1912 Watch Tower - A2Z.org

UNITED STATES TREATING FILIPINOS AS AN ELDERBROTHERTo give an idea of the progress made, we note thefact that at a meeting addressed by Pastor Russell therewere present about 1,000 Filipino young men, ages from18 to 30, who understand English, and who gave the veryclosest attention. Following the address some 300 applicationsfor literature were voluntarily handed to PastorRussell. This is in keeping with the general manifestationof this people for knowledge along every line. Anotherindication of their progress was manifested recently. Aproposal was made that a Y.M.C.A. for Filipinos beestablished. The American Central Committee made anoffer of $140,000, provided the Filipinos of Manila themselveswould raise $80,000. The amount was more thansubscribed--$100,000 was contributed.To our surprise, the Governor General and others assuredus that all of these improvements are being madeby the Filipinos themselves--at their own cost. TheUnited States Government merely supervises the matterthrough its representatives. The judges, physicians,nurses, teachers, schools, are all paid for out of Filipinofunds under our Government's wise and economical managementof their affairs; as an elder brother doing for ayounger. We felt proud indeed of the record. Whenwe contrasted the results here manifested and the benevolentmethods used with the selfish exploiting practicesonly too common, we thanked God that whatever theblemishes of our Government and whatever its shortcomings,it has a record for justice second to none ever madein this world's history, and that without hypocrisy.This fairness manifested by our Government is tellingupon the Filipinos, who at first misunderstood. It is alsoinfluencing the large number of Chinese residing there.Indeed, the whole world is taking notice; but alas! wefear that no colonizing nation is ready to follow the example.The peoples of the Orient are practical and nothingcould much more commend to them the principles ofChristianity than our Government's course. Quite to thecontrary, the operations and exploitations of Europeangovernments have given the missionaries a very uphillwork in what they have sought to do. The very fact thatthese exploiting governments have backed up and protectedR5012 : page 132the missionaries has had, we believe, an influencederogatory to missions.THE MALAY PENINSULAYour Committee visited Singapore and Penang andhad interesting and profitable experiences. The greatestmissionary effort in both places appeared to be underMethodist control. The work being done in these two