their own use. Formerly they had to make up the shortage

by eating _camotes_, but they have now become so prosperous that they

can afford to buy rice, which is carted in over the Benguet Road.

There are promising gold mines close at hand. Their development would

have been impossible had not the construction of the Benguet Road

made it feasible to bring in the necessary heavy machinery.

Some of the fruits, many of the flowers and practically all of the

vegetables of the temperate zone can be advantageously produced in

Benguet. They are being shipped to Manila in steadily increasing

quantities.

One would gather from the criticisms of the enemies of the Philippine

government that the Benguet Road was a pleasure boulevard. The

government motor trucks transported over it during the last fiscal

year 22,390 passengers and 7696.24 metric tons of freight.

Railroad corporations are inclined to be a bit soulless. The Manila

Railway Company is extending its line to Baguio by means of a branch

leaving the main line at Aringay. The building of this extension is now

[514] fifty-five per cent completed, and the company is bound under

the terms of its agreement to finish the road by August, 1914. In the

event of its failure to do so, it must pay a monthly penalty amply

sufficient in amount to cover the cost of maintaining the Benguet

Road. Baguio will continue to develop steadily until the railroad

is opened and then will go ahead by leaps and bounds. It is sure to

prosper because it meets a very real and very imperative need.

In this connection the following extracts from a letter of August 7,

1913, from the director of medical services in India to the department

surgeon of the Philippines are of interest:--

"In reply to your letter of June 31st I attach a statement

showing the number and location of the hill stations in

India with the approximate capacity of each, and their height

above sea-level.

"With regard to your inquiry regarding the number of cases

treated in these sanitaria we use these hill stations not

only for the treatment of convalescents, but also for giving

healthy men an opportunity of spending the Indian hot weather

under the best climatic conditions procurable. To this end,

so far as is practicable, all units are sent to the hills for

the first hot weather after their arrival in India, and they

are thus able to settle down to their new conditions of life

without being immediately exposed to the trying and enervating

environment of a plains station in the summer months. We also

send as many soldiers as we can of the older residents from

hot stations to summer in the hills.

* * * * *

"Practically all soldiers' wives and families are given an

opportunity of a change from the more unhealthy stations to

the hills during the hot weather.

* * * * *

"Our experience shows that the following cases are most

benefited by a change to the hills:--

"1. All cases of malarial fever and malarial cachexia.

"2. Patients recovering from acute diseases.

"3. Convalescents after surgical operations.

"4. Cases of anaemia and debility.

"5. Cases of chronic venereal diseases.

"6. Neurasthenics."

Not only are all such cases greatly benefited at Baguio, but patients

suffering from dysentery and chronic diarrhoea are also greatly

benefited and often cured by a sufficiently long sojourn there. This

is the experience of the civil government at its hospital and of

the military authorities at the Camp John Hay hospital, according to

General Bell.

Continuing the quotations from the letter of the director of medical

services in India:--

"We have found that by the judicious use of hill stations

for convalescents both the invaliding and death rate of the

British troops in Indian have been enormously reduced and the

efficiency of the Army has been increased with a considerable

financial saving to the Government.

"It is advisable that all troops and families should be

accommodated in huts, especially during the rainy season in

the hills, but there is no doubt that they are benefited by

the change even if they have to live in tents and are thereby

exposed to considerable discomfort."

The importance attached by the British to hill stations is shown by

the fact that there are no less than 29 in India, their height above

sea-level varying from 2000 to 7936 feet. Of these eleven have no

permanent accommodations and are used for men only.

I add the following extracts from a letter of Major P. M. Ashburn,

Medical Corps, U.S.A., president of the army board for the study of

tropical diseases:--

"A man can remain in the tropics indefinitely without being

actually sick, if infectious diseases are avoided. This is fast

leading to the fallacy that we can advantageously remain many

years in these latitudes. The fact that while a man may never

be sick, he yet may have his physical and mental vigour greatly

impaired by prolonged exposure to heat is thus lost sight

of. No man can do his best work, either physical or mental,

if he is hot and uncomfortable. The same feeling of lassitude

and indisposition to exertion is experienced at home during

the hot summer, which after a few years here becomes chronic."

"It is a matter of official recognition that government

employees need to get away from the heat of Manila each year,

hence the removal to Baguio.

"It is likewise commonly recognized that many women and

children become so run down and debilitated as to need to go

to Japan, Baguio or the United States.

"It is often true that monotony and discomfort are the cause

of nervous and mental breakdown, witness the often-mentioned

insanity among farmers' wives and the nervous breakdowns

attributable to pain and strain, even though it be, as in

many cases of eyestrain, so slight as not to be recognized

by the patient."

In short, it is the monotony of a tropical lowland climate which makes

an occasional change so imperatively necessary. Shall residents of

the Philippines be forced to seek that change, at great expense of

time and money, in Japan, the United States or Europe, or shall we

make and keep available for them a region which admirably answers

the purpose, distant only half a day's travel from Manila?

I give extracts from a memorandum of Col. William H. Arthur, Department

Surgeon of the Philippines, which are important in this connection:--

"3. Experience has shown that long residence in the Philippines

has a marked effect on the mental and physical vigour of people

not born and raised in the tropics. This is manifested in many

ways, and men, women and children who are not actually ill,

seem to lose their energy, become listless, irritable, and

forgetful, and find the least exertion burdensome. This is

much aggravated in the hot season, and very few individuals

manage, without permanent mental and physical deterioration,

to live through many hot seasons in the plains.

"4. There are in the Philippine Islands two places where

relief from these conditions can be found:--(1) Camp John Hay,

near Baguio, in the mountain province of Benguet, Island of

Luzón; and (2) Camp Keithley, in the Lake Lanao District of

the Island of Mindanao. Camp John Hay, in the province of

Benguet, is in the mountains at an elevation of approximately

5000 feet and is 175 miles from Manila, most of which distance

is covered by railroad. Within 18 months it is expected that

the railroad all the way to Baguio will be completed.

"5. Experience has shown that a large number of cases of

disease or injury, or patients convalescing from surgical

operations, recover much more rapidly in the cool mountain

climate of Baguio than in the depressing heat and humidity of

the plains. Before the establishment of this mountain refuge

from the heat of the plains, many cases of this class were

transferred to the United States that are now brought back

to health at Camp John Hay and Camp Keithley. The beneficial

effect of the change in climate is particularly noticeable in

people who have become run down after one or more hot seasons

spent at the lower levels.

