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diff --git a/42726-8.txt b/42726-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 4472518..0000000 --- a/42726-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9168 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Philippine Islands, by Ramon Reyes Lala - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere 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 at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: The Philippine Islands - -Author: Ramon Reyes Lala - -Release Date: May 17, 2013 [EBook #42726] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS *** - - - - -Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net/ for Project -Gutenberg (This file was produced from images generously -made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - - - - - THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS - - By - RAMON REYES LALA - A Native of Manila - - - Illustrated - - - MDCCCXCIX - - Continental Publishing Company - 25 Park Place, New York - - - - - - - - - TO - REAR-ADMIRAL DEWEY, - WHOSE RECENT GREAT VICTORY OVER THE - SPANISH FLEET - HAS BEGUN A NEW ERA OF FREEDOM AND PROSPERITY - FOR MY COUNTRY, - AND TO - PRESIDENT MCKINLEY, - IN WHOSE HAND LIES THE DESTINY OF - EIGHT MILLIONS OF FILIPINOS, - THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED. - - - - - - - - -CONTENTS. - - -Preface 23 - - -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 Saints 29-48 - - -The British Occupation. - -General Draper's Expedition--The British demand an Indemnity--Intrigues -against the British 49-56 - - -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 Experience 57-70 - - -The Church in the Colony. - -Priesthood and the People--Conflicts between Church and State--Clashing -among the Friars--The Monks opposed to Reform 71-79 - - -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 Indispensable 80-106 - - -The Mohammedans of Sulu. - -Cross or Crescent?--The Sultan's State--The Dreaded Juramentados--The -Extent of Mohammedan Rule--Sulu Customs 107-118 - - -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 Boulevard 119-137 - - -Other Important Cities and Towns. - -Iloilo; Capital of the Province of Panay--Cebú, a Mecca for many -Filipinos--General Topography of the Islands 138-150 - - -Natural Beauty of the Archipelago. - -A Botanist's Paradise--A Diadem of Island Gems--The Magnificence of -Tropical Scenery--The Promise of the Future 151-158 - - -A Village Feast. - -The Morning Ceremonies--How the Afternoon is Spent--The Evening -Procession--The Entertainment at Home--The Moro-Moro and the -Fire-works 159-173 - - -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 -Trade 174-187 - - -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 -Rule 188-198 - - -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 -Crop 199-213 - - -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 for 214-226 - - -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 Habit 227-236 - - -The Cultivation of Coffee. - -The Origin of the Industry--Indifference of -Coffee-planters--Speculation in Coffee--Methods of Cultivation--Harsh -Methods of the Government 237-242 - - -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' Nests 243-250 - - -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 Natives 251-259 - - -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 Ants 273-283 - - -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 Aguinaldo 284-309 - - -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 Victorious 310-325 - - -The American Occupation. - -Merritt and the Expedition--The Battle of Malate--Capture of -Manila--Capitulation of the Philippines--Awaiting the Peace -Commission--Instructions to Merritt 326-342 - - - - - - - - -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. - - - 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. - - -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 York December, 1898. - - - - - - - - -EARLY HISTORY OF THE ISLANDS. - - -Discovery and Conquest. - -When Magellan in the spring of 1521 took formal possession of Mindanao, -one of the largest of the Philippine group, he was surrounded -by crowds of the curious brown-skinned natives of that island; -with sensations of awe, they watched their strange white visitors, -believing them to be angels of light. It was Easter-week, and the -Spanish discoverers, with all the ritualistic splendor of the mass, -dedicated the newly-found islands to God and the Church. - -The natives, too, manifested great friendliness to the tempest-tossed -mariners. Indeed, one of their most prominent chieftains himself -piloted the exploring party to Cebú, where thousands of natives, -arrayed in all the barbarous paraphernalia of savagery, stood on the -beach, and, with their spears and shields, menaced the strangers. - -The Mindanao chieftain, who had acted as pilot, thereupon went on -shore and volunteered an explanation: these strange voyagers were -seeking rest and provisions, having been many weary months away from -their own country. - -A treaty of amity was then ratified according to their native custom, -each party thereto simultaneously drawing and drinking blood from the -breast of the other. Magellan then caused a rude chapel to be built -on this new and hospitable shore, and here the natives witnessed -the first rites of that Church that, within a century, extended its -oppressive sway from one end of the Archipelago to the other. - -The King and Queen of the natives were soon persuaded to accept the -rite of baptism. This they seemed to enjoy greatly. To persuade the -good-natured savages to take the oath of allegiance to the King of -far-away Spain was but a step farther. One ceremony was probably as -intelligible to them as the other; and thus the first two links in -the fetters of the Filipinos had been forged. - -With characteristic arrogance the Spaniards henceforth conducted -themselves as the rightful masters of both the confiding natives and -their opulent country. - -It appears, now, that the natives of Cebú were engaged in war with -another tribe on the island of Magtan. The adventurous Magellan, -beholding an opportunity for conquest, and, perhaps, for profit, -accompanied his allies into battle, where he was mortally wounded by -an arrow. - -Thus perished the brave and brilliant discoverer, in the very bloom -of life, when both fame and fortune seemed to have laid their most -precious offerings at his feet. - -Posterity has erected a monument on the very spot where this hero was -slain. Cebú also boasts an obelisk that commemorates the discovery; -while on the left bank of the Pasig river, Manila, stands another -testimonial to the splendid achievements of the intrepid Magellan. - -Duarte de Barbosa was now chosen leader of the expedition, and he, -with twenty-six companions, was invited to a banquet by Hamabar, -the King of the island. In the midst of the royal festivities the -Spaniards were treacherously murdered. Juan Serrano alone--so the old -chronicles relate--was spared. He had, in some way, secured the favor -of the natives, and now, stripped of his clothing and his armor, he -was made to walk up and down the beach, in full view of his companions -on board the ships. - -For his person the natives shrewdly demanded a ransom of two of the -Spanish cannon. A consultation was held among the Spaniards, and it -was decided that it was better that one should perish than that the -lives of all be jeoparded. And so Serrano was left to his fate. - - - - -Adventures of Juan Sebastian Elcano. - -Reduced, at last, to about 100 men and two ships, the Spaniards decided -to return home. The captain of one of these--of the Victoria--was -Juan Sebastian Elcano. This gallant sailor, after losing many brave -companions and meeting many thrilling adventures, at last brought -his ship safely to a Spanish port--three years after he had embarked, -en route to the Moluccas, under his first commander, the unfortunate -Magellan. - -When Elcano and his seventeen companions landed in Spain, they were -mere skeletons, so reduced were they by hunger and disease. Everywhere -they were received with acclamations of joy, and upon their arrival -in Seville they straightway proceeded to the Cathedral, where, amid -grand Te Deums, they gave thanks to God for their return. - -It must, indeed, have been a strange sight to see this remnant, these -gaunt survivors of the splendid company of adventurers that had left -that city but three years before,--flaming with zeal for the spread -of the Church, and glowing in the desire of conquest,--these few -half-starved wretches, now walking barefooted, with lighted candles, -through the streets,--all that was left of that eager throng. - -And yet, pitiable as they were, they must have been conscious of -an achievement that meant glory for their country and immortality -for themselves. - -Nor were they unrewarded. All received food and money, and Elcano, -the leader, was voted a life-pension of 500 ducats; and, in token of -his great accomplishment in having first circumnavigated the globe, -the King knighted him, awarding him, as his escutcheon, a globe with -the motto: "Primus circundedit me." - -The cargo of the Victoria consisted of 26-1/2 tons of cloves and other -spices: cinnamon, sandalwood, nutmegs, and so forth. It is said that -one of the Tidor islanders, brought back with the expedition, who -was presented to the King, was never permitted to return to his home, -because he had committed the blunder of making inquiry regarding the -value of spices in the Spanish markets. - -The Trinidad, the other vessel of this remarkable expedition, after -many terrible hardships, fell into the hands of the Portuguese, who -sent the survivors to Lisbon. They reached that port five years after -their departure with Magellan. - -The enthusiasm of the Spanish monarch and his subjects on account of -these remarkable discoveries was unbounded. Other expeditions to the -islands were soon fitted out. One, under the leadership of Ruy Lopez -de Villalobos, gave to them the name of the Philippine Islands. This -was in honor of Philip, Prince of Austria, the son of King Charles I., -heir-apparent to the throne of Castile; to which, in 1555, upon the -abdication of his father, he succeeded as Philip II. - -This bigot, convinced by his religious advisers of the importance of -winning the newly-discovered islands for the Church, caused another -expedition to be fitted out from Navidad, in the South Sea. - - - - -Legaspi, the First Governor-General. - -Accordingly, Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, a well-known Basque navigator, -of great piety, and with a reputation for probity and ability, set -out with four ships and one frigate, all well armed and carrying -800 soldiers and sailors. Six priests also accompanied them. One was -Urdaneta, who had formerly sailed as a captain to the Moluccas. The -avowed object of the expedition was to subjugate and to Christianize -the benighted natives of those islands. - -After a propitious voyage, not without incident, General Legaspi -resolved to cast anchor at Cebú, a safe port. On the way the ships -stopped at the port of Dapitan, on the island of Mindanao. Prince -Pagbuaya, the ruler of this island, was so astonished at the sight -of these large ships off the coast of his country, that he commanded -one of his subjects, who had some reputation for boldness, to observe -their movements and to report his observations. - -He did. They were manned, he said, by enormous men with long, -pointed noses; that these strange beings were dressed in fine robes, -and actually ate stones (hard sea-biscuits); most wonderful of all, -they drank fire, and blew smoke out of their mouths and through their -nostrils--referring, of course, to their drinking and smoking. He also -said that they could command the thunder and the lightning--meaning -their fire-arms;--that their proud bearing, their bearded faces, -and splendid attire, moreover, surely proclaimed them to be gods. - -Having heard this report, the Prince, accordingly, thought it not -unwise to treat with these wonderful beings. Legaspi not only succeeded -in obtaining provisions--in barter for European wares--from this chief, -but he also obtained much useful information about his destination, -Cebú. He learnt that it was considered a powerful kingdom, whose -greatness was much feared by other States, and that its port was not -only safe, but also favorably situated. - -The General, therefore, determined to annex it to the Crown of -Castile at the earliest opportunity. He landed at Cebú April 27th, -1565, and immediately began negotiations with the natives. - -These, however, remembering their successful resistance to -Magellan's party but a generation before, opposed every advance of -the Spaniards. The latter, notwithstanding, finally took possession of -the town, and sacked it; but for months they were so harassed by the -chief and his subjects that they were several times on the point of -retiring. Legaspi, however, decided to remain, and the natives, growing -accustomed to their presence, gradually yielded to the new order of -things; and thus the first step in the conquest of the islands was -made. The people were declared Spanish subjects. Happy at his success, -Legaspi determined to send the news at once to Spain. Urdaneta was -therefore commissioned to bear the despatches. In due time he arrived -at his destination. - -Legaspi, meanwhile, steadily and successfully pursued the conquest -of Cebú and surrounding islands. He succeeded most admirably also in -winning the confidence of the natives. Their dethroned King Tupas -was baptized, and his daughter married one of the Spaniards. Other -alliances also were made, which bound the two races together. - -The Portuguese, the natural enemies of Spanish exploration and -conquest, now appeared on the scene and attempted, in vain, to dispute -the possession of the successful invaders. The Spaniards then built -a fort, and plots of land were marked out for the building of houses -for the colonists. In 1570 Cebú was declared a city, and Legaspi, by -special grant from the King, received the title of Governor-General -of all the lands that he might be so fortunate as to conquer. - -Soon afterward, Captain Juan Saicedo, Legaspi's grandson, was sent -to the island of Luzon to reconnoiter the territory and to bring -it into subjection to Spain. Martin de Goiti and a few soldiers -accompanied him. They were well received by the various chiefs they -visited. Among these were King Lacandola, the Rajah of Tondo, and -his nephew, the stern young Rajah Soliman, of Manila. Intimidated by -the countenances of the warlike-looking foreigners, and awed by the -mysterious symbols of their priests, these superstitious chiefs agreed -forever, for no consideration, and without reservation, to yield up -their independence, to pay tribute, and to aid in the subjugation -of their own countrymen. A treaty of peace having been made, the -Spaniards acted as if they were the natural owners of the soil. - -Young Soliman, however, soon found occasion to demonstrate that he, -at least, had no intention of carrying out his part of this enforced -contract. He sowed the seeds of insurrection broadcast among the -various surrounding tribes, and not only carried on an offensive -warfare against the invaders, but set fire to his capital, Manila, -that it might not become the spoil of the invaders. Soliman and his -little army were put to flight by Salcedo, who generously pardoned the -young chief upon his again swearing fealty to the King of Spain. Then, -while Goiti with his forces remained in the vicinity of Manila, Salcedo -pursued his adventurous way as far as the Taal district. All the -country of the Batangas province was also subdued by him. About this -time Salcedo himself, severely wounded by an arrow, returned to Manila. - -Legaspi being informed of the occurrences in Luzon, soon joined -Salcedo at Cavité, where chief Lacondola gave his submission. Legaspi, -continuing his journey to Manila, was there received with much pomp and -acclamation. He not only took formal possession of all the surrounding -territory, but also declared Manila to be the capital of the whole -Archipelago. He next publicly proclaimed the sovereignty of the King -of Spain over all the islands. - -Speaking of this period, the old chronicler, Gaspar de San Agustin, -says: "He (Legaspi) ordered them (the natives) to finish the building -of the fort in construction at the mouth of the river (Pasig), -so that His Majesty's artillery might be mounted therein for the -defense of the port and the town. He also ordered them to build a -large house inside the battlement walls for Legaspi's own residence, -and another large house and church for the priests. - -"Besides building these two large houses, he told them to erect 150 -dwellings of moderate size for the remainder of the Spaniards to live -in. All this they promptly promised to do; but they did not obey; -for the Spaniards were themselves obliged to complete the work of -the fortifications." - -The City Council of Manila was constituted on the 24th June, -1571. On the 20th of August of the following year Miguel Lopez de -Legaspi died. His was a most eventful, arduous life. His career was -honorable, and he occupied a prominent place in the colonial history -of his country. He was buried in the Augustine chapel of San Fausto -in Manila, where his royal standard and armorial bearings hung until -the occupation of the city by the British in 1763. - - - - -Li-ma-hong, the Chinese Pirate. - -Guido de Lavezares succeeded Legaspi as Governor of the islands, -and had not long taken possession when he had to defend them against -the assaults of the celebrated Chinese corsair, Li-ma-hong. - -This redoubtable Celestial had early shown a martial spirit, and -became a member of a band of pirates that for many years infested -the seas. Here he so distinguished himself by his prowess and cruelty -that, upon the death of the leader, he was at once elected chief of -the buccaneers. At length this Celestial Viking essayed an attack -on the Philippines. It is said that he first heard of the remarkable -wealth of the islands from the crew of a Chinese merchantman returning -from Manila. After committing a few depredations along the coast, -this Captain Kidd of the Chinese Main appeared before Manila on the -29th of November, 1594, with a fleet of 62 armed junks, manned by -more than 2,000 sailors. Twenty-five hundred soldiers were also on -board for effective warfare, and more than 2,000 Chinese artisans and -women, with which he intended to found the colony that was to be the -capital of his new Empire. - -So secret was the landing of the Chinese, and so sudden was their -attack, that they were already within the gates of the city before -the Spaniards knew that they were at hand. - -Martin de Goiti, second in command to the Governor, was the first to -receive their attack; and, after a brave defense, he was killed with -many of his soldiers. The flames from his burning residence gave the -Governor himself his first intimation of the enemy's presence. Flushed -with success, Sioco, the Japanese leader of the buccaneers, then -stormed the Fort of Santiago, where many Spanish soldiers had taken -refuge. A small body of fresh troops coming to the aid of the besieged, -the Chinese, after considerable loss, retreated, fearing that other -reinforcements might follow and cut off their return to the ships. - -It was now reported that Li-ma-hong himself, who, with the greater -part of his force, was at Cavité, would lead the next assault. The -inhabitants of Manila, therefore, awaited him in great terror. - -Fortunately, however, that intrepid warrior, Juan Salcedo, fresh from -his conquests in the north, now came to the city's aid. Just about -sunrise on the 3d of December the Chinese squadron again appeared -in the bay near the capital. The Celestials disembarked, and, it is -said, their leader, in an eloquent speech, incited his followers to -the assault, with glowing promises of plunder. - -Meantime, while the Chinese were forming into battle-line, within the -walls of the city the drums and the trumpets of the Spaniards kept -up an inspiring din, and all that were able to bear arms hastened -to the defense. It was an important moment in the history of the -colony,--an hour big with fate; for the coming battle would decide -for either European or Asiatic domination. - -Again Li-ma-hong chose his trusted lieutenant to lead the attack; -and fifteen hundred picked troops, armed to the teeth, followed him, -swearing to take the fort or leave their corpses as a testimonial to -their valor. - -The city was then set on fire in several places, and in three divisions -the Chinese advanced to the attack, Li-ma-hong himself from the outside -supporting them with a well-directed cannonade against the walls. - -After a spirited assault, Sioco succeeded in entering the fort, -and here a bloody hand-to-hand conflict took place. Again and again -the Spaniards forced their fierce assailants over the walls; again -and again the Chinese poured into the breaches, while the trembling -non-combatants within the city awaited the result in agonized suspense. - -Salcedo was at the front and everywhere. Time and again, with -indomitable courage, he rallied his men; and splendidly did they -respond to his magnificent leadership. The old Governor himself was -at the front, shouting encouragement; and many prominent citizens also -distinguished themselves by feats of remarkable heroism. The Chinese, -once more, gathering their shattered numbers together, plunged into -the ranks of their enemies, and it was not until after the loss of -their daring leader that the few that remained turned their repulse -into a disorderly flight, and Manila and the Philippines were saved -to Spain and America. Salcedo now eagerly took the offensive and -pursued the panic-stricken fugitives back to their ships, killing -great numbers on the way. - -In vain Li-ma-hong tried to regain his advantage. Troop after troop -were sent ashore, only to join the rout and return confused and -disorganized back to the fleet. The Spaniards had conquered. - -Li-ma-hong, nevertheless, was determined to found his Empire and to -set up his capital in another part of the islands--in the province of -Pangasinan. Salcedo was accordingly despatched against him, but was -unable to dislodge him. Hearing, however, that the Chinese Emperor -also was about to send an expedition against him, the wily pirate -secretly departed, leaving his Spanish enemies not at all displeased -at being thus cheaply rid of his presence. - -The friars, ever on the lookout for their own interests, attributed -their deliverance to the aid of St. Andrew. He, therefore, was declared -the Patron Saint of Manila--high mass in his honor being celebrated -at 8 A. M. in the Cathedral every 30th of November. - -The old chroniclers relate that some of the native chiefs took -advantage of the disturbance to foment a rebellion against their -Spanish conquerors; but all other disturbances were speedily