The Project Gutenberg eBook ofThe Philippine IslandsThis ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online atwww.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.Title: The Philippine IslandsAuthor: Ramon Reyes LalaRelease date: May 17, 2013 [eBook #42726]Most recently updated: October 23, 2024Language: EnglishCredits: Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Online DistributedProofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net/ for ProjectGutenberg (This file was produced from images generouslymade available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS ***
This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online atwww.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.
Title: The Philippine IslandsAuthor: Ramon Reyes LalaRelease date: May 17, 2013 [eBook #42726]Most recently updated: October 23, 2024Language: EnglishCredits: Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Online DistributedProofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net/ for ProjectGutenberg (This file was produced from images generouslymade available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
Title: The Philippine Islands
Author: Ramon Reyes Lala
Author: Ramon Reyes Lala
Release date: May 17, 2013 [eBook #42726]Most recently updated: October 23, 2024
Language: English
Credits: Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Online DistributedProofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net/ for ProjectGutenberg (This file was produced from images generouslymade available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS ***
The Philippine IslandsRamon Reyes LalaSignature of Ramon Reyes LalaOriginal Title Page.The Philippine IslandsByRamon Reyes LalaA Native of ManilaIllustratedMDCCCXCIXContinental Publishing Company25 Park Place, New YorkCopyright 1898ByContinental Publishing Co.The Philippine IslandsTORear-Admiral Dewey,WHOSE RECENT GREAT VICTORY OVER THESPANISH FLEETHAS BEGUN A NEW ERA OF FREEDOM AND PROSPERITYFOR MY COUNTRY,AND TOPresident McKinley,IN WHOSE HAND LIES THE DESTINY OFEIGHT MILLIONS OF FILIPINOS,THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED.Contents.Preface23Early History of the Islands.Discovery and Conquest—Adventures of Juan Sebastian Elcano-Legaspi, the first Governor-General—Li-ma-hong, the Chinese Pirate—The Dutch appear upon the Scene—The Japanese, and the Martyred Saints29–48The British Occupation.General Draper’s Expedition—The British demand an Indemnity—Intrigues against the British49–56The Spanish Colonial Government.The Encomiendoros and the Alcaldes—The Present Division and Administration—The Taxes and what became of Them—Dilatory and Abortive Courts—A New Yorker’s Experience57–70The Church in the Colony.Priesthood and the People—Conflicts between Church and State—Clashing among the Friars—The Monks opposed to Reform71–79The Various Tribes of the Philippines.Character of the Natives—A Native Wedding—Dress and Manners—The Half-Breeds, or Mestizos—Savage Tribes in the Interior: the Aetas, or Negritos—The Gaddanes—The Igorrotes—The Igorrote-Chinese—The Tinguianes—The Chinese: Hated but Indispensable80–106The Mohammedans of Sulu.Cross or Crescent?—The Sultan’s State—The Dreaded Juramentados—The Extent of Mohammedan Rule—Sulu Customs107–118Manila.The Old City—Binondo and the Suburbs—Educational and Charitable Institutions—The Cathedral and the Governor-General’s Palace—The Beautiful Luneta; the Sea Boulevard119–137Other Important Cities and Towns.Iloilo; Capital of the Province of Panay—Cebú, a Mecca for many Filipinos—General Topography of the Islands138–150Natural Beauty of the Archipelago.A Botanist’s Paradise—A Diadem of Island Gems—The Magnificence of Tropical Scenery—The Promise of the Future151–158A Village Feast.The Morning Ceremonies—How the Afternoon is Spent—The Evening Procession—The Entertainment at Home—The Moro-Moro and the Fire-works159–173History of Commerce in the Philippines.The Spanish Policy—The Treasure-Galleons—Disasters to Spanish Commerce—Other Nations enter into Competition—Fraud and Speculation—The Merchants of Cádiz—Royal Restrictions on Trade174–187Commerce During the Present Century.The Royal Company—The Restrictions are gradually Abolished—Vexatious Duties on Foreign Imports—Duties made Uniform—Spanish Opposition to Foreign Trade—Trade with the Natives—The Decline of American Trade—Recent Measures and Statistics—Bad Results of Spanish Rule188–198Agriculture: The Sugar and Rice Crops.Agriculture, the Chief Industry—The Principal Products of the Colony—The Cultivation of Sugar-cane—Methods of Manufacturing Sugar—The Several Systems of Labor—The Rice Crop—Methods of Rice-Cultivation—Primitive Machines, and Importance of the Rice Crop199–213The Hemp Plant and its Uses.Description of the Abacá—The Process of Manufacture—Some Facts about Hemp-growing—Difficulties with Native Labor—Tricks of the Natives—Competition with Other Lands—Experience of a Planter—What the Hemp is used for214–226Culture and Use of Tobacco.The Cultivation of Tobacco, a State Monopoly—Oppressive Conditions in Luzon—How Speculators take Advantage of the Natives—The Quality of Manila Tobacco—Methods of Preparing the Tobacco Leaf—Smoking, a Universal Habit227–236The Cultivation of Coffee.The Origin of the Industry—Indifference of Coffee-planters—Speculation in Coffee—Methods of Cultivation—Harsh Methods of the Government237–242Betel-Nut, Grain, and Fruit-Growing.The Areca Palm and the Betel Nut—The Nipa Palm and Nipa Wine—Various Fruits of the Islands—Cereals and Vegetables—Cotton and Indigo Planting—The Cocoa Industry—The Traffic in Birds’ Nests243–250Useful Woods and Plants.The Huge Forests—The Bamboo Plant and its Uses—The Bejuco Rope—The Useful Cocoanut Palm—Oppressive Regulations of the Government—The Early Missionaries Beneficial to the Natives251–259Mineral Wealth of the Islands.Early Search for Gold—The Mining Laws and Methods of the Colony—Where the Precious Metal is Found—The Whole Country a Virgin Mine—Precious Stones and Iron—Peculiar Method of Mining Copper—Other Materials and the Coal Fields,260–272Animal Life in the Colony.The Useful Buffalo, and Other Domestic Animals—Reptiles, Bats, and Insects—A Field for the Sportsman—The Locust Scourge—The Chief Nuisances: Mosquitoes and Ants273–283Struggle of the Filipinos for Liberty.Early Insurrections Against the Spaniards—The Burgos Revolt—The Present Rebellion—The Katipunan—The Black Hole of Manila—The Forbearance of the Natives—The Rebel Army—The Tagál Republic Proclaimed—Treachery of the Spaniards—Dr José Rizal and his wife Josephine—Execution of Rizal—The Philippine Joan of Arc—Rizal’s Farewell Poem—Aguinaldo Confers with Admiral Dewey—Aguinaldo as Dictator: His Proclamations—Triumphant Progress of the Rebels—The Spaniards Fortify Manila—Sketch of Aguinaldo284–309Dewey at Manila.The White Squadron—Declaration of War, and Journey to the Philippines—Luzon Sighted, and Preparations for Battle—The Fleet Sails by Corregidor—First Shot of the War—The Spanish Fleet is Sighted—Dewey Attacks the Enemy—The Fate of the Reina Cristina—The Commodore Pipes all Hands to Breakfast—The Americans Renew the Battle—The Yankees are Victorious310–325The American Occupation.Merritt and the Expedition—The Battle of Malate—Capture of Manila—Capitulation of the Philippines—Awaiting the Peace Commission—Instructions to Merritt326–342Illustrations.Page.The Fortifications of Old Manila30A Glimpse of the Old Canal35In the Batangas Province36In the Province of Pangasinan39San Augustine Church, in Old Manila43A Suburb of Old Manila45The Abandoned Aqueduct47Tower of Defense, Church, and Priest’s House50A Native Village in the foot-hills: Old Manila52A Bamboo House in Pampanga Province54A Street Scene in Albay59Children of a Gobernadorcillo61Along the Escolta: Principal Business Street in New Manila63A Business Street in Old Manila65In the Lumber District68Throne Room of the Archbishop’s Palace72The Famous Shrine of Antipolo74A Parish Priest77Negritos of Pampanga81The Igorrotes82Interior of a Native Hut85A High-born Filipina—upper garment of costly Piña86The Fashionable Church and the Village of Majayjay89Author in Silken Suit: kind worn by high-class natives90Full-blooded Native Girl in Reception Attire92Negritos Enjoying a Primitive Sun-shade95Volcano of Albay—a near view97A Body-guard of Igorrotes99A Native Restaurant, in Binondo101Chinese Merchants on their way to the Joss House103A Chinese Chocolate-maker105Chieftains of Sulu108Sulu Warriors in Fighting Attitude110A Bamboo Thicket in Sulu112The Devil’s Bridge, in Wild Laguna114A Jungle in Luzon116The Magnificent New Cathedral in Old Manila, and Ruins of the Old Cathedral, Destroyed by Earthquake 1863121Commercial House of Russell & Sturgis; First American Merchants; Later, Lala’s Hotel123“Home, Sweet Home,” as the Filipino knows it125Balcony of Manila Jockey Club, overlooking Pandacan126The Nactajan Mess: Manila Jockey Club128Church of San Francisco, and the Old City Walls130A Rear View of the Governor-General’s Palace132A Water-girl133The Garrote, Manila Method of Capital Punishment135The Beautiful Luneta136At the Port of Iloilo139Interior of a House Destroyed by an Earthquake140Open-air View of an Earthquake’s Violence142A Milkwoman of Calamba144A Native Hut in the Interior147Hot Water Springs, Albay; and Mayon Volcano149The Once-beautiful Botanical Gardens152Malecon Promenade, along Manila Bay154A Mestiza Flower-girl157A Village Feast160A Fashionable Church in Majayjay, Near Manila162Home of a well-to-do Manila Merchant164Cock-fighting: the Supreme Enjoyment166Interior of the Cathedral, where all Processions Begin And End168Square of Cervantes: Fashionable Quarter of Manila170A Scene From the Moro-Moro Play172The Puente de España: Stone Bridge, Replacing the Old Wooden One175Square of Cervantes—New Manila178Tondo: The Ancient Quarter of Native Fishermen180Water-Carriers and Fruit-Vender182Ancient and Present Method of Washing Clothes184A Procession of Natives Carrying Fish186A Mestizo Merchant189The Escolta: Looking Toward Santa Cruz191A Milkman on his Rounds193A Village of Santa Ana195A Water-Carrier and Customer196Weaving the Beautiful Piña Cloth200Women Employed in a Piña Shop202Natives Preparing the Ground for Sugar-Cane Planting204Old-fashioned Process of Drying Black Sugar206Cane-stalk Yard, Tanduay; Drying Crushed Cane for Fuel208Native Women Hulling Rice211Mayon Volcano, Albay; in the Hemp-producing District215A Hemp Warehouse, Manila217A Hemp Press at a Busy Hour219A Chinese Hemp Merchant in Gala Attire221A Wealthy Spanish Merchant of Albay223A Bamboo Bridge in Albay225A Cigar and Cigarette Factory in Manila228A View of the Suspension Bridge, Manila; over the Pasig River230Native Girls Making Manila Cheroots233Spanish Luxury in the Old Days234District of Taäl: in the Batangas Province238The Useful Buffalo: for all Hauling Purposes240A Betel-Nut Gatherer of Luzon244A Typical Native Fruit-Girl246“La Belle Chocolatière” of Luzon248Shifting Lumber in a Forest of Tayabas252Natives Transporting Lumber to the Coast254The Young Proprietor of a Cocoanut Grove Gathering Tuba256A Wealthy Mestiza of the Upper Class258A Group of Tagals Employed by a Mining Company262Another Glimpse of the Great Stone Bridge264La Laguna Lake; the Neighborhood of a Gold Discovery266A Country House in Tanguet Village268House of Native Coal-Laborer of Cebú270A Buffalo in Harness; Harrowing the Soil274Grand Stand, Santa Mesa, where the Pony Races are run276At the National Sport; Just Before the Contest278A Wayside Restaurant281A Native Servant-Girl282Buffalo Transporting Lumber in Pampanga285Enterprising Sugar Refineries, Tanduay287La Bella Filipina in Troubadour Costume290Foreigners at Tiffin