"6. The great value of a refuge in the mountains from the

effect of prolonged heat is shown in enclosed reports, which

indicate the classes of cases especially benefited, but there

are a great many others not reported and not actually sick

but whose vitality and resistance are more or less diminished

and who find great benefit from an occasional sojourn in the

mountains of Benguet or the highlands of Mindanao, especially

during the hottest part of the year."

I have quoted thus at length from communications of a distinguished

British medical officer, of a well-known and able special student

of tropical diseases, and of the ranking United States army surgeon

in the islands to show the consensus of opinion among experienced

experts as to the necessity of hill stations in the tropics. I might

give numerous additional similar opinions of equally competent men

but will only add two more statements of Major Ashburn, the latter

of which seems to me admirably to sum up the situation:--

So firm is my belief in the efficacy of the place that I have

at considerable expense kept my two sons in school there,

instead of keeping them at home in Manila at no expense

for schooling, and so satisfactory has been the result in

normal, vigorous growth and robust health for both boys,

that I consider the money so spent about the best investment

I have ever made.

* * * * *

I state all this to show the faith that is in me. To experience

Baguio and to see the rapid improvement of visitors there

is to be convinced that it is a delightful and beneficial

climate. To appreciate the full degree of its delights it

is only necessary to compare in one's own experience (not

in weather reports) a hot season in Manila and one there. To

appreciate its benefits it is necessary to compare in one's

own experience (not in statistics) the appearance of health

of the people seen at the two times and places. As recent

work on beri-beri has clearly shown the vast importance in

diet of substances formerly not known to have any importance,

so, I think, are the factors in climate not to be recorded by

wind gauges, thermometers or other meteorological instruments,

and factors in health and efficiency not recorded in books

on physiology, bacteriology, pathology or health statistics."

Let no one think that the summer capital of the Philippines has been

built solely for the benefit of Americans. The Filipinos need it

almost as much as we do, and many of them profit by the change with

extraordinary promptness.

It is really almost incredible that such a place should exist

within eight hours' travel of Manila, and every possible victim of

tuberculosis in the islands, which means every inhabitant of the

lowlands, has a right to demand that it should be made, and kept,

readily accessible. Existing accommodations are nothing like adequate

for the crowds which desire to take advantage of them during the

season. Hotels are filled to overflowing. There are always several

different applicants for each government cottage. Many persons who

would be glad to spend the hot months in the Benguet mountains find

it impossible to do so, because they cannot obtain accommodation,

and at present many more are obliged to shorten their stay in order

to give others a chance.

In the early days, when we were facing unforeseen difficulties and

discouragements, I was for a time the one member of the Philippine

Commission who was really enthusiastically in favour of carrying

out the original plans for the summer capital. It was then the

fashion to charge me with responsibility for the policy of opening

up communication with the place and for the mistakes made in the

construction of the Benguet Road, although I had never had any control

over the road work and had been one of five at first, and later one

of nine, to vote for every appropriation found necessary in order to

complete it.

It was the enthusiasm of Mr. Forbes which at a critical time finally

saved the situation, and now that Baguio has arrived, and the wisdom of

the policy so long pursued in the face of manifold discouragements has

been demonstrated, my one fear is that he will get all the glory and

that I shall be denied credit for the part which I actually did play

in bringing about the determination to establish quick communication

with one of the most wonderful mountain health resorts to be found in

any tropical country, and in giving that determination effect. But I

have had a more than abundant reward of another sort. My wife, my son

and I myself, when seriously ill, have been restored to vigorous health

by brief sojourns at this one of the world's great health resorts.

It has been very much the fashion for Filipino politicians to rail at

Baguio, and now that the dangerous experiment of giving them control

of both houses of the legislature is being made, they may refuse to

appropriate the sums necessary to make possible the annual transfer

of the insular government to that place. The result of such a bit of

politics would be a marked increase in the present extraordinarily

low death rate among government officers and employees, American and

Filipino, [515] beginning in about two years, when the cumulative

effect of long residence in the lowlands makes itself felt.

Meanwhile, Baguio can stand on its own feet, and if, as the politicians

suggest, the government buildings there be sold at auction, purchasers

for all dwelling houses should readily be found. Too many Filipinos

have learned by happy experience the delights of this wonderful region,

to let such an opportunity pass. Baguio has come to stay.

CHAPTER XVIII

The Coördination of Scientific Work

When Americans landed at Manila, they found no government institutions

for the training of physicians and surgeons and no hospital in any

sense modern or indeed worthy of the name.

There did exist the equipment of what had been called a municipal

laboratory, outfitted for a limited amount of chemical work only.

When the Philippine Commission arrived on the scene, it fell to my

lot to draft the necessary legislation for placing scientific work

on a firm foundation, and, later, as secretary of the interior, to

exercise ultimate executive control over practically all such work

carried on under the insular government.

The complete initial lack of adequate hospital facilities and of

means for making chemical and bacteriological investigations had been

promptly remedied by the establishment of army hospitals and an army

laboratory. Although these could not be placed fully at the service of

the public, they nevertheless bridged the gap for the time being, and

in formulating laws and making plans for the future I was inclined to

say, "Blessed be nothing," as we were not hampered by useless employees

or archaic equipment, but were left free to make a clean start.

I had thoroughly learned one lesson at the University of Michigan while

a member of its zoölogical staff. We had a zoölogical laboratory in

which were conducted the zoölogical half of a course in general biology

and numerous other courses in animal morphology, mammalian anatomy,

comparative anatomy and embryology. There was also a botanical

laboratory in which all of the botanical work of the institution

was carried on. This did not involve any overlapping, but there was

overlapping of the work of the zoölogical laboratory and that of the

medical department, which had an anatomical laboratory, a histological

laboratory, a pathological laboratory and a so-called hygienic

laboratory. The professor of anatomy thought that his students would

understand human anatomy better if they knew something of comparative

anatomy, and instead of sending them to us wished to start his own

courses. The histologist dabbled in embryology and was soon duplicating

our course in the embryology of the chick. He was constantly at war

with the pathologist over the question of where histology left off

and pathology began, and both of them were inclined to differ with

the man in charge of the hygienic laboratory over similar questions of

jurisdiction. Furthermore, we had a chemical laboratory split up into

various more or less independent subdivisions, and a psychological

laboratory. In these several institutions for scientific research

there was much duplication of instruction and of books, apparatus

and laboratory equipment. Great economies might have been effected

by the establishment of a central purchasing agency, which could have

obtained wholesale rates on supplies ordered in large quantity. Nothing

of the sort existed. One laboratory chief would order from the corner

drug store, while another bought in Germany.