quelled. - -Civil disturbances, civil conflicts, now followed in the wake of these -struggles against foreign aggression and domestic insurrection. In -these internal dissensions, all branches of the Government took -part. It was the Governor-General against the Supreme Court, the -Supreme Court against the Clergy, the Clergy against All. - -The Governor was censured for alleged undue exercise of arbitrary -authority. The Supreme Court, patterned after the one in Mexico, was -also accused of seeking to overstep the limits of its functions. Every -law was reduced to the practise of a quibble, every quibble was -administered with a dilatoriness that was destructive not only to all -legitimate industry, but also to the encouragement and maintenance of -order. To make matters even worse, the clergy, with their pretense -of immunity from all State-control, interfered in all matters that -promised profit. Indeed, there were few things out of which these -wily friars were unable to extract a generous tithe. - - - - -The Dutch Appear upon the Scene. - -The Chinese pirate had been taught a severe lesson, and had -departed. The memory of his ravages, however, was still fresh in the -minds of his conquerors when other buccaneers, far mere formidable -and dangerous, appeared in the waters of the Philippines, threatening -the peace and safety of the colonists. - -Kindling with a desire for vengeance on their ancient foes the -Spaniards, and flaming with greed for the richly-freighted Spanish -argosies, the Dutch made repeated sallies from their secure retreat -in the Moluccas, spreading terror in their wake. The galleons full of -silver from Mexico, the ships laden with the comforts and luxuries -of far-away Spain, fell a delightful prey into the hands of these -remorseless freebooters, that never gave nor asked quarter. Many were -the conflicts with these ruthless invaders, and many a rich prize did -they tow away from the Philippine waters, while the angry Spaniards -on shore stood transfixed,--in helpless misery. - -Millions of dollars intended for the salaries of the Government -officials and the troops, were thus stolen, and though the colonists -were often victorious, yet the enemy, with characteristic Dutch -audacity, refused to be defeated; in fact, he invariably reappeared -with a new demonstration of bloody rapacity. - -Upon one occasion a Dutch squadron anchored at the entrance of -Manila Bay. It remained several months, seizing from time to time -the merchantmen on their way to the Manila market. It thus secured -an immense booty; its presence, too, becoming extremely prejudicial -to trade and to the interests of the colony. - -Juan de Silva, the Governor, therefore began to prepare an armament to -drive these freebooters from the bay. One night he dreamt that St. Mark -had offered to help him. Awaking, he consulted a priest about his -dream, who interpreted it to be an omen of victory. On St. Mark's day, -accordingly, the Spaniards sallied forth to meet their hereditary foe; -they sailed from Cavité with ten ships, carrying twenty guns. Over -1,000 Europeans and a large number of natives manned this fleet, -the latter being religiously told that the Dutch were infidels, and, -therefore, deserved extermination. - -Once more the possession of the colony was to be decided. This -time the conflict was to be between two rival nations from the same -continent,--between Protestant and Catholic. The clergy, hence, were -keenly alive to its importance: mass was said in all the churches, -bells were tolled, and images of the Patron Saints of the colony were -daily paraded through the streets. - -The Governor himself took command, and incited his followers to martial -order by proclaiming St. Mark's promised intercession. From his ship -he unfurled the royal standard,--on which the image of the Virgin was -conspicuously embroidered,--to give encouragement to the eyes of the -faithful. He then gave the signal for the advance, and they swiftly -bore down upon the enemy. The Dutch were quietly awaiting the attack, -and the conflict was fierce and sanguinary. It was a calm, beautiful -day; but the calmness soon gave place to the thundering turbulence -of battle, and the beauty soon became the ugliness of war. - -The contest lasted about six hours, and the Dutch, unable longer to -cope against odds so overwhelming, were finally vanquished; their -three ships were destroyed, and their flags, artillery, and plundered -merchandise to the value of $300,000 were seized. - -This important struggle is known in the history of the islands as -the battle of Playa Honda. Had it ended otherwise, it is probable -that the Philippines would have been for the Dutch another Java, -and a most interesting problem would not have sought solution at the -hands of the American people. - -Several other engagements with the Dutch occurred at different times; -first one, then the other side being victorious. And thus for over a -century the contest continued, until by the Peace of Westphalia, in -1648, Holland's independence was fully established, her impoverished -and weakened foe being forced to a tardy recognition of what had been -an obstinate fact for many years. - - - - -The Japanese, and the Martyred Saints. - -The struggling colony was menaced by yet another foe. Early commercial -relations had been entered into with the Japanese, who had established -one or two trading-settlements in different parts of Luzon. It was -not long, therefore, before the news of the Spanish occupation of -the Philippines reached the Emperor of Japan. Accordingly, in 1593, -he sent an ultimatum to the Governor-General, demanding his surrender, -and that he acknowledge him as his liege lord. - -The Japanese Ambassador, Farranda Kiemon, was received with great -honor, and treated with all the deference due to a royal envoy: the -colonists were not yet strong enough to manifest a high degree of -independence when threatened by so powerful a foe. So the Governor -prudently resorted to diplomacy. He replied, that, being but a vassal -of the King of Spain, a most powerful and opulent sovereign, he was -prevented from giving homage to any other monarch; that his first duty, -naturally, was to defend the colony against invasion; that he should, -however, be happy to make a Treaty of Commerce with His Majesty, -and would, accordingly, send several envoys to his capital to treat -concerning the same. - -This done, it is related, the Spaniards were received in great -state. The treaty was then adjusted to the satisfaction of both -parties. - -Unfortunately, however, these envoys, returning homeward, were drowned, -and shortly afterward two religious embassies were sent to Japan to -renew the treaty and to convert the benighted inhabitants of that -country to God and the true Church. After thirty days, sailing they -arrived at their destination. The friar Pedro Bautista, chief of the -embassy, was now presented to the Emperor Taycosama, and the treaty -was renewed. The most important feature of this agreement was the -permission to build a chapel at Meaco, near Osaka. This was opened -with ceremonial pomp in 1594. - -Now the chief of the Jesuits--the sect were by royal favor allowed to -follow their calling among the Portuguese traders in Nagasaki--bitterly -opposed what he deemed the exclusive right of his order, conceded by -Pope Gregory XIII., and confirmed by Imperial decree. - -The Portuguese traders, foreseeing that the arrival of Bautista and his -priests was but a prelude to Spanish domination,--when they, naturally, -would be the sufferers,--forewarned the Governor of Nagasaki. - -The Emperor was alarmed; for he now also became convinced that the -Philippine Ambassadors were actuated to missionary zeal by ulterior -motives; and, fearing that the priests, by their doctrines, might -pollute the fountain of his ancient religion,--thus paving the way for -their domination and his own ultimate ruin,--he at once commanded -that all attempts to convert the natives must cease. Bautista, -in holy zeal, not heeding the Imperial injunction, was expelled, -and retired to Luzon, leaving several of his embassy behind. Some of -these also, obstinately persisting in violating the Imperial mandate, -were arrested and imprisoned. - -Upon his arrival in Manila, Bautista fitted out another expedition, -and soon again landed in Japan with a company of Franciscans. - -The indignant Emperor, convinced of the duplicity of the Spaniards, -caused them to be seized and cast into prison. A few natives, who had -forsaken the religion of their forefathers for the discord-breeding -doctrines of the foreigners, were also apprehended. All--twenty-six in -number--were then condemned to death. After their ears and noses had -been cut off, they were exhibited in various towns, as a warning to -the other foreigners and to the populace. Upon the breast of each hung -a board, that announced the sentence of the wearer and the reasons -for his punishment. They were then crucified, and, after lingering -for several hours in great agony, were speared to death. - -The colony was much perturbed when the news of the sad fate of the -zealous Franciscans reached Manila. Special masses were said, and -processions of monks daily paraded through the streets. - -The Governor was finally prevailed on to send a deputation to -Japan for the bodies of the executed priests; for the relics of -these martyrs were fraught with too many possibilities of profit to -their co-religionists to be left in a foreign country in ignominious -sepulture. It is related, also, that these envoys were entertained -most royally, and the Emperor gave them a long letter to the Governor, -justifying with many reasons the late execution and his vigorous -policy. It seems, however, that the relics were lost on the homeward -voyage. Notwithstanding, many priests soon ventured to Japan, to -court a martyr's doom and to furnish relics for the adoration of -their superstitious countrymen. Hence, it is not surprising that a -great many other similar executions afterward took place. - -Incensed at these frequent and persistent violations of his -well-founded prohibition, the Emperor finally refused to treat with the -embassies sent from the colony; and, as he and his successors continued -to enforce their stern decrees, the transportation of Spanish priests -to Japan was finally prohibited. Had the Japanese been less severe, -less astute, it is highly probable that all the evil consequences -that they foresaw,--as a result of the Christian propaganda,--would -really have taken place. As it was, they saved both their religion -and their Empire. - - - - - - - - -THE BRITISH OCCUPATION. - - -General Draper's Expedition. - -The affairs of the colony--now directed by custom and precedence -into the narrow channel of official routine--flowed placidly along in -undisturbed monotony. But in 1762 another enemy appeared before the -walls of Manila; an enemy more powerful than any that had heretofore -threatened the peace of that tropical capital. War had been declared -by Spain against England, and the enterprising inhabitants of that -little isle were not slow in following their traditional policy of -striking the first blow. Rodney and Monckton were sent to Havana. This -they took without great difficulty, and soon a British squadron, -composed of thirteen ships, under the command of Admiral Cornish, -was despatched to Manila. - -It was the evening of the 22nd of September when the English fleet -arrived in the bay, and the following morning Admiral Cornish sent an -officer to the Governor, demanding the surrender of the citadel. At -this peremptory proceeding the haughty Spaniard was highly incensed, -and his refusal was couched in terms no less indignant than defiant. - -Words having signally failed to bring the Spanish to terms, a -demonstration of force was decided upon, and Brigadier-General Draper -was sent on shore with a large body of troops. The garrison, however, -treated this display with counter demonstrations, and Draper's threats -with lofty disdain. Draper therefore resolved to parley no longer, -and the bombardment began the next day. - -The British forces consisted of 1600 European troops, nearly 3000 -seamen, and about 800 Sepoys--about 5000 fighting men. The forces -in Manila, on the other hand, were only 603 Spaniards and 77 small -guns. In the meantime, the ardor of the British had been inflamed by -the capture of a Spanish galleon containing $2,500,000 in specie. - -The Archbishop, Manuel Antonio Rojo, who acted also as Governor,--the -seat of that functionary being vacant at the time,--seeing the -hopelessness of the conflict, and desiring to avert unavailing -bloodshed, counseled surrender. But the soldiers in the garrison, -under their fiery leader Simon de Anda, were utterly intractable, -and prepared vigorously for the defense. After a few unsuccessful -sorties, the Spanish batteries, on the 24th September, began a -rapid but harmless cannonade. Again a company sallied forth from -the garrison to attack the invaders, but this also was repulsed, -with considerable loss to the Spanish. The English now renewed the -bombardment, and terrific havoc was made among the ranks of the -enemy. Some two thousand natives, in three columns, advanced toward -the three improvised redoubts held by the British, and were driven -back with great loss and confusion. Panic-stricken, the natives fled -back to their villages, and on the 5th of October the besieging forces -entered the walled city. The bombardment, meanwhile, continued. Nor -did it cease until the forts were demolished and most of the Spanish -artillerymen killed. It is estimated that 20,000 cannon-balls and -5000 shells were thrown into the city. - -The military men among the Spanish now counseled surrender. The -civilians, contrariwise, were eager to continue the defense. But as -most of the fortifications were destroyed, and since "confusion worse -confounded" already reigned in the city, many fled to the surrounding -villages. - -The opposing civilians having barricaded and otherwise obstructed the -streets, the British advanced into the heart of the city, clearing -the way before them with a raking fire of musketry. - -General Draper now sent Colonel Monson to the Archbishop, demanding -instant and absolute surrender. The Archbishop appeared and offered -himself as a prisoner, also presenting terms of capitulation. These -provided for the free exercise of religion, the security of private -property, unrestricted commerce between the Spaniards and the natives, -and the English support of the Supreme Court in its attempts to -preserve order. - - - - -The British Demand an Indemnity. - -General Draper readily granted these terms, but demanded an indemnity -of $4,000,000. To this the Spanish agreed, and these terms were then -signed by both parties to the compact. - -When the Union Jack was first unfurled from Fort Santiago, it is said -that the British burst forth into a chorus of ringing cheers. - -But their joy was not unmixed with sensations of sorrow; for, -it is reported, over 1500 men, and many gallant officers, were -lost in the assault. The city was then given over to the mercy -of the victorious troops, and a riotous scene of pillage ensued; -many excesses were committed, the Sepoys, in particular, committing -many atrocities. General Draper forthwith gave the command that these -outrages should cease; and guards were at once placed at the doors of -the convents and the nunneries to prevent outrages on the women. A -few thieving Chinamen, who had taken advantage of the confusion to -add to their own profit, were hanged; and the General, it is said, -with his own hand cut down a soldier that he caught stealing after -his inhibition had been proclaimed. - -The English now demanded the payment of the stipulated indemnity, -but the enforced contributions from the wealthy inhabitants, with -the silver from the churches--all that the Spaniards professed to be -able to collect--amounted to only a little more than half a million -dollars,--but one-eighth of the stipulated sum. Threat and force -were alike unavailing to produce the other monies promised, although -the friars, it is believed, had secreted immense sums, determined at -all hazards to preserve their accumulated store from the rapacity of -their Protestant enemy. - -By the terms of the capitulation the entire Archipelago had been -surrendered to the British; but Simon de Anda, who commanded the -Spanish forces during the siege, had now established himself in -Bulacan as Provisional Governor, in opposition to the authority -of the Archbishop who had bitterly denounced the surrender. The -clergy, however, were the more influential part of the Colonial -Government, and General Draper accordingly treated with them alone, -obtaining their consent to a cession of all the islands to the King -of England. Draper himself then returned to England, leaving behind -a Provisional Military Government. - -Admiral Cornish now demanded the payment of the million dollars that -the British had finally decided to accept as full indemnity. - -The Spaniard, however, continued to plead poverty, and the money was -not forthcoming. Several thousands of dollars were eventually unearthed -in the convent where the friars had hidden it. The British, though -convinced of the deception that these holy brethren had practised -to save these dollars,--wrung from the hearts of the poor,--were, -however, unable to lay their hands upon the treasure. - -Simon de Anda, the self-constituted Governor, now became unusually -active in the provinces, and several expeditions were sent out to -quell the various insurrections that he had been stirring up. One of -these, numbering 600 men, under the leadership of Captain Eslay, in the -province of Bulacan, assaulted and took a fortified convent. They were -also victorious in some engagements with a body of natives, several -thousand strong, under the command of Lieutenant Bustos, a Spanish -officer. As several Austin friars had been found among the slain, the -British rightly believed that their order had been conspiring against -them. Many, therefore, were arrested. Eleven were sent back to Europe. - -Naturally suspicious of all the friars, the English now entered the -Augustine convent and found that these priests had been no less -deceitful than their brethren in the other orders. Six thousand, -five hundred dollars in coin were found hidden in the garden, and -large quantities of wrought silver elsewhere. The convent itself was -then searched and all the valuables found therein taken. - -About this time the Spaniards professed to have discovered a conspiracy -among the Chinese in the province of Pampanga, the object being, -they said, to murder Anda and his Spanish followers. The Chinese had -raised extensive fortifications, saying that these preparations were -all made as a defense against an expected attack from the British. - -The Spaniards, however, suspecting sympathy with their enemies, -attacked the Celestials and a general massacre of the Chinese -followed. Many thousands, too, were killed that had taken no part in -the war. - -Admiral Cornish, disgusted and infuriated with their obvious deception -and palpable dilly-dallying, again demanded the payment of the -indemnity. But he was forced to content himself with a bill on the -Madrid Treasury. - -Anda now appointed Bustos Alcalde of Bulacan: he hoped great things -of his seditious and unscrupulous lieutenant; he knew that he would -resort to every means to harass the enemy: he therefore, accordingly, -ordered him to recruit and train troops. - -For Anda still cherished the hope of confining the British, perhaps, -even, of driving them from the colony. So, with practiced subtlety -and with masked deviltry, he set about accomplishing his grim purpose. - - - - -Intrigues Against the British. - -The British were now kept busy suppressing the numerous intrigues -against their power that sprang up among the Spanish residents -everywhere. Many sorties also were made to dislodge the persistent and -irrepressible Anda and his lieutenant Bustos, now encamped at Malinta, -a village a few miles from Manila. Most of those assaults, however, -proved indecisive and ineffectual. The priests proved troublesome, -and were the cause of much bloodshed, teaching the natives that the -British were infidels. - -The Augustine friars were especially hostile, many laying aside the -cowl for the helmet. At Masilo, indeed, the British were defeated -by an Austin friar, who, with a small band of natives, attacked them -from ambush. - -The Austin friars, however, had some cause for grievance. For, -according to a recent historian, they had lost nearly a quarter of -a million dollars, fifteen of their convents were destroyed, several -valuable estates despoiled, ten of the members killed in the battle, -and nineteen were taken prisoners and sent as exiles to India and -Europe. - -On the 23d of July, 1763, an English vessel brought news of an -armistice between the conflicting Powers. And in the latter part -of August the British Commander received notice of the articles of -peace, by which Manila was to be evacuated (Peace of Paris, 10th of -Feb., 1763). - -It was several months, however, before peace was finally established -in the island, fierce quarrels having arisen among the rival factions -of the Spaniards as to who should be Governor and receive the city -officially from the British. The Archbishop having died, Anda, who -was in actual command of the troops, was fully recognized by the -British as Governor. Don Francisco de La Torre arriving at this time -from Spain with a commission as Governor-General, Anda resigned the -Government to him on the 17th of March, 1764. Several serious quarrels -now took place, due to jealousy among the English officers; but Anda, -on behalf of the new Governor, formally received the city from the -British, who embarked for India, after having met all claims that -could be justly established against them. - - - - - - - - -THE SPANISH COLONIAL GOVERNMENT. - - -The Encomiendoros and the Alcaldes. - -In the early days of the colony there were, besides the -Governor-General, the sub-governors, known as Encomiendoros, who -rented their provinces at so much per annum, called Encomiendas, -from the General Government. These Encomiendoros were usually men of -wealth, that entered into politics as a speculation. More properly, -I should say, as a peculation; for it became their policy to fleece -the natives and to extort as much money as possible during the term of -their incumbency. Few, indeed, left the scene of their civil brigandage -without full coffers; and as enormous fortunes were to be made during -a few years sojourn in the islands, no wonder that this office was -eagerly sought after in Spain. - -This imitation of the methods of the Roman tax-payers, however, -became so demoralizing to the morale of the Spaniards themselves, and -so ruinous to the colony and to the natives, that a more equitable -policy was introduced. The Encomiendoros were succeeded by Judicial -Governors, called Alcaldes, to whom was paid a small salary, from -$300 upward a