in Manila292Dr José Rizal, Martyred Leader of the Present Insurrection295An Execution of Insurgent Chiefs on the Luneta296Entrance of the River Pasig, Manila299The President of the United States and His War-Cabinet300Andres Bonifacio, sometime Rebel President of so-called Tagal Republic303Emilio Aguinaldo305Native Women: their Upper Garment—Pañuelo—of Piña306Types of the Tagbanua Tribe308A Battery at the Corner of the Old Fortifications, Manila; Facing the Bay313The Spanish Fleet as it Appeared in the Philippine Waters315The Hot Springs of Luzon Province317The Reina Cristina, Flagship of Admiral Montojo318The Isla de Cuba; To it the Spanish Flag was Transferred322The Olympia; Admiral Dewey’s Flagship324Admiral Montojo, Commander of Spanish Fleet at Manila327Cavité; a Rebel Stronghold, Noted for its Arsenal328Alfonzo XIII., the Boy King of Spain330The Queen-Regent of Spain333Rear-Admiral George Dewey334Don Basilo Augustine, Spanish Captain-General of the Philippine Islands338General Wesley Merritt, American Commander of Military Forces at Manila340Maps343Introduction.Introduction.The absolute present necessity for accurate information by the people of the United States respecting the Philippines has been met in no more satisfactory manner than by this book.The author, Mr. Ramon Reyes Lala, is a Filipino and was born in Manila. His collegiate education was completed in England and Switzerland. A long sojourn in Europe has instructed him in European thought, tendencies, and methods. He has lived in the United States for many years, and has become, by naturalization, a citizen of this country.He collected the historical material for this work largely from the Spanish archives in Manila before the last rising of the people of Luzon in rebellion against Spain. His mastery of the English language is that of the thorough scholar. His qualifications for his work are those of the student, trained by many studies. He possesses by nativity the gift, incommunicable to any alien, of giving a true color and duly proportioned form to his delineations of his own people. These endowments have enabled him to produce a work of striking and permanent value.The most meritorious feature of Mr. Lala’s book is unquestionably its impartiality of statement and judgment. This is particularly apparent in his descriptions of the moral and intellectual character of his countrymen. No defect is extenuated, nor is there any patriotic exaggeration of merits. The capacities and limitations of the Filipinos are plainly and photographically depicted. The difficulties and the facilities of their political control by the United States are weighed in a just balance by the reader himself in considering these portrayals of national character.This colorless truth of statement appears not alone in Mr. Lala’s special descriptions of the character of his people. It is also manifest, as it is incidentally displayed, in his many expositions of the systems and methods of labor, of social usages, of domestic life, of civil administration, of military capacity, of popular amusements and of religious faith. The result is that he has communicated to the reader an unusually distinct conception of national and ethnic character. This is always a very difficult task. The most graphic portrayal in this respect most commonly enables the reader merely to perceive indistinctly, but not clearly to see.The book is of a most practical character. Its statements of commercial history and methods, and of past and present business and industrial conditions, are most satisfactory. Such an exposition is at this time most indispensably needed. Everybody knows, in a general way, that the Philippine Islands produce sugar, rice, hemp, tobacco, coffee, and many other agricultural staples, and that they are rich in minerals and valuable woods. But heretofore it has been very difficult to obtain specific information upon these subjects. Mr. Lala has given this information. The practical man, the farmer, the manufacturer, the merchant, the miner is here informed concerning resources, methods, prices, labor, wages, profits, and roads. While this information is not technical, it is instructively full and is evidently reliable.The descriptions of the processes of cultivating and preparing hemp, sugar, coffee, rice, and tobacco, and the suggestions of the ways by which these methods can be easily improved, and the products made more profitable, are, in every way, most satisfactory.The Philippines began to come under European control with the administration of Legaspi, the first Governor-General, in 1565, long before the English had colonized any portion of North America.For about three hundred and fifty years the Spanish system has been in contrast with that of every other colonizing nation. It has been worse than the worst of any of these. While there is no elaborate contrast of these systems in Mr. Lala’s book, he nevertheless depicts so thoroughly the manifold and inveterate rapacity, cruelty, corruption, and imbecility of Spanish colonial administration,that he also discloses the vast possibilities of the better contrasted systems.No war was ever yet waged in the interests of humanity, as the war against Spain unquestionably was, that did not produce consequences entirely unforeseen at its beginning. This truth was never more convincingly confirmed than by the war just ended. The United States demanded the evacuation by Spain of Cuba and Cuban waters. Compliance by Spain would have limited the consequences to the evacuation. She did not comply. She chose the arbitrament of war, and the result was her extirpation from her insular possessions in the West Indies and the Philippines.This providential and revolutionary event imposed upon the United States duties unforeseen, but none the less imperious. As to the Philippines, those duties are complicated by the irresistible tendencies which seem to make certain the dismemberment of China, and the subjection of that immemorial empire to all the influences of Western civilization. This is an event not inferior in importance to the discovery of America by Columbus, and the interest of the United States in its consequences is of incalculable importance. With this interest its relations to the Philippines is inseparably connected, and those relations present for consideration policies which disenchant the situation of all idealism and make it intensely practical. To this possible result the war waged against the United States by Aguinaldo and his followers has decisively contributed.But, in any event, whatever the relations of the United States to the Philippines may finally become, the book of Mr. Lala will undoubtedly influence and assist the considerate judgment of those whose duty shall call them to determine the momentous questions which are now enforcing themselves for solution upon the attention of the American people.Signature of Cushman K. DavisWashington, March 22d, 1899.[Cushman Kellogg Davis, U. S. Senate, Minnesota, 1887 to ——; Chairman Committee on Foreign Relations; Member of the Commission that met at Paris, September 1898, to arrange terms of peace between the United States and Spain.]Preface.Preface.About twenty years ago, when a student at St. John’s College, London, I was frequently asked by people I met in society for information regarding the Philippines and the Filipinos. Many also, who showed considerable interest, and who wished, for various reasons, to carry their investigations further, complained that there was in English no good book on the subject. Afterward, when I continued my studies at a French college in Neûchatel, Switzerland, I met with many similar inquiries, and here too in America I found demand for a comprehensive, reliable work upon my country.But it was not until I had traveled considerably through Europe, studying the history of the various States and peoples, that the idea of writing a history of my own fatherland occurred to me. It was mortifying then to think that the glories of my native land were no better known. Accordingly, I resolved to become the chronicler, and I began at once to collect material for a work on the Philippines, that should, I trusted, be deemed a permanent contribution to historical literature.Upon my return to Manila from Europe, I immediately began a study of the Colonial archives in the office of the Governor-General. From these I gathered many valuable data about the early history of the colony, and also much information that would be locked to the curious traveler. And on account of my knowledge of Spanish, and because of my friendship with the Governor-General Moriones, I was enabled to do this thoroughly. Thus I gradually laid the foundation for the present work.When, a few years later,—in 1887,—because of my sympathy with the rising cause of the insurgents, Spanish tyrants banished me from my country and my kindred, I carried away all the manuscripts I had already written, resolved to finish the task I had set before me amid a more congenial environment.I came to the United States. Of this country I, in due time, became a citizen. However, I kept up my relations with friends in Manila; for I still felt an interest in the fate of my native land. Though I have since revisited the Orient, I preferred to retain my American citizenship, rather than again put myself under the iron yoke of Spain. I have, nevertheless, kept pace with the march of events in the colony, and had, indeed, about completed my history when Dewey’s grand victory denoted a new era for the Filipinos, and, hence, made the addition of several chapters necessary. I have thus added much of supreme interest to Americans; bringing the book to the capture of Manila by the American forces.My acquaintance with the leading insurgents,—Rizal, Aguinaldo, Agoncillo, the Lunas, and others,—has also enabled me to speak with authority about them and the cause for which they have fought.In writing this work I have consulted all previous historians, the old Spanish chroniclers, Gaspar de San Agustin, Juan de la Concepcion, Martinez Zuñiga, Bowring,Foreman, and various treatises, anthropological and historical, in French, Spanish, and English.To all these writers I am indebted for many valuable facts.It has been my aim to give—rather than a long, detailed account—a concise, but true, comprehensive, and interesting history of the Philippine Islands; one, too, covering every phase of the subject, and giving also every important fact.And my animating spirit of loyalty for my own countrymen makes me feel that I cannot more clearly and fully manifest my affection for them and my native land than by writing this book.Many of the pictures are photographs taken by myself. The rest were selected from a great number of others, that were accessible, as being most typical of Philippine life and scenery.The student of history, and he that would learn something about the customs of the people, and the natural resources of the country,may, I trust, find the perusal of this work not without profit and interest.I desire to attest here my gratitude for the many courtesies shown me, and for the hearty manner in which I have been received, in this great, free country.Everywhere it was the same.And I would say to all loyal, ardent Filipinos, that I believe that they eventually will not regret the day when Commodore Dewey sundered the galling chains of Spanish dominance, and when General Merritt, later, hoisted the Stars and Stripes over the Archipelago.They will, rather, most surely live to recognize and appreciate the unsullied manifold advantages and benefits incident to American occupation and to a close contact with this honest, vigorous type of manhood.The Author.New YorkDecember, 1898.