There was danger that a similar condition of things might arise in

the Philippines. The Bureau of Health would want its chemical and its

biological laboratories; the Bureau of Agriculture would need to do

chemical work covering a wide range of subjects, and botanical and

entomological work as well. The Bureau of Forestry would of course

require a large amount of botanical work, and would also need to

have chemical work done on gums, resins and other forest products,

to say nothing of investigating insects injurious to trees and more

especially to timber after cutting. The latter class of destroyers

do enormous damage in the Philippines. Much chemical work would

be required by the Bureau of Customs, which as a matter of fact

later insisted upon the necessity of a "microscopical laboratory"

to provide facilities for the examination of fibres, etc. Obviously

there would be a large amount of work for the general government in

connection with investigation of the mineral resources of the country,

and the testing of coals, cements and road materials.

Smallpox was decimating the population. There was need of the

manufacture of great quantities of virus with which to combat it,

and of other common and necessary serums and prophylactics as well.

Here then was a golden opportunity to start right. In imagination I saw

a Bureau of Science for scientific research and for routine scientific

work, a great General Hospital, and a modern and up-to-date College of

Medicine and Surgery, standing side by side and working in full and

harmonious relationship. The medical school would give to the youth

of the land the best possible facilities for theoretical training

in medicine and surgery, while access to the wards of the hospital

would make possible for them a large amount of practical bedside

work. Its operating amphitheatres would increase the opportunity

for clinical instruction, as would a great free outpatient clinic,

conducted primarily for the benefit of the poor. Professors in the

college would hold positions on the hospital staff, not only in order

to give to them and to their students every facility for clinical

demonstration work, but to enable them constantly to "keep their

hands in." Promising Filipino graduates would be given internships

and other positions on the house staff of the hospital. Patients

would be admitted to its free beds subject to the condition that they

allow their cases to be studied by the faculty and students of the

college. The necessary biological and chemical examinations for the

hospital would be made in the laboratories of the Bureau of Science,

which would at the same time afford every facility for the carrying on

of scientific investigation by advanced students, by members of the

faculty of the college and by members of the hospital staff. Members

of the staff of the biological laboratory would have the use of the

great volume of pathological material from the hospital, and with

free access to its rooms and wards, would have an almost unparalleled

opportunity for the study of tropical diseases, while some of the

officers and employees of the Bureau of Science and of the Bureau of

Health might be made members of the faculty of the college and their

services utilized as instructors.

As we had neither laboratories, hospital nor college at the time,

the realization of this somewhat comprehensive scheme seemed rather

remote. It was commonly referred to as "Worcester's dream," and one

of my friends in the army medical corps probably quite correctly

voiced public sentiment when he said, "Poor Worcester has bats in his

belfry." However, he laughs best who laughs last! After the lapse of

a good many years my dream came true. The three great institutions

which I hoped might sometime be established are to-day in existence,

and are doing the work which I hoped that they might perform. Now

let us consider how they came to be.

In the early days I drafted an act providing for the establishment of

a Bureau of Government Laboratories which should perform all of the

biological and chemical work of the government under the direction

of one chief, and on July 1, 1901 the commission passed it.

I was more than fortunate in securing as the director of this

bureau Dr. Paul C. Freer, then professor of general chemistry at the

University of Michigan.

Dr. Freer obtained leave of absence for a year, in order to help us

get started. This leave was twice extended for additional periods of

one year each, and in the end he decided to sever his connection with

the university and throw in his lot with the Philippine government.

He remained in charge of the Bureau of Government Laboratories and

of its successor, the Bureau of Science, until his death on April

17, 1912.

Himself a chemist and investigator of note, he had a wide and

catholic knowledge of science in general, and no better man could

have been found for this important piece of constructive work. For

nearly a year the two of us laboured over plans for the laboratory

building and lists of the necessary books, instruments, apparatus,

glassware, chemicals and other supplies. At the end of this time we

submitted to the commission what I do not hesitate to say was the

most complete estimate for a large project which ever came before

it. Much forethought was necessary in order to time the orders for

books, instruments and apparatus so that it would be possible to

house them properly when they arrived, and the estimated expense was

distributed over a period of two and one-half years.

Meanwhile work had begun in cramped temporary quarters in a

hot little "shack," for it deserved no better name, back of the

Civil Hospital. Here under almost impossible conditions there were

performed a large volume of routine biological and chemical work,

and a considerable amount of research, the results of which proved

to be of far-reaching importance.

With the employment of the first chemists and bacteriologists there

arose a class of questions which I determined to settle once for

all. There is a regrettable tendency among some scientific men to try

to build barbed-wire fences around particular fields of research in

which they happen to be interested, and to shoo every one else away.

At the outset I gave all employees clearly to understand that such

an unscientific and ungenerous spirit would not be tolerated in the

Bureau of Government Laboratories. The field which opened before us

was enormous. There was work enough and more than enough for all, and

we should at the outset adopt a spirit of friendliness and helpfulness

toward every scientific man who desired to lend a hand.

This rule of conduct has been steadfastly adhered to. Numerous

well-known scientists have visited the Philippines and to each we have

extended all possible assistance, furnishing laboratory quarters,

instruments, apparatus and reagents, and, whenever practicable,

material as well. Indeed, many of our scientific guests have been

made employees of the bureau without pay, so that there might be no

questioning of their right to use government equipment.

Two important results have followed this policy. One is that we have

established the friendliest and most helpful relations with numerous

research institutions. The other is that we have been able to assist

in the performance of much valuable work which has borne important

results, and which would perhaps have remained undone had it not been

possible for us to aid those who undertook it.

In due course of time came our fine new building, with good facilities

for performing all kinds of laboratory work. When it was equipped

and occupied, we were able to say that the opportunities offered at

Manila for investigating tropical diseases were probably unequalled

elsewhere, and there was a deal of such investigation urgently needing

to be made. Our equipment for chemical research was also very complete

and the vast undeveloped natural resources of the islands presented

a practically virgin field for such investigation.

At the outset absurd rumours spread as to the cost of buildings and

equipment, and there was much popular outcry against the supposed

wastefulness of the government. A simple statement of the facts

served to kill these foolish tales, and people soon began to see that

the creation of the Bureau of Government Laboratories was merely the

application of common-sense to existing conditions and had resulted in

greatly increased economy and efficiency. Indeed, at the suggestion

of a committee appointed to make a study of the government service

and suggest measures for its betterment, the principle which I had

adopted was carried still further. Not only was all zoölogical and

botanical work transferred to this bureau, but the Bureau of Ethnology

and the Bureau of Mines were abolished as separate entities and were

made divisions of it, and its title was changed to "The Bureau of

Science." Little by little the scope of the work has steadily widened.

