I have quoted thus at length from communications of a distinguished British medical officer, of a well-known and able special student of tropical diseases, and of the ranking United States army surgeon in the islands to show the consensus of opinion among experienced experts as to the necessity of hill stations in the tropics.  I might give numerous additional similar opinions of equally competent men but will only add two more statements of Major Ashburn, the latter of which seems to me admirably to sum up the situation:—­

So firm is my belief in the efficacy of the place that I have at considerable expense kept my two sons in school there, instead of keeping them at home in Manila at no expense for schooling, and so satisfactory has been the result in normal, vigorous growth and robust health for both boys, that I consider the money so spent about the best investment I have ever made.

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I state all this to show the faith that is in me.  To experience Baguio and to see the rapid improvement of visitors there is to be convinced that it is a delightful and beneficial climate.  To appreciate the full degree of its delights it is only necessary to compare in one’s own experience (not in weather reports) a hot season in Manila and one there.  To appreciate its benefits it is necessary to compare in one’s own experience (not in statistics) the appearance of health of the people seen at the two times and places.  As recent work on beri-beri has clearly shown the vast importance in diet of substances formerly not known to have any importance, so, I think, are the factors in climate not to be recorded by wind gauges, thermometers or other meteorological instruments, and factors in health and efficiency not recorded in books on physiology, bacteriology, pathology or health statistics.”

Let no one think that the summer capital of the Philippines has been built solely for the benefit of Americans.  The Filipinos need it almost as much as we do, and many of them profit by the change with extraordinary promptness.

It is really almost incredible that such a place should exist within eight hours’ travel of Manila, and every possible victim of tuberculosis in the islands, which means every inhabitant of the lowlands, has a right to demand that it should be made, and kept, readily accessible.  Existing accommodations are nothing like adequate for the crowds which desire to take advantage of them during the season.  Hotels are filled to overflowing.  There are always several different applicants for each government cottage.  Many persons who would be glad to spend the hot months in the Benguet mountains find it impossible to do so, because they cannot obtain accommodation, and at present many more are obliged to shorten their stay in order to give others a chance.