The Philippines by R. A. Caldwell

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Aug 22, 1912

The Philippines

By R. A. Caldwell

R. A. CALDWELL

BATANGAS, the capital of the province of the same name, is quite up to date, in that it has cinematographs, ice, electric plants, and hotels; soldiers also are in evidence. It is four hours by train from Manila, and is on the coast.

During my four years on the islands I have canvassed in eleven provinces. In this province [Batangas] I find considerable resemblance to California, both in its formation and in fertility. The land is rolling, and adapted for general agriculture. Sugar, hemp, and tobacco are the principal products, though large quantities of oranges also are grown. These are of an inferior grade, as they lack attention — as do almost all other things on the islands. In the coffee days, during the eighties, it was a rich section. Evidences of this are seen in the large two- and three-story houses now in neglect. Some fine horses and cattle are seen here. The altitude at the place of writing is 1,100 feet.

It has not been very encouraging for the book work; many are afraid to read any strange or new book. Still our few weeks' trip has not been a failure. Aside from my work, it gave my wife the distinction of being the only foreign lady in the town, and she was not neglected by the children and older inhabitants, who were curious to see her. These people, until a few months ago, had never seen a train, nor any of those evidences of civilization which attend the establishment of railway service.