The people of the Philippines, their religious progress and preparation for spiritual leadership in the Far East,

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION-SPANISH PERIOD 323

and dogmatic and moral theology. In so far as political and
social studies were concerned, absolutely nothing was given
and clerics were even forbidden to acquire knowledge of this
character. Social education was unknown in these seminaries;
no consideration was given to the fact that clerics, on account
of their obligations and the constant intercourse they are
obliged to have with their parishioners, should be the best
educated men, with great knowledge of the world and of the
human heart."
"All these conditions," concludes Del Rosario, "tended to
make the system pursued in the University of Santo Tomas
and in other establishments of instruction under the direction
of the friars every day more disagreeable. Favoritism prevailed, and benefits and privileges of all kinds were granted
to the favorites. This protection was not based on justice,
nor was it a reward for virtue or merit. It was usually bestowed upon Spaniards or their sons, whom they considered
superior to the Filipinos, accentuating their difference for the
purpose of maintaining a constant state of division and enmity." And "although the Spanish government officially
recognized the diplomas of the young men who had graduated with the academic degree, or as lawyers, physicians, pharmacists, notaries, etc.... there were but few at that time
who were able to pursue their professions in the official position. It appeared that the doors of the public offices were
closed to every one who held a university degree. This was
the case with those who obtained the title of notary, since for
a period of eight years they were not permitted to hold any
office. This was also the case with graduates of law, to whom
the promise had been made that they would be permitted to
hold half the offices connected with the service of public prosecution; there were however very few Filipinos who obtained
these positions, and most of them were appointed only temporarily. A similar thing occurred with the physicians from
the University of Manila [Santo Tomas]. It had been
ordered that one-half the number of positions of official physicians should be given to Filipinos, but, nevertheless most
of the places were given to Spanish doctors, either those from