The Philippine Islands
The Philippine Islands
The Philippine Islands
Ramon Reyes LalaSignature of Ramon Reyes Lala
Ramon Reyes LalaSignature of Ramon Reyes Lala
Ramon Reyes Lala
Signature of Ramon Reyes Lala
Original Title Page.
Original Title Page.
Original Title Page.
The Philippine IslandsByRamon Reyes LalaA Native of ManilaIllustratedMDCCCXCIXContinental Publishing Company25 Park Place, New York
The Philippine Islands
The Philippine Islands
ByRamon Reyes LalaA Native of Manila
IllustratedMDCCCXCIXContinental Publishing Company25 Park Place, New York
Copyright 1898ByContinental Publishing Co.The Philippine Islands
Copyright 1898ByContinental Publishing Co.The Philippine Islands
Copyright 1898ByContinental Publishing Co.
The Philippine Islands
TORear-Admiral Dewey,WHOSE RECENT GREAT VICTORY OVER THESPANISH FLEETHAS BEGUN A NEW ERA OF FREEDOM AND PROSPERITYFOR MY COUNTRY,AND TOPresident McKinley,IN WHOSE HAND LIES THE DESTINY OFEIGHT MILLIONS OF FILIPINOS,THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED.
TORear-Admiral Dewey,WHOSE RECENT GREAT VICTORY OVER THESPANISH FLEETHAS BEGUN A NEW ERA OF FREEDOM AND PROSPERITYFOR MY COUNTRY,AND TOPresident McKinley,IN WHOSE HAND LIES THE DESTINY OFEIGHT MILLIONS OF FILIPINOS,THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED.
TORear-Admiral Dewey,WHOSE RECENT GREAT VICTORY OVER THESPANISH FLEETHAS BEGUN A NEW ERA OF FREEDOM AND PROSPERITYFOR MY COUNTRY,AND TOPresident McKinley,IN WHOSE HAND LIES THE DESTINY OFEIGHT MILLIONS OF FILIPINOS,THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED.
Contents.Preface23Early History of the Islands.Discovery and Conquest—Adventures of Juan Sebastian Elcano-Legaspi, the first Governor-General—Li-ma-hong, the Chinese Pirate—The Dutch appear upon the Scene—The Japanese, and the Martyred Saints29–48The British Occupation.General Draper’s Expedition—The British demand an Indemnity—Intrigues against the British49–56The Spanish Colonial Government.The Encomiendoros and the Alcaldes—The Present Division and Administration—The Taxes and what became of Them—Dilatory and Abortive Courts—A New Yorker’s Experience57–70The Church in the Colony.Priesthood and the People—Conflicts between Church and State—Clashing among the Friars—The Monks opposed to Reform71–79The Various Tribes of the Philippines.Character of the Natives—A Native Wedding—Dress and Manners—The Half-Breeds, or Mestizos—Savage Tribes in the Interior: the Aetas, or Negritos—The Gaddanes—The Igorrotes—The Igorrote-Chinese—The Tinguianes—The Chinese: Hated but Indispensable80–106The Mohammedans of Sulu.Cross or Crescent?—The Sultan’s State—The Dreaded Juramentados—The Extent of Mohammedan Rule—Sulu Customs107–118Manila.The Old City—Binondo and the Suburbs—Educational and Charitable Institutions—The Cathedral and the Governor-General’s Palace—The Beautiful Luneta; the Sea Boulevard119–137Other Important Cities and Towns.Iloilo; Capital of the Province of Panay—Cebú, a Mecca for many Filipinos—General Topography of the Islands138–150Natural Beauty of the Archipelago.A Botanist’s Paradise—A Diadem of Island Gems—The Magnificence of Tropical Scenery—The Promise of the Future151–158A Village Feast.The Morning Ceremonies—How the Afternoon is Spent—The Evening Procession—The Entertainment at Home—The Moro-Moro and the Fire-works159–173History of Commerce in the Philippines.The Spanish Policy—The Treasure-Galleons—Disasters to Spanish Commerce—Other Nations enter into Competition—Fraud and Speculation—The Merchants of Cádiz—Royal Restrictions on Trade174–187Commerce During the Present Century.The Royal Company—The Restrictions are gradually Abolished—Vexatious Duties on Foreign Imports—Duties made Uniform—Spanish Opposition to Foreign Trade—Trade with the Natives—The Decline of American Trade—Recent Measures and Statistics—Bad Results of Spanish Rule188–198Agriculture: The Sugar and Rice Crops.Agriculture, the Chief Industry—The Principal Products of the Colony—The Cultivation of Sugar-cane—Methods of Manufacturing Sugar—The Several Systems of Labor—The Rice Crop—Methods of Rice-Cultivation—Primitive Machines, and Importance of the Rice Crop199–213The Hemp Plant and its Uses.Description of the Abacá—The Process of Manufacture—Some Facts about Hemp-growing—Difficulties with Native Labor—Tricks of the Natives—Competition with Other Lands—Experience of a Planter—What the Hemp is used for214–226Culture and Use of Tobacco.The Cultivation of Tobacco, a State Monopoly—Oppressive Conditions in Luzon—How Speculators take Advantage of the Natives—The Quality of Manila Tobacco—Methods of Preparing the Tobacco Leaf—Smoking, a Universal Habit227–236The Cultivation of Coffee.The Origin of the Industry—Indifference of Coffee-planters—Speculation in Coffee—Methods of Cultivation—Harsh Methods of the Government237–242Betel-Nut, Grain, and Fruit-Growing.The Areca Palm and the Betel Nut—The Nipa Palm and Nipa Wine—Various Fruits of the Islands—Cereals and Vegetables—Cotton and Indigo Planting—The Cocoa Industry—The Traffic in Birds’ Nests243–250Useful Woods and Plants.The Huge Forests—The Bamboo Plant and its Uses—The Bejuco Rope—The Useful Cocoanut Palm—Oppressive Regulations of the Government—The Early Missionaries Beneficial to the Natives251–259Mineral Wealth of the Islands.Early Search for Gold—The Mining Laws and Methods of the Colony—Where the Precious Metal is Found—The Whole Country a Virgin Mine—Precious Stones and Iron—Peculiar Method of Mining Copper—Other Materials and the Coal Fields,260–272Animal Life in the Colony.The Useful Buffalo, and Other Domestic Animals—Reptiles, Bats, and Insects—A Field for the Sportsman—The Locust Scourge—The Chief Nuisances: Mosquitoes and Ants273–283Struggle of the Filipinos for Liberty.Early Insurrections Against the Spaniards—The Burgos Revolt—The Present Rebellion—The Katipunan—The Black Hole of Manila—The Forbearance of the Natives—The Rebel Army—The Tagál Republic Proclaimed—Treachery of the Spaniards—Dr José Rizal and his wife Josephine—Execution of Rizal—The Philippine Joan of Arc—Rizal’s Farewell Poem—Aguinaldo Confers with Admiral Dewey—Aguinaldo as Dictator: His Proclamations—Triumphant Progress of the Rebels—The Spaniards Fortify Manila—Sketch of Aguinaldo284–309Dewey at Manila.The White Squadron—Declaration of War, and Journey to the Philippines—Luzon Sighted, and Preparations for Battle—The Fleet Sails by Corregidor—First Shot of the War—The Spanish Fleet is Sighted—Dewey Attacks the Enemy—The Fate of the Reina Cristina—The Commodore Pipes all Hands to Breakfast—The Americans Renew the Battle—The Yankees are Victorious310–325The American Occupation.Merritt and the Expedition—The Battle of Malate—Capture of Manila—Capitulation of the Philippines—Awaiting the Peace Commission—Instructions to Merritt326–342
Contents.
