Third and last of the series Rodney Sullivan writes in his book, Exemplar of Americanism (University of Michigan, 1991) that Worcester was an overachiever, a major architect of early American colonial policy, served longer and exerted more influence than any other Philippine Commissioner, introduced scientific practices in numerous government offices, participated ferociously in the colonial debates, encouraged the establishment of a hill station, at Baguio. He was also a highly opinionated, overbearing arrogant bully, detested by Philippine nationalists.
In many ways Worcester typified the American colonial mission. He was talented, pragmatic, tireless, unquestioning, and ruthless in the pursuit of what he considered right. Heralded for nearly two decades as America’s foremost expert on the Philippines, he was scathingly critical of Filipino society and its values, unable to comprehend the validity of a culture that did not conform to an American ideal. Described by more than one of his countrymen as an ‘exemplary’ of Americanism, a colonial statesman making ‘lasting contributions to mankind,’ from the Filipino perspective he represented merely the ‘immovable column’ of a
Sullivan’s book was reviewed in 1992 by Miguel A Bernad, S.J., Editor of Kinaadman, A Journal of the Southern Philippines. Here are excerpts , sub-titled The Imperial Designer:
“But Worcester’s greatest influence was felt during the 13 years (1900-1913) as a member of the Second Philippine Commission that held both legislative and executive powers. He occupied the key post of Secretary of the Interior that gave him control over a very wide field, including public health, science, agriculture, natural resources, and non-Christian tribes. While justly critical of Worcester’s abrasive methods Sullivan does mention some of his solid and very important achievements.
He was responsible for the establishment of the Philippine General Hospital, and the Philippine (now the U.P.) school of medicine.
With the defeat of the Republicans in the 1912 elections, Worcester saw the probability of his being ousted from his very powerful position in the Philippine government. He submitted his resignation in June 1913 and became an employee of the American-Philippine Corporation organized to exploit Philippine resources. At the same time he launched a vigorous campaign against Philippine Independence. The objective of the campaign was to convince the American people that the Filipinos were not ready for independence.”
In the process he collected many admirers and many enemies. “To many Filipinos, on the other hand, Worcester was the exemplar of ‘Americanism’ in its ugliest and most objectionable features… The Worcester policy of course was American imperialism pure and simple, and Filipinos had a right to condemn it. On the other hand, in trying to implement that policy, Worcester did bring lasting benefits to the country.”
Baguio benefited. Baguio honored him by being named a Baguio Builder.
Some of Worcerster's published works are:
Villaverde, Juan Fernandez. 1909. The Ifugaos of Quiangan and Vicinity. Translated and edited by Dean C. Worcester. Philippine Journal of Sciences, vol. 4 (A), No.4:237-262
Head-hunters of northern Luzon. National Geographic Magazine 1912
Field sports among the wild men of Northern Luzon. National Geographic Magazine 1911
The non-Christian Peoples of the Philippine Islands. National Geographic Magazine 1913
The Philippine Islands and their people. Macmillan 1899
The Philippine Islands and Their People 1898
The Non-Christian Tribes of Northern Luzon 1906
The Philippines Past and Present two volumes, 1913
One Year of the New Era 1914
Field sports among the wild men of Northern Luzon 1911
Slavery and peonage in the Philippine Islands 1913
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