Biographies of Early Scientists in the Philippines Electronic version of Scientists in the Philippines Vols 1-2 First published by the National Science Development Board, 1976, 1978 Edited by Cymbeline R. Villamin H. Otley Beyer: Father of Philippine Anthropology Science and Technology Information Institute DOST Complex General Santos Avenue Bicutan Taguig Metro Manila Philippines [email protected] Copyright © 2004 by Science and Technology Information Institute About this eBook Biographies of Early Scientists in the Philippines 2004 edition is published in electronic format by the Information Resources and Analysis Division - Science and Technology Information Institute (IRAD-STII). The print versions, edited by Miguel Ma. Varela and Marcelino A. Foronda Jr. were published in 1976 and 1978 by National Science Development Board (NSDB) then under Minister Melecio S. Magno. Minister Magno hoped the book will contribute to the growing body of science literature. NSDB was the forerunner of the present Department of Science and Technology under Secretary Estrella F. Alabastro. In consonance with the mandate of STII to lead in the dissemination of S&T information, this book is produced in digital format. Jose L. Guerrero Director Science and Technology Information Institute (STII) Biographies of Early Scientists in the Philippines Edited by Cymbeline R. Villamin Copyright © 2004 by Science and Technology Information Institute All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from the Science and Technology Information Institute. Contents Vol. 1 Jose Algue Sanllei (1856-1930) Fernando Calderon (1866-1948) Isabelo Concepcion Paul C. Freer Leon Ma. Guerrero Richard Crittendon McGregor (1871-1936) Elmer D. Merrill (1876-1956) Anacleto Sales Otto Schobl (1917-1938 Marcos A. Tubangui (1893-1949) Vol. 2 H. Otley Beyer (1883-1966) Emilio Erquiza Bulatao (1862-1961) Edwin Copeland (1873-1964) Leopoldo A. Faustino (1892-1935) Proceso Gabriel (1887-1935) Bienvenido Maria Gonzales (1893-1953) Luis Ma. Guerrero (1874-1950) Manuel S. Guerrero (1877-1958) Manuel Luz Roxas (1887-1958) Honoria Acosta-Sison (1887-1970) Volume 1 Jose Algue Sanllei, S.J. (1856-1930) His courage and his tact defended the scientific establishment entrusted to his administrative abilities and won for him the admonition and respect of his contemporaries. For this, if for nothing else, he recognition of his skilled greatness and prominence is well deserved. But history demands that we render a man his full measure of recognition, and Jose Algue in focus projects an excellence in scientific skill and leadership as well. On January 29, 1879, exactly a week after a death of Federico Faura, S. J. a new director of the Manila Observatory was appointed, the forty-one year old Jose Algue, S. J. This directorship came in the midst of tension and bloodshed. The entire archipelago was going through the throes of a bloody revolution that was to culminate in the transition of sovereignty from Spain to the United States of America. In barely fifteen more months the naval artillery of the American Fleet was to destroy the Spanish squadron off Cavite and assume control of all of Manila Bay. At the time, the observatory occupied a site in the district of Ermita, an unfortified section outside Intramuros, and in direct line of possible attack against the heart of Manila. As hostilities worsened, the Jesuit community was forced to seek refuge in the Ateneo de Manila, within the Walled City but Father Algue, convinced of the general advantage of sustained weather forecasting decided to remain with the Observatory. By then there was more than a scientific reason to compel him to stay. The street in form of the Observatory had just been named Calle Padre Faura, in honor of his mentor and brother an arms whom he admired and respected. He would not abandon the work so dear to Faura’s heart. Six other Jesuits stayed behind in Ermita, Fr. Marcial Sola, recently appointed assistant director in charge of seismology; Fr. John Doyle, sub-director; and four lay brothers. By this time the American firing lines were closing in from the South. As it turned out neither the Filipino insurgents nor the American infantry modested anything. In fact, the Observatory became a refugee center for some fifteen hundred of more residents of the neighborhood. As a result, almost all the naval officers of foreign ships marooned in Manila Bay during the blockade of the city of Manila… (May 1 to August 13, 1898) visited the Observatory in open appreciation for its courageous services. One practiced result of those visits was the commendation and assurance, from Rear-Admiral Dewey himself, of immunity from naval bombardment. In November of that same year, an interview was arranged between Admiral Dewey and Fr. Algue through the efforts of professor Becker an American geologist and friend of Dewey. The meeting was highly successful. The Admiral not only agreed to protect the Jesuit missionaries of Mindanao, but also approved the idea of