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

414 THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES
It must be said in conclusion, (for we do not wish to follow the all-too-prevalent custom of exaggerating the vices
of the Filipinos), that none of the vices above enumerated,
excepting cockfighting, are as prevalent as they are in most
of the countries of Europe, and many of them are not as bad
as they are in America. This fact is no ground for complacency, however, in a land which aspires to become the
Christian model for the Orient.
A few years ago it was customary to endeavor to conceal
unpleasant facts, with the idea that they would interfere with
the campaign for independence. The era of concealment is
passing. The young generation wants to know the truth,
and when it comes into power it will be satisfied with no condition that is less than the best. The Filipinos are aiming,
not to be the replica of America nor of any other country,
but to be all the finest that their talents will permit them to
become.