Preface23Early History of the Islands.Discovery and Conquest—Adventures of Juan Sebastian Elcano-Legaspi, the first Governor-General—Li-ma-hong, the Chinese Pirate—The Dutch appear upon the Scene—The Japanese, and the Martyred Saints29–48The British Occupation.General Draper’s Expedition—The British demand an Indemnity—Intrigues against the British49–56The Spanish Colonial Government.The Encomiendoros and the Alcaldes—The Present Division and Administration—The Taxes and what became of Them—Dilatory and Abortive Courts—A New Yorker’s Experience57–70The Church in the Colony.Priesthood and the People—Conflicts between Church and State—Clashing among the Friars—The Monks opposed to Reform71–79The Various Tribes of the Philippines.Character of the Natives—A Native Wedding—Dress and Manners—The Half-Breeds, or Mestizos—Savage Tribes in the Interior: the Aetas, or Negritos—The Gaddanes—The Igorrotes—The Igorrote-Chinese—The Tinguianes—The Chinese: Hated but Indispensable80–106The Mohammedans of Sulu.Cross or Crescent?—The Sultan’s State—The Dreaded Juramentados—The Extent of Mohammedan Rule—Sulu Customs107–118Manila.The Old City—Binondo and the Suburbs—Educational and Charitable Institutions—The Cathedral and the Governor-General’s Palace—The Beautiful Luneta; the Sea Boulevard119–137Other Important Cities and Towns.Iloilo; Capital of the Province of Panay—Cebú, a Mecca for many Filipinos—General Topography of the Islands138–150Natural Beauty of the Archipelago.A Botanist’s Paradise—A Diadem of Island Gems—The Magnificence of Tropical Scenery—The Promise of the Future151–158A Village Feast.The Morning Ceremonies—How the Afternoon is Spent—The Evening Procession—The Entertainment at Home—The Moro-Moro and the Fire-works159–173History of Commerce in the Philippines.The Spanish Policy—The Treasure-Galleons—Disasters to Spanish Commerce—Other Nations enter into Competition—Fraud and Speculation—The Merchants of Cádiz—Royal Restrictions on Trade174–187Commerce During the Present Century.The Royal Company—The Restrictions are gradually Abolished—Vexatious Duties on Foreign Imports—Duties made Uniform—Spanish Opposition to Foreign Trade—Trade with the Natives—The Decline of American Trade—Recent Measures and Statistics—Bad Results of Spanish Rule188–198Agriculture: The Sugar and Rice Crops.Agriculture, the Chief Industry—The Principal Products of the Colony—The Cultivation of Sugar-cane—Methods of Manufacturing Sugar—The Several Systems of Labor—The Rice Crop—Methods of Rice-Cultivation—Primitive Machines, and Importance of the Rice Crop199–213The Hemp Plant and its Uses.Description of the Abacá—The Process of Manufacture—Some Facts about Hemp-growing—Difficulties with Native Labor—Tricks of the Natives—Competition with Other Lands—Experience of a Planter—What the Hemp is used for214–226Culture and Use of Tobacco.The Cultivation of Tobacco, a State Monopoly—Oppressive Conditions in Luzon—How Speculators take Advantage of the Natives—The Quality of Manila Tobacco—Methods of Preparing the Tobacco Leaf—Smoking, a Universal Habit227–236The Cultivation of Coffee.The Origin of the Industry—Indifference of Coffee-planters—Speculation in Coffee—Methods of Cultivation—Harsh Methods of the Government237–242Betel-Nut, Grain, and Fruit-Growing.The Areca Palm and the Betel Nut—The Nipa Palm and Nipa Wine—Various Fruits of the Islands—Cereals and Vegetables—Cotton and Indigo Planting—The Cocoa Industry—The Traffic in Birds’ Nests243–250Useful Woods and Plants.The Huge Forests—The Bamboo Plant and its Uses—The Bejuco Rope—The Useful Cocoanut Palm—Oppressive Regulations of the Government—The Early Missionaries Beneficial to the Natives251–259Mineral Wealth of the Islands.Early Search for Gold—The Mining Laws and Methods of the Colony—Where the Precious Metal is Found—The Whole Country a Virgin Mine—Precious Stones and Iron—Peculiar Method of Mining Copper—Other Materials and the Coal Fields,260–272Animal Life in the Colony.The Useful Buffalo, and Other Domestic Animals—Reptiles, Bats, and Insects—A Field for the Sportsman—The Locust Scourge—The Chief Nuisances: Mosquitoes and Ants273–283Struggle of the Filipinos for Liberty.Early Insurrections Against the Spaniards—The Burgos Revolt—The Present Rebellion—The Katipunan—The Black Hole of Manila—The Forbearance of the Natives—The Rebel Army—The Tagál Republic Proclaimed—Treachery of the Spaniards—Dr José Rizal and his wife Josephine—Execution of Rizal—The Philippine Joan of Arc—Rizal’s Farewell Poem—Aguinaldo Confers with Admiral Dewey—Aguinaldo as Dictator: His Proclamations—Triumphant Progress of the Rebels—The Spaniards Fortify Manila—Sketch of Aguinaldo284–309Dewey at Manila.The White Squadron—Declaration of War, and Journey to the Philippines—Luzon Sighted, and Preparations for Battle—The Fleet Sails by Corregidor—First Shot of the War—The Spanish Fleet is Sighted—Dewey Attacks the Enemy—The Fate of the Reina Cristina—The Commodore Pipes all Hands to Breakfast—The Americans Renew the Battle—The Yankees are Victorious310–325The American Occupation.Merritt and the Expedition—The Battle of Malate—Capture of Manila—Capitulation of the Philippines—Awaiting the Peace Commission—Instructions to Merritt326–342
Preface23
Early History of the Islands.
Discovery and Conquest—Adventures of Juan Sebastian Elcano-Legaspi, the first Governor-General—Li-ma-hong, the Chinese Pirate—The Dutch appear upon the Scene—The Japanese, and the Martyred Saints29–48
The British Occupation.
General Draper’s Expedition—The British demand an Indemnity—Intrigues against the British49–56
The Spanish Colonial Government.
The Encomiendoros and the Alcaldes—The Present Division and Administration—The Taxes and what became of Them—Dilatory and Abortive Courts—A New Yorker’s Experience57–70
The Church in the Colony.
Priesthood and the People—Conflicts between Church and State—Clashing among the Friars—The Monks opposed to Reform71–79
The Various Tribes of the Philippines.
Character of the Natives—A Native Wedding—Dress and Manners—The Half-Breeds, or Mestizos—Savage Tribes in the Interior: the Aetas, or Negritos—The Gaddanes—The Igorrotes—The Igorrote-Chinese—The Tinguianes—The Chinese: Hated but Indispensable80–106
The Mohammedans of Sulu.
Cross or Crescent?—The Sultan’s State—The Dreaded Juramentados—The Extent of Mohammedan Rule—Sulu Customs107–118
Manila.
The Old City—Binondo and the Suburbs—Educational and Charitable Institutions—The Cathedral and the Governor-General’s Palace—The Beautiful Luneta; the Sea Boulevard119–137
Other Important Cities and Towns.
Iloilo; Capital of the Province of Panay—Cebú, a Mecca for many Filipinos—General Topography of the Islands138–150
Natural Beauty of the Archipelago.
A Botanist’s Paradise—A Diadem of Island Gems—The Magnificence of Tropical Scenery—The Promise of the Future151–158
A Village Feast.
The Morning Ceremonies—How the Afternoon is Spent—The Evening Procession—The Entertainment at Home—The Moro-Moro and the Fire-works159–173
History of Commerce in the Philippines.
The Spanish Policy—The Treasure-Galleons—Disasters to Spanish Commerce—Other Nations enter into Competition—Fraud and Speculation—The Merchants of Cádiz—Royal Restrictions on Trade174–187
Commerce During the Present Century.
The Royal Company—The Restrictions are gradually Abolished—Vexatious Duties on Foreign Imports—Duties made Uniform—Spanish Opposition to Foreign Trade—Trade with the Natives—The Decline of American Trade—Recent Measures and Statistics—Bad Results of Spanish Rule188–198
Agriculture: The Sugar and Rice Crops.
Agriculture, the Chief Industry—The Principal Products of the Colony—The Cultivation of Sugar-cane—Methods of Manufacturing Sugar—The Several Systems of Labor—The Rice Crop—Methods of Rice-Cultivation—Primitive Machines, and Importance of the Rice Crop199–213
The Hemp Plant and its Uses.
Description of the Abacá—The Process of Manufacture—Some Facts about Hemp-growing—Difficulties with Native Labor—Tricks of the Natives—Competition with Other Lands—Experience of a Planter—What the Hemp is used for214–226
Culture and Use of Tobacco.
The Cultivation of Tobacco, a State Monopoly—Oppressive Conditions in Luzon—How Speculators take Advantage of the Natives—The Quality of Manila Tobacco—Methods of Preparing the Tobacco Leaf—Smoking, a Universal Habit227–236
The Cultivation of Coffee.
The Origin of the Industry—Indifference of Coffee-planters—Speculation in Coffee—Methods of Cultivation—Harsh Methods of the Government237–242
Betel-Nut, Grain, and Fruit-Growing.
