Page:A Sailor Boy with Dewey.djvu/9

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PREFACE.


"A Sailor Boy with Dewey," while a complete story in itself, forms the second volume of a line of works issued under the general title of the "Flag of Freedom Series."

In writing this tale of adventure I had in mind to acquaint our boys with something of the strange sights and scenes which come to light daily in Uncle Sam's new possessions in the far East, or far West, as you will. The Philippines are but little understood by the average reader, and if I have served to make the picture of them a little clearer my object will have been accomplished.

Some may argue that the adventures introduced in the volume are overdrawn, but I can assure all that the incidents are underdrawn rather than otherwise. Many savage and barbarous natives still inhabit the Philippines, and to bring these people to genuine civilization will take many years of patient labor and encouragement. In the past Spain had accomplished something, but not much; what our own nation will do remains still to be seen. Let us hope for the best.

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