year, according to the prominence of the province. - -This office, however, proved almost equally remunerative to the -holders; for, by means of a Government license to trade, they were -able to create, to their own advantage, monopolies in every line -of industry, thus freezing out all competitors. Though each was -responsible to the Central Government for the taxes of his provinces, -yet this did not prevent the shrewd and unprincipled from finding -profit here also. For, by a system of false weights and measures, -the native, who, in lieu of silver, brought his produce in payment -for taxes, was shamefully defrauded, the Alcalde sending the indebted -amount to the Government storehouse and selling the rest to his own -profit. In addition, many of these Alcaldes, by arbitrary decrees -and despotic methods, conducted a system of public robbery that in a -few years enriched them at the expense of the long-suffering natives; -for them there was no redress, inasmuch as each Alcalde was also the -head of the Legal Tribunal in his own province. These abuses, however, -became so flagrant that the Alcaldes were finally forbidden to trade; -but as this measure was not as effectual as had been expected, -sweeping reforms were instituted. - -To recount what these were; to mention in detail what malignant -opposition was manifested by a large body of natives and resident -Spaniards toward the purposed overthrow of the old system, would be -only to reiterate well-known characteristics and abnormalities of -the Spanish nature; placed, too, in but a slightly different setting. - -I will merely add that these Alcaldes, these perpetrators and -beneficiaries of wholesale misrule and dishonor, yielded finally -to the reform-wave, and, accordingly, fell away before their own -judicial perversion. And the new system, it must be confessed, is a -great improvement upon the old. - -But the evil wrought upon the Filipino mind and character was -deep-planted. For, by the despotic and summary disposing of his -labor and chattels, in the name of the King,--abetted frequently, -too, by seemingly supernatural means,--respect for the Spaniard and -the white man in general had fled, fear and distrust supplanting it. - -In the new order of things,--instituted by a decree from the -Queen-Regent Maria Cristina, the 26th of February, 1886,--18 Civil -Governorships were created, and the Alcaldes' functions were confined -to their Judgeships. And thus the former frightful distortion of -justice was overcome and banished. - -So, too, under this law of 1886 each Civil Governor has a Secretary, -who serves as a check upon his chief, if he be illegally inclined. - -Accordingly, two new official safeguards were thus erected in the -fabric of Colonial Administration in these 18 different provinces. - - - - -The Present Division and Administration. - -The colony was then divided into 19 civil provinces, including Sulu, -and into 3 grand military divisions. - -As before, at the head was the Governor-General,--the supervising and -executive officer of the province,--directly responsible to Spain. His -salary is $40,000 a year. He is assisted by an Executive Cabinet and -by an Administrative Council. The Provincial Governor, the successor -to the Alcalde, must be a Spaniard, and at least 30 years old. He -is the direct representative of the Governor-General and it is his -duty to execute his decrees and to maintain order. He also has the -power of appointment and removal, presides over provincial elections, -controls the civil and local guard, interprets the laws,--usually -to suit his own profit or convenience,--supervises the balloting -for military conscription, can assess fines to the amount of $50, -or imprison for 30 days, is Superintendent of Public Instruction, -issues licenses and collects taxes. It is his duty also to furnish -statistics and to control the Postal and Telegraph service. He is the -Superintendent of health, prisons, charities, agriculture, forestry, -and of manufactures. It will thus be seen that his duties are as -diverse as they are important. He is now allowed no percentage, nor -other emolument than his salary. At the same time, a shrewd Governor -is yet able to reap a golden harvest. This, however, can be done only -in conjunction with other Government officers. - -Owing to the extreme shortness of his term of office--three years -only--there is no incentive for the improvement of his province, as -his successors would reap the results as well as the credit of his -industry. Besides, he has no reason to hope that a good work begun -will be a good work continued; for the next Governor may be averse -to exertion, or may be at variance with his policy. - -Most of the Governors live in good style; as a rule they spend about -two hours a day in Government employ. Is it to be wondered at, then, -that this office is so eagerly sought after in Spain? - -There are about 750 towns in the colony; each governed by a -Gobernadorcillo, "Little Governor," called Capitan; usually a native -or half-caste. This office is elected every two years, and is to the -Provincial Governor what the latter is to the Governor-General. He is -the tax-collector of his district, and is, furthermore, responsible for -the amount apportioned to his district. If he fails to collect this, -he must make the deficit good out of his own pocket. Under him are -a number of deputies, called Cabezas, each likewise responsible for -another division of the population called a Barangay,--a collection -of forty or fifty families. If the individuals of this group are -unable to pay, the property is distrained and sold by the deputy, -who would otherwise have to make good the amount himself. If the -proceeds of the sale fail to equal the indebtedness of the delinquent, -he is cast into prison. - -I have often seen respectable men deported to the penal settlements; -and for no other offense than inability to pay the oppressive tax laid -upon their shoulders, regardless of the season,--whether productive -or not. Their families, meanwhile, left without a head, were thrown -into the most woeful destitution. - -The Gobernadorcillo gets the munificent salary of $200 a year, though -his expenses, for clerk-hire, for presents to his chief, and for -entertainments in his honor, are often many times greater. A shrewd -Gobernadorcillo, however, manages to make something out of the place, -which, in some districts, is eagerly sought after by rich planters. The -official dress of this worthy is a short black jacket, the tail worn -over the trousers. He also carries a stick as a sign of authority. To -him is entrusted the apprehension of criminals, and he has command -of the local guards, or cuadrilleros, the police of the towns. - - - - -The Taxes and What Became of Them. - -It can easily be guessed that the taxes are not inconsiderable, when -I simply mention a few things that are assessed: There is a tax on -the ownership and sale of live-stock and vehicles, on realty, and -on all private industries and manufactures. Opium, liquors, stamps, -tobacco, and lotteries yield an immense revenue. Then there is a -Community-fund, which is usually several hundred thousand dollars a -year in each province, and is supposed to be spent in the interest -of the community. The Chinese Capitation tax also brings in a large -amount. But the most common and onerous tax of all is that arising -from the Government sale of Cédulas, or documents of identity, which -is a poll-tax from $25 down. The individual paying less than $3.50 is -subject to 15 days' hard labor each year and to a fine of 50 cents for -each day that he shall fail to work. Those whose cédulas have cost -more than $3.50 must also pay a municipal tax of $1.50. The cédula -is also used as a passport, and must be brought into court to render -legal instruments effective. - -From this brief and imperfect survey of the system of provincial -taxation, it can easily be gathered that the revenues are considerable; -and yet, of the hundreds of thousands of dollars extorted from the -natives in each province, under the plausible pretexts of an avaricious -policy, it is safe to say that not a dollar is expended for any local -improvements. No building of bridges, no constructing of highways, -no public schools, nor halls of justice must mar the stagnant serenity -of provincial life. Nothing is ever repaired; a system of "let alone" -blights every aspiration, and is fatal to the extension of commerce -and industry. Consequently, in the wet season, for vehicles, the -public roads are impassable, and, in many parts of the country, -for months transportation is practically at a stand-still. As if -effectually to close every door to progress, private individuals, -too, are forbidden by law to repair the highways. - -Did any government ever foster a more imbecile and iniquitous policy -for its own damnation? - -Although the speculations in the colony are not so enormous as -formerly, yet there is no doubt that they still amount to several -millions annually; mostly, however, at the seat of Government in -Manila. It is indeed notorious that General Weyler, during his brief -incumbency of the office, succeeded in placing several millions of -dollars to his credit--I should have said to his dishonor! - - - - -Dilatory and Abortive Courts. - -Perhaps no feature of Colonial life is fraught with more evil and -is so disgusting, as the process of the courts. The Supreme Court of -the early years of the colony was modeled after the one in Majorca, -and on several occasions when the Governorship has been left vacant, -it has assumed the functions of the executive--pro-tem. - -There are two Supreme Law Courts in the colony: one in Manila; -the other in Cebú. The President of the one in Manila has a salary -of $7,000 a year; that of Cebú, $6,000. There are also 41 Superior -Courts, of various degrees of importance, the salary of the judges -ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 per annum. The department of Justice -alone costs the colony about $350,000 a year. - -The dilatoriness of the courts has become proverbial. It is, in fact, -years before a case can be brought to a close. Meantime, the litigant -has been fleeced out of an amount perhaps a hundred times the value -of the article under litigation. The islands are full of native -pettifoggers from the law schools of Manila, who have learned too well -the meaning of the Spanish mañana. A suit can never be considered as -disposed of; for another judge, scenting the faint possibility of a -fee, may again have it retried. Thus I have seen the lives of acquitted -persons again brought into jeopardy by the meddlesome officiousness -and the grasping greed of a new judge. He that goes to court in the -Philippines must not do so without reckoning the cost. - -Commenting on this, a recent English traveler says: "Availing one -self of the dilatoriness of the Spanish law, it is possible for a man -to occupy a house, pay no rent, and refuse to quit on legal grounds -during a couple of years or more." A person who has not a cent to lose -can persecute another by means of a trumped up accusation, until he is -ruined by an "informacion de pobreza"--a declaration of poverty--which -enables the persecutor to keep the case going as long as he chooses, -without needing money for fees. - - - - -A New Yorker's Experience. - -The following experience of an American friend of mine, whom I knew -very well in Manila, will bring out in a graphic way the course of -justice in the Philippines. Nor is his experience uncommon. It is, -in fact, the usual one of the stranger or the native who goes to the -fountain of Justice for the redress of a grievance. - -I quote part of his letter written to a common friend: - - - In 1871 I joined Mr. William Morton Clark of Philadelphia, who - had a large timber business on the island of Luzon, and started - cutting some timber contracted for by the Chinese government. - - I soon discovered that I was interfering with the business of a - certain priest, who was also in the same line of business. - - Shortly before this, this priest and an inspector of roads had - loaded the Spanish bark Santa Lucia for Hong-Kong, and had made - things so disagreeable for others who had tried to ship merchandise - that foreigners were becoming afraid to risk their capital. - - Mr. Clark finding how things were going on soon abandoned the - enterprise, and I then determined to fight the thing out on my - own account. - - At this time I had 25,000 cubic feet of hard timber, cut and - squared, for a foreign market, eighty-two buffaloes for hauling, - and a plant of machinery and appliances valued at $7,000. - - I had a license for carrying on my business, duly granted by the - superior government, and in 1874 chartered a vessel at Manila to - carry my timber to Hong-Kong, and then went to the port of Love, - where my timber was, taking with me $940 in gold to prepare for - the vessel's arrival and to continue cutting. - - Upon arriving at Love I found that during my absence at Manila a - portion of my timber had been forcibly taken possession of and had - been shipped on board the Spanish bark Teresa by Joaquin Barcello, - the captain of the Teresa, who was then on his way to Hong-Kong. I - also learned that my buffaloes, stock and rice had been removed, - and that Juan Gaal, my foreman, whom I had left in charge of - my property, was all subject to the orders of this Barcello, - and that my choppers had been bribed into the service of Padre - Fidel Moreno, the priest of the town. - - When I complained of this I was confronted with a document signed - by the Adelantado of Love, to the effect that no notice should - be taken of my complaints, to give no testimony in my behalf - (thereby shutting me out of my legal rights), and that my foreman, - Juan Gaal, should look after the interests of Captain Barcello - until the captain's return from China. - - I then applied to the Governor, protesting against the robbery - of my timber and the appropriation of my property by Captain - Barcello and Juan Gaal, but was merely told that the commandante - had so ordered and that there would be no interference. - - Seeing there was no justice to be had at home, I sought to regain - my rights at Manila and so left the next morning for Manila - on the bark Industria, taking with me all my private papers, - contracts, &c. - - That night we encountered a terrible typhoon in which the vessel - was wrecked, and all that I was able to save was the clothes I - then wore. - - Upon my arrival at Manila I put in a complaint against Captain - Barcello, and also against Padre Moreno and the commandante of - the district, as accomplices in the above fraud and robbery. - - The case dragged along, as is customary in Spanish countries, - and about a year later my funds were all exhausted. At this - time a Spanish friend at Manila, acquainted with my misfortunes, - took me to his home and lent me some money, shortly afterwards - sailing for Europe. - - With this money I returned to Love, expecting to find at least - a portion of my timber left which I intended to ship. Upon - arriving at Love I found that Captain Barcello had been there - before me and had seized and shipped everything but a few - worm-eaten logs. Barcello had even hauled the timber I had cut - in the mountains, and aided by his accomplices had cleaned me - out entirely during my absence. - - I saw it was no use to complain further, and so I set to work to - cut some more timber, and after much trouble and expense got two - cargoes ready and left for Manila, intending to go from there to - Hong-Kong to sell what I had last cut. - - Learning that Barcello was in Manila and was about to leave for - Hong-Kong, I applied to the Alcalde, Señor Torranco, who had - my suit in charge, to stop Barcello from leaving the country, - as my case against him had not yet been decided. - - This didn't benefit me much, as the Alcalde wouldn't grant my - request, and although a case of robbery and fraud was pending - against him, Barcello was allowed to leave without hindrance. - - I then applied for my passport, but to my surprise this was - refused me, on the ground that my suit should first be decided. - - I then returned to Love, having authorized Charles Germain to - charter for me, and in due time I had despatched three cargoes - to Hong-Kong, but finding that my presence in Hong-Kong would be - absolutely necessary for the success of my business I applied a - second time for my passport, and was again refused. - - Thinking that if I offered security I would be allowed to leave - the town, I named a friend who was willing to go on my bond, but - the Alcalde shut me off from this chance by sending his clerk to - my friend's house, and succeeded in so frightening him that my - friend withdrew his name as my bondsman. - - I know that this act was done deliberately, as at this time, - and during the whole of my suit, the Alcalde was on the most - intimate terms with Captain Barcello. - - My next step was to protest against Señor Torranco trying or - hearing my case, as I showed conclusively that he was hand and - glove with Barcello. This had the desired effect, and the case - was transferred to another Alcalde. Torranco had, however, served - his friend well: he had stopped my passport at a vital point in - my business on a frivolous pretext. - - I was a foreigner, and that was enough, and not being able to - obtain permission to leave the country, all my efforts being - frustrated by those in power, although I was the aggrieved and - injured party, I was held a captive in Manila, my business, - meantime, going to ruin abroad. - - This state of affairs continued for months, with no signs of any - beneficial change in my circumstances, and so I finally brought - the matter officially before the American Consul, who wrote to - the Captain-General, stating my case in full, and advised me to - abandon my suit, which I did, the Consul officially notifying - the Captain-General of the fact. - - From that day to this I have been sustained by my friends. My - means were exhausted, and I was compelled to leave the hotel a - beggar on the streets, with my resources all gone and heavy debts - pressing upon me. - - -Mr. Collins was never able to get justice, though he tried -frequently. His experience is no uncommon one. The establishment of -a pure judiciary and the purification of the courts should be one of -the first reforms undertaken by the Americans. - - - - - - - - -THE CHURCH IN THE COLONY. - - -Priesthood and the People. - -The hierarchy of the colony consists of an Archbishop, resident -in Manila, and four bishops. The Archbishop lives in a Palace, -and has a salary of $12,000 a year, while the annual expenses of -the Cathedral in Manila are not less than $60,000. It was not till -several years after the founding of Manila, in 1578, that the first -bishop was consecrated and a Cathedral was built. Not long afterward, -the Manila See was raised to an Archbishopric. - -The present hierarchy costs the Government about $800,000 a year. The -salaries of the priests range from $500 to $2500 per annum; but, -in addition, they derive a large income from the sale of masses, -indulgences, marriage, burial and baptismal-fees, and from the -various commissions incident to their calling. They receive all, -and give nothing. - -The several orders have immense revenues from investments in the -islands and in Hong-Kong. They possess magnificent estates; but, -notwithstanding their enormous wealth, they are hard task-masters, -grinding the poor to the paying of the last penny. Their injustice -and tyranny have of late aroused bitter complaint, and are a chief -cause of the late insurrection. - -And yet the picture has its lights as well as its shadows. The -friars have, also, in many places, the confidence of the natives, -and, on the whole, surely influence them for the repression of their -vicious and brutal instincts. A half-barbarous people can be led only -by superstition, and a semi-sacerdotal government is most effective -among an ignorant people. - -The friar is usually from a lowly family, and is, therefore, able at -once to enter into sympathy with the humble life of the people. He -is doctor, architect, engineer, and adviser; in all things truly the -father of the community, the representative of the white race and of -social order. Such is the ideal village-curate, and many such--good -men and true--are to be found. There, are, however, many black sheep -among them. And the gross immorality of those that should be examples -in virtue, has been a great impediment to the work of the Church among -the thinking natives. There are, also, some Chinese and native friars; -but, owing to the various insurrections, in which some of these were -involved, they are no longer trusted; in fact, a native can no longer -become a priest. - -So great is the paternal influence of the priests, that I have often -seen delinquent parishioners flogged for non-attendance at mass. - -The Chinese often adopt Christianity for social or business reasons, -or that they may marry the daughter of a native. - -All over the islands are shrines to which the people make -long pilgrimages; such pilgrimages, however, partaking more of -the character of feasts than of fasts. The self-denial and the -self-imposed hardships of the European devotee have never found -fruitful soil in the native character. He is never so glad as when a -holy-day furnishes him with a pretext for an elaborate feast, and, -in truth, the feast-days alone relieve the gloom of his monotonous -life. Two of the most famous shrines are the Holy Child of Cebú and -the Virgin of Antipolo,--thousands visiting them yearly. - - - - -Conflicts Between Church and State. - -A book might be written, and an interesting one, too, about the -various contests between Church and State during this period of the -colony's history. - -The Archbishops--with an exaggerated idea of their own importance--soon -became exceedingly troublesome to the Civil Power, by reason of -their excessive claims. This was never more manifest than in their -pretended immunity from all State-control. Upon one occasion the -Governor demanded of the Archbishop to produce several persons -charged with capital and other crimes, who had found asylum in a -convent. The Archbishop promptly refused, claiming the prerogative -of Sanctuary. The accused not only openly defied the Governor, -but armed themselves, intending to resist, should he endeavor to -apprehend them. The Governor, learning this, arrested the Archbishop, -and confined him and the priests that had been his abettors in prison, -charging them with conspiracy against the Government. - -The news spread over the province with incredible swiftness, and -hundreds of priests, collecting hordes of natives on the way, -marched with riotous demonstrations and violent clamor to the -Palace. Franciscans, Dominicans, and Augustinians forgot their fierce -rivalry and joined together in the shout, "Long live the church!" "Long -live King Philip V!" - -The mob burst open the doors of the Palace, and, the terror-stricken -guards having fled, they forced