The Areca Palm and the Betel Nut—The Nipa Palm and Nipa Wine—Various Fruits of the Islands—Cereals and Vegetables—Cotton and Indigo Planting—The Cocoa Industry—The Traffic in Birds’ Nests243–250
Useful Woods and Plants.
The Huge Forests—The Bamboo Plant and its Uses—The Bejuco Rope—The Useful Cocoanut Palm—Oppressive Regulations of the Government—The Early Missionaries Beneficial to the Natives251–259
Mineral Wealth of the Islands.
Early Search for Gold—The Mining Laws and Methods of the Colony—Where the Precious Metal is Found—The Whole Country a Virgin Mine—Precious Stones and Iron—Peculiar Method of Mining Copper—Other Materials and the Coal Fields,260–272
Animal Life in the Colony.
The Useful Buffalo, and Other Domestic Animals—Reptiles, Bats, and Insects—A Field for the Sportsman—The Locust Scourge—The Chief Nuisances: Mosquitoes and Ants273–283
Struggle of the Filipinos for Liberty.
Early Insurrections Against the Spaniards—The Burgos Revolt—The Present Rebellion—The Katipunan—The Black Hole of Manila—The Forbearance of the Natives—The Rebel Army—The Tagál Republic Proclaimed—Treachery of the Spaniards—Dr José Rizal and his wife Josephine—Execution of Rizal—The Philippine Joan of Arc—Rizal’s Farewell Poem—Aguinaldo Confers with Admiral Dewey—Aguinaldo as Dictator: His Proclamations—Triumphant Progress of the Rebels—The Spaniards Fortify Manila—Sketch of Aguinaldo284–309
Dewey at Manila.
The White Squadron—Declaration of War, and Journey to the Philippines—Luzon Sighted, and Preparations for Battle—The Fleet Sails by Corregidor—First Shot of the War—The Spanish Fleet is Sighted—Dewey Attacks the Enemy—The Fate of the Reina Cristina—The Commodore Pipes all Hands to Breakfast—The Americans Renew the Battle—The Yankees are Victorious310–325
The American Occupation.
Merritt and the Expedition—The Battle of Malate—Capture of Manila—Capitulation of the Philippines—Awaiting the Peace Commission—Instructions to Merritt326–342
Illustrations.Page.The Fortifications of Old Manila30A Glimpse of the Old Canal35In the Batangas Province36In the Province of Pangasinan39San Augustine Church, in Old Manila43A Suburb of Old Manila45The Abandoned Aqueduct47Tower of Defense, Church, and Priest’s House50A Native Village in the foot-hills: Old Manila52A Bamboo House in Pampanga Province54A Street Scene in Albay59Children of a Gobernadorcillo61Along the Escolta: Principal Business Street in New Manila63A Business Street in Old Manila65In the Lumber District68Throne Room of the Archbishop’s Palace72The Famous Shrine of Antipolo74A Parish Priest77Negritos of Pampanga81The Igorrotes82Interior of a Native Hut85A High-born Filipina—upper garment of costly Piña86The Fashionable Church and the Village of Majayjay89Author in Silken Suit: kind worn by high-class natives90Full-blooded Native Girl in Reception Attire92Negritos Enjoying a Primitive Sun-shade95Volcano of Albay—a near view97A Body-guard of Igorrotes99A Native Restaurant, in Binondo101Chinese Merchants on their way to the Joss House103A Chinese Chocolate-maker105Chieftains of Sulu108Sulu Warriors in Fighting Attitude110A Bamboo Thicket in Sulu112The Devil’s Bridge, in Wild Laguna114A Jungle in Luzon116The Magnificent New Cathedral in Old Manila, and Ruins of the Old Cathedral, Destroyed by Earthquake 1863121Commercial House of Russell & Sturgis; First American Merchants; Later, Lala’s Hotel123“Home, Sweet Home,” as the Filipino knows it125Balcony of Manila Jockey Club, overlooking Pandacan126The Nactajan Mess: Manila Jockey Club128Church of San Francisco, and the Old City Walls130A Rear View of the Governor-General’s Palace132A Water-girl133The Garrote, Manila Method of Capital Punishment135The Beautiful Luneta136At the Port of Iloilo139Interior of a House Destroyed by an Earthquake140Open-air View of an Earthquake’s Violence142A Milkwoman of Calamba144A Native Hut in the Interior147Hot Water Springs, Albay; and Mayon Volcano149The Once-beautiful Botanical Gardens152Malecon Promenade, along Manila Bay154A Mestiza Flower-girl157A Village Feast160A Fashionable Church in Majayjay, Near Manila162Home of a well-to-do Manila Merchant164Cock-fighting: the Supreme Enjoyment166Interior of the Cathedral, where all Processions Begin And End168Square of Cervantes: Fashionable Quarter of Manila170A Scene From the Moro-Moro Play172The Puente de España: Stone Bridge, Replacing the Old Wooden One175Square of Cervantes—New Manila178Tondo: The Ancient Quarter of Native Fishermen180Water-Carriers and Fruit-Vender182Ancient and Present Method of Washing Clothes184A Procession of Natives Carrying Fish186A Mestizo Merchant189The Escolta: Looking Toward Santa Cruz191A Milkman on his Rounds193A Village of Santa Ana195A Water-Carrier and Customer196Weaving the Beautiful Piña Cloth200Women Employed in a Piña Shop202Natives Preparing the Ground for Sugar-Cane Planting204Old-fashioned Process of Drying Black Sugar206Cane-stalk Yard, Tanduay; Drying Crushed Cane for Fuel208Native Women Hulling Rice211Mayon Volcano, Albay; in the Hemp-producing District215A Hemp Warehouse, Manila217A Hemp Press at a Busy Hour219A Chinese Hemp Merchant in Gala Attire221A Wealthy Spanish Merchant of Albay223A Bamboo Bridge in Albay225A Cigar and Cigarette Factory in Manila228A View of the Suspension Bridge, Manila; over the Pasig River230Native Girls Making Manila Cheroots233Spanish Luxury in the Old Days234District of Taäl: in the Batangas Province238The Useful Buffalo: for all Hauling Purposes240A Betel-Nut Gatherer of Luzon244A Typical Native Fruit-Girl246“La Belle Chocolatière” of Luzon248Shifting Lumber in a Forest of Tayabas252Natives Transporting Lumber to the Coast254The Young Proprietor of a Cocoanut Grove Gathering Tuba256A Wealthy Mestiza of the Upper Class258A Group of Tagals Employed by a Mining Company262Another Glimpse of the Great Stone Bridge264La Laguna Lake; the Neighborhood of a Gold Discovery266A Country House in Tanguet Village268House of Native Coal-Laborer of Cebú270A Buffalo in Harness; Harrowing the Soil274Grand Stand, Santa Mesa, where the Pony Races are run276At the National Sport; Just Before the Contest278A Wayside Restaurant281A Native Servant-Girl282Buffalo Transporting Lumber in Pampanga285Enterprising Sugar Refineries, Tanduay287La Bella Filipina in Troubadour Costume290Foreigners at Tiffin in Manila292Dr José Rizal, Martyred Leader of the Present Insurrection295An Execution of Insurgent Chiefs on the Luneta296Entrance of the River Pasig, Manila299The President of the United States and His War-Cabinet300Andres Bonifacio, sometime Rebel President of so-called Tagal Republic303Emilio Aguinaldo305Native Women: their Upper Garment—Pañuelo—of Piña306Types of the Tagbanua Tribe308A Battery at the Corner of the Old Fortifications, Manila; Facing the Bay313The Spanish Fleet as it Appeared in the Philippine Waters315The Hot Springs of Luzon Province317The Reina Cristina, Flagship of Admiral Montojo318The Isla de Cuba; To it the Spanish Flag was Transferred322The Olympia; Admiral Dewey’s Flagship324Admiral Montojo, Commander of Spanish Fleet at Manila327Cavité; a Rebel Stronghold, Noted for its Arsenal328Alfonzo XIII., the Boy King of Spain330The Queen-Regent of Spain333Rear-Admiral George Dewey334Don Basilo Augustine, Spanish Captain-General of the Philippine Islands338General Wesley Merritt, American Commander of Military Forces at Manila340Maps343
Illustrations.Page.The Fortifications of Old Manila30A Glimpse of the Old Canal35In the Batangas Province36In the Province of Pangasinan39San Augustine Church, in Old Manila43A Suburb of Old Manila45The Abandoned Aqueduct47Tower of Defense, Church, and Priest’s House50A Native Village in the foot-hills: Old Manila52A Bamboo House in Pampanga Province54A Street Scene in Albay59Children of a Gobernadorcillo61Along the Escolta: Principal Business Street in New Manila63A Business Street in Old Manila65In the Lumber District68Throne Room of the Archbishop’s Palace72The Famous Shrine of Antipolo74A Parish Priest77Negritos of Pampanga81The Igorrotes82Interior of a Native Hut85A High-born Filipina—upper garment of costly Piña86The Fashionable Church and the Village of Majayjay89Author in Silken Suit: kind worn by high-class natives90Full-blooded Native Girl in Reception Attire92Negritos Enjoying a Primitive Sun-shade95Volcano of Albay—a near view97A Body-guard of Igorrotes99A Native Restaurant, in Binondo101Chinese Merchants on their way to the Joss House103A Chinese Chocolate-maker105Chieftains of Sulu108Sulu Warriors in Fighting Attitude110A Bamboo Thicket in Sulu112The Devil’s Bridge, in Wild Laguna114A Jungle in Luzon116The Magnificent New Cathedral in Old Manila, and Ruins of the Old Cathedral, Destroyed by Earthquake 1863121Commercial House of Russell & Sturgis; First American Merchants; Later, Lala’s Hotel123“Home, Sweet Home,” as the Filipino knows it125Balcony of Manila Jockey Club, overlooking Pandacan126The Nactajan Mess: Manila Jockey Club128Church of San Francisco, and the Old City Walls130A Rear View of the Governor-General’s Palace132A Water-girl133The Garrote, Manila Method of Capital Punishment135The Beautiful Luneta136At the Port of Iloilo139Interior of a House Destroyed by an Earthquake140Open-air View of an Earthquake’s Violence142A Milkwoman of Calamba144A Native Hut in the Interior147Hot Water Springs, Albay; and Mayon Volcano149The Once-beautiful Botanical Gardens152Malecon Promenade, along Manila Bay154A Mestiza Flower-girl157A Village Feast160A Fashionable