In view of the probability that American occupation would continue for a long period, the existence or non-existence near Manila of an extensive highland region with a temperate climate became a question of great practical importance.

I therefore caused search to be made in the Spanish archives to see what, if any, reliable information was available, and to my great satisfaction unearthed a detailed report made by a committee of three distinguished and competent Spanish officers who had spent some weeks at Baguio in the _comandancia_ of Benguet, during which period they had made six temperature observations daily, had tramped over the neighbouring country very thoroughly, had located a number of springs of potable water and determined their approximate flow, and in short had gathered a large series of very valuable data which more than bore out the statements of Senor Sanchez.
I found, furthermore, that Spanish engineers had made a survey for a carriage road into this country, and had prepared a profile of it with estimates of the amount and cost of the necessary excavation and other work.
While in Washington during the winter of 1899-1900, I brought this matter to the attention of Secretary Root.

Just as the second Philippine Commission was filing out of his office, after receiving its instructions, he called out to us directing that we look into that Benguet matter, and if the facts proved to be as stated open up the country.
Mindful of these instructions the commission delegated General Luke E.Wright and myself to visit Benguet and familiarize ourselves with conditions by investigation on the ground.

General MacArthur was dubious when we expressed a desire to carry out the instructions of the secretary of war.

He told us that the country was very dangerous, doubtless confusing it with Bangued, the capital of Abra, near which there was at that time a strong and active Insurgent force.
We insisted on going, so he said that he would send a troop of cavalry with us, and he kept his word.