A Jesuit Scientist

New Zealand Tablet, 14 March 1912, Page 49

A Jesuit Scientist

The fortunes of war (says a writer in theTF estern Watchman ) have played some singular tricks with the career of Father Jose Algue. of the Society of Jesus. As a result of our victory over Spain, he found himself deprived of his Spanish citizenship, and at present, in accordance with a request presented by the Philippine Commission, Congress has under consideration a Bill whereby he will bo enrolled among the citizens of our own country. . , i - Before our agreement with Spain, Father Algue had rendered himself invaluable to the Spanish Government of the Philippines by his splendid work in the Observatory at Manila. ■ The importance of this post is not easily comprehended by us Americans It means a great deal in the Philippines, where typhoons, monsoons, earthquakes, and other violent disturbances are of -familiar experience. By careful observance of the phenomena connected with these terrible havoc-makers, Father Algue has reduced them to a science, and is able to fortell their coming and their paths with great accuracy. i He watches untiringly for the first indications of danger ; then up goes the warning signal Jon the Manila Observatory and, when that signal appears, no captain dare take his ship out of the harbor. ..’ Neighboring,ports likewise have the advantage of Father Algue’s prognostications, and have learned how prudent it is to act upon them. Sometimes the warning has been suffered to pass unheeded, but the result forbids the repetition of the folly. A case in point is the recent Taal volcanic . calamity, where 2000 people perished miserably. The list of fatalities would have been considerably curtailed, if not wiped out, > had the people listened to the warning voice from Manila. Hong Kong had a somewhat similar-- woeful experience, when, some-'years ago. Father i Algue gave ample notification

of an approaching ■■ tidal wave little attention was paid /to his prediction, and the consequence was the terrible ■ disaster in which thousands of Europeans and Chinese | lost their lives. „ N - *' . Besides the inestimable work he has done in saving life and : property, Father Algue has proved himself a progressive scientist. To him the scientific world owes the bulk of its information regarding- the Philippines. With his clerical associates he has invented or improved many instruments of great value in meteorological investigations. - During the Spanish war, , Father Algue was in a unique position. While Admiral Dewey's fleet was blockading the harbor of Manila and the combined American and Filipino forces were investing the city, he remained unflinchingly at his post despite the singing bullets and bursting shells which at intervals disturbed the scientific quiet of the Observatory grounds. When Uncle Sam had triumphed • and the other Spanish officials sailed away, he and his staff quietly continued their labors for the benefit of humanity and the advancement of science. He was soon appointed Director . of the Philippine Weather Bureau and has since held that important post. By his zeal, efficiency, and affability the learned Jesuit has gained the respect and esteem of every American from the Governor-General down, and has contributed not a little to create . more cordial relations between the resident Spaniards and the Americans. ,: . '•' . : .

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