Church in Majayjay, Near Manila162Home of a well-to-do Manila Merchant164Cock-fighting: the Supreme Enjoyment166Interior of the Cathedral, where all Processions Begin And End168Square of Cervantes: Fashionable Quarter of Manila170A Scene From the Moro-Moro Play172The Puente de España: Stone Bridge, Replacing the Old Wooden One175Square of Cervantes—New Manila178Tondo: The Ancient Quarter of Native Fishermen180Water-Carriers and Fruit-Vender182Ancient and Present Method of Washing Clothes184A Procession of Natives Carrying Fish186A Mestizo Merchant189The Escolta: Looking Toward Santa Cruz191A Milkman on his Rounds193A Village of Santa Ana195A Water-Carrier and Customer196Weaving the Beautiful Piña Cloth200Women Employed in a Piña Shop202Natives Preparing the Ground for Sugar-Cane Planting204Old-fashioned Process of Drying Black Sugar206Cane-stalk Yard, Tanduay; Drying Crushed Cane for Fuel208Native Women Hulling Rice211Mayon Volcano, Albay; in the Hemp-producing District215A Hemp Warehouse, Manila217A Hemp Press at a Busy Hour219A Chinese Hemp Merchant in Gala Attire221A Wealthy Spanish Merchant of Albay223A Bamboo Bridge in Albay225A Cigar and Cigarette Factory in Manila228A View of the Suspension Bridge, Manila; over the Pasig River230Native Girls Making Manila Cheroots233Spanish Luxury in the Old Days234District of Taäl: in the Batangas Province238The Useful Buffalo: for all Hauling Purposes240A Betel-Nut Gatherer of Luzon244A Typical Native Fruit-Girl246“La Belle Chocolatière” of Luzon248Shifting Lumber in a Forest of Tayabas252Natives Transporting Lumber to the Coast254The Young Proprietor of a Cocoanut Grove Gathering Tuba256A Wealthy Mestiza of the Upper Class258A Group of Tagals Employed by a Mining Company262Another Glimpse of the Great Stone Bridge264La Laguna Lake; the Neighborhood of a Gold Discovery266A Country House in Tanguet Village268House of Native Coal-Laborer of Cebú270A Buffalo in Harness; Harrowing the Soil274Grand Stand, Santa Mesa, where the Pony Races are run276At the National Sport; Just Before the Contest278A Wayside Restaurant281A Native Servant-Girl282Buffalo Transporting Lumber in Pampanga285Enterprising Sugar Refineries, Tanduay287La Bella Filipina in Troubadour Costume290Foreigners at Tiffin in Manila292Dr José Rizal, Martyred Leader of the Present Insurrection295An Execution of Insurgent Chiefs on the Luneta296Entrance of the River Pasig, Manila299The President of the United States and His War-Cabinet300Andres Bonifacio, sometime Rebel President of so-called Tagal Republic303Emilio Aguinaldo305Native Women: their Upper Garment—Pañuelo—of Piña306Types of the Tagbanua Tribe308A Battery at the Corner of the Old Fortifications, Manila; Facing the Bay313The Spanish Fleet as it Appeared in the Philippine Waters315The Hot Springs of Luzon Province317The Reina Cristina, Flagship of Admiral Montojo318The Isla de Cuba; To it the Spanish Flag was Transferred322The Olympia; Admiral Dewey’s Flagship324Admiral Montojo, Commander of Spanish Fleet at Manila327Cavité; a Rebel Stronghold, Noted for its Arsenal328Alfonzo XIII., the Boy King of Spain330The Queen-Regent of Spain333Rear-Admiral George Dewey334Don Basilo Augustine, Spanish Captain-General of the Philippine Islands338General Wesley Merritt, American Commander of Military Forces at Manila340
Maps343
Maps343
Introduction.Introduction.The absolute present necessity for accurate information by the people of the United States respecting the Philippines has been met in no more satisfactory manner than by this book.The author, Mr. Ramon Reyes Lala, is a Filipino and was born in Manila. His collegiate education was completed in England and Switzerland. A long sojourn in Europe has instructed him in European thought, tendencies, and methods. He has lived in the United States for many years, and has become, by naturalization, a citizen of this country.He collected the historical material for this work largely from the Spanish archives in Manila before the last rising of the people of Luzon in rebellion against Spain. His mastery of the English language is that of the thorough scholar. His qualifications for his work are those of the student, trained by many studies. He possesses by nativity the gift, incommunicable to any alien, of giving a true color and duly proportioned form to his delineations of his own people. These endowments have enabled him to produce a work of striking and permanent value.The most meritorious feature of Mr. Lala’s book is unquestionably its impartiality of statement and judgment. This is particularly apparent in his descriptions of the moral and intellectual character of his countrymen. No defect is extenuated, nor is there any patriotic exaggeration of merits. The capacities and limitations of the Filipinos are plainly and photographically depicted. The difficulties and the facilities of their political control by the United States are weighed in a just balance by the reader himself in considering these portrayals of national character.This colorless truth of statement appears not alone in Mr. Lala’s special descriptions of the character of his people. It is also manifest, as it is incidentally displayed, in his many expositions of the systems and methods of labor, of social usages, of domestic life, of civil administration, of military capacity, of popular amusements and of religious faith. The result is that he has communicated to the reader an unusually distinct conception of national and ethnic character. This is always a very difficult task. The most graphic portrayal in this respect most commonly enables the reader merely to perceive indistinctly, but not clearly to see.The book is of a most practical character. Its statements of commercial history and methods, and of past and present business and industrial conditions, are most satisfactory. Such an exposition is at this time most indispensably needed. Everybody knows, in a general way, that the Philippine Islands produce sugar, rice, hemp, tobacco, coffee, and many other agricultural staples, and that they are rich in minerals and valuable woods. But heretofore it has been very difficult to obtain specific information upon these subjects. Mr. Lala has given this information. The practical man, the farmer, the manufacturer, the merchant, the miner is here informed concerning resources, methods, prices, labor, wages, profits, and roads. While this information is not technical, it is instructively full and is evidently reliable.The descriptions of the processes of cultivating and preparing hemp, sugar, coffee, rice, and tobacco, and the suggestions of the ways by which these methods can be easily improved, and the products made more profitable, are, in every way, most satisfactory.The Philippines began to come under European control with the administration of Legaspi, the first Governor-General, in 1565, long before the English had colonized any portion of North America.For about three hundred and fifty years the Spanish system has been in contrast with that of every other colonizing nation. It has been worse than the worst of any of these. While there is no elaborate contrast of these systems in Mr. Lala’s book, he nevertheless depicts so thoroughly the manifold and inveterate rapacity, cruelty, corruption, and imbecility of Spanish colonial administration,that he also discloses the vast possibilities of the better contrasted systems.No war was ever yet waged in the interests of humanity, as the war against Spain unquestionably was, that did not produce consequences entirely unforeseen at its beginning. This truth was never more convincingly confirmed than by the war just ended. The United States demanded the evacuation by Spain of Cuba and Cuban waters. Compliance by Spain would have limited the consequences to the evacuation. She did not comply. She chose the arbitrament of war, and the result was her extirpation from her insular possessions in the West Indies and the Philippines.This providential and revolutionary event imposed upon the United States duties unforeseen, but none the less imperious. As to the Philippines, those duties are complicated by the irresistible tendencies which seem to make certain the dismemberment of China, and the subjection of that immemorial empire to all the influences of Western civilization. This is an event not inferior in importance to the discovery of America by Columbus, and the interest of the United States in its consequences is of incalculable importance. With this interest its relations to the Philippines is inseparably connected, and those relations present for consideration policies which disenchant the situation of all idealism and make it intensely practical. To this possible result the war waged against the United States by Aguinaldo and his followers has decisively contributed.But, in any event, whatever the relations of the United States to the Philippines may finally become, the book of Mr. Lala will undoubtedly influence and assist the considerate judgment of those whose duty shall call them to determine the momentous questions which are now enforcing themselves for solution upon the attention of the American people.Signature of Cushman K. DavisWashington, March 22d, 1899.[Cushman Kellogg Davis, U. S. Senate, Minnesota, 1887 to ——; Chairman Committee on Foreign Relations; Member of the Commission that met at Paris, September 1898, to arrange terms of peace between the United States and Spain.]
Introduction.Introduction.
Introduction.