their way to the Governor, who calmly -awaited them, standing with a loaded musket in his hand. He then -ordered the rabble to retreat, but with wild shrieks, incited by -the priests that accompanied them, they rushed on him. The Governor -pulled the trigger, but his flint failing to strike fire he defended -himself with his bayonet. He was finally surrounded; and insulted, -beaten, and stabbed, he was dragged to jail. - -The son of the Governor, running to his father's aid, was severely -wounded by the rebels. Attempting, nevertheless, to cut his way -through, he was killed, and his body horribly mutilated. - -The mob then broke open the door of the fortress where the Archbishop -was confined, and liberated him. This worthy was then escorted with -much acclamation to the Palace, and assumed charge of the Government, -which he held for four years. - -This is only one of many exciting conflicts between these two factions, -sometimes one, sometimes the other, being victorious. On four different -occasions the Governorship of the colony was vested in the Archbishop. - -Every Governor-General that has attempted to introduce a liberal -policy has been recalled; for the friars' combined influence -is all-powerful. Not even the Archbishop has been able to prevail -over the corporation of the friars; and if he would retain his see, -he must not oppose their traditional prerogatives, nor work for that -reform that would mean the decline of the orders. Indeed, only a few -years ago, one Archbishop, who had made several ineffectual attempts -to correct the abuses in the orders, was one morning found dead in -his bed. His successors have taken good care to profit by his example. - - - - -Clashings among the Friars. - -Interesting is the story of the bitter rivalries between the different -orders, who, though of one religion, were extremely jealous of -one another, showing little of that charity and forbearance that -Christianity, above all, is supposed to inculcate. - -On account of several clashes with the civil power, a priest had -early been sent to Spain by the Church party to gain redress of -grievances. Chief of these was their inability to guide the entire -affairs of the colony into a narrow ecclesiastical groove. The result -was, the introduction of new laws so favorable to the clergy, that, -within three or four years, the colony swarmed with mendicant friars, -whose habits, say the old chroniclers, placed the Spaniards and their -vaunted religion in a most ridiculous light before the natives. - -As most of these monks belonged to a different order from the bishop, -who was an Augustinian, and as they often boldly defied his authority, -he became greatly alarmed at their expanding power. But, after a -fierce struggle, he succeeded in so curtailing their privileges that -he still retained his pre-eminence in the colony. - -Urdaneta and his Austin friars were the pioneers in the islands, and -following them came a horde of Dominicans and Franciscans, and the -Recoletos, or bare-foot monks. As the saving of souls was the chief -policy of Philip II., the co-operation of the friars was eagerly -welcomed by the early Colonial Government, and it must be admitted -that without their influence the lot of the natives would have been -a far harder one. For the substitution of the rites of paganism for -those of Christianity, even in so crude a form as taught by the friars, -was, in the main, beneficial. Religion--though not of a very exalted -kind--was put on an ethical basis, and the self-denial, obedience, -and sacrifice that formed the foundation of the new doctrine, somewhat -reconciled the conquered races to the loss of their primal freedom. - - - - -The Monks Opposed to Reform. - -These orders, presenting the united front of a corporation, were -extremely powerful, and practically unassailable. When arrayed -against an individual, it always resulted in his defeat,--that is, -his expulsion or imprisonment. They practically had their way in -all things and under all circumstances. Nothing could withstand -them; for, to attack one friar was to attack his whole order. Thus, -much injustice was occasioned. I have known a highly respectable man, -possessed of great wealth, cheated out of house and home--yes, his very -liberty--through the intrigues of a friar that desired to enrich his -order. Such societies are a cancer in the body politic,--a constant -enemy to good government, a menace to justice, and a foe to liberty. - -In the future history of the islands, this will be found one of -the hardest problems to solve. The easiest and most effective plan, -it seems to me, is to cut the Gordian knot--that is, to expel the -whole body of friars from the islands. By so doing, much shedding of -blood will be saved. For I do not believe that these good brethren -will soon cease to foment insurrection against the hated Protestant -conqueror. They have ever been breeders of mischief under the -congenial rule of Catholic Spain: what won't they do under the régime -of enlightened America, whose first thought is the liberty that means -death to extortion and oppression--the cardinal principles of their -order. By this, I do not mean a propaganda against the Catholic -Church; for I am a Catholic myself, and firmly believe that this -religion is far better suited to the character of our people than -any form of Protestantism. But the appointment of secular Spanish or -American priests to the parishes would do away with the evils of the -other system, without doing violence either to the Church or to the -conscience of the natives. - -The monks have opposed every attempt at reform. Their policy has ever -been the policy of ignorance, knowing that their livelihood depended -upon its perpetuation. It has been their aim chiefly to limit public -instruction to the mere rudiments of knowledge--giving to every -subject a religious bias. Even the colleges and the University of -Manila are not free from their narrow supervision; while they have -ever maintained a rigid censorship over the press. - -The natives, however, are gradually breaking through the network of -superstition that centuries of priestcraft have woven round them. That -they are open to conviction,--to the light of reason and the hope of -truth,--deeds bear witness. - -None but the most enlightened natives, of course, recognize, as yet, -their spiritual wants or desire a higher moral state, but many of -them, privately, attest their waning belief in the Church monopoly -of all things temporal in their lives. - -Still, owing to the reasons previously stated, those that thus impugn -and combat ecclesiastical preponderance, do so rarely except by secret -word or in a limited conclave. - -But the enlightening and invigorating effects incidental to American -occupation will inevitably loose their tongues and rally recruits to -their new standard of thought. - -Of this I hope and expect great results. - - - - - - - - -THE VARIOUS TRIBES OF THE PHILIPPINES. - - -Character of the Natives. - -To judge of the character of one's own people is extremely -difficult. One is likely to be either too severe or too -complimentary. However, I believe, that--after a residence of many -years in England and on the Continent, and a subsequent stay of eleven -years in America, with frequent visits to the Philippines--I am able -to judge in the abstract, and, in fact, comparatively to look upon -my own countrymen with the eye of a thorough cosmopolitan. - -The natives of the islands are a branch of the Malay race, and may -be divided into three large groups,--the Tagalogs, the Visayos, and -the Sulus,--each group subject to modifications and exceptions. The -Tagalogs inhabit Luzon, the northern islands of the Archipelago, -and it is with these that we have mainly to deal, as they are by far -the most numerous and the most intelligent part of the population, -forming, as they do, also the majority of the inhabitants in Manila -and in the largest ports. - -The first thing that in the native character impresses the traveler is -his impassive demeanor and imperturbable bearing. He is a born stoic, -a fatalist by nature. This accounts for his coolness in moments of -danger, and his intrepid daring against overwhelming odds. This feature -of the Malay character has often been displayed in the conflicts -of the race with the Europeans in the East Indies. Under competent -leadership the native, though strongly averse to discipline, can be -made a splendid soldier. As sailors, too, I do not believe they can be -equalled. For, lithe, active, and fond of the water, the Malays have -ever shown their inclination for the sea. Their pirates, coursing -in their prahus, have, till a few years ago, for centuries infested -the bays and inlets of the eastern Archipelagos, looting the towns -and villages on shore and taking as booty such foreign merchantmen as -they were able to overcome. On account of the ravages of these fierce -eastern Vikings, Europeans have come to regard the whole Malay race as -cruel and bloodthirsty. But these were pirates in their own waters, -and preyed upon their own countrymen, by whom they were feared no -less than were the Spanish and English freebooters of old by their -countrymen. Why, then, should their outrages and rapacity be taken -as indicative of the Malay character any more than are the atrocities -of the Caucasian corsair of their race? - -The natives are all excellent swimmers, and are absolutely fearless in -the water. I have seen groups of boys diving thirty or forty feet for -pennies, dropped into the sea by foreign officers on ships anchored in -the bay. Many swim miles with the greatest ease; and it is no uncommon -sight in the outlying districts to see groups of naked men plunging -with drawn dagger among a shoal of sharks, with whom they fight with -a fierceness that always results in the victory of the native. - -Along the beach at Manila, on a summer evening, at the close of the -day's labor, hundreds of hands from the various tobacco factories--men, -women, and children, of all ages and sizes, married and unmarried--may -be seen disporting themselves, with peals of laughter and squeals of -delight, in the cool surf. - -As a result of the stoicism of the native character, he never bewails a -misfortune, and has no fear of death. When anything happens he merely -says, It is fate, and calmly goes about his business as if nothing -had happened. - -Europeans often seem to notice in them what they deem a lack of -sympathy for the misfortunes of others; but it is not this so much -as resignation to the inevitable. This, it must be confessed, saves -them many a bitter pang. The educated native, however, impregnated -with the bitter philosophy of the civilized world, is by no means so -imperturbable. While more keenly alive to the sufferings of others, -he is also more sensitive to his own sorrows. After all, whether he -is any happier for his wisdom, is a question. - -Incomprehensible inconsistencies obtain in nearly every -native. Students of character may, therefore, study the Filipinos for -years, and yet, at last, have no definite impression of their mental or -moral status. Of course those living in the cities are less baffling to -the physiognomist and the ethnologist; for endemic peculiarities have -been rubbed off or so modified, that the racial traits are not obvious. - -But observe the natives in the wilds, in their primitive abodes, where -civilizing forces have not penetrated! You will then be amazed at the -extraordinary mingling and clashing of antithetical characteristics -in one and the same person; uncertain as to when the good or the bad -may be manifested. Like the wind, the mood comes and goes,--and no -one can tell why. - -I myself, with all the inherited feelings, tastes, and tendencies of -my countrymen,--modified and transmuted, happily,--have stood aghast -or amused at some hitherto unknown characteristic suddenly manifesting -itself in an intimate acquaintance; and after I had been for years, -too, wholly ignorant of his being so possessed or obsessed. And -after that, the same mental or moral squint would be displayed at -irregular intervals. - -It is said by some that the native is shiftless and improvident. - -It is true that he is not noted for foresight and energy, as are the -peoples of the temperate zones; but his indolence is the result of -generations of tropical ancestors. Even the most energetic Europeans -yield, in a few years, to the enervating effects of the climate, -and are unable to shake off the lassitude bred by the heat. Besides, -deprived by the Spaniards from all active participation in affairs of -the Government, and robbed of the fruits of industry, all incentive to -advancement and progress was taken away. He, therefore, yields with -composure to the crushing conditions of his environment, preferring -the lazy joys of indolence rather than labor for the benefit of his -oppressors. Naturally. Recent events, however, show that, given the -stimulant of hope, even the "indolent natives" of the Philippines -can achieve and nobly dare. - -Some Spaniards also have asserted that the Filipinos are naturally -disloyal and treacherous, and that their word is not to be depended on. - -Now, the whole world knows that they have every reason to be disloyal -to the Spaniard, who has for centuries so cruelly oppressed them. The -devotion to the cause of freedom, however, which has recently made -Rizal and hundreds of others martyrs to Spanish cruelty, shows that -they also have the stuff that heroes are made of, and that they can -be loyal to an animating principle. - -In many places the natives are unwilling to work without pay in -advance, and this has been a great drawback to investors. For, after -receiving their money, they frequently refuse to perform a stroke of -work, knowing that their employer has no remedy except in the dilatory -process of the courts, which would only increase his expense and -exaggerate his troubles. This has no terrors for the native. While, -of course, this is to be deprecated, it may be remedied by gaining -the confidence of the natives; for it is undoubtedly the result of -generations of Spanish robbery, where these people were forced to labor -for their employers,--frequently the priests,--having no reward save -the lash or promises of a golden crown in heaven. They, therefore, -naturally look upon investors with some suspicion. However, in the -more civilized districts, where modern and humane business methods -prevail, hundreds of thousands are employed, to the profit both of -themselves and their employers. - -Though calm, the native is not secretive, but often loquacious. He is -naturally curious and inquisitive, but always polite, and respectful -withal--especially to his superiors. He is passionate, and, in common -with all half-civilized races, is cruel to his foes. The quality of -mercy, like the sentiment--as distinguished from the passion--of love, -is perhaps more the product of the philosophy of civilization than a -natural attribute of the human heart. The romantic history of Mediæval -Europe, as compared with the placid present, is proof of this. - -All travelers unite in attributing to the natives extreme family -affection. They are very fond of their children, who, as a rule, are -respectful and well-behaved. The noisy little hoodlums of European and -American cities are utterly unknown. The old are tenderly cared for, -and are venerated; while in almost every well-to-do household are one -or two poor relatives who, while mere hangers-on, are, nevertheless, -always made welcome to the table of their host. Indeed, the hospitality -of the Filipinos is proverbial. A guest is always welcome, and welcome -to the best. The better class, too, gladly embrace every opportunity -to feast their neighbors or the stranger within their gates. - -As a rule, the people are superstitious and very credulous; but how -could they be otherwise? For three hundred years they have been denied -even the liberty of investigation; when no light, save the dim glimmer -of priestcraft pierced the utter darkness of their lot. Those that -have been educated, however, have proved apt converts--only too apt -say the priests and the Spaniards--to the conclusions of Science and -of modern research. - -The native is rarely humorous and seldom witty. He is not easily moved -to anger, and when angry does not often show it. When he does, like -the Malay of Java, he is prone to lose all control of himself, and, -with destructive energy, slays all in his path. This is infrequent, -however, but is a contingency that may occur at any time. - -If a native has been unjustly punished, he will never forget it, -and will treasure the memory of his wrong until a good opportunity -for revenge presents itself. - -Like all courageous people, he despises cowardice and pusillanimity. He -has, therefore, but little regard for the meek and humble Chinaman, who -will pocket an insult rather than avenge himself. He greatly esteems -the European, who is possessed of the qualities that he admires, -and will follow him into the very jaws of death. He is easily awed -by a demonstration of superior force, and is ruled best by mild but -firm coercion,--based upon justice. He is not often ambitious, save -socially, and to make some display, being fond of ceremony and of the -pomp and glitter of a procession. He is sober, patient, and always -clean. This can be said of few peoples. He easily adjusts himself to -new conditions, and will soon make the best of his surroundings. As -servants they are honest, obedient, and will do as they are told. - -It must be said that they enjoy litigation more than is good for -them or for the best interests of the colony. There must be some -psychological reason for this. It doubtless gives some play to the -subtlety of the Oriental mind. It is said that he lacks the sense of -initiative; and to some extent this may be true. The recent conduct -of Aguinaldo--a full-blooded native--proves, notwithstanding, that -he is not wholly deficient in aggressiveness nor in organizing power. - -Though not as artistic as the Japanese, the Filipinos have shown many -evidences of art talent. This is seen in the embroidery of the women, -as well as in the work of the native painters and sculptors. Some -of these have been honored with high prizes at the Art Exhibition -in Madrid. I remember particularly the brothers Luna: one educated -in Spain, and there distinguished by his remarkable talent with the -brush; the other known for his wonderful virtuosity. - -Moreover, in nothing are the Filipinos so proficient as in music. Every -village has its orchestra, and in the evening the whole district -turns out to enjoy its playing. - -All the people are, in fact, born musicians; even little boys and girls -of five or six years of age play the harp, the guitar, or the piano -as if by instinct; while their elders show a proficiency that, when -their opportunities are considered, is truly astonishing. The clergy, -appreciating that music is the foe of vice and a promoter of virtue, -have wisely encouraged the natives in this art. It is now taught in -all the higher schools in the colony. - -At the many feasts, religious and secular, which are the delight of -the natives, music is always the most enjoyable feature, the bands -playing for hours together, both performers and listeners being so -engrossed as to be wholly unconscious of the lapse of time. - - - - -A Native Wedding. - -The native usually marries early,--the brides often but eleven or -twelve years of age. A marriage-feast is entered into with pomp and -ceremony. It is a not unimportant occasion for the priest also, who -usually sets the day, and expects a large fee,--dependent upon the -wealth of the contracting parties. The evening before the ceremony, -both bride and groom go to confession, to receive absolution. About -five o'clock the following morning they leave the house of the bride, -joined by a long procession of relatives. - -After mass has been said, the bride and groom stand before the priest, -who places over their shoulders a thick mantle, which is to typify -the bodily union. He then recites his formula and asks the usual -questions. To these both respond in the same low voice characteristic -of such replies the world over. As the wedded pair are leaving the -church, a bowl of coin is passed to them. The new husband stops, takes -a handful and gives it to his wife, who receives it and returns it to -the bowl. This is a token that he gives to her his worldly goods. All -then solemnly return to the paternal residence, where, meanwhile, -a banquet has been prepared. - -This feast is called Catapusan which means a gathering of friends. All -the notables of the village, as well as all the relatives on both -sides, are invited to it. The table is loaded with the good things of -the season. Light liquors, chocolate, and sweetmeats are then offered -to the guests, with betel-nuts and cigars and cigarettes. - -The dancing now begins. A youth and a maiden stand facing each other, -both singing a sentimental song. Then follows a musical dialogue, while -both dance round each other, keeping step to the music furnished by -the native orchestra. A young woman then steps into the middle of the -floor,--her long hair flowing down her back, her eyes sparkling. The -music begins in a low plaintive key, that gradually becomes more and -more forlorn, while her languid movements express various degrees of -sorrow. Gradually the strain flows into a livelier measure, and she -becomes more and more animated, until at last she sinks down in a -whirl of delirious passion. Then, again, a girl dances with a glass -of water on her head; or some other form of entertainment is given. - -After the dancing, the men and women retire to their respective -quarters. - -The marriage is always arranged by the parents of the two young -persons, who go through an established etiquette of advance and refusal -before the dowry terms are arranged. If the parents of the young man -are poor and he can offer no dowry, he often enters the household of -his intended on probation,--as Jacob did to win Rachael. - -The wedding-feast is always given by the father of the groom, who -also furnishes the dowry for the bride. The young married couple then -live with the parents of one of the parties. The wife always remains -mistress of her own property, and the husband can in no event inherit -it. The children often add the surname of the mother to that of the -father, thus making the woman of greater prominence. - -Before the middle of the century there were no distinct family -surnames, and there were, consequently, no complications of families -possible. To introduce greater simplicity into the laws of inheritance, -the names of distinguished Spanish families were introduced into the -colony,--each family receiving a distinct appellation. - - - - -Dress and Manners. - -The men are usually of medium height, lithe, and of a rich brown color, -with large cheek-bones, bright eyes and immobile countenances. The -better kind dress in loose shirts, or blouses, worn outside the -trousers and of native manufacture, made of