In Baguio July 25-30, house hunting for next winter. Saw for the first time the interior of several houses there. These Americans may have known how to make money out here, but certainly not how to spend it. Stevenot’s is a really decent little cottage; as also are Stevenson’s and Kingcome’s (two Englishmen). On the whole, there is probably no nation except possibly the Norwegians so totally devoid of taste and comfort in their homes as the Baguio Americans. Perhaps this is due to the “temporary” psychology of those who are making fortunes out of shoes, lumber etc., and are investing nothing in the country, always ready for instant flight when the daily dire prophecies of the Bulletin come true. They have been poised on tiptoe for a dash home every moment for the past 30 years!
Typhoon for two days–temperature 62°. It is more agreeable in Baguio when it is empty. Drive back down the Benguet Cañon with six landslides temporarily blocking the road;–enormous boulders had fallen from the cliffs above. This road should never have been built, since a fraction of the money spent on bridges in the lowlands, and on the old Spanish trail via Naguilian would have served the purpose far better. We built the Naguilian road in 1914 to have an alternative access to Baguio if Benquet road washed out again.
During the week, the Ship of State has lain in the doldrums with sails flapping in idleness. Lots of talk. An effort is being made by Quezon to get his taxation measures through the Assembly. Bombardment of the City Council of Manila by all the papers. The usual suspension and punishment of provincial and municipal officials here and there is going on. Constant press criticism of the number of “advisers” and “technicians” at Malacañan. I must get out of it as gracefully as possible–certainly when my year is up.
Vacation visit of two delegations from Japan have arrived, including eight members of their House of Peers.
Reception at the Swiss Club August 1st on their national holiday; lots of generals present–American and Filipino.