maintaining the Observatory as the government entity that it had been during the Spanish regime. In fat, it was the tact and confidence of Director Algue that saved the Observatory from the adversities of war and political chaos of the day, at the same time, upholding its high level of scientific competence. In 1899, the Schurman Commission arrived in the Philippines to gather first-hand information about the archipelago and make recommendations for the creation of a form of government adapted to the requirements and needs of the country. This commission had been created by order of President McKinley on January 20, 1899 and included Jacob G. Schurman, Admiral Dewey, Major General Elwell S. Otis. Charles Denby, and Dean C. Worcester. The last two members were especially impressed by the activities of the observatory and required Father Algue to draw up organizational plans for presentation to the President of the United States. Denby and Worscester suggested an independent Philippine Meteorological Service with Fr. Algue as director and the Manila Observatory at the central office or Weather Bureau, May 22, 1901 saw the birth of this Weather Service. While in Washington, D.C., Fr. Algue not only made the representations planned by the Schurman Commission but also found time to edit El Archipelago Filipino and the Atlas de Filipinas. Published by the Government Printing Office, the data and information contained in there works were reproduced at Parts III and IV of the report of the Schurman Commission. The two publications carry immensely valuable information on the geography, history, ethnology, culture, and the more updated researches on climatology, seismology, and terrestrial magnetism affecting the Philippines. The Atlas was also the first complete manual to be published on Philippine cartography. Momentarily, during the early part of the American occupation of the Islands an untoward situation placed Fr. Algue and his staff in a bad light. Since 1880 when the submarine cable had been completed between Manila and Hongkong, weather reports between the two cities were frequent. However, the German Director of the of the Hongkong Observatory, Wilhelm Doberck, from the time the assumed the position, tried to discredit the work of the Manila and Zikawei Observatories. The strained relations went on for almost twenty years, and reached a scandalous climax in March, 1899 when Doberck’s libelous accusations were directly communicated to the authorities in Washington, D.C. Fr. Algue soon received an order to cease all foreign meteorological notifications. Almost immediately, however, the Asian press, the commercial and maritime communities, and even the diplomatic corps came out in defense of the Manila Observatory and protested the imposed suspension of weather announcements. Doberck’s objectional assertions were critically disputed by the British colonial government, who at this point was regretfully embarrassed, if not infurnished, by the whole incident. Hence, the following communication was addressed to Fr. Algue: Manila, P.I. April 3, 1899 Father Jose Algue Director of the Manila Observatory Manila, P.I. Reverend Sir:- The Military Governor directs me to inform you that the following letter has been received referring to the prohibition enjoined upon you in the communication from the office of the Provost Marshal, February 27, 1899, not to send typhoon warning to Hongkong. Colonial Scretary’s Office Hongkong , 28 March 1899. Sir: - It having been brought to the attention of this government that in consequence of a request made by the Director of the Hong Kong Observatory to the Chief of the Weather Bureau, United States of America, His Excellency, the Military Governor in the Philippines, has ordered the discontinuance of the transmission of typhoon warnings from the Manila Observatory to Hong Kong, I am directed to state that the request of the Director of the Observatory in this Colony was unauthorized by this Government and that the mercantile community has intimated through the local chamber of Commerce their appreciation of the telegraphic warnings conveyed by the Manila Observatory and the extreme regret with which they would view their discontinuance. Under the circumstances I hope that the order for the discontinuance of meteorological intimations may be rescinded. I have the honor to be, Your obedient servant, (Signed) J. H. Stewart Lockhart Colonial Secretary To the Secretary of the Military Governor in the Philippines. The Military Governor desires me to say that it gives him pleasure to remove the cited prohibitions, and directs that you send out the typhoon warnings so much desired in Hong Kong as formerly and prior to February 27 last. Very respectfully, E. Otis Major and Inspector, U. S. V., Secretary. The storm of protests that this unpleasant incident aroused proved in no uncertain terms the confidence that the community, specially business and maritime, had in the scientific competence of the director and staff of the Manila Observatory.