Returning now to the story of the growth of Baguio, the next step forward was the construction of an official residence for the governor-general, for which $15,000 were appropriated.  Mr. Forbes had not the slightest personal interest in this appropriation.  When it was made he had no knowledge of the fact that he was later to become governor-general, and his private Baguio residence was decidedly more comfortable and commodious than this official one.  His subsequent occupancy of the latter building involved a real personal sacrifice.

In 1908 a modern hospital and the governor-general’s residence were completed.  No other government official is furnished a free house.  All have to rent government cottages or stay at hotels, unless they choose to build for themselves.  The policy of giving the governor-general an official residence in Baguio is in accord with that which gives him one at Manila.

In April, 1908, there was opened a “Teachers’ Camp,” to which came American school teachers from all over the islands.  They were housed in a hundred and fifty tents, which were set up under the shade of the pine trees.  Larger tents served as kitchen, dining room, storehouse and recitation rooms, while a structure of bamboo and nipa palm, erected at a total cost of $150, was utilized for general assembly purposes.  Four talented lecturers were employed to instruct and entertain the teachers.  At one time there were a hundred and ninety persons in the camp.

The credit for initiating this very important move is due chiefly to William F. Pack, at that time governor of the province of Benguet, who strongly advocated bringing the teachers to Baguio, and did everything in his power to make the first assembly the great success which it was.

It has now become a fixed institution, and has accomplished untold good.  Americans who spend too many years in out-of-the-way municipalities of the Philippines without coming in contact with their kind are apt to lose their sense of perspective, and there is danger that they will grow careless, or even slovenly, in their habits.  It is of the utmost benefit for school teachers to get together once a year, learn of each other’s failures and successes, and profit by each other’s experiences, forget their troubles while engaging in healthful athletic sports, listen to inspiring and instructive discourses, and above all else benefit by open-air life in a temperate region.

The Teachers’ Camp is now a beautiful and attractive place.  A fine system of walks and drives make every part of it readily accessible.  It has an excellent athletic field.  The teachers live in tents, but good permanent buildings have been provided in which are located the mess, a social hall, recitation rooms, etc., and several comfortable cottages have been constructed for the use of visiting lecturers and others.  An outdoor amphitheatre which seats a thousand persons has been built at small expense by taking advantage of peculiarly favorable natural conditions.  Filipino teachers share the pleasures and benefits of the camp with their American associates, and the “assembly” certainly does great good.