The Philippine-American relations were possibly first substantiated by the resulting consequence of the Spanish-American War. On February 6, 1899, following, the ratification of the Treaty of Paris, the Philippine Islands was handed over by the Spaniards to the Americans after four centuries of colonization to honor the terms of their defeat in the war. All of a sudden, Americans were talking about the "splendid little war" and the heroics of Admiral Dewey in Manila Harbor. Indeed, at one point in American history, there was no other topic worthy of conversation but the acquisition of the Philippine Islands. It had been politically significant and major causes for debate prior to the signing of the treaty. America stood for freedom, not imperialism. Yet, here it was involved in a colonial experiment of sort, the very kind that this century-old nation broke its chains free off just over a hundred years ago.
What few Americans knew was that almost three decades ago prior to their newfound fascination of the newly acquired archipelago, one of their very own constituent of these United States has long engaged in forming its bond to the Philippines. Perhaps, in the realm of Philippine-American relations, there has never been a much deeper and purer ties than that of the State of Michigan, and in particular, the University of Michigan, and the Philippine Islands.
It all started in 1874 when Univeristy of Michigan zoology professor Joseph B. Steere made a stop at the Islands while embarking on an exploration of the remote areas of the world for the University Museum. What he found so impressed him that he came back in 1887 together with zoology students from the University. One member of the party was Dean Conant Worcester who eventually put together his own group of academic explorers. He studied the Philippine islands and its people extensively from 1890 to 1893. The three scientific explorations of the Philippines formed the foundation that cemented the ties between the Michiganians, The University of Michigan and the Philippine Islands which has not been severed to this day.
Upon the ratification of the Treaty of Paris, then President McKinley was said to have issued a statement that made clear of its honorable intent towards its new colony. In order for these honorable intentions to materialize, experts from many of the nation's colleges and universities were sought to give him advice. Dean Conant Worcester was on top of the list of Philippine experts. He was selected by President McKinley to be a member of the First Philippine Commission in 1899. As a result, the purely academic relations between Michigan and the Philippines embraced a new political angle. Dean C. Worcester served in the Philippines for a total of 14 years. He was reappointed to the Second Philippine Commission and he also served as Secretary of the Interior of the Philippine Insular Government and as Superintendent of Public Instruction.