The scientific books and periodicals of the government were scattered

among half a dozen different bureaus and were not being well cared

for. I arranged to have them all temporarily transferred to the

library of the Bureau of Science and catalogued there. Those said

to be really needed for frequent reference were then returned to

the several bureaus but were kept under observation by the bureau of

science librarian, who took particular pains to look after the binding

of serial publications as rapidly as the volumes were completed.

The list of books requested by the several bureau chiefs for

reference was suspiciously long. I gave orders that each set of bureau

bookshelves be provided with cards and a box into which to drop them,

and each time a book was used a card was made out for it and placed

in the box. After six months I quietly gathered up the cards and had

them checked against the lists of books for which the several bureau

chiefs had asked, and was then able to order a large proportion of them

back to the library for the reason that they had not been used at all.

The result of this policy is that we have to-day a central

scientific library in which are catalogued all the scientific books

of the government. Books needed by the several bureaus for frequent

reference are placed where they can be used conveniently, and the

card catalogue indicates where they are, so that they can readily be

found. In this way it has been possible to avoid much needless and

expensive duplication. The library now contains 26,652 bound volumes.

We were extremely fortunate in the men whose services we secured

in the early days, and the volume of research work turned out was

unexpectedly large. The question of how best to arrange for the

prompt publication of our results became urgent, and in the end we

answered it by publishing the _Philippine Journal of Science_, now

in its eighth year and with an assured and enviable position among

the scientific journals of the world.

In the early days before we knew what we now know about the

preservation of health in tropical countries there was a deal of

sickness among government officers and employees. While the army was

more than liberal in helping us meet the conditions which arose,

it was of course very necessary that we should establish our own

hospital as soon as possible.

On October 12, 1901, the so-called "Civil Hospital" was opened

in a large private dwelling, obtained, as we then fondly imagined,

merely as a temporary expedient. Together with two adjoining and even

smaller buildings it continued to be our only place for the treatment

of ordinary medical and surgical cases until September 1, 1910! I

can here only very briefly outline the causes of this long delay.

At the outset the building was large enough to meet immediate needs. At

the time when it began to grow inadequate there was a plan on foot

for a large private institution, in which the government was to secure

accommodations for its patients, and a hospital building was actually

erected, but interest in this project waned, the private backing which

was believed to have been assured for it failed, and the whole scheme

went by the board. Then plans for a great general hospital were called

for. A very large amount of time was consumed in their preparation and

when they were finished the expense involved in carrying them out was

found to be far beyond the means of the government. Ultimately I was

charged with the duty of securing other plans involving a more moderate

expenditure. Again long delay necessarily ensued. When semi-final

plans were submitted, the consulting architect insisted on a series

of arches along the sides of the several ward pavilions which were

doubtless most satisfying from an artistic point of view, but would

have shut off light and fresh air to an extent which I could not

tolerate. A three months' deadlock was finally broken by his acceding

to my wishes, but in October, 1906, just as the completed plans were

finally ready to submit to the commission, I was compelled by severe

illness to return to the United States. There remained three American

and three Filipino members of the commission. One of the former was

Mr. W. Morgan Shuster, then secretary of public instruction. Prior

to the time when he became a candidate for a secretaryship he had

been bitter in his criticism of the Filipinos. Coincidently with the

development of this ambition he became almost more pro-Filipino than

some of the Filipino politicians themselves. For a time he seemed to

control the Filipino vote on the commission and largely as a result of

his activities every important matter which I left pending, including

that of the establishment of the great general hospital so vitally

needed by the people of the islands, was laid on the table. I was

informed that Mr. Shuster had announced that we could have $125,000

for the hospital and no more! We needed $400,000.

Beginning on the day after my return the following April these several

projects, including that for the Baguio Hospital and that for the

Philippine General Hospital. were taken from the table and passed.

Construction work goes slowly in the tropics. One ward pavilion of the

Philippine General Hospital was occupied on September 1, 1910. Soon

afterward the four others came into use.

On June 10, 1907, a medical college was opened. It was called "The

Philippine Medical School." Its creation at this time was made possible

by the existence of the Bureaus of Science and Health. Its staff was

at the outset recruited very largely from these two bureaus. The

director of the Bureau of Science was made its dean and continued

to hold this position until his death. To his unselfish efforts and

to those of the director of health is due the well-organized modern

college which we have to-day. In lieu of better quarters the first

classes were held in an old Spanish government building which was

altered and added to until it answered the purpose reasonably well.

The preparation of the act which provided for the establishment of

this college was intrusted to me. I called for the assistance of a

committee of technical experts and asked that they submit a draft

for my consideration, which they did. It contained a provision to the

effect that the college should be under the administrative control of

the secretary of the interior. I struck out the words "secretary of the

interior" and inserted in lieu thereof the words "secretary of public

instruction" for two reasons. First, the school theoretically belongs

under that official, in spite of its necessarily close relationship

with the Bureau of Science and the Bureau of Health. Second, I wanted

the support of the secretary of public instruction for the measure,

as it involved considerable expenditure and I was not sure how the

bill might fare in the commission. It happened that the incumbent

of that position was very much inclined to take a liberal view of

bills which extended his jurisdiction. Mr. Taft, when he visited

the Philippines in 1909, reached the conclusion that I was guilty

of an error of judgment in doing this, and a little later expressed

the view that the Medical College ought to be under the control of

the secretary of the interior, because of its intimate relationship

with the bureaus above mentioned. I might perhaps even then have had

this change made, but refrained from attempting to do so, believing

that all would go well under the existing arrangement. So long as

Dr. Freer lived this was the case.

He was a man of absolute honesty and sincerity of purpose, and

was far-seeing enough fully to realize that the interests of the

government, and of individuals as well, would best be served by

carrying out the broad and liberal policy which was then in effect.

The next event of importance was the establishment of the University

of the Philippines, which was provided for by an Act passed on June

18, 1908.

The Philippine Medical School was in due time incorporated with the

university as its College of Medicine and Surgery, passing under the

executive control of the university board of regents.

