The Odyssey of the Philippine commission

Front matter

f

^ <5 oo

° "tl

Prefatory Note

TT7"ITH the exception of the final chapter, the ' ' story here told of the trip of the Philippine Commission to Manila, and the fragmentary account of its early work in the islands, are taken almost literally from letters written home at the time. For this reason some of the conclusions reached are doubtless subject to correction when judged by events. It is hoped, however, that this fault will be more than offset by the fact that such letters seek to portray a situation in the making, with something of the spontaneity which ever comes from a passing judgment. That the letters are now presented in this form is due largely to the partial criticism of friends, who profess to see in them something of interest and information to the general public. If further excuse be necessary, it is found in the circumstance that no book has yet appeared describing the establishment of civil government in the Philippines, nor conveying an adequate idea of the difficulties encountered and overcome by the Commission in its work. Our country was fortunate in having such statesmanlike men sent to meet and solve such big problems, and any contribution which will help our people to further realize and appreciate this fact, and at the same time deepen their interest in the welfare of our Filipino wards, cannot come amiss.

The Machinery in Motion ,