The absolute present necessity for accurate information by the people of the United States respecting the Philippines has been met in no more satisfactory manner than by this book.The author, Mr. Ramon Reyes Lala, is a Filipino and was born in Manila. His collegiate education was completed in England and Switzerland. A long sojourn in Europe has instructed him in European thought, tendencies, and methods. He has lived in the United States for many years, and has become, by naturalization, a citizen of this country.He collected the historical material for this work largely from the Spanish archives in Manila before the last rising of the people of Luzon in rebellion against Spain. His mastery of the English language is that of the thorough scholar. His qualifications for his work are those of the student, trained by many studies. He possesses by nativity the gift, incommunicable to any alien, of giving a true color and duly proportioned form to his delineations of his own people. These endowments have enabled him to produce a work of striking and permanent value.The most meritorious feature of Mr. Lala’s book is unquestionably its impartiality of statement and judgment. This is particularly apparent in his descriptions of the moral and intellectual character of his countrymen. No defect is extenuated, nor is there any patriotic exaggeration of merits. The capacities and limitations of the Filipinos are plainly and photographically depicted. The difficulties and the facilities of their political control by the United States are weighed in a just balance by the reader himself in considering these portrayals of national character.This colorless truth of statement appears not alone in Mr. Lala’s special descriptions of the character of his people. It is also manifest, as it is incidentally displayed, in his many expositions of the systems and methods of labor, of social usages, of domestic life, of civil administration, of military capacity, of popular amusements and of religious faith. The result is that he has communicated to the reader an unusually distinct conception of national and ethnic character. This is always a very difficult task. The most graphic portrayal in this respect most commonly enables the reader merely to perceive indistinctly, but not clearly to see.The book is of a most practical character. Its statements of commercial history and methods, and of past and present business and industrial conditions, are most satisfactory. Such an exposition is at this time most indispensably needed. Everybody knows, in a general way, that the Philippine Islands produce sugar, rice, hemp, tobacco, coffee, and many other agricultural staples, and that they are rich in minerals and valuable woods. But heretofore it has been very difficult to obtain specific information upon these subjects. Mr. Lala has given this information. The practical man, the farmer, the manufacturer, the merchant, the miner is here informed concerning resources, methods, prices, labor, wages, profits, and roads. While this information is not technical, it is instructively full and is evidently reliable.The descriptions of the processes of cultivating and preparing hemp, sugar, coffee, rice, and tobacco, and the suggestions of the ways by which these methods can be easily improved, and the products made more profitable, are, in every way, most satisfactory.The Philippines began to come under European control with the administration of Legaspi, the first Governor-General, in 1565, long before the English had colonized any portion of North America.For about three hundred and fifty years the Spanish system has been in contrast with that of every other colonizing nation. It has been worse than the worst of any of these. While there is no elaborate contrast of these systems in Mr. Lala’s book, he nevertheless depicts so thoroughly the manifold and inveterate rapacity, cruelty, corruption, and imbecility of Spanish colonial administration,that he also discloses the vast possibilities of the better contrasted systems.No war was ever yet waged in the interests of humanity, as the war against Spain unquestionably was, that did not produce consequences entirely unforeseen at its beginning. This truth was never more convincingly confirmed than by the war just ended. The United States demanded the evacuation by Spain of Cuba and Cuban waters. Compliance by Spain would have limited the consequences to the evacuation. She did not comply. She chose the arbitrament of war, and the result was her extirpation from her insular possessions in the West Indies and the Philippines.This providential and revolutionary event imposed upon the United States duties unforeseen, but none the less imperious. As to the Philippines, those duties are complicated by the irresistible tendencies which seem to make certain the dismemberment of China, and the subjection of that immemorial empire to all the influences of Western civilization. This is an event not inferior in importance to the discovery of America by Columbus, and the interest of the United States in its consequences is of incalculable importance. With this interest its relations to the Philippines is inseparably connected, and those relations present for consideration policies which disenchant the situation of all idealism and make it intensely practical. To this possible result the war waged against the United States by Aguinaldo and his followers has decisively contributed.But, in any event, whatever the relations of the United States to the Philippines may finally become, the book of Mr. Lala will undoubtedly influence and assist the considerate judgment of those whose duty shall call them to determine the momentous questions which are now enforcing themselves for solution upon the attention of the American people.Signature of Cushman K. DavisWashington, March 22d, 1899.[Cushman Kellogg Davis, U. S. Senate, Minnesota, 1887 to ——; Chairman Committee on Foreign Relations; Member of the Commission that met at Paris, September 1898, to arrange terms of peace between the United States and Spain.]
The absolute present necessity for accurate information by the people of the United States respecting the Philippines has been met in no more satisfactory manner than by this book.
The author, Mr. Ramon Reyes Lala, is a Filipino and was born in Manila. His collegiate education was completed in England and Switzerland. A long sojourn in Europe has instructed him in European thought, tendencies, and methods. He has lived in the United States for many years, and has become, by naturalization, a citizen of this country.
He collected the historical material for this work largely from the Spanish archives in Manila before the last rising of the people of Luzon in rebellion against Spain. His mastery of the English language is that of the thorough scholar. His qualifications for his work are those of the student, trained by many studies. He possesses by nativity the gift, incommunicable to any alien, of giving a true color and duly proportioned form to his delineations of his own people. These endowments have enabled him to produce a work of striking and permanent value.
The most meritorious feature of Mr. Lala’s book is unquestionably its impartiality of statement and judgment. This is particularly apparent in his descriptions of the moral and intellectual character of his countrymen. No defect is extenuated, nor is there any patriotic exaggeration of merits. The capacities and limitations of the Filipinos are plainly and photographically depicted. The difficulties and the facilities of their political control by the United States are weighed in a just balance by the reader himself in considering these portrayals of national character.
This colorless truth of statement appears not alone in Mr. Lala’s special descriptions of the character of his people. It is also manifest, as it is incidentally displayed, in his many expositions of the systems and methods of labor, of social usages, of domestic life, of civil administration, of military capacity, of popular amusements and of religious faith. The result is that he has communicated to the reader an unusually distinct conception of national and ethnic character. This is always a very difficult task. The most graphic portrayal in this respect most commonly enables the reader merely to perceive indistinctly, but not clearly to see.
The book is of a most practical character. Its statements of commercial history and methods, and of past and present business and industrial conditions, are most satisfactory. Such an exposition is at this time most indispensably needed. Everybody knows, in a general way, that the Philippine Islands produce sugar, rice, hemp, tobacco, coffee, and many other agricultural staples, and that they are rich in minerals and valuable woods. But heretofore it has been very difficult to obtain specific information upon these subjects. Mr. Lala has given this information. The practical man, the farmer, the manufacturer, the merchant, the miner is here informed concerning resources, methods, prices, labor, wages, profits, and roads. While this information is not technical, it is instructively full and is evidently reliable.
The descriptions of the processes of cultivating and preparing hemp, sugar, coffee, rice, and tobacco, and the suggestions of the ways by which these methods can be easily improved, and the products made more profitable, are, in every way, most satisfactory.
The Philippines began to come under European control with the administration of Legaspi, the first Governor-General, in 1565, long before the English had colonized any portion of North America.
For about three hundred and fifty years the Spanish system has been in contrast with that of every other colonizing nation. It has been worse than the worst of any of these. While there is no elaborate contrast of these systems in Mr. Lala’s book, he nevertheless depicts so thoroughly the manifold and inveterate rapacity, cruelty, corruption, and imbecility of Spanish colonial administration,that he also discloses the vast possibilities of the better contrasted systems.
No war was ever yet waged in the interests of humanity, as the war against Spain unquestionably was, that did not produce consequences entirely unforeseen at its beginning. This truth was never more convincingly confirmed than by the war just ended. The United States demanded the evacuation by Spain of Cuba and Cuban waters. Compliance by Spain would have limited the consequences to the evacuation. She did not comply. She chose the arbitrament of war, and the result was her extirpation from her insular possessions in the West Indies and the Philippines.
This providential and revolutionary event imposed upon the United States duties unforeseen, but none the less imperious. As to the Philippines, those duties are complicated by the irresistible tendencies which seem to make certain the dismemberment of China, and the subjection of that immemorial empire to all the influences of Western civilization. This is an event not inferior in importance to the discovery of America by Columbus, and the interest of the United States in its consequences is of incalculable importance. With this interest its relations to the Philippines is inseparably connected, and those relations present for consideration policies which disenchant the situation of all idealism and make it intensely practical. To this possible result the war waged against the United States by Aguinaldo and his followers has decisively contributed.
But, in any event, whatever the relations of the United States to the Philippines may finally become, the book of Mr. Lala will undoubtedly influence and assist the considerate judgment of those whose duty shall call them to determine the momentous questions which are now enforcing themselves for solution upon the attention of the American people.
Signature of Cushman K. Davis
Washington, March 22d, 1899.
[Cushman Kellogg Davis, U. S. Senate, Minnesota, 1887 to ——; Chairman Committee on Foreign Relations; Member of the Commission that met at Paris, September 1898, to arrange terms of peace between the United States and Spain.]
