Dean C. Worcester writes about the immense administrative challenge of governing the diverse non-Christian tribes of the Philippine Islands after the American occupation. He poses the core problem of how to replace centuries of neglect, exploitation, and brutal tribal warfare with effective civil order, law, and fundamental education without resorting to destruction. The argument develops through detailed first-person accounts of dangerous explorations into unknown mountain and jungle territories occupied by groups like the Ifugaos, Kalingas, Bontoc Igorots, and Moros.
Worcester details the systematic implementation of practical solutions, starting with the load-bearing principle that infrastructure must precede civilization. By constructing low-grade horse trails and roads, the administration opened isolated regions to trade, health care, and education. He shows how physical communication allowed officials to replace tribal head-hunting with athletic competitions and peaceful trade, while introducing industrial training, agriculture, and sanitation.
The narrative covers the stark contrast between the progress achieved in the special government provinces, such as the Mountain Province and Bukidnon, and the ongoing struggles within the Moro Province and Christian-administered regions. Worcester analyzes the deep-seated cultural and religious divides, particularly the fanatical resistance of the Moros and the persistent exploitation of hill tribes by lowland Filipino politicians. He exposes the failure of unmonitored local governance to protect vulnerable populations from peonage and robbery.
Key characters include dedicated governors and lieutenant-governors like Jeff D. Gallman, Walter F. Hale, and Manuel Fortich, whose personal courage, fairness, and firm adherence to promises won the fierce loyalty of former savages. Worcester highlights the remarkable metamorphosis of native tribesmen who transitioned from head-hunters into industrious farmers, skilled builders, and loyal constabulary soldiers through direct personal engagement and mutual respect.
The text concludes with a strong warning regarding the future of the region. Worcester gently hints at the impending peril of abandoning these fragile civilizing structures, arguing that the premature withdrawal of American oversight would leave the industrious hill tribes completely defenseless against the renewed expansion of the Moros and the continued oppression of lowland politicians.