At this time the plan of which I had dreamed so many years before

was in full force and effect and was working admirably. Members of

the Bureau of Science staff served on the college faculty and held

appointments in the Philippine General Hospital as well, one of them

being the chief of a division there. Members of the college faculty

carried on research work at the Bureau of Science. The great working

library installed in the building of the latter bureau served as the

medical library. Members of the college faculty also rendered important

service in the Philippine General Hospital, where two of them were

chiefs of divisions, two held important positions on the house staff

and numerous others served as interns. Officers of the Bureau of Health

were appointed to the faculty of the college and carried on research

work at the Bureau of Science. The staff of the latter bureau made

the chemical and biological examinations needed in connection with

the work of the hospital as well as those required by the Bureau of

Health. The Bureau of Science manufactured the sera and prophylactics

required by the Bureau of Health in its work. The two large operating

amphitheatres in the Philippine General Hospital were planned with

especial reference to the accommodation of students, who could pass

along a gallery from one to the other. The work of the free clinic,

attended daily by hundreds of Filipinos seeking relief, was largely

turned over to the college faculty, and increased opportunities were

thus given for medical students to study actual cases.

The arrangement was an ideal one. It excited the admiration of numerous

visiting European and American experts, who were competent to judge

of its merits, and its continued success was dependent only upon the

honesty of purpose, loyalty and good faith of the several parties

to it.

Then came the untimely death of Dr. Freer. A few months later an

attempt was made by certain university officers to secure control of

the professional work of the hospital for that institution, leaving

the director of health and the secretary of the interior in charge

of the nurses, servants, accounts and property, and burdened with

the responsibility for the results of work involving life and death,

but without voice in the choice of the men who were to perform it.

Those who were responsible for this effort evidently had not taken

the trouble to read the law, and I had only to call attention to its

provisions in order to end for the time this first effort to disturb

the existing logical distribution of work between the two institutions.

Before I left Manila in October, 1913, a second attempt was being made

to secure control of the professional work of the hospital for the

university, but this time the plan was more far-reaching, in that it

contemplated the transfer to the university of control of the Bureau of

Science as well; and more logical, in that a bill accomplishing these

ends had been drafted for consideration by the Filipinized legislature.

The original plan for the coördination of the scientific work of

the Philippine government was sound in principle and will, I trust,

eventually be carried out, whatever may be done temporarily to upset

it during a period of disturbed political conditions. There is much

consolation to be derived from contemplating the fact that pendulums

swing.

NOTES

[1] Cuyo, Palawan, Balabac, Cagayan de Joló, Joló proper, Basilan,

Mindanao, Panay, Guimaras, Negros, Siquijor, Cebu, Bohol, Samar,

Leyte, Masbate, Marinduque and Mindoro.

[2] I employ the noun Filipinos to designate collectively the eight

civilized, Christianized peoples, called respectively the Cagayans,

Ilocanos, Pangasináns, Zambalans, Pampangans, Tagálogs, Bicols and

Visayans, or any of them; the adjective Filipino to designate anything

pertaining to these peoples, or any of them; the noun Philippines

to designate the country, and the adjective Philippine to designate

anything pertaining to the country as distinguished from its people.

[3] Busuanga, Culion, Tawi Tawi, Tablas, Romblon and Sibuyan.

[4] I use the word "Insurgents" as a proper noun, to designate the

Filipinos who took up arms against the United States, hence capitalize

it, and the adjective derived from it.

[5] General Aguinaldo.

[6] Beginning with the letters "P.I.R."

[7] See pp. 53, 55, 68.

[8] See pp. 27, 47, 49, 63 of this book for repetitions and variations

of this charge of Aguinaldo.

[9] See p. 31 of his book, "The American Occupation of the

Philippines," in referring to which I will hereafter use the word

Blount, followed by a page number.

[10] U. S. Consul General Rounseville Wildman of Hongkong.

[11] U. S. Consul O. F. Williams of Manila.

[12] Blount, p. 43.

[13] A term, more or less corresponding to mayor, then applied to

the ranking municipal officer of a _pueblo_ or town.

[14] Eight hundred thousand Mexican dollars, the actual value of

which constantly fluctuated.

[15] The Ilocanos are one of the eight civilized peoples who

collectively make up the Filipinos. They number 803,942, and inhabit

certain provinces in northern Luzon.

[16] I have not felt at liberty to correct spelling, capitalization,

punctuation or grammar in quotations, except in the case of perfectly

evident printer's errors. It should be remembered that the results

of Taylor's work were left in the form of galley proof.

[17] Taylor, 42 F Z-43 F Z.

[18] For the history of this document, see p. 51.

[19] P.I.R., 1300.2.

[20] Senate Document 62, part 1, Fifty-fifth Congress, Third Session,

P. P. 341 _et seq_.

[21] Senate Document 62, part 1, Fifty-fifth Congress, Third Session;

also P.I.R., 496.

[22] Blount, pp. 11-12.

[23] Pratt.

[24] P.I.R., 516. 4.

[25] "The Consul--after telling me that, before arriving in Hongkong

harbor, a launch would be sent by the Admiral to secretly take us to

the North American squadron, a secrecy which pleased me also, as it

would avoid giving publicity to my acts--then advised me that I should

appoint him the representative of the Philippines in the United States

to promptly secure the official recognition of our independence. I

answered that whenever the Philippine government should be formed,

I would nominate him for the office he desired, although I considered

that but small recompense for his aid, and that in case of our having

the good fortune to secure our independence I would bestow upon him

a high post in the customs service besides granting the commercial

advantages and the participation in the expenses of the war which the

Consul asked for his Government in Washington, since the Filipinos

agreed in advance to what is here stated, considering it a proper

testimonial of gratitude."--P.I.R., 1300. 2.

[26] Blount, p. 12

[27] Blount, pp. 8-9.

[28] Ibid., p. 9.

[29] The following is one of them:--

"_H. Kong_, May 16, 1898.

"Señor Don Jose Enrique Basa:

"My Dear Enrique: As an aid to the American policy in the

Philippines,--America being the most liberal and humanitarian

nation in the world,--I earnestly recommend the widest possible

circulation of the proclamation which I send herewith in order

that the Americans may be supported in the war against the

tyrannical friars and the Spaniards who have connived with

them, and that public order, so necessary under the present

conditions, be preserved.

"Thy relative, twenty-six years an emigrant.

(Signed) "_J. M. Basa_."

--P.I.R., 1204-10.

[30] P.I.R., 1204-10.

[31] Ibid., 1204-10.

[32] P.I.R., 53-2.

[33] Teodoro Sandico, an influential Tagálog leader, who spoke English

well and afterward served as a spy while employed by the Americans

as an interpreter.

[34] Señor Garchitorena was a wealthy Tagálog of Manila, and, at

this time, a prominent member of the Hongkong junta.

[35] Dr. Galicano Apacible, a very intelligent and rather conservative

Tagálog physician. After Aguinaldo left Hongkong, he was the leading

member of the junta.