abacá, or Manila hemp; -or of the airy, delicate, and almost transparent piña,--a texture of -pine-apple leaf, as choice as the finest lace. - -This is of white, or light yellow, and often interwoven with red, green -or blue silk, or embroidered with flowers. The white or light-colored -trousers are fastened round the waist with a belt. The feet are -sometimes bare, or protected by sandals or patent-leather shoes. On the -head is usually worn a salacot--a large round hat, strongly plaited -with gray-and-black intersecting patterns of nito or liana fibre, -the brim ornamented with a band of embroidered cloth or silver. - -The dress of the poorer class is very similar--the material being -coarser, the colors red and orange predominating. - -The woman wears a flowing skirt of gay colors--bright red, green -or white--with a silken saya or sarong of many colors. Over this is -a narrower waist-cloth usually of silk and of a darker color. Over -the breast and shoulders is generally thrown a starched neckcloth of -beautiful embroidered piña--folded triangularly, the points fitting -in the hollow of the V-shaped chemisette. On the head is worn a white -mantle, from which the rippling cataract of raven hair falls in massy -folds almost to the ground. The toes of the naked feet are enveloped in -chinelas,--a heelless slipper, which is shuffled with languorous grace. - -Many of the women are pretty, and all are good-natured and -smiling. Their complexion, of light brown, is usually clear and smooth; -their eyes are large and lustrous, full of the sleeping passion of -the Orient. The figures of the women are usually erect and stately, -and many are models of grace and beauty. - -The women of every class are far more industrious than the men, and -also more cheerful and devout. Adultery is almost unheard of. The men, -however, are exceedingly jealous. The natives believe that during sleep -the soul is absent from the body, and they say that if one be suddenly -wakened they fear the soul may not be able to return. Therefore, -they are extremely careful not to waken anyone rudely or suddenly, -but always call with softly-rising and falling tones, to bring the -sleeper gradually to consciousness. - -The preceding observations concerning the Tagalogs, the natives of -the north, are also, in the main, true of the Visayos, their southern -brethren. The latter, however, are not so cheerful or so hospitable, -and are more ostentatious and aggressive. Their women, too, are more -vain and avaricious. These slight differences are perhaps due to the -fact that they have far less intercourse with the civilized world -than the Tagalogs. - - - - -The Half-breeds, or Mestizos. - -No less interesting, and even more influential than the natives, -are the half-breeds, or mestizos. They form a large percentage of -the population. These are usually of native mothers and of Spanish or -Chinese fathers. The Spanish fathers are, however, a distinct class -from the Chinese fathers, and rank much higher socially, exchanging -visits with the pure Spanish. They are, most always, a handsome race, -and more intelligent than the pure natives, and far more energetic and -ambitious. Among them are many leading merchants and men of influence. - -The mestiza girls are, as a rule, often of wonderful beauty. They are -lithe and graceful and of a soft olive complexion, with red lips, -pearly teeth, and ravishing black eyes, whose long lashes droop -coquettishly in response to the admiring glance of a stranger. Their -dancing is justly famed, and those educated in the convents are musical -and often accomplished in other ways. The peculiar characteristics -and the increase of energy due to this infusion of European blood, -however, disappear if no further admixture takes place in the second -generation. It is more lasting, on the other hand, where the Malay -has been crossed with the Chinese. This is probably due to the great -similarity of the two races. - -These Malays, with an infusion of Chinese, are called -mestizo-Chinos. They also are more intelligent than the pure Malay, and -far more shrewd. Many of the leading merchants of Manila are of this -mixture. They do not, however, enjoy the confidence of the people, -and are a tricky and disturbing element in the population. They -have the mongrel stamp and a cunning, shifty look. They are full -of intrigue too, and it was, indeed, because they formed so large -a part of the rebels that the high-class natives hesitated so long -about joining the insurgents; not wishing to combine even with the -despised mestizo-Chinos against the hated Spanish; for the government -of the latter was preferable to that of the former. - - - - -Savage Tribes in the Interior: Aetas, or Negritos. - -Over all the islands are scattered a mountain tribe called Aetas, -or Negritos. These are supposed to be the aborigines. They are very -dark, some being as black as negroes. They are doubtless of African -descent and are said to resemble the natives of New Guinea. Their hair -is black, curly, and matted. They go almost naked, and have but little -self-respect. They are also puny, stupid, and ugly, and of a low order -of intellect, incapable of improvement, and deficient in judgment and -in aggressiveness. They are, on the other hand, remarkably fleet of -foot. They subsist mainly by hunting. Their usual weapons are a lance -of bamboo, a palm-wood bow, and a quiver of poisoned arrows. - -About fifty families commonly live together, and their villages of -rude, thatched huts, raised on bamboo poles high from the ground, -present a curious appearance. They were the original lords of the -islands, and when the first Malays settled here, they, with unfailing -regularity, exacted tribute from the newcomers. The latter, however, -soon became too powerful, and the Negritos are now either employed -by the Tagalogs as servants, or they have fled to their retreats in -the mountains. But they are fast disappearing, and, hence, before -many generations, will have perished before the destructive blast -of progress. - -Their principal food is fish, roots, fruits, and rice. They are -notorious cattle-thieves, swooping down upon the valley and carrying -their prey to their fastnesses in the mountains. Their agricultural -skill consists in scratching the soil with a stick and throwing in -the seed. They rarely ever spend more than one season in one locality, -thus constantly moving from place to place. - -Their religion seems to consist in a deification of the supernatural -and of the mysterious. When the railroad was first constructed from -Manila to Dagupan, these Negritos constantly appeared along the track, -which they regarded with feelings of awe. - -When the trial journey of the first locomotive took place, and that -huge iron salamander appeared thundering down the track, it is related -that they all fell upon their knees in abject terror, worshiping the -strange monster as some new and powerful deity. - -Unlike most savages, they care tenderly for their aged, and are full -of reverence for their dead. - -As a rule, too, they are independent of Spanish domination, and -neither pay taxes nor submit to enumeration for the census. - -A few years ago the Government started a mission in Pampanga; a -great many Negritos were herded together, and were given a year's -provisions and tools to work with. Teachers were also provided, and -all went well as long as the provisions lasted. They refused to work, -however, and were averse to all restraint, and the second year they -returned to their native haunts. - -They have a curious marriage custom. After a young man has shown his -passion for a girl, and his advances have been well received by the -parents of his intended, he catches her in his arms. She breaks loose, -however, and runs. He follows hard behind. Again he catches her. She -resists, and once more frees herself, running away from the eager -arms of her ardent lover. After this play of struggle and chase have -been kept up a little while, she finally yields, and he leads her -triumphantly back to her home. - -The father of the bride now drags the youth up a rude ladder to -the floor of the elevated hut; the mother likewise leads up her -daughter. They are then made to kneel down, when the old man throws -a cocoanut-shell full of water over the pair. He then bumps their -heads together, and they are adjudged man and wife. They spend their -honeymoon in the mountains, where, in undisturbed and shelterless -connubial bliss, they remain five days and nights. Then they return -to the commonplace life of the village. - - - - -The Gaddanes. - -In the northwestern part of Luzon is a fierce, unsubdued tribe -known as the Gaddanes. They are very dark and strong, and present -a fine appearance, armed with long, sharp spears and with bows and -arrows. They wear their hair down to their shoulders, and, like the -American Indians, take the scalps of their enemies slain in battle; -these the young men present to the fathers of their intended as a -proof of their valor. - -This takes place when the fire-tree bursts into bloom; its fiery -blossoms have, to their minds, a certain religious significance. It -is then they collect all trophies of war, and perform the rude rites -of their nature-worship. They subsist on fish, game, and fruit. - - - - -The Igorrotes. - -A fine race are the Igorrotes, spread over the northern half of -Luzon. They are copper-colored, and also wear their hair long. A -few are bearded. Their shoulders are broad, and their limbs brawny -and powerful. Because of their high cheek-bones, flat noses, and -thick lips, they would not, however, by a European or an American, -be considered good-looking. - -They cultivate sugar-cane, rice, and sweet-potatoes, but have never -been able to give up their savage customs for civilization. Their -houses are not unlike the huts of the Esquimaux. Polygamy sometimes -exists, but adultery is almost unknown. Murder is said to be frequent, -and family feuds often take off great numbers. - -Their depredations in the interior are often of great annoyance to -the domesticated natives; for they carry off their cattle and their -crops. Many expeditions have, from time to time, been made by the -Spaniards against them; but all have signally failed. The Igorrotes -obstinately refuse to be civilized. Spanish dominion holds for these -liberty-loving people few advantages; Catholicism offers them little -peace; while they maintain that the traditional heaven of the European -would not at all suit them. - -Upon one occasion a Catholic priest was horrified when an Igorrote -asked him why it was that no black man ever became a white man's -Saint? When told that it was possible, he refused to believe it, -saying that he, for his part, was content with the religion of his -ancestors, and did not intend to bend his knees in adoration of the -gods of the pale-faces. - - - - -The Igorrote-Chinese. - -The Igorrote-Chinese are the descendants of the Chinese that the -pirate Li-ma-hong left behind him when he suddenly quitted his -colony in the province of Pangasinan in 1574. These, to escape the -advancing Spaniards, hid in the hills, where they intermarried with the -Igorrotes, their descendants, whom they much resemble, with, however, -some important differences. For, with the cunning and the shrewdness -of their Chinese ancestors, they combine the Igorrote fierceness and -independence. Many of these have been domesticated. - - - - -The Tinguianes. - -In the district of El Abra, in Luzon, are the Tinguianes, who are -semi-civilized and under the control of the Spaniards. They prefer, -however, their own laws to those of the Spanish code, and usually abide -by them. If a man is accused of a crime and he denies it, the head-man -of his village, who is also the judge, causes a handful of straw to -be burnt in his presence. The accused then holds up an earthen pot -and says: "May my belly be changed to a pot like this if I am guilty -of the crime of which I am accused." If he remains unchanged in body, -the judge declares him innocent. - -The head-man himself, upon assuming his office, takes the following -curious oath: "May a destructive whirlwind kill me, may the lightning -strike me, and may an alligator devour me when I am asleep if I fail -to do my duty." - -They are pagans, and they believe that their gods will answer -prayer. For worship, they resort to their caves in the mountains. When -a child is to be named, it is carried to the woods, where the priest -raises a knife over its head, at the same time pronouncing a name. He -then, with the knife, strikes a tree. If sap flows forth, the name -is deemed good; if not, he goes through the same ceremony until the -desired result is produced; the god, then, is supposed to have given -his consent. - -They are very intelligent, and are a well-formed race, and many are -handsome, with aquiline noses. On the crown of the head they wear -a tuft of hair, like the Japanese. Like the domesticated natives, -they are very fond of music and of dress. They tattoo their bodies -and also black their teeth, and are supposed to have descended from -the shipwrecked Japanese cast upon the island. - - - - -The Chinese: Hated but Indispensable. - -Long before the Spanish occupation, Chinese trading-junks stopped at -the Philippine Islands; and, after the founding of Manila, being well -received by the Spaniards, who depended upon them for many necessities, -they established trading-posts in various parts of the colony. - -In 1580 the Government built the Alcayceria--a large building that was -used as a kind of Chinese market. Here were situated all the Chinese -shops, which it was thought better to confine to one locality: they -might be regulated the more easily. - -The Alcayceria proved too small, however, and the shops were soon in -every part of the Binondo. Other centres were soon provided for them, -where the Government protected and even encouraged the enterprise of -the Chinamen. - -The native and the Spanish merchants becoming alarmed at the increase -of the Celestials, began an agitation, whose object was to limit their -number to 6,000; but the movement received little encouragement from -the Government, which drew a large revenue from the Chinamen. - -In 1755 this agitation was renewed, and it was resolved to expel all -non-Christian Chinese. The day before the law went into effect 515 -asked for and obtained baptism, while over 1100 desired to stay, that -they might study the mysteries of the Christian religion. More than -2,000 were banished from the colony. In 1603 two Chinese mandarins, -accompanied by a large retinue, came to Manila to make inquiries -concerning a mountain of gold that some of their countrymen had said -was located near Cavite. They were received with much ceremony, and -the Governor-General allowed them to pursue their quest. It proved -fruitless, of course. - -Persuaded that they had been deceived, they sailed away, leaving -the colony in a fever of speculation as to the real object of their -visit. Various rumors sprang up in Manila; all to the effect that -the Chinese Emperor contemplated the conquest of the colony, and -that the Chinese population were fomenting an insurrection to aid his -designs. They were also accused of secreting arms, and many outbreaks -from time to time arose against them, until finally the poor Chinese, -beset on every hand, and hourly menaced by secret assassination and -open violence, were forced to assume the offensive. Accordingly, they -raised fortifications, and on the eve of St. Francis' day they opened -hostilities by attacking one of the suburbs of the city. With the -beating of gongs and the flying of colors they next besieged Binondo -itself, burning houses and committing many other outrages on the way. - -The Spaniards gallantly advanced to repel them, and Dasmariñas, the -ex-Governor-General, led the attack with the flower of his countrymen; -but the odds against them were too great, and scarcely a man was left -to tell the tale of their defeat. - -The Chinese, flushed with success, now besieged the city itself, but, -running short of provisions,--which the natives were, of course, -unwilling to furnish them,--they were finally compelled to give up -the siege. - -As they retreated, the Spaniards, constantly reinforced by bands of -natives, pursued them, killing thousands on the way. They were then -finally driven into the interior, where the same fate awaited them--of -whom not less than 24,000 were killed and taken prisoners. - -In 1639 some Chinese traders, in the town of Calamba, Laguna province, -exasperated beyond endurance by the insults and outrages heaped upon -them by the Spanish Governor, killed this official and one or two of -his subordinates, and flew to open rebellion. The Chinese all over -the colony joined the rebels, and it is estimated that not less than -30,000 Chinese were under arms. This lasted nearly a year, and resulted -in the surrender of the Chinese; most of whom, however, were spared. - -In 1660 there was another rising and a massacre. The Chinese, -nevertheless, were still allowed to remain. They were so important -a part of the commercial life of the province they could not long -be spared. For more than a century the Chinese now pursued their -avocations in absolute security. - -When, however, in 1763 they joined the British invaders, little mercy -was shown them by the Spaniards, who killed several thousands. - -In 1820 the natives began the massacre of the Chinese and other -foreigners, whom they accused of poisoning the drinking water, thus -producing an epidemic of cholera. - -Only since 1843 have the Chinese shops been opened on the same terms -as those of other foreigners. But there is no doubt that the Chinese -have been a great boon to the colony. They have had, in the main, -a civilizing influence on the natives, and have taught them many -important things: as the working of iron and the manufacture of sugar -from the juice of the sugar-cane. They have also ever been the leaders -in commerce and the chief middlemen of the colony; and, for this reason -mainly they have been deemed an unwelcome necessity; for, without them, -trade would almost be brought to a standstill, and, in consequence, -labor would suffer and living be rendered dearer to every class. - -By their superior shrewdness and unscrupulous cunning they have, on -the other hand, excited the hatred of the natives, who despise them -for their cowardice. Thus, from time to time, the feeling against -them is very bitter. - -Another objection against the Celestial is that he underbids -all competitors, working for what others deem less than living -wages. Furthermore, he spends little, and all that he saves he carries -to his own country. Their expulsion, however, would be as unwise as it -is impracticable, and the only remedy that meets the case is a proper -State-control. The employment of coolie labor, notwithstanding, is -at present impossible, on account of the hatred that the lower-class -natives feel toward them. - -In Manila there are at present no less than 40,000 Chinese, while -the whole colony contains about 100,000. They have their own courts, -their guilds, and secret societies, which are necessary for their -self-protection, and they choose representative deputations to -represent them in the Government. - - - - - - - - -THE MOHAMMEDANS OF SULU. - - -Cross or Crescent? - -In the lower part of the Philippine group, in the islands of Sulu -and Mindanao, the Catholic Spanish conqueror early came into conflict -with a religion not less intense and fanatical than his own. The story -of this fierce struggle between Malay Mussulman and Spanish Catholic -reads not unlike the more celebrated conflict between Christian and -Mohammedan in the days of good King Ferdinand and pious Isabella. Here, -too, was waged that dire battle of the creeds that deluged half of -Europe with holy blood. Here, too, was mutual advance and retreat, -but no reconciliation--no conversion. - -The island of Sulu, on account of its position between Mindanao -and Borneo, became, in this wise, populated by the followers of -the Prophet: About three centuries ago Paguian Tindig, a Borneo -chief, quarreled with his brother and was forced to flee for his -life. He landed on Sulu Island, where he soon achieved great fame -as a warrior. His cousin, Adasaolan, who had accompanied him, had -taken up his abode in Basilan. Here he lorded it over the natives, -but acknowledged the suzerainty of the Spaniards. - -Adasaolan married a Mahometan princess--a daughter of the King -of Mindanao, where, it appears, Islamism had been carried by Arab -missionaries. - -Soon afterward, Adasaolan, longing for the possession of the fat acres -of Sulu, attacked his cousin Tindig, and vanquished that intrepid -soldier, who died fighting bravely. However, Rajah Bongso, and not -Adasaolan, succeeded Tindig. Nevertheless, Adasaolan had, with the -aid of friends from Borneo and Mindanao, introduced Mahometanism into -Sulu, which has since become the Mecca of the Philippines. - -In 1596 the Spaniards sent an expedition to Mindanao, but were -repulsed. Their ravages and constant desire for conquest embittered the -Mohammedans,--who, retaliating, began to fit out expeditions against -their Christian enemies; like birds of prey they hovered round the -bays with their prahus, penetrating every inlet. These pirates soon -became the terror of the Spanish coasts, and were as brave as they were -merciless. For three centuries they preyed upon Spanish merchantmen, -pillaged the northern towns and villages, massacring the old and -helpless, leading thousands of Christian women into concubinage, and -tens of thousands of able-bodied men into slavery. Myriads were thus -murdered, and incalculable damage done, all because of the continued -attempt of the Spaniards to win their southern neighbors to their -own faith. - -In 1750 the Sultan Mahamed Alimudin, having been deposed by his -brother, Prince Bantilan, visited Manila. He was lavishly entertained -by the Priest-Governor, who was unceasing in his efforts to persuade -him to embrace Christianity. The Sultan at last yielded and was -baptized. He was christened Ferdinand I. of Sulu. The rank of a -Spanish Lieutenant-General was also accorded him. - -All this was done with great pomp and ceremony. Te Deums were sung -in all the churches; glittering processions marched daily through -the streets; comedies were acted on the streets, for the benefit of -the populace, who shared in the general rejoicing: bull-fights and -other equally delightful and harmless recreations were also the order -of the day--all given at the expense of the Church, which regarded -the conversion of the Head of the hated Mussulmans as an event of no -ordinary importance. - - - - -The Sultan's State. - -The Sultan lived in great state. He had a retinue of sixty persons, -and was accompanied by many of the princes of the blood. All lived -on the generous bounty of Spain. - -Measures were now apparently begun to restore the deposed monarch -to his throne. But the Spaniards pretended to discover that the -Sultan harbored designs against them, and that he possessed