Life — February 15, 1900 — page 14: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

ACS Settling a Problem. HERE is a touching simplicity in the suggostion made by President Schurman, of Cornell University, that the United States should undertake the conversion of the Filipinos from Roman Catholicism by “deciding beforehand on one form of Protestant Christianity,” and sending the missionaries of that favored creed—and no otbers—to our new possessions. This is one of those splendid 1deas—like **belling the cat" — the abstract wisdom of which is indisputable, and only the practical difficulties in the way prevent its immediate adoption. Who shall “decide beforehand” between the rival claimants? Is anyone in the world 80 guileless a8 to believe that ten churches will bold back, while the eleventh pitches in and wins—or loses? Is our Federal Government going to be 80 distinctly paternal as to assign one form of Protestantism, and one alone, to the Philippines ? Will the islands be knocked down to the highest Christian bidder, or will the churches draw lots, and abide by the decision of Providence? As faras wo can judge, the Filipinos—poor things—are tolerably content with the old-fashioned form of Christianity which is their birthright, Therefore, says President Schurman, it is our duty to present them with a sccond form, ‘so that they can take their choice.” But ho thinks that more than two will only puzzle aud confuse them. ‘This is possible, Perhaps, indeed, they are a trifle puzzled and confused already by the autocratic nature of our benevolence, and by the resolute fashion in which we have set to work to make them good and happy. Agnes ReppX OF course, it is inconceivable that the Anglo-Saxon race has bitten off more destiny than it can fulfill. Her INFANT Mind it shocks © find her mats APParently Gone out. without her SOX! comicbooks.com