[36] Sr. Graco Gonzaga, a prominent Filipino lawyer of the province

of Cagayan.

[37] There is an illegible word in the original.

[38] P.I.R., 406-5.

[39] P.I.R., 398. 9.

[40] "_Hongkong_, 12 Jan. 1899,--2 P.M.

"_Senator Hoar_, Washington.

"As the man who introduced General Aguinaldo to the American

government through the consul at Singapore, I frankly state that the

conditions under which Aguinaldo promised to cooperate with Dewey

were independence under a protectorate. I am prepared to swear to

this. The military party suborned correspondents are deceiving the

American nation by means of malevolent lying statements. If your

powerful influence does not change this insensate policy there will

be a hopeless conflict with the inevitable results disastrous for

the Americans.

"_Bray_."

--P.I.R., 853-4.

[41] "Then Aguinaldo had an interview with the United States consul

in Hongkong, in which he told him that he was anxious to become an

American citizen, but this being impossible, he desired to be allowed

to return to the Philippines and place himself under the orders of

Commodore Dewey. According to the brother of that Consul, who certainly

must have had opportunities for knowing the facts in the case, he

made no demands for independence, but said that he hoped that the

Americans would not leave the Filipinos to their fate, but would annex

the Philippines and protect them against the Spaniards. He promised

the Consul that he would fight with the Americans and not attempt to

foment a revolution against the United States. His highest expressed

aim was to throw off the Spanish yoke, and, that once accomplished,

he would abide by the decision of the United States as to the ultimate

disposition of the Philippines. If Aguinaldo had expressed his real

intentions of obtaining arms and using them only for his own purposes,

and, if he found it expedient, against the United States, it is not

to be thought that he would have been returned to the Philippines on

a United States vessel."--Taylor, 44 F Z.

[42] P.I.R., 471. 7.

[43] P.I.R., 1300. 2.

[44] Admiral Dewey's testimony, from which I quote extracts, will

be found in Senate Documents, Vol. 25.57 Congress, 1st session,

pp. 2928, 2941.

[45] P.I.R., 1300.2.

[46] P.I.R., 1300.2.

[47] Taylor, 4 MG., E.

[48] Report of the Philippine commission to the President. January 31,

1900. Vol. I, p. 121.

[49] P.I.R., 396. 3.

[50] Ibid., 396. 3.

[51] P.I.R., 461.4.

[52] "My Dear Brother: I inform you that we arrived here in Cavite

at eleven o'clock and disembarked at four o'clock in the afternoon

after our conference with the American Admiral. Everything appears

to be favourable for obtaining our independence. I cannot say more

on that subject as it would take too long.

"I have no other object in writing this except to ask you and your

companions to meet at once and arrange the best way to entrap all the

enemy in your town, employing deceit, for instance, make a present

of whatever you think best to the chiefs successively and then

at once enter the houses and attack them, or if not this, do what

you think best. Show valor and resolution, brothers, the hour has

arrived for the Philippines to belong to her sons and not to them,

only one step and we shall reach Independence; be constant, brothers,

and be united in feelings, do not imitate those who show two faces,

whatever such people do sooner or later they will be slaves. Respect

foreigners and their property, also enemies who surrender.

"I want you to know that in respect to our conduct I have promised

the American Admiral and other nations, that we shall carry on modern

war. Even if a Spaniard surrenders, he must be pardoned and treated

well and then you will see that our reputation will be very good in

all Europe which will declare for our Independence; but if we do not

conduct ourselves thus the Americans will decide to sell us or else

divide up our territory as they will hold us incapable of governing

our land, we shall not secure our liberty; rather the contrary;

our own soil will be delivered over to other hands.

"Therefore, my brethren, I urge that we strive to unite our efforts,

and let us fire our hearts with the idea of vindicating our

country. Many nations are on our side."--P.I.R., 12. 1.

[53] Mabini was a Tagálog paralytic of exceptional ability. In my

opinion he was the strongest man whom the revolution produced.

[54] P.I.R., 451. 1.

[55] Extract from the Journal of Simeon Villa.

"The memorable month of August, 1896, arrived. Aguinaldo was

'master' of the Cavite Lodge. Moreover, he was a member of

the 'Katipúnan' Society and the chief of the many members

who were in the pueblo of Cavite Viejo. What was to be

done? Aguinaldo, not knowing what to do, and mindful of the

fact that the curate there knew positively that he was not

only a mason, but also the chief of the Katipúnans of his

pueblo, considered it expedient on the night of August 29 to

at once call a meeting of all the compromised persons in his

town. Aguinaldo made clear to them their grave situation.

"They all agreed that on the following day Aguinaldo, their chief,

should make representations to the Governor of Cavite; so he went away

very early the following morning, presented himself to the governor,

and in the name of the people of Cavite Viejo offered him their

respects and their loyalty to Spain, at the same time requesting

him to condescend to send to his town a garrison of 100 men for

its security. The governor replied that he would first consult the

captain-general, and if the proposition was approved he would send

the garrison at once.

"As Aguinaldo was greatly beloved by the governor and his wife, they

offered him wine and sweetmeats. As soon as this was over he took

his leave and returned happy to his town. On arrival in the town

he assembled all the compromised persons and informed them of the

brilliant result of his efforts. Continuing, he told them that then was

the opportune moment for rising in arms against the Spaniards. To this

they unanimously replied by saying it was terrible, because no arms

were available, and that for this reason it would certainly prove to

be a disaster for them.

"But Aguinaldo, in company with his godfather, the lamented Candido

Tirona, insisted on convincing them with their strong arguments. They

made them understand that Spanish cruelty would annihilate them

without fail, and for no other reason than that they were members of

the Katipúnan.

"As it happened, at that very time there were two 'Guardia Civil'

soldiers in the court-house. So at about 2 o'clock in the morning,

Aguinaldo and Tirona went directly to the court-house. Arriving there,

these two determined insurgent chiefs intimated to the guards that

they should surrender their equipments. These replied that it was

impossible, and said they would die first. Instantly a struggle ensued

between the four men, which lasted nearly an hour. But it resulted in

favor of the insurgent chiefs who succeeded in taking the guns and

cartridges. Once in possession of these armaments, the two chiefs,

accompanied by a number of the town people, directed themselves to

the convent in order to capture the curate. Very unfortunately for

them, the curate was no longer there when they arrived; he had made

his escape. While the struggle was going on with the guards in the

court-house, he received the news and fled at once by embarking in

a native boat.

"The insurgent chiefs then returned to the court-house and immediately

prepared a communication to all the municipal captains in the provinces

of Cavite, Batangas and Laguna, inviting them to at once rise against

Spain, and stating that their own town of Cavite Viejo was already

freed from slavery.

