Note 3 — NAUTICAL SCHOOL

This is the oldest educational institution of the Philippines under the supervision of the Bureau of Education. The building of the school was destroyed by the earthquake of 1863. A nautical school was opened by the American government in Manila, December 15, 1899, with an enrolment of 22 pupils, and under the superintendency of Lieut. Commander V. S. Cottman, U.S.N., who was assisted by three instructors. He was relieved by Lieut. George F. Cooper, December 25, 1899. The course of instruction was at first for three years. At the beginning of the new term in June, 1900, four more instructors were appointed. There were five instructors at the opening of the first term in 1901. The instruction was first in Spanish, but for the sake of greater efficiency English was substituted. In July, 1901, the school opened with 83 pupils. In October, 1901, the course was extended to four years. The studies include English, mathematics, history, drawing, mechanics, and practical seamanship. The method of instruction and discipline are based upon those of the United States Naval Academy. The building, although well equipped in many ways, is not itself adequate for the purpose for which it is used. The school has not attained the excellence desired, due in part to the irregular attendance and lack of discipline, although attendance continues to increase. See Report of the Commissioner of Education (Department of the Interior), 1901, ii, pp. 1421–1423, and 1902, ii, pp. 2244–2246; Report of the Philippine Commission, 1900, i, p. 39, ii, p. 473, 1900–1903, p. 271, 1904, iii, pp. 826, 827, and 888, 889; and Census of Philippines, iii, pp. 663, 664.

The Philippine budget for 1880–81 included 4,397.33 pesos for the staff of the nautical academy, and those of painting and designing, history and bookkeeping, and the botanical garden; and 7,786.32 pesos for equipment. See Sanciano y Goson’s Progreso de Filipinas (Madrid, 1881), pp. 23, 24. ↑