Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 39, Number 85, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 June 1907 — Archbishop Harty [ARTICLE]

Archbishop Harty

Achbisbop Harty, of Manila,, who has been the Catholic head of the church in the Philippines for four years, says of the natives r - - “English is to be the language of the islands. Even the Spanish priests, even the most venerable, are learning It. Popular education was fairly well provided for before the American occupation; but the American government has greatly improved the primary school system, and has done a vast deal of good by impressing on the. natives the dignity of labor. The people are of good Intellectual capacity. They remain deeply religious. Parental authority Is piously respected. The home life is pure and attractive. “It would be more than a mistake Jo abandon the islands. It would be nothing short of a burning disgrace. It would be a shame. The brightest page in American history will be that recording the operations of this government In the Philippines. My belief is that In time the Filipinos may turn Japan to Christianity. These Philippines are the pearl of the Orient Just think—sir million Christians In, \vC may say, the heart of Asia! I believe that the Filipinos will finally convert the Japanese, and the Japanese will in due time convert Asia.” The only dianger to the country now is from professional revolutionists, who If not repressed would be bloody anarchists. The best element of the Filipinos respect and admire the United States.