"Each one of these communications was sent out by a mounted courier,

so that before the expiration of many hours all the towns in Cavite

Province were informed of what had taken place in Cavite Viejo.

"On the following day some of the towns took up arms. At the same

time Aguinaldo, in company with many people from his town, marched on

Imus in order to attack the Spanish troops who were there. When he

arrived in Imus the people of this town at once joined him and they

all went to the convent, in which were the friars and the soldiers

of the 'Guardia Civil.' Just as he arrived at the atrium of the

Church his companions did not wish to follow him, for fear that the

soldiers were occupying the church tower. So Aguinaldo advanced alone

until he reached the door of the convent. Once here, he called his

companions to aid him. But these were not so determined as he was,

and only about five responded. When these got to where Aguinaldo was,

he commenced breaking in the door which was soon open. They went

upstairs, but they found nobody, since the friars and soldiers had

crossed over to the treasury building.

"Aguinaldo's companions were now numerous, because the others followed

him when they saw that nothing happened to those who went up into

the convent; and all of these went immediately to the treasury

building, in which were the friars and soldiers whom they were

hunting. When they reached it they found the doors closed, so they

could not pass. Aguinaldo ordered the house burned. Those in hiding

inside the house were without any other remedy and had to surrender;

but meanwhile some of them had been burned to death, among these a

lieutenant of the 'Guardia Civil.' By this victory Aguinaldo succeeded

in taking 17 rifles and two 2 1/2 pounder guns."--P.I.R., 869.

[56] "My Beloved Countrymen: I accepted the agreement of peace

proposed by Don Pedro A. Paterno after his consultation with the

Captain-General of the islands (Philippines), agreeing in consequence

thereof to surrender our arms and disband the troops under my immediate

command under certain conditions, as I believed it more advantageous

for the country than to continue the insurrection, for which I had but

limited resources, but as some of the said conditions were not complied

with, some of the bands are discontented and have not surrendered

their arms. Five months have elapsed without the inauguration of

any of the reforms which I asked in order to place our country on

a level with civilized people--for instance, our neighbor, Japan,

which in the short space of twenty years has reached a point where

she has no reason to envy any one, her strength and ascendency being

shown in the last war with China. I see the impotence of the Spanish

Government to contend with certain elements which oppose constant

obstacles to the progress of the country itself and whose destructive

influence has been one of the causes of the uprising of the masses,

and as the great and powerful North American nation has offered its

disinterested protection to secure the liberty of this country, I again

assume command of all the troops in the struggle for the attainment

of our lofty aspirations, inaugurating a dictatorial government to be

administered by decrees promulgated under my sole responsibility and

with the advice of distinguished persons until the time when these

islands, being under our complete control, may form a constitutional

republican assembly and appoint a president and cabinet, into whose

hands I shall then resign the command of the islands.

"_Emilio Aguinaldo_.

Given at Cavite, May 24, 1898."--P.I.R. 206.6.

[57] "The great North American nation, the cradle of genuine liberty

and therefore the friend of our people oppressed and enslaved by

the tyranny and despotism of its ruler, has come to us manifesting a

protection as decisive as it is undoubtedly disinterested toward our

inhabitants, considering us as sufficiently civilized and capable of

governing ourselves and our unfortunate country. In order to maintain

this high estimate granted us by the generous North American nation

we should abominate all those deeds which tend to lower this opinion,

which are pillage, theft, and all sorts of crimes relating to persons

or property, with the purpose of avoiding international conflict

during the period of our campaign."--P.I.R., 43. 3.

[58] Of this extraordinary occurrence Taylor says:--

"Invitations to the ceremony of the declaration of independence

were sent to Admiral Dewey; but neither he nor any of his

officers were present. It was, however, important to Aguinaldo

that some American should be there whom the assembled people

would consider a representative of the United States. 'Colonel'

Johnson, ex-hotel keeper of Shanghai, who was in the

Philippines exhibiting a cinematograph, kindly consented to

appear on this occasion as Aguinaldo's Chief of Artillery and

the representative of the North American nation. His name does

not appear subsequently among the papers of Aguinaldo. It is

possible that his position as colonel and chief of artillery

was a merely temporary one which enabled him to appear in a

uniform which would befit the character of the representative

of a great people upon so solemn an occasion!"--Taylor, 26 A J.

[59] P.I.R., 451.4.

[60] P.I.R., 451.4.

[61] See p. 50.

[62] "They are aware that a Government has been established here from

the beginning: first the Dictatorial, and afterwards, when several

provinces had been freed from Spanish domination, there was implanted

in the same a proper organization, and thus a new Government was

established in the form best adapted to the principles of liberty;

but notwithstanding all this and in spite of their protestations of

friendship, they have always refused to recognize that government.

"The things they request involve the recognition of a right which we

cannot and ought not to grant, unless they recognize our Government

and unless the limits of the powers of both sides be defined. If they

wish us to recognize them in Cavite, let them recognize our rights

in Parañaque.

"The United States are our creditors more than any other nation;

not only are they due the gratitude of the Filipino people, but

also they should be allowed to profit by the advantages this people

can grant them without loss of our legitimate right to a free and

independent life. Therefore we are disposed to make a treaty or

convention with them. They will be no longer able to allege the

lack of national character, for in the near future there is to be

assembled the Revolutionary Congress composed of the Representatives

of the provinces.

"They should understand that they have come to make war on the

Spaniards; that the Filipinos have risen in arms against the same enemy

to achieve their liberty and independence; and that in consequence they

cannot exercise dominion over us without violation of international

law. If they persist in refusing to recognize our Government, we shall

see ourselves obliged to come to an agreement with any other government

that will consent to recognize us on friendly terms."--P.I.R., 58.

[63] Blount, p. 24.

[64] P.I.R., 416. 1.

[65] _Ibid._, 102. 5.

[66] Senate Document 208, 1900, p. 9.

[67] Taylor, 26 A J.

[68] P.I.R., 5. 10.

[69] "Going to Singapore, I had several interviews with the Consul of

the United States, Mr. Spencer Pratt, who informed me that the war was

directed against Spain only and that in addition your action in the

Philippines had as an object the independence of my beloved country.

"The Commander of the _MacCulloch_ telegraphed me also from Hongkong,

offering in the name of Commodore Dewey, to take me to Cavite, in

order to raise the Filipinos against Spain.