a secret -preference for the Mussulman faith. For this crime he, with all his -relatives and retainers, 160 in number, was cast into prison, where -he was confined several years. - -A decree of extermination was then declared against the Mohammedans. A -fleet of ships, carrying 2000 men, at once proceeded to Sulu, which -the natives defended most ably. The Spanish campaign proved a dismal -failure, and awful were the reprisals of the infuriated Mussulmans. - -In 1755 most of the Sultan's suite was sent back to Sulu, though the -Sultan himself was still kept in close confinement. - -The wily Mohammedan again professed Christianity; but, though the -Sultan was henceforth treated with greater leniency, he was not -released: he remained captive in Manila until the occupation of the -British, in 1763, who restored him to his throne in Sulu. - -As might be expected, Mahamed lost no opportunity to avenge the insults -that his hereditary enemies had for so many years been heaping upon -him; accordingly, he led several incursions against them. - -I have not space here to recount the various expeditions of the -Spaniards against their southern neighbors. I shall, instead, mention -only the more prominent ones of recent years. - -In 1851, Sulu Town, the capital of Sulu, was attacked and razed by -the Spaniards. Their advantage, however, proved but temporary. The -Mohammedans now changed their capital to Maybun on the south coast, -which is far less accessible. - -In 1860, Governor-General Norzagaray led another expedition against -the Mohammedans. This also met with some success; but none of it was -decisive. On account of the persistent renewals of the hated Sulu -piracy in 1876, another expedition, under Vice-Admiral Malcampo, -pierced the interior of Sulu, where he was ambushed and attacked by -a body of juramentados,--formidable fanatics, armed with javelins -and the deadly kris. He returned to Manila having sustained great loss. - - - - -The Dreaded Juramentados. - -These juramentados are Mohammedans, who, having taken an inviolable -oath to shed the blood of the hated Christian, and, having absolutely -no fear of death, are as dangerous as they are fanatical. - -By the laws of Sulu, the bankrupt debtor is the slave of his creditor; -and not only he, but likewise his wife and children, whom he can free -only by the sacrifice of his life--by enrolling himself in the ranks of -the juramentados, who combine the performance of a religious duty with -the patriotic pleasure of killing their Christian enemy. The panditas, -or priests, encourage him in this resolve until he is brought to a very -frenzy of enthusiasm. In their meetings the priests sing to these sworn -assassins impassioned chants, that hold out the most entrancing visions -of the joys of Paradise, perpetual happiness, and the honeyed kisses -and rapturous embraces of beautiful houris. Similar to the Druids of -old, they, too, stand like avenging deities in the religious gloom of -the forests, and incite these fanatics to the destruction of their -enemies: they promise eternal reward; holding up to their excited -imaginations delightful pictures of sensual enjoyment. - -Thus lashed into a fury of madness, the juramentado becomes more -beast than human, and is forever lusting for murder. He oils his -supple limbs and rushes ferociously into the conflict. Nothing -can stay him. He knows that he is going to certain death--that is -but the door to Paradise! In his excitement he feels no pain; and, -though severely wounded, he will continue his furious onset until -killed. Hence, he cares not how many oppose him; the more the better; -he will probably succeed in doing greater execution. - -A distinguished French scientist, Dr. Montano, gives a vivid -description of the entry of eleven juramentados into the village of -Tianzgi. Divided into three or four bands they secretly entered the -town, by concealing themselves, with their krises, in loads of fodder -that they pretended to have for sale. After stabbing the guards they -rushed up the street,--striking at all whom they met. - -The soldiers in the garrison, hearing the cry "Los -juramentados!" seized their guns and advanced to meet them. - -The mad Mahometans rushed blindly on them, cutting and slashing right -and left. Again and again, though shot and shattered by the hail -of bullets, they rose and flung themselves upon their enemies. One -of them, though transfixed by a bayonet, remained erect,--struggling -fiercely to reach the soldier that had impaled him. Nor would he cease -his furious efforts till another soldier had blown his brains out -with a pistol. Before all of the juramentados could be killed, they -had hacked fifteen soldiers to pieces, besides wounding many others. - -"And what wounds!" says Dr. Montano; "the head of one corpse is cut -off as clean as if it had been done with a razor; another soldier is -cut almost in two. The first of the wounded to come under my hand -was a soldier of the Third Regiment, who was mounting guard at the -gate through which some of the assassins entered. His left arm was -fractured in three places; his shoulder and breast were literally -cut up like mince-meat; amputation appeared to be the only chance -for him; but in that lacerated flesh there was no longer a spot from -which could be cut a shred." - - - - -The Extent of Mohammedan Rule. - -The Mussulmans are, indeed, over the whole of the island -of Mindanao. It is under the Sultanate of Sulu, there being two -Sultanates in the island. Not more than a fourth of Mindanao is under -Spanish rule, although by an old treaty, never enforced, Spain claimed -suzerainty over all the territory subject to the Sultan of Sulu. This -treaty was formally recognized at the close of the war of 1876. - -In the interior of Mindanao are many fierce and savage tribes, -owning allegiance to no government, controlled only by their own -fierce passions. - -A bagani, or man of might, is one that has won recognition by having -cut off sixty heads. This entitles him to wear a scarlet turban. No -one not a bagani can be a chief. Thus, murder and assassination are -legalized and honored. - -The Mandayas, to escape from the baganis, are wont to build their -huts in the branches of lofty trees, thirty or forty feet from the -ground. Here they climb when attacked, defending themselves by hurling -stones upon their assailants. The baganis usually attempt to take -them by surprise, shooting burning arrows at the ærial habitation, -that they may set it on fire. Sometimes, it is said, the bagani -will climb up to the hut with their shields locked together above -them. Then, cutting down the posts that support this abode in the -tree-tops, they soon bring the besieged to terms. The captives are -then divided among the besiegers--the heads of the dead and of the -wounded, and of all the grown males, are cut off, and the women and -children are carried away captives. - -Such is the interior of Mindanao; and from this description it can -readily be seen how ineffective has been the Spanish occupation of -that island. - -In 1877 a protocol was signed by England and Germany recognizing -Spain's rights to the Tawi-Tawi group and the chain of islands from -Sulu to Borneo. - -In 1885 the heir to the Sultanate, having failed to appear in Manila, -where he had been cited to receive his investiture at the hands of -the Governor-General, as had for some years been the custom, another -chief, Datto Harun, was selected by the Spanish Government to take -his place. He took the oath of allegiance to the King of Spain, and -was supported in his office. Two years later several chiefs found -another pretext for rebellion, but they were finally compelled to -yield their submission. Over this trifling victory the Spaniards made -a great display. - -Hardly had the Mohammedan chiefs submitted, when war broke out afresh -and Colonel Arolas was sent to the scene of the disturbance. He -defeated the natives in several engagements, and, at last, a permanent -peace was established. The Sulu protectorate comprises Sulu Mindanao, -and about 140 other islands; many of these are uninhabited. Next to -Luzon, Mindanao is the largest island in the Archipelago. Sulu is -about 35 miles long and 12 miles broad. The population of Mindanao -is unknown. Luzon contains about 125,000 Mohammedans, many of whom -are slaves. - - - - -Sulu Customs. - -The fierce and conservative nature of the people, the peculiar -and long-rooted feudal laws, the presence of an ancient dynasty, -and of an ineradicable, fanatical belief,--these are a few phases -of the complex problem to be met now. So far, the Spaniards have -succeeded in maintaining their protectorate only by a protracted -military occupation, which, as I have said, has by no means been -always effective. - -The Sulu Islanders dress with great taste. The women are fond of bright -colors and love to adorn themselves with jewelry. They have the baggy -nether dual-garment, so dear to all other women of their faith. Their -tight-fitting bodice is usually covered with arabesque designs. In -embroidering them they show great skill. For a head-covering they -wear the jabul, a long strip of stuff, sewn like a deep narrow sack, -open at the sides. This, if allowed to fall, would reach down to the -feet; the end, however, is always held under the arm. The women are -usually very graceful, and many are also pretty. - -The men wear tight breeches, usually a scarlet, or of some other -bright, color. On the sides are rows of shining buttons, that -give a very dazzling effect. A buttoned waistcoat, a jacket with -close-fitting sleeves, and a turban complete a costume that is as -picturesque as it is unique. The men are handsome and very robust, -lithe and active. Their complexion is a dusky bronze, and they have -piercing black eyes. Their forehead is low, and their black hair -falls in glossy waves upon the neck. Though brave and daring to an -extraordinary degree, they are conservative and cautious--no less quick -in mind than agile in body, and always sober and self-contained. They -are extremely suspicious, and as merciless when angry as they are -obstinate and vindictive. They are far more artistic than their -Christian neighbors in the north. Their coats of mail, krises, -lances, swords, and other weapons are of their own making. They are -most skilful navigators, too, which accounts for their success as -pirates. All males over sixteen years of age bear arms. The office -of chief is hereditary. When a chief dies, the pandita, or priest, -chants a requiem, while the attendants beat a hollow piece of wood -that serves as a gong. The neighbors rush in, and shout and stamp -their feet while the body is sprinkled with salt. A successor is -then proclaimed. The panditas have great power over their flocks, -inciting them to frequent fasts and to furious flagellations. Many -and varied are the ceremonials of their belief. - -The Spanish Government derives no taxes from the Sulu Protectorate, -but gives the Sultan a pension of $2,400 a year. The Sultan is called -the Stainless One, and is the chief of both Church and State. He is an -irresponsible despot, and the head of the feudal system. The Sultanate -is hereditary under the Salic law. The Sultan has his Advisory Council -and his Ministers. He lives in considerable state in the centre of -the new capital, Maybun, in a large well-constructed palace of wood. - -The roomy vestibule is always lined with an abundant display of -indigenous plants and shrubs, dazzling to the eye and intoxicating -to the senses. It is, indeed, as if the entire tropic realm had -been ravished of its richest, rarest, and most gorgeous specimens of -plant-life to glorify this spacious entrance-way. From there on to -the throne-room is of but little interest. - -Of course, letters, despatches, or verbal requests of foreigners -have all to be transmitted through the official interpreter, servants -meanwhile flitting about, in the gayest and most ludicrous costumes, -offering betel-nut to each and everyone,--to the bevy of Sultanas -and to foreign guests, all seated on silken and highly embroidered -cushions scattered on the floor. - -In the town of Maybun there is nothing to be seen of any note, but -the country round about is magnificent. - -Slavery exists by birth and conquest. Rice, Indian corn, sugar-cane, -indigo, and coffee are the common products of the Sultanate. The -chief export is pearls, for which the natives dive often a hundred -feet. They frequently attack sharks, which they fight with the deadly -kris, never failing to come off victors. - - - - - - - - -MANILA. - - -The Old City. - -Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is situated on the island of -Luzon, at the mouth, and on the left bank, of the river Pasig. It -is in N. lat. 14° 36', by E. long., 20° 57'. The city was founded -in 1571. The present fortifications and the walls and battlements -of the old city were built by Chinese labor in 1590, in the time of -Governor-General Gomez Perez Dasmariñas. The walls are 2-1/4 miles -long and are mounted with old and useless cannon. These, however, were -quite formidable in the early days of the colony, and did great service -against the successive invaders that threatened its peace and safety. - -The old city is almost surrounded by water. On the north is the Pasig; -on the west the sea; while moats flank the other two sides. These -moats are connected with the river by sluices; but they are sadly -in need of repair, and are filled with stagnant water and putrid -matter,--a continual menace to the health of the city. - -Until 1852 the drawbridge, connecting the old city with the new, was -raised at night and the city closed, presenting the curious fact of -a feudal Spanish city in the heart of the tropics. In the citadel are -the Government offices; also the Post, Telegraph, and Custom offices, -various convents and colleges, an Artillery depot, the Cathedral, and -eleven other churches. This part of the city presents a dilapidated -and mediæval appearance. The dull, narrow streets have a sombre, -monastic aspect; and one, therefore, is not surprised to find that the -gloomy superstitions of the 15th century hold Cimmerian sway here, -undisturbed by the dawn of Science. It seems the fit capital of a -despotism, a suitable home for tyranny and priestcraft. - -Manila Bay is thirty miles from north to south, and about twenty-five -miles wide. On each side the entrance are steep volcanic mountains. Ten -miles from Manila, near the entrance of the bay, lies Cavité, which -contains about 5,000 people. Here also is the arsenal, a patent -slip, and a garrison of 500 men. In the channel lies the island of -Corregidor, 640 feet high, and just beyond, the island of Caballo, 420 -feet high, both fortified. On each island stands a lighthouse. Other -fortified points are San José and Tibonis. - -Manila, however, is, like Batavia and Calcutta, a great -trade-centre. But I must leave the old city to find any signs of life -and progress. - - - - -Binondo and the Suburbs. - -Binondo, on the northern shore of the Pasig, and opposite the old -city, is the business quarter. Here are the large tobacco factories, -which employ about 10,000 men, women, and children. One factory alone, -indeed, employs 2,000. The Manila wrappers and Manila cheroots and -cigars are famed the world over. The employees in these factories earn -on an average about 15 cents a day. With this they are able to live -very well; for food is cheap, and rent is even cheaper. Most of the -boys and men in these factories wear only a thin pair of trousers, -being naked from the waist up. The girls also have but a slight -covering. In the midst of every group of girls sits an old woman, -who acts as a kind of combined overseer and chaperon. - -The main street of Binondo is the Escolta, and here are situated the -commercial warehouses, the bazaars, and the European shops. In the -Rosario are the Chinese shops. These are very small, and a dozen or -more are usually grouped together. In each, on the little counter, -sits a Chinaman, casting accounts with the ancient abacus. Another -stands behind the counter and acts as salesman; a third is in front -drumming up customers, very much after the manner of Moses Cohn, Baxter -street, New York. These Chinese traders are exceedingly shrewd, and it -is almost useless for the buyer to attempt to secure a reduction in -price; they have a uniform scale, agreed upon by themselves. Many of -these Chinese merchants are fabulously rich; and all are prosperous -and progressive, the natives and the Europeans not being able to -compete against them. - -In the Escolta are many fine shops owned by Spaniards, mestizos, -Germans, English, and Americans. The Escolta, in the daytime, presents -an animated appearance: about ten thousand carriages pass here daily, -and a great volume of business is transacted. The commerce is yearly -increasing, too. The principal articles of export are honey, tobacco, -cigars, sugar, coffee, and indigo. - -The laboring class live in Tondo, another suburb. Their dwellings are -covered with roofs of nipa thatch. The drainage around these huts -is very bad, and under them are pools of stagnant water, the cause -of great mortality among the natives. The endemic diseases of the -islands are swamp-fever, diarrhoea, beri-beri, and typhoid. - -The traffic on the river along the Binondo shore is considerable. The -river is not navigable by the large ocean-liners; only by boats of -light draught. - -The streets of Manila, for the most part, are badly paved and still -more badly lighted, though some of the public gardens have been -recently much improved in this respect. - -Beyond Binondo lies the aristocratic suburb, San Miguel, where live the -wealthy European merchants and many of the Government officials. Here -are many elegant and imposing residences. - -It is a unique sight to pass these white bungalows at night, and -hear the merry chatter or the sweet music of the happy people on -the wide, cool verandas; men and women, boys and girls, all smoking -cigarillos. For everybody smokes--from the Spanish grandee down to -his native postilion. - -A more contented people than the Filipinos surely do not -exist. Naturally averse to exertion, and possessing few wants, -they accept the dispensations of Providence with a philosophic -acquiescence not far removed from indifference. One day differs -little from another. Upon rising, early in the morning, they take a -cup of chocolate or coffee. At eight o'clock they partake of a light -breakfast, consisting of two or three dishes and a dessert. The -head of the family then goes to his work, the women, meanwhile, -attending to their household duties. From twelve to one is tiffin--a -heavy lunch, consisting of soup, fish, meat, dessert, and coffee, -including rice and curry. From one to four all enjoy the luxury of a -siesta, after which, from four to five, they have chocolate and cakes -served, exchange visits, go out riding, or take some other kind of -recreation. Dinner is at eight. This is usually an elaborate meal, -consisting of meats, fruits, and various native delicacies. After -dinner, different diversions, such as music and dancing, make the -evening an agreeable one. About eleven o'clock, the entire family -goes to bed. - -"Bed" consists of a fine mat, and one narrow and one long pillow. There -are no sheets. Both men and women sleep in their stockings and -pajamas. Mosquito curtains are, of course, a necessity. - -All this, of course, applies to the better class of natives, whose -residences are often fine and commodious. Very few houses are more -than one story above the ground floor. If so, the extra story is -uninhabited or serves as a sleeping-place for the servants, or as a -coach-house. The roofs are usually of tin or iron, which makes them -extremely hot in summer. For this reason many houses are also covered -with a thin layer of nipa-palm, which is cooler. The ground-story is -usually of stone or brick; the upper of wood, with sliding windows -of opaque sea-shells. The bath-house is really the greatest personal -necessity in Manila. For a daily bath is almost indispensable to -health and comfort. - - - - -Educational and Charitable Institutions. - -Most of the educational institutions of the colony are in Manila, -where the Department of Education has its headquarters. Many of the -native graduates of the various colleges go into the professions; -many of the poorer kind into teaching. The village schoolmaster -receives, on an average, about 180 dollars a year, and out of even -this miserable stipend he has to pay his own expenses to and from the -city once every month, to receive his salary. Thus, it can readily be -surmised that the cause of public education is not in as prosperous a -condition as it might be. The children of the wealthy are sometimes -sent abroad--to Spain, France, or England--to be educated. I myself -went to St. John's College, London, and, afterward, to Pension Roulet, -Neûchatel, Switzerland. - -The Royal and Pontifical University of St. Thomas, in Manila, is -maintained by the Dominicans. It has schools of theology and church -law, jurisprudence, notarial law, medicine, and pharmacy. In the -undergraduate department are 40 free scholarships for Spanish boys. - -The college of San José gives instruction in medicine and pharmacy. The -Dominican college of San Juan de Letran is justly celebrated for its -excellent equipment, and for its fine museums of history and of the -arts. It is attended exclusively by the sons of the natives. - -The Cambobong Orphan Asylum, under the care of the Augustinians, -furnishes elementary instruction, and is a preparatory school for -the University. It also teaches book-keeping, and provides a good -business education. - -The Mandaloya Asylum, of the same order and of the same grade, is -for girls, and teaches the proper performance of household duties -and the various feminine accomplishments. - -Poor and demented children find shelter in the St. Joseph's Home; -while the Hospital of San Juan de Dios, founded in 1595, is open -to all. This institution has two chaplains, one head nurse, six -physicians, eight resident medical students, one pharmaceutist, -and a corps of trained nurses. - -The Hospital of San Lazaro is for lepers. It was founded in 1578 -by the Franciscans, under rather peculiar and not uninteresting -circumstances. The Emperor of Japan, full of resentment at the attempts -of the Spaniards to convert his subjects to Christianity, sent the -infant colony a ship-load of lepers with his compliments, saying, -sarcastically, that he had no doubt but that the good brethren to whose -care he felt called upon to send these useless subjects of his kingdom, -would, in their exceeding love for souls, receive them most gratefully. - -The Spaniards, however, needless to say, were by no means delighted, -and were at first inclined to send the lepers back. Pity and Christian -feeling, however, at last prevailed, and this hospital was built to -receive them. - -One of the most important organizations is the Chamber of -Commerce. There are also several good banks and a savings bank. Under -the Department of Charity and Health are several subordinate boards, -all conducive to public improvement. - -The Royal Polytechnic Society has for its object the promotion of -the arts and the sciences. The Musical Society, the Spanish Casino, -the Manila Club, the German Casino, the Gun, Jockey, Lawn-tennis and -Bicycle clubs are highly successful social organizations. At Santa -Mesa, on the outskirts of the city, is a race-course, which in the -spring is very popular. - -The mint is only for the striking of subsidiary coins. It has been -in operation but a few years. - -There are six daily papers: El Diario de Manila, and La Oceania -Española, both issued in the morning. The evening papers are: El -Comercio, La Voz de España, El Español, and El Noticero. - -Tramways of a very primitive kind run in the principal streets. There -are also electric lights in the public parks, along the Luneta, and -in the finest business houses. A telephone system extends throughout -the city, and there is a railway--the only one in the province--to -Dagupan. It is a single track, and is 123 miles long. It was opened to -traffic November 23, 1892. An Englishman has secured the contract, and -English engines are used, whose speed is 45 miles an hour. This road -has paid more than ten per cent. to the shareholders. There is also a -steam road to Dagupan. Another branch railroad is under construction -by the Government. Manila being on low peat-ground,--considerably -lower in fact than the lake of Laguna, whose overflow forms the Pasig -river,--in the wet season it seems an Oriental Venice; for the numerous -creeks and canals that intersect the city and its suburbs are then -flooded with water and thronged with native boats. Drinking-water -is carried to the city through pipes from Santolan, on the river -Pasig. Fountains are also distributed at convenient places throughout -the city, to which the poorer people have access. - -A new harbor is now under construction. For the payment of it special -dues have from time to time been imposed upon the trade of the port: -2 per cent. on imports, 1 per cent. on exports, a tonnage tax, and -a duty on fishing-boats. - -There are several theatres in Manila, but they are very inferior. The -opera is very popular, and is well supported. Foreign celebrities -sometimes visit Manila, when the audiences are most enthusiastic -and whole scenes are encored. In the theatre every one smokes, from -the fashionable ladies and gentlemen in full dress, to the half-naked -gallery-gods in the loft. Between the acts pretty mestiza flower-girls -pass to and fro offering their fragrant wares to the onlookers. A -theatre-night in Manila is one of unrestrained gayety--and the -fun-loving Filipinos rarely miss an opportunity to attend a show. In -the Palacio Square is a statue of Charles IV., and in front of the -Variedades is one of Queen Isabella. - - - - -The Cathedral and the Governor-General's Palace. - -The churches are well worthy of a visit, being picturesque and -interesting. The Cathedral was founded in 1570, and has several -times been destroyed by earthquakes. The new Cathedral, on the site -of the old, which was destroyed by the earthquake of 1880, cost a -half-million dollars. It is an immense structure of brick and stone -and is the most imposing building in the colony. It is in old Manila, -and is celebrated for the splendor of its interior decorations and -its gorgeous altars. Here start and end most of the great religious -processions for which Manila is so noted. The cost of maintaining -the Cathedral, including the salaries of the officiating priests, -is not far from $60,000 per annum. - -The Church of San Francisco--also in old Manila--is the oldest church -in Manila. It is under the patronage of the Franciscans and is very -wealthy. The magnificence of its interior is unrivalled. - -The Governor-General's Palace is in Malacanan, a suburb of new -Manila. It is a low massive structure and occupies an immense area. It -is in the midst of a large garden--a veritable Paradise. It is on -the bank of the river Pasig, in a healthful locality, and commands -a fine view of the city and the river. The garden is famed for -its luxuriance. Here grow, in rich profusion, cocoanuts, bananas, -lemons, mangoes, and a wealth of flowers: the white champaca, the -yellow ilang-ilang with its exquisite perfume, gigantic orchids, -and a thousand other blooms. Among the trees and shrubbery of this -gorgeous Eden, wind broad garden paths paved with sea-shells. - -Facing the river is a large balcony from which the Governor views the -yearly boat-race that takes place on the birthday of the King. This -boat-race is one of the great events of the year and is usually rowed -by native champions. - -The interior of the Palace is of unusual splendor, and there is -evidence on every hand of great pomp and ceremony. A host of liveried -servants and numerous guards in showy uniforms are everywhere -apparent. There is an excellent library and a spacious ball-room, -where receptions are held, to which, several times a year, the élite -of the city and distinguished visitors are invited. - -The Governor rides in a carriage drawn by four horses, with -several outriders, who, by means of a shrill whistle, announce his -approach. All streets are instantly cleared and traffic suddenly -ceases, every one standing still to make respectful obeisance. On, -on, they come, the dashing four, with the postilions in scarlet -jackets. The Governor, dressed in civilian's dress, sits within--the -picture of dignity. He bows right and left, in that perfunctory -way characteristic of public dignitaries the world over, and the -carriage passes on, while the citizens resume their wonted demeanor -and avocations. - -The Jesuits support and manage a fine observatory. And there is -a large botanical garden, now neglected; but it could easily be -made the finest in the world. The English Club, in the suburbs, is -noted for its hospitality and for the delightful personality of its -members. Most of the hotels are bad, with poor accommodations. The -Hotel de Oriente, however, is a noteworthy exception. - -The police of the city are natives, and are under military -discipline. The department of police is known as the Municipal -Guard. From 10 o'clock at night until 5 o'clock in the morning -night-watchmen patrol the city. - -One is struck by the number of carriages in the thoroughfares, drawn -by pretty ponies of mixed Chinese and Andalusian breed. There are -also many hacks to hire. The drivers, too, are as civil in address as -they are moderate in their charges. There are three days in the year -when the ponies are given absolute rest. These are Holy Wednesday, -Thursday, and Good Friday,--when no traffic is permitted, only the -Archbishop and the doctors being allowed to ride in carriages. On -these days the church-bells are muffled, and the people, dressed in -sombre black, walk solemnly in the various religious processions. A -vast concourse assembles in the several squares to await the toll that -shall announce the end of the fast and of this enforced abstinence -from labor and worldly care. As soon as the first stroke is given, -there is a mighty rush in every direction, a thousand ponies are -trotted through the streets, ten thousand natives renew their daily -traffic with clamorous zeal, which shows how feeble was the bond that -kept them under restraint. - -On the streets of the city are many wayside native restaurants. Here -the employees of the huge tobacco factories come at noon for their -"quick lunch" or for a refreshing drink. Most of these establishments -are very primitive, and little more than rice, fruit, or meat is for -sale. The charges are the merest pittance. For two cents a sumptuous -meal can be had. It may, therefore, be understood that few people in -Manila go hungry. - -The water-girls or the peddlers of milk or cocoa are also worthy of -mention; inasmuch as they, with their rude jars, have a most Oriental -look. One, too, is likely, almost any time, to encounter a religious -procession, such as The Feast of the Twelve Apostles, or The Feast -of Corpus Christi, when the companies of friars, in their long robes -of black, blue, white, or brown, alternate with long lines of solemn -natives dressed in their sombre clothes. There are, in fact, forty -holidays in the year, and, as each of these is distinguished by some -feast or religious ceremonial, it can readily be seen how large an -influence the Church has upon the people. The Archbishop is a greater -man than the Governor-General, and as he passes through the streets -in his carriage drawn by four white horses, every head is bared. There -are 4,000 priests in Manila alone. - -An execution in Manila is an interesting, though a gruesome, -sight. The populace always flock to see one, and the condemned, -with the stoicism natural to their race, as a rule seem perfectly -indifferent to their fate. The garrote is the instrument usually -employed. There is the pomp and ceremony incident to all Spanish -functions of State: a procession of soldiers, a solemn death-cart, -draped in mourning, on which sits the culprit apparently enjoying -his last ride, two or three priests chanting a dolorous refrain, and -the executioner,--all slowly approach the place of execution. Here -is a raised platform, on which is a rude seat; against the back -of it is an upright post. To this the condemned is firmly bound, -and the deadly brass collar--the garrote--that is attached thereto, -closes with a click around his neck. The executioner now takes his -place behind, the priests elevate the crucifix and continue their -chant, while the victim, half-bewildered, smiles a last farewell or -mumbles a hasty prayer. The commanding officer gives the signal; the -executioner gives a twist to the screw, that just touches the base of -the prisoner's brain; there is a convulsive shiver and a groan, and all -is over. And the spectators, laughing and chattering, turn homeward. - -But no street scene is more interesting than a native -funeral. The hearse is a rude wagon, drawn by white horses. A most -melancholy-looking person is the driver, who, clad in black and a high -beaver hat, sits aloft in mournful dignity. In front is a brass band, -playing a lively march, while a long line of carriages follow slowly -behind. On account of the heat, the burial is nearly always on the same -day as the death. The bodies of the well-to-do are usually deposited -in a vault in the church as long as the relatives of the deceased -pay the priests well for the privilege. When this tribute ceases, -the remains are dumped without ceremony into a huge pit at the back -of the church, where perhaps are the bones of a thousand others. The -pit, it is safe to say, is the ultimate destiny of all. - -Bull-fights have never made the headway in the Philippines that they -have in Cuba. In the suburb of Paco is a bull-ring; but it is not -attended by the better classes, and it offers but a sorry spectacle. - - - - -The Beautiful Luneta: the Sea-boulevard. - -There are many drives and promenades in the city of Manila. The -principal one, and the most celebrated, is the Luneta, which is by -the old sea-wall. Here in the cool summer evening is stationed the -Governor's fine military band, and all Manila comes out to see and to -be seen. Thousands of people, natives and foreigners, pair in careless -promenade. Here comes a group of English Jack Tars, from some British -Man-of-War in the harbor. The sailors are flirting vigorously with a -number of bewitching mestiza-girls, just behind. These olive-cheeked -damsels, whose long raven hair, red lips, and pearly teeth are -cunningly displayed in daring coquetry, are all laughing merrily, -smoking betimes a dainty cigarette. Here comes a whole native-family, -trooping along with almost stolid demeanor, yet listening keenly to -the stirring music. And then follow Chinamen, in their national dress, -Englishmen in white drill, and Spaniards in European costume,--all -walking with the leisurely manner of the tropics, as if to the climate -born. And so thousands pass by, bowing and smiling, with never one -careworn face in the vast throng. - -Here, too, were enacted some of the most horrible tragedies in the -recent rebellion. Hundreds of native prisoners were here executed. And -such an execution was made occasion of great rejoicing. The fashionable -Spanish element, men and women, was not wanting to witness it; and -while the band discoursed a lively air, the poor fellows were made -to stand on the sea-wall, facing the sea; at a given signal the -firing-squad discharged a volley, and they fell dead or mortally -wounded, while the onlookers cheered for tyranny and Spain. - -Though Manila lies very low, it is by no means unhealthy. It is a -pleasant city to live in, but not nearly so pleasant as it might -be made to be. The climate is thus described by an old Spanish -proverb: "Six months of dust; six months of mud; six months of -everything." The spring months are December, January, and February; -the climate then is most agreeable. In March, April, and May the heat -is very oppressive. In June, July, August, and September occur heavy -rains. October and November are either wet or dry. The population -of Manila is not far from 300,000, of which 70 per cent. are pure -natives, 15 per cent. Chinese, 14 per cent. mestizo Chinos, and one -per cent. Europeans and Creoles. - - - - - - - - -OTHER IMPORTANT CITIES AND TOWNS. - - -Iloilo, Capital of the Province of Panay. - -In the province of Iloilo, in the southern part of the island of Panay, -is the town of Iloilo. It is on the sea, and is built on a low, marshy -plain. Iloilo is the capital of the province in which it is situated, -and it is also one of the principal sea-ports of the colony. The harbor -is excellent, being well-protected by the island of Guimaras, which -lies just beyond. This island is much higher than the mainland, with -which it forms a kind of funnel, so that there is a constant breeze, -which makes Iloilo much cooler and healthier than Manila. During the -spring-tides the whole town is covered with water. - -Iloilo is a manufacturing town. Its principal product is piña, a fine -cloth made from the fibre of the pineapple-leaf. Jusi--another fabric -made from silk and woven into various colors--is also manufactured -here. - -The country around the town is very fertile, and is extensively -cultivated. The facilities for transportation to and from the interior -of the island are very poor. This, of course, is a great bar to the -development of the commerce. However, over 1,000,000 piculs of sugar -are raised around Iloilo; also a great amount of tobacco; much rice, -too, is raised here. The town is doubtless destined to become a great -commercial centre. It is about 250 miles from Manila. Typhoons are -not uncommon, though earthquakes are infrequent. Most of the traders -are Chinese Mestizos. Some of them are very wealthy. - -The port of Iloilo is of recent date, its opening being wholly due to -foreigners. The produce shipped from there comes mostly in American -sailing vessels to the United States. Iloilo has become the shipping -centre for the crops of sugar and sapan-wood of the islands of Negros -and Panay, and the opening up of this port has greatly encouraged -agriculture in the Visayas district. Manila is too far away. The -Iloilo district includes the large islands of Panay, Negros, Cebú, -and others, and has a second port of rising importance, Cebú, on the -island of that name. - -Cavité is a fortified town, on a small peninsula, in the bay of -Manila, about ten miles from the capital. To it a steamboat runs twice -daily. The Government arsenal and the only shipyard in the colony are -located here, and it is, therefore, the chief naval station in the -islands. Cavité is also the residence of most of the Spanish naval -officers and of many foreigners: their handsome bungalows are on the -outskirts of the town. Some fine shops, a theatre, a few cafés, and -the old Cathedral are the most noteworthy objects of interest in the -town itself. The Cathedral is large and imposing, and its architecture -is characteristic of most of the churches of the colony. The houses -in Cavité were formerly of wood, but since a fire, in 1754, which -destroyed the town, most of them are built of stone or brick. But -even this did not save the town; for the earthquake of 1880 again -laid it waste. - -Cavité was taken by the British in 1763, and has always been deemed -the key to the capital. It was the seat of the rebellion of 1872, -when the rebels seized and plundered the arsenal. This insurrection, -however, was put down, and the leaders executed or deported. Cavité, -on account of its strategic value, was the first place taken by Admiral -Dewey after the battle. As elsewhere described, it then became the -headquarters for Aguinaldo and the insurgents. Under a humane and an -advanced government of the islands, Cavité should become a large city. - -Majajay is a picturesque mountain-town, in Luzon; it contains several -fine streets and many charming residences. The church and the convent -are striking; the scenery in the vicinity is magnificent. The waterfall -of Botócan is well worth a visit. It is about 600 feet high, and 60 -feet wide. The view is impressive. - -Lúgbang, near Majajay, is a thousand feet higher. Around it are -extensive rice-fields. In the town are several fine canals, some -good streets, and many commodious residences. A stone church and a -convent front the little plaza. On the other side is the Tribunal, -an imposing government building. - -Tayabas is the capital of Tayabas province. In some of the streets -are canals. Besides the houses of the wealthy planters, there are the -usual church and convent. In the vicinity of Tayabas are extensive -timber-yards. - -Laguimanoc, a small town on the coast of Luzon, is also a port. The -mail steamers stop there. The chief trade is in building-timber; for -around the town are magnificent forests. The harbor is an excellent -one, and, with increase of trade, the place should have a great future. - -Lipa is the capital of the Batangas province, Luzon. It is a centre of -the coffee-trade. Besides, the temperature there is cooler than that of -most of the Philippine towns. It is noted for its large church and its -convent--among the most remarkable in the colony. Most of the houses -are three stories high, and many wealthy planters live in the vicinity. - -Taal is one of the principal towns of Luzon. It is situated on a -hill upon the left bank of the Pansipit river. On the opposite side -is the town of Lemeri. A bridge connects the two. - -Taal was formerly on the shore of the Lake of Taal, near the volcano, -but the old town was destroyed by the earthquake of 1754. The new -town is hilly, and is surrounded by sugar-cane plantations and -great forests. The streets are lined with modern shops and spacious -residences. Many of the inhabitants are of Japanese origin; but the -Chinese, strange to say, are not tolerated. As there is considerable -trade in sugar, in coffee, and cotton stuffs, trading-steamers ply -between Taal and Manila. The population of the town and its suburbs -is about 50,000. - -Batangas, another town in Luzon, is the capital of the province of -that name. It is near the sea, and is the residence of the Governor -and the other chief officials of the province. There is a beautiful -park in the centre of the town, and a fine drive, where the European -residents are wont to meet. In and around the town are many pretty -bungalows and some large sugar-factories. - -Santa Cruz de Malabon is a town in the rice-district of Luzon. It is -a charming little place, and some wealthy natives live there. Near the -town are several water-power rice-husking mills, that give employment -to hundreds of natives. The country all around is low and flat, -but not lacking in beauty. - -Silan is also in Luzon, and is a good-sized town. It is noted for its -religious feasts and fairs. The church and the convent are celebrated, -and are among the handsomest in the colony. - -Carmona, Perez Dasmariñas, and Viñan, are flourishing towns in the -vicinity of Silan. All are well worthy of a visit. - -At the foot of the Maquiling mountain is Calamba, a market-town. Nearly -all the land thereabouts is owned by the Dominicans, who rent it to -the native rice and sugar-planters. - -Below the Maquiling mountain, which is a crater, are hot springs. Near -them is the town of Los Baños, or the Baths. These springs are -beneficial in curing rheumatism and other ills. A hospital, therefore, -has been erected there, which is dedicated to our Lady of the Holy -Waters. - -Other objects of interest are a vapor bath-house and the remains of -several large public buildings. Los Baños was once a popular resort, -and was under the administration of the Franciscans. The Government, -however, desiring a share of the profits, gradually, by onerous -exactions, caused the ruin of the place. If some enterprising American -would get hold of it, Los Baños could be made a great resort. - -A few miles from Los Baños, on the Malanin river, about 1200 feet -above the sea, is the boiling lake of Natungos. This, too, possesses -wonderful medicinal properties. - -Santa Cruz is the capital of the Laguna province. It is a market-town -of considerable size and importance, and contains a fine church and -one or two impressive government buildings. The principal street is -also called the Escolta. Santa Cruz is the centre of the cocoanut -trade, and is a meeting-place for stock-dealers. - -Pagsanjan, a small old town near Santa Cruz, contains some elegant -residences. It has, however, an air of fallen grandeur. And well -it may! for it was once an important place. Around it are extensive -forests of cocoanut palms. - -Puerta is on Palaúan Island, and has an excellent harbor. Near it is -a lighthouse and a naval station. It is a penal settlement, and is -surrounded by large sugar-estates, worked by the convicts. The town -is pretty, and the suburbs are delightful. - -The principal port of Mindanao is Zamboanga, a small but interesting -town. Sulu is the principal port of Sulu, and is the centre of the -pearl trade. - -The capital of Negros is Bacólod. It contains, besides a church and -a government house, some handsome residences belonging to the chief -traders and to the government officials. The town is on the coast, -but, as the water is very shallow, steamers are obliged to anchor -a half-mile from the shore. Bacólod is a good field for investors, -as it is in the very heart of the sugar and rice-district of Negros, -and its trade is constantly growing. - -Mataban, Talisay, Silay, Sarávia and Victoria are rising towns in the -same province. Cádiz Nuevo, a small town just beyond Victoria, has -some fine streets, and many large shops owned by the irrepressible -Chinamen. The new stone church and convent of the town are the -handsomest on the island. In the country round about live many wealthy -native-planters, famed for their hospitality. - - - - -Cebú: a Mecca for Many Filipinos. - -Cebú is the capital of the island of Cebú, and ranks