ELLA L. FINSTER by Ella L. Finster

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 29, 1909

ELLA L. FINSTER

By Ella L. Finster

From Australia to the Philippines

ELLA L. FINSTER

WE arrived at Townsville early in the morning, and were taken ashore about 9 A. M. by the government launch. From the boat the town looks very small; and we were therefore much surprised to find so many shops and so much business at this place. As the town is shut in from the sea by the hills and mountains, it does not get the benefit of the sea-breezes, and thus becomes very hot. The people seemed tired, and colorless except for the tan that comes from the tropical sun. The little children looked so thin and pale that one could not help wishing they might have a change to some cooler climate for a short time. We spent about three hours ashore, and were glad to be on the water once more, where the welcome breezes made us think that there could be more unpleasant places than the great, boundless sea.

We made a very pleasant run to Thursday Island. Some of the time we were very close to land, and at one place we were near enough to see the houses and cocoanut-palms of northern Queensland. This place is a pretty little spot, where a descendant of Captain Cook built a house.

We did not go ashore at Thursday Island, but used our eyes to as much advantage as we could. On one island four wrecks that lay upon the shore testified to the strength of wind and waves. I could not help noticing the “white men” of this place who work on the boats. They were as brown as any Malay. I certainly do not wonder that generation after generation of people turn brown or black in the tropics.

We had a very pleasant sail from Thursday Island to Manila, a run of

seven days. For nearly a week we had cloudy weather and sometimes heavy rains. This was very pleasant on the whole, as it made the atmosphere cool and refreshing. Only occasionally did we see land until we reached the southern end of the Philippines.

One morning I awoke to find, on looking out of my window, that we were near land, and that there were native houses along the beach, with rows of neatly planted cocoanut-palms. I soon went out on deck, and found that we were near a town of which the native houses were the outskirts. Mr. Finster directed my attention to a fine building farther on. To my great surprise I saw the stars and stripes floating upon the breeze. It was Zamboanga on the island of Mindanao. Here the government has a capitol, and schools, and an army corps is stationed there.

The people on this island are fanatical Mohammedans, who on hearing that the Americans were in the Philippines, sent an invitation to the latter to come down and fight them. They had been able to drive away every invader up to that time, and expected to do so again. The second day after the army landed, it had to fight. The Moros charged three times in the face of the batteries before they wavered. Two thousand Moros and two hundred fifty of the American soldiers were killed. Since then the Moros will kill whenever they get a chance. They are very savage, but some of them will yet be gathered to share a home in the many mansions.

An hour before midnight on December 17 we reached Manila Bay, and at one o’clock were just outside the breakwater. There we remained until morning. A notice told us that all must be ready for the doctor at six in the morning. This was not a very troublesome ordeal. The ship’s doctor could give a good report, so the passengers merely had to make their appearance to show that their numbers corresponded with the list, and that none were confined to their beds. Passing the customs was just as easy as passing the doctor. The custom officials are very courteous, and make it a rule to delay passengers just as little as possible.

We were pleased to meet Brother R. A. Caldwell once more after so long a separation. He came early to the boat and gave us a surprise, as we did not expect him so soon. We found both Brother and Sister Caldwell in good health, though this climate has made its impressions upon them to some extent. Of our ride through Manila, and of the sights, people, etc., we will tell you later.

We are grateful for our Father’s protection and a part in the work. We have commenced the study of the language, and trust that we may be remembered in this part of our work, that we may soon be able to speak to this people in their own tongue the words of life. Mr. Finster has started to hold studies with the English-speaking natives.

Manila.