Preface.Preface.About twenty years ago, when a student at St. John’s College, London, I was frequently asked by people I met in society for information regarding the Philippines and the Filipinos. Many also, who showed considerable interest, and who wished, for various reasons, to carry their investigations further, complained that there was in English no good book on the subject. Afterward, when I continued my studies at a French college in Neûchatel, Switzerland, I met with many similar inquiries, and here too in America I found demand for a comprehensive, reliable work upon my country.But it was not until I had traveled considerably through Europe, studying the history of the various States and peoples, that the idea of writing a history of my own fatherland occurred to me. It was mortifying then to think that the glories of my native land were no better known. Accordingly, I resolved to become the chronicler, and I began at once to collect material for a work on the Philippines, that should, I trusted, be deemed a permanent contribution to historical literature.Upon my return to Manila from Europe, I immediately began a study of the Colonial archives in the office of the Governor-General. From these I gathered many valuable data about the early history of the colony, and also much information that would be locked to the curious traveler. And on account of my knowledge of Spanish, and because of my friendship with the Governor-General Moriones, I was enabled to do this thoroughly. Thus I gradually laid the foundation for the present work.When, a few years later,—in 1887,—because of my sympathy with the rising cause of the insurgents, Spanish tyrants banished me from my country and my kindred, I carried away all the manuscripts I had already written, resolved to finish the task I had set before me amid a more congenial environment.I came to the United States. Of this country I, in due time, became a citizen. However, I kept up my relations with friends in Manila; for I still felt an interest in the fate of my native land. Though I have since revisited the Orient, I preferred to retain my American citizenship, rather than again put myself under the iron yoke of Spain. I have, nevertheless, kept pace with the march of events in the colony, and had, indeed, about completed my history when Dewey’s grand victory denoted a new era for the Filipinos, and, hence, made the addition of several chapters necessary. I have thus added much of supreme interest to Americans; bringing the book to the capture of Manila by the American forces.My acquaintance with the leading insurgents,—Rizal, Aguinaldo, Agoncillo, the Lunas, and others,—has also enabled me to speak with authority about them and the cause for which they have fought.In writing this work I have consulted all previous historians, the old Spanish chroniclers, Gaspar de San Agustin, Juan de la Concepcion, Martinez Zuñiga, Bowring,Foreman, and various treatises, anthropological and historical, in French, Spanish, and English.To all these writers I am indebted for many valuable facts.It has been my aim to give—rather than a long, detailed account—a concise, but true, comprehensive, and interesting history of the Philippine Islands; one, too, covering every phase of the subject, and giving also every important fact.And my animating spirit of loyalty for my own countrymen makes me feel that I cannot more clearly and fully manifest my affection for them and my native land than by writing this book.Many of the pictures are photographs taken by myself. The rest were selected from a great number of others, that were accessible, as being most typical of Philippine life and scenery.The student of history, and he that would learn something about the customs of the people, and the natural resources of the country,may, I trust, find the perusal of this work not without profit and interest.I desire to attest here my gratitude for the many courtesies shown me, and for the hearty manner in which I have been received, in this great, free country.Everywhere it was the same.And I would say to all loyal, ardent Filipinos, that I believe that they eventually will not regret the day when Commodore Dewey sundered the galling chains of Spanish dominance, and when General Merritt, later, hoisted the Stars and Stripes over the Archipelago.They will, rather, most surely live to recognize and appreciate the unsullied manifold advantages and benefits incident to American occupation and to a close contact with this honest, vigorous type of manhood.The Author.New YorkDecember, 1898.
Preface.Preface.
Preface.
About twenty years ago, when a student at St. John’s College, London, I was frequently asked by people I met in society for information regarding the Philippines and the Filipinos. Many also, who showed considerable interest, and who wished, for various reasons, to carry their investigations further, complained that there was in English no good book on the subject. Afterward, when I continued my studies at a French college in Neûchatel, Switzerland, I met with many similar inquiries, and here too in America I found demand for a comprehensive, reliable work upon my country.But it was not until I had traveled considerably through Europe, studying the history of the various States and peoples, that the idea of writing a history of my own fatherland occurred to me. It was mortifying then to think that the glories of my native land were no better known. Accordingly, I resolved to become the chronicler, and I began at once to collect material for a work on the Philippines, that should, I trusted, be deemed a permanent contribution to historical literature.Upon my return to Manila from Europe, I immediately began a study of the Colonial archives in the office of the Governor-General. From these I gathered many valuable data about the early history of the colony, and also much information that would be locked to the curious traveler. And on account of my knowledge of Spanish, and because of my friendship with the Governor-General Moriones, I was enabled to do this thoroughly. Thus I gradually laid the foundation for the present work.When, a few years later,—in 1887,—because of my sympathy with the rising cause of the insurgents, Spanish tyrants banished me from my country and my kindred, I carried away all the manuscripts I had already written, resolved to finish the task I had set before me amid a more congenial environment.I came to the United States. Of this country I, in due time, became a citizen. However, I kept up my relations with friends in Manila; for I still felt an interest in the fate of my native land. Though I have since revisited the Orient, I preferred to retain my American citizenship, rather than again put myself under the iron yoke of Spain. I have, nevertheless, kept pace with the march of events in the colony, and had, indeed, about completed my history when Dewey’s grand victory denoted a new era for the Filipinos, and, hence, made the addition of several chapters necessary. I have thus added much of supreme interest to Americans; bringing the book to the capture of Manila by the American forces.My acquaintance with the leading insurgents,—Rizal, Aguinaldo, Agoncillo, the Lunas, and others,—has also enabled me to speak with authority about them and the cause for which they have fought.In writing this work I have consulted all previous historians, the old Spanish chroniclers, Gaspar de San Agustin, Juan de la Concepcion, Martinez Zuñiga, Bowring,Foreman, and various treatises, anthropological and historical, in French, Spanish, and English.To all these writers I am indebted for many valuable facts.It has been my aim to give—rather than a long, detailed account—a concise, but true, comprehensive, and interesting history of the Philippine Islands; one, too, covering every phase of the subject, and giving also every important fact.And my animating spirit of loyalty for my own countrymen makes me feel that I cannot more clearly and fully manifest my affection for them and my native land than by writing this book.Many of the pictures are photographs taken by myself. The rest were selected from a great number of others, that were accessible, as being most typical of Philippine life and scenery.The student of history, and he that would learn something about the customs of the people, and the natural resources of the country,may, I trust, find the perusal of this work not without profit and interest.I desire to attest here my gratitude for the many courtesies shown me, and for the hearty manner in which I have been received, in this great, free country.Everywhere it was the same.And I would say to all loyal, ardent Filipinos, that I believe that they eventually will not regret the day when Commodore Dewey sundered the galling chains of Spanish dominance, and when General Merritt, later, hoisted the Stars and Stripes over the Archipelago.They will, rather, most surely live to recognize and appreciate the unsullied manifold advantages and benefits incident to American occupation and to a close contact with this honest, vigorous type of manhood.The Author.New YorkDecember, 1898.
About twenty years ago, when a student at St. John’s College, London, I was frequently asked by people I met in society for information regarding the Philippines and the Filipinos. Many also, who showed considerable interest, and who wished, for various reasons, to carry their investigations further, complained that there was in English no good book on the subject. Afterward, when I continued my studies at a French college in Neûchatel, Switzerland, I met with many similar inquiries, and here too in America I found demand for a comprehensive, reliable work upon my country.
But it was not until I had traveled considerably through Europe, studying the history of the various States and peoples, that the idea of writing a history of my own fatherland occurred to me. It was mortifying then to think that the glories of my native land were no better known. Accordingly, I resolved to become the chronicler, and I began at once to collect material for a work on the Philippines, that should, I trusted, be deemed a permanent contribution to historical literature.
Upon my return to Manila from Europe, I immediately began a study of the Colonial archives in the office of the Governor-General. From these I gathered many valuable data about the early history of the colony, and also much information that would be locked to the curious traveler. And on account of my knowledge of Spanish, and because of my friendship with the Governor-General Moriones, I was enabled to do this thoroughly. Thus I gradually laid the foundation for the present work.
When, a few years later,—in 1887,—because of my sympathy with the rising cause of the insurgents, Spanish tyrants banished me from my country and my kindred, I carried away all the manuscripts I had already written, resolved to finish the task I had set before me amid a more congenial environment.
I came to the United States. Of this country I, in due time, became a citizen. However, I kept up my relations with friends in Manila; for I still felt an interest in the fate of my native land. Though I have since revisited the Orient, I preferred to retain my American citizenship, rather than again put myself under the iron yoke of Spain. I have, nevertheless, kept pace with the march of events in the colony, and had, indeed, about completed my history when Dewey’s grand victory denoted a new era for the Filipinos, and, hence, made the addition of several chapters necessary. I have thus added much of supreme interest to Americans; bringing the book to the capture of Manila by the American forces.
My acquaintance with the leading insurgents,—Rizal, Aguinaldo, Agoncillo, the Lunas, and others,—has also enabled me to speak with authority about them and the cause for which they have fought.
In writing this work I have consulted all previous historians, the old Spanish chroniclers, Gaspar de San Agustin, Juan de la Concepcion, Martinez Zuñiga, Bowring,Foreman, and various treatises, anthropological and historical, in French, Spanish, and English.
To all these writers I am indebted for many valuable facts.
It has been my aim to give—rather than a long, detailed account—a concise, but true, comprehensive, and interesting history of the Philippine Islands; one, too, covering every phase of the subject, and giving also every important fact.
And my animating spirit of loyalty for my own countrymen makes me feel that I cannot more clearly and fully manifest my affection for them and my native land than by writing this book.
Many of the pictures are photographs taken by myself. The rest were selected from a great number of others, that were accessible, as being most typical of Philippine life and scenery.
The student of history, and he that would learn something about the customs of the people, and the natural resources of the country,may, I trust, find the perusal of this work not without profit and interest.
I desire to attest here my gratitude for the many courtesies shown me, and for the hearty manner in which I have been received, in this great, free country.
Everywhere it was the same.
And I would say to all loyal, ardent Filipinos, that I believe that they eventually will not regret the day when Commodore Dewey sundered the galling chains of Spanish dominance, and when General Merritt, later, hoisted the Stars and Stripes over the Archipelago.
They will, rather, most surely live to recognize and appreciate the unsullied manifold advantages and benefits incident to American occupation and to a close contact with this honest, vigorous type of manhood.
The Author.
New YorkDecember, 1898.