"Without any written treaty, counting only upon the sacred word of

American citizens, I went to Hongkong, embarked on the _MacCulloch_

and a few days later had the honor to make the acquaintance of the

victorious Commodore Dewey, who likewise informed me that he had

come to make war against Spain, that he had annihilated the fleet

of Admiral Montojo and that the United States desired to give the

Philippines their independence."--P.I.R., 441.2.

[70] P.I.R., 102. 1.

[71] P.I.R., Books C-1.

[72] P. 39.

[73] For J. M. Basa.

[74] P.I.R., 507-7.

[75] P.I.R., 477. 1.

[76] "Until the Philippine question is finally decided, you would do

well in not having any controversy with the Americans. After having

secured the extinction of Spanish control for good, you may then

liquidate accounts with the United States in the event that they wish

to control in the interior; but in the meantime, let what will occur,

do not allow yourself to have any controversy with them. Matters are

in a very delicate state at the present time."--P.I.R., 398. 3.

In a postscript to the same letter Bray says:--

"America is a great nation and does not wish that conditions be

dictated to her. I am more than ever convinced that you must be

patient and await what they propose, without opposing their wishes

and insanities, before the questions before the Paris Congress are

definitely settled and the islands ceded by Spain; then there would

still be time to show your teeth if they try to govern the country. I

would not object at present to them taking up their residence there

and acting in the capacity of guard for good government, placing

our trust for the future in Providence which will never abandon the

Philippines."--P.I.R.

[77] Blount, p. 283.

[78] _Ibid_., p. 283.

[79] See p. 74.

[80] "Both Spanish fleets had been destroyed and Spain had but one

left to protect her own coast cities. The death knell of her once

proud colonial empire had sounded. Decrepit as she was, she could not

possibly have sent any reinforcements to the Philippines. Besides,

the Filipinos would have 'eaten them up.'"--Blount, p. 127.

[81] P.I.R., 471.4.

[82] _Ibid_., 471.4.

[83] _Ibid_., 450. 2.

[84] P.I.R., 471.4.

[85] "You should not forget what I have stated at the beginning of this

letter; because I am of the opinion that those questions should be well

considered by all of you. If our people desire independence under the

American protectorate, it is necessary that our representatives to

the United States be given instructions as to the conditions which

we should grant to the United States. The peace negotiations are in

full blast, and it is probable that we will be rather late in sending

our representatives. Therefore, if you agree to independence under a

protectorate, you should recommend it at once. I leave it, however,

to your care, as you are better qualified than myself concerning the

conditions of our country."--P.I.R., 471.4.

[86] "My Dear Friend: ... The last telegrams from Europe which

Felipe will send you by this mail are alarming for our future. The

preliminaries of peace are announced. The demand of America is,

annexation of Porto Rico and the Ladrone Islands, independence of

Cuba under an American protectorate and an American coaling station

in the Philippines. That is, they will again deliver us into the hands

of Spain. On the other hand, all the powers will unite to prevent the

annexation of the Philippines, according to the telegrams of Regidor;

the American cabinet hesitates about including us in the negotiations

for peace from fear of a conflict with us and the Filipinos in Europe

advise us to send a message to America giving our unconditional

adhesion. If events will be what these telegrams indicate, we have a

dark and bloody future before us. To be again in the hands of Spain

will mean a long and bloody war, and it is doubtful whether the end

will be favourable to us. The treaty of peace sanctioned by the other

powers will assure the dominion of Spain. Spain free from Cuba and

her other colonies will employ all her energy to crush us and will

send here the 150,000 men she has in Cuba. I do not think that the

Filipinos will again submit to their tyrants and there will be a long

and bloody war. And on account of the treaty the other powers will

aid Spain to completely dominate us and place all possible obstacles

in our way to prevent shipment of arms and all kinds of revolutionary

labours. In view of all this and bearing in mind the present urgency

of the matter, it is necessary for that government to establish and

publish its policy. We believe that the best for us and the only

feasible one, if we want to establish negotiations with America,

is independence under an American protectorate."--P.I.R., 453.3.

[87] "The policy which you will pursue in the United States is the

following one:--

"Make them understand that whatever may be their intention towards us,

it is not possible for them to overrule the sentiments of the people

represented by the government, and they must first recognize it if

we are to come to an agreement. Still do not accept any contracts

or give any promises respecting protection or annexation, because we

will see first if we can obtain independence. This is what we shall

endeavour to secure; meanwhile, if it should be possible to do so,

still give them to understand in a way that you are unable to bind

yourself but that once we are independent, we will be able to make

arrangements with them."--P.I.R., Books C-1.

[88] P.I.R., 5. 7.

[89] In a letter written on that date to Agoncillo he says:--

"Notwithstanding, I enclose you the credentials as requested; thereby

you will see that in addition to your representing us at Washington,

you may assist the commission they have formed for the purpose of

determining the future condition of the Philippines.

"But you must act in such manner that they may not be able to say

that we have accepted the said commission, because it is my wish to

protect [protest? D. C. W.] at all times against their being charged

with determining our destiny. You must bear in mind that the policy of

the government is to obtain absolute independence, and if perchance

we should know by the course of events that such cannot be the case,

we will then think of protection or annexation."--P.I.R., Books C-1.

[90] On August 30, 1898, Aguinaldo wrote Agoncillo:--

"It is said that General Merritt is going away to take part in the

work of the Commission. On this account it is important that you

proceed as quickly as possible to America, in order to know what

takes place. If perchance we should go back to Spanish control, ask

them to help us as the French helped them during their own revolution

and ask also the terms."--P.I.R., Books C--1.

[91] Taylor, 18 AJ.

[92] See p. 61.

[93] _Ibid_.

[94] Some time during August, 1898, Sandico wrote a letter to Aguinaldo

of which the postscript reads as follows:--

"P.S.--If you think of appointing me as Delegate to Manila, please

send me my credentials. There are also annexationists here [_i.e._,

in Manila.--D. C. W.]."--P.I.R., 416. 3.

[95] Now Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippine

Islands. He is a man of excellent character, high attainments and

great ability. He held important legal positions under the Spanish

government. In October, 1898, he was appointed Secretary of Foreign

Relations of the "Philippine Republic," but never served as such

officer. He was given the degree of Doctor of Law by Yale University

in 1904.

[96] Dr. T. H. Pardo de Tavera, one of the most brilliant living

Filipinos. He had spent many years in Paris, was a talented physician,

and under American rule served for more than seven years as a member

of the Philippine Commission.

[97] Taylor, 55 AJ.

[98] Taylor, 26 AJ.

[99] Senate Documents, Vol. 25, Fifty-seventh Congress, First Session,

p. 2969.