next to Iloilo -among the ports of the Philippines. The town is well-constructed, -and is surrounded by fine roads. The people are conservative, and -lack thrift and enterprise. The principal exports are hemp and sugar, -most of which comes from the large plantations of the neighboring -islands of Leyte, Camaguin, and Mindanao. The cathedral of Cebú is -one of the most celebrated in the islands. It contains the shrine of -the Holy Child of Cebú, which thousands of pilgrims visit yearly. - - - - -General Topography of the Islands. - -The Philippines, with the Sulu Protectorate, number about 600 habitable -islands, that lie all the way from 4° 45' to 21° N. latitude. - -The area of the eleven largest islands is variously computed to be -somewhere between 55,000 and 150,000 square miles. It is probably -not far from the latter sum. All the islands together are about as -large as the combined area of New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, -Maryland, and Delaware. - -The eleven largest islands are: Luzon, Mindanao, Sámar, Panay, Negros, -Palaúan, Mindoro, Leyte, Cebú, Masbate, and Bojol. Luzon and Mindanao -are probably as large as all the others combined. - -All the islands are mountainous and of volcanic formation. - -Here is a list of the principal peaks: - - - Halcon, (Mindoro) 8,868 feet above sea. - Apo, (Mindanao) 8,804 feet above sea. - Mayon: active volcano, (Luzon) 8,283 feet above sea. - San Cristobal, (Luzon) 7,375 feet above sea. - Isarog, (Luzon) 6,443 feet above sea. - Banájao (Luzon) 6,097 feet above sea. - Labo (Luzon) 5,090 feet above sea. - South Caraballo, (Luzon) 4,720 feet above sea. - Caraballo del Baler (Luzon) 3,933 feet above sea. - Maquiling, (Luzon) 3,720 feet above sea. - - -In the interior of the islands are magnificent forests of stately -trees, splendid with luxuriant foliage and the glorious flora of -the tropics. Here are gigantic creepers and gorgeous festoons,--the -splendid parasites of this opulent clime. Luscious fruits in rich -clusters hang from pendent boughs of myriad trees, inviting the -passer-by to pluck. - -One that has never seen it, can form no idea of the splendor of such -a tropical forest--teeming with all that is brilliant and grand in -nature. It would seem as if the Creator had emptied the cornucopia of -his gifts over this garden-spot of the world, making it a veritable -Eden. - -There are many rivers throughout the islands,--some navigable. The -Pasig river, in Luzon, empties into Manila Bay. Vessels drawing -thirteen feet of water enter the Pasig river. In the same island, -the Rio Grande de Cagayan is also navigable and runs through the -Cagayan valley northward. It yearly overflows its banks. On them -are the richest tobacco-districts in the colony. The Rio Grande -de la Pampanga flows southward through the glorious valley of -Pampanga, emptying by twenty mouths into Manila Bay. On the banks -of this river are extensive rice-fields and sugar-cane plantations, -and great forests; among them gleam numerous towns and villages, -full of a thriving population. The Rio Agno, which flows southward, -past the port of Dagupan and the Bicol river--which flows from Bato -lake to the bay of San Miguel--is also in Luzon, and navigable. - -In Mindanao, the Rio Agusan cuts the island almost in two. It is -navigable only a few miles. In Negros Island, the Danao is navigable. - -The Bay lake (Luzon)--Laguna de Bay,--is 25 miles long and 12 miles -broad. It is higher than Manila, and its overflow is the Pasig river. - -In the centre of Bombon lake is an active volcano called Taal, which -is no less famed in the history of the colony than is Vesuvius in -the history of Naples. It has had many celebrated eruptions, some -very destructive. In 1754 several towns were overwhelmed by a flood of -burning lava, which was thrown as far as fifteen miles from the crater, -causing great damage, even at that distance. It is said that cinders -fell in Manila, 34 miles away. There was a smell of sulphur in the air -for months; the lake was full of dead fish; and the earth, for miles, -was heaped with burning lava and ashes. This eruption lasted nearly -six months. The town of Taal was entirely destroyed, and most of the -inhabitants perished. On that day darkness hung over the whole sky, -and the air was full of cries and lamentations. It seemed as if the -end of the world had come. - -The Mayon volcano, in Albay, has also had several destructive -eruptions. Its crest is always fiery. In 1814, 2,500 natives were -killed and wounded. During the last eruption, in 1888, fifteen lives -were lost, and many cattle. - -Near the volcano of Mayon are the sulphur springs of Albay, noted for -their wonderful medicinal properties. Here, no doubt, some enterprising -American will soon build a resort, or a sanitarium. And a most splendid -location indeed it would be! - -Though in the heart of the tropics, the Philippines are by no means -unhealthy. The year is divided into the wet and the dry monsoons; -the west coast being dry, the eastern coast wet, and vice-versa. The -annual rainfall is about 90 inches. Mosquitoes and white ants are the -most troublesome pests. Terrific tornados are common, and earthquakes -are as plentiful as blackberries in an Alabama cemetery. In 1875 a -typhoon destroyed 4000 houses and killed about 300 people. In 1863 -an earthquake destroyed the greater part of Manila--3000 people were -killed and injured. The earthquake of 1880 was also very destructive. - -That of '63 occurred at night, and I remember it well. I was then a -little boy, but the horrors of that night I can never forget. The -earth trembled and seemed to rise and fall; huge fissures opened -in the ground, and dull rumblings were heard everywhere, while the -shrieks of tens of thousands arose on every hand. Many were buried -in the ruins of their houses. - -For weeks afterward, the people slept in the streets; for the greater -part of the city was destroyed. - -The earthquake of 1880 occurred while the people were at tiffin, or -lunch. Hence the number of casualties was not so great; for most of the -people were able to leave their houses before they were shaken down. - - - - - - - - -NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE ARCHIPELAGO. - - -A Botanist's Paradise. - -The preceding chapters give but a faint idea of the great wealth of -plant-life in the Philippine Islands, of the richness and abundance -of the fruits, the variety and usefulness of the trees, the multitude -of growths that add to the comfort and convenience of human life. Yet, -after all is said, every description of the plant-life there gives but -an inadequate idea of the real luxuriance and beauty of the group, and -its value from a botanical point of view. These rich and multitudinous -islands, seated in the midst of a tropical sea, form, in reality, -a botanist's paradise, a region in which an ardent naturalist might -browse for years, and still have new treasures to find. - -I am no scientist. Indeed, I have often wished I were, when journeying -through these lush tropical forests with their interminable variety of -forms of plant-life; many of them of the greatest beauty, some odd and -bizarre in appearance, numbers of them unknown to science; the whole -presenting the appearance of a virgin wilderness, keeping its treasures -intact for the one that can appreciate them. The Spaniard looks upon -nature with a lazy eye, troubling himself little about anything that -cannot be put to some immediate use. And he has jealously guarded the -islands against alien footsteps, putting annoying obstacles in the -way of all that sought to explore their interior. In consequence, -the Philippines may be said to be in a large measure unexplored, -waiting for the botanist to discover their treasures, the poet to -sing their beauties, the practical man to develop their resources. - -Energy and enterprise are sadly needed, and it will require the -go-ahead American spirit to bring about the possibilities of those -fertile tropical lands. - - - - -A Diadem of Island Gems. - -And the earth possesses no scenes more beautiful than those to be -found in this verdant and blooming Archipelago,--from its northern -to its southern verge, this magnificent rosary of glowing islands, -that Nature has hung above the heaving bosom of the warm Pacific. Of -them all, none is more beautiful than Luzon. the largest and the -richest of the whole, with its vast variety of attractive scenery, -mountain and plain, lake and stream, everywhere rich with glossy -leafage, clustered growths of bamboo and palm, fields of yellow cane, -and verdant coffee-groves. Everywhere is wealth of trees, clothing -the mountains to their summits, and bordering the long green miles -of ocean-shore. - -On a smaller scale, but not less beautiful than lordly Luzon, are -the many minor islands, such as Panay, Negros, Cebú, Sámar, and -others of names that would be strange to foreign ears. Here there -are no stretches of barren lands, no drought-stricken shores, as in -some of the isles of the West, no flat and chalky fields like those -of Barbadoes; and even the loveliest of the Antilles must yield the -palm of beauty to these charming isles of the eastern ocean. Here -an abundant rainfall, an equable climate, a rich soil, and the warm -influences of the equatorial waters combine to yield a luxuriant -beauty and variety of scenery that must be observed to be appreciated. - - - - -The Magnificence of Tropical Scenery. - -Tropical scenery cannot be pictured in words. It must be seen -to be comprehended. One need not, too, go beyond the environs of -Manila--that Venice of the East, with its labyrinth of canals and -estuaries,--through which the tides of the broad bay daily ebb and -flow,--and with its wealth of brilliant flowers and tropic verdure--to -imagine oneself in a new world. Its surroundings are a dream of beauty. - -Take any of the roads that run outward from the city. Say, starting -from the Malecon promenade: one passes through stretches of country -verdant with groves of graceful bamboos, lofty cocoanut palms, -flowing-leaved plantains, and all the wonderful variety and luxuriance -of tropical vegetation. Upon it the eye gazes unsated, the leaves and -flowers alike being rich and gorgeous in tint and form. Often have I -wandered, entranced, up the eddying Pasig, enraptured by the beauty -of its scenery and the charm of its coloring, viewing, also from its -leafy banks the splendors of sunset skies, grand and glowing to a -degree seldom seen in temperate zones. - -Further inland the mountain scenery never fails to charm, with the -varied pictures presented by its forest-growth. A grotesqueness of form -is often assumed by the trunks and limbs of tropical trees, and this, -with the glossy green foliage, the rich hues and attractive shapes -of the blossoms, the novel forms and colors of the fruits, the dash -and sparkle of mountain streams, here and there breaking into lovely -cascades, all co-ordinated to the eye, compose a spectacle of beauty -seldom excelled. - -Of all those plants, the tall and graceful bamboo ranks among the most -beautiful. Everywhere it is found, growing in groups and clusters, -scattered with great profusion and variety over hill and plain, along -the streams, and around the native huts and villages. At the slightest -breeze its fleecy tops and supple branches wave gracefully in the air, -giving to the foliage the charm of perpetual motion. In addition, -too, to its almost endless variety of uses, it has a mission beyond -that of utility,--the mission of beauty, and it may justly be viewed -as one of the choicest decorations of the island scenery. - -The bamboo never grows monotonous. It presents forms and colors of -wonderful attractiveness and variety, and so fully dealt with has -it been by the brush of the painter and the pen of the poet, that it -might well be given a fine-art gallery and a library of its own. - -In the depths of the forest, and along the streams, beautiful orchids -abound; here clustered on stately trees so dense of growth that -the sun's rays scarcely penetrate their foliage; there giving life -and color to the ground, and of such odd and amazing forms, that one -often seems looking rather upon flowering birds and insects than upon -plants. Here and there one finds oneself amid the spreading roots of -the balete tree (Ficus Indica), from whose broad buttresses rises the -mighty trunk, of such girth and even rotundity, that the natives make -cart-wheels from sections of it. Down from the boughs, sixty feet in -air, hang the rope-like lianes, descending, like nature's cordage, -to the ground, while to the limbs cling orchids and other foreign -growths, until the entire great tree seems a botanical world in itself. - -I have passed hours wandering spellbound in the forest, or gazing -with eyes of wonder and delight into its silent depths. Yes, little -of the poet as I have in my make-up, I, too, have been taken prisoner -by a beauty and a grandeur that I found it difficult to tear myself -away from. - -And these scenes are not merely local. Indeed, wherever one goes -into the rural regions of the islands he finds the same amazing -prodigality of tropic growth. There are thousands of square miles -of dense forest within which the foot of the white man has rarely -ever set; thousands perhaps upon which none but the natives have ever -gazed; costly woods, whose value can be reckoned only in millions of -dollars. Valuable herbs, medicinal plants, and hot springs abound; -and the naturalist and the economic botanist alike are sadly needed -to open up this luxuriant land to the world. - - - - -The Promise of the Future. - -Under new control I expect to see, in the twentieth century, a new -destiny for this noble group of islands. Whether the people be given -their freedom under the protection and influence of the United States, -or the islands become a direct appanage of that or of some other -enterprising nation of the West, a turn in the tide of Philippine -affairs can hardly fail to set in, and the possibilities of the land -be developed to an extent undreamed of under the effete rule of Spain. - -I expect to see an invasion of this island-realm by three classes of -modern enterprise. The scientist is sure to find his way there, and -tell the world of the new and the strange in the animal, vegetable, -and mineral kingdoms. With him will come the engineer, opening up -roads right and left, laying a network of iron rails, where now only -the buffalo-cart drags along, introducing the latest machinery for -mining and farming-industries, and starting a hum of activity in every -quarter of the long-slumbering land. With these also will enter the -practical economist, in search, not of the new, but of the useful, -prospecting the forests for plants of economic value, seeking for -new mines of coal and iron, tracing the gold placer-beds up to their -mother-veins, seeking everywhere for what the Philippines have to -add to the useful productions of the world. - -These will be the twentieth century pioneers of this promising -Archipelago, the results of their labors being exploited by -the merchant and the manufacturer. The seas shall teem with ships -carrying the products of the islands to foreign shores, and bringing -back full cargoes to supply the demands of the islanders, commerce -steadily growing in amount as civilization awakens the natives to -the perception of new wants. - -Examples of a similar rejuvenation could easily be pointed out, and -there is no conceivable reason why the Philippines should not be added -to the list. These islands have been lavishly dealt with by nature; -they have an industrious population; yet they have been allowed to -remain for centuries in a semi-savage industrial condition; they still -await the touch of the magic hand of modern enterprise to arouse them -from their state of decadence, and swing them into the tide of human -progress. Under this influence prosperity and activity must come to -them, as it has come to other lands, and those long-neglected and -abused islands be made to "bud and blossom like the rose." - -Certainty of conviction and opinion, too, leads me to affirm that, -with sanitary arrangements in all the cities, with hygienic living, -and American enterprise, philanthropy, and valor in the islands, -and free educational facilities eventually,--all will manifestly -increase the morale of the islanders and develop a just appreciation -of the natural beauties of their bounteous realm; hence, what is -now confusedly enjoyed and but vaguely beheld in nature, will, in -a comparatively brief period, become simple, clear, sympathetic, -and clearly formulated to their apprehension. - -And all this, as well as many other allied benefits co-existent with -a permanent American occupation, will come with personal education, -personal elevation; and without lessening the labor-producing quality -of the native, or the outward physical radiation that constitutes -his health and vigor. Health, like knowledge, will come to him in -ever-widening circles, and Nature, in full festival--as she is during -the greater part of the Philippine year--will also appeal to him as -she has never appealed before. - -All this may be hazardous prophecy; it may appear optimistic, æsthetic, -and fanciful, but I have talked with many rude untutored natives, -that, frankly, astonished me with the unwitting revelation of latent -poetry, love of imagery, and spiritual longings in their nature. - -Knowing all this, and also the adaptability of the cultured native, -hence the rosy view of the possible development of the Philippine -Islands' native population. - -The vivid contrasts, the checkered scenery, and the pulchritudinous -beauty of the islands would ravish the soul of the impressionistic -painter, and inspire his brush to masterpieces. There forest and -plain, sky and sea, unroll in unexpected beauty or marvelous grandeur -at every turn; until, after visiting the interior or skirting the -shores of many islands, one has a kind of kaleidoscopic memory, -yet none the less brilliant, perfectly formed, and orderly--each -in harmonious sequence--of long lines of shadowy hills, majestic -mountain-ranges, with forest-clad slopes verging toward the sea; -pretty rambling creeks and gurgling rivulets, cliff-bound coasts, -cultivated plain and rugged hill; here and there shaded dells with -mountain torrents roaring, unseen; a glorious sunset, or a splendid -sunrise present in the memory-pictures of mountain, sea, and plain. - - - - - - - - -A VILLAGE FEAST. - - -The Morning Ceremonies. - -Nothing in the life of the people of the Philippine Islands is more -interesting to the foreigner than the village feasts; nothing is more -indicative of the character of the people, who are exceedingly fond -of ornament and display. Every village has its own feasts, to which -all the natives in the surrounding district contribute;--in which -all alike take part. - -These feasts are always of a religious character, and are encouraged -by the clergy, who find them not only lucrative, but also conducive -to religious feeling. - -Come with me and visit the busy morning-scene of a fiesta in a -populous village near the capital. As we enter the broad roadway, -winding with serpentine folds among the gleaming bungalows, we see -everywhere signs of unusual activity; groups of smiling natives, -dressed in their Sunday best, hurry by, chattering gaily. Here comes -a long line of carromatas (small carts) drawn by wiry ponies, driven -by well-to-do native planters: with the lofty consciousness of worldly -prosperity they sit erect in imperturbable dignity. - -We join a passing group and follow them past the low, airy houses, -all decorated now with gorgeous bunting and gay festoons. Flags and -streamers flutter on every house-top; the whole village presents -a scene of picturesque animation; for the tropical luxuriance of -the trees and the myriad flowers of gorgeous hue, form a brilliant -background. - -We arrive at the village-green, and here stands a motley assemblage, -constantly reinforced by the throngs that come in by every path and -roadway. An expression of eager anticipation is on the faces of all as -they gaze in the direction of the little church that fronts the crowded -court. The church is a low, massive, white building, with large pillars -in front, that give it a semi-classic appearance; it forms a curious, -but not uninteresting, contrast to the many-gabled bungalows. - -The bells in the campanile begin to toll slowly, and from the midst of -the crowd instantly comes a burst of glorious music. The village-band -stationed there renders effectively an operatic air as the natives -slowly enter the church. After all are seated, the priest preaches -a short sermon, full of pith and of pertinent suggestion about the -Saint whom the day commemorates. The audience is then dismissed with -a benediction; and to the lively music of some composer it files -leisurely out. The natives see nothing incongruous in the introduction -of operatic music into divine worship. They are moved to devotion -no less by the stirring strains of one of Sousa's military marches -or a languorous waltz of Strauss, than by the solemn Te Deums of the -Catholic ritual. To them all music is divine. - -We stop a few minutes to watch the cura,--the parish priest,--as he -dispenses blessings to his devout parishioners, who now crowd round -him with every appearance of reverential affection. - -Our friend the cura is a veritable father to his people. As he listens -to the ingenuous confidences of his flock, his face beams with that -rare benevolence born of godliness; there is a whisper of domestic -sorrow that he needs must hear, a story of happiness or a tale of -wrong. For each and all he has a word of kindly affection, and as he -sees us waiting near the entrance, he approaches with outstretched -hand and invites us to the grand procession in the evening. - -The people have dispersed, and have returned to their homes. Already -the sun is high in the sky, pouring a deluge of heat upon the -landscape. From the horizon, mountain after mountain springs airily -into the heavens, their blue peaks suggesting a place of perpetual -coolness, upon which the eye loves to linger amid the oppressive -blaze of the tropic sun. - -Surrounding the village are forests of majestic trees, of indescribable -grandeur, and of unparalleled magnificence. Among these the white -houses of the planters nestle peacefully. - -Each house has its own tiny garden, fenced in with reeds, and forms -a miniature paradise, where are flowers of splendid hue, creepers -with purple blossoms, red-coral blooms, and trees of palm, mango, -orange, lanzon, santol, and giant bananas, whose rich fruits, in -giant clusters, tempt the eye of the beholder. Here the native is a -petty king: for his own little domain, for nine months of the year, -yields sufficient for his wants. Nature, indeed, gives him a golden -harvest for only the reaping. - -We have been invited to spend the day with a well-to-do native planter, -who, at the conclusion of the service, has sought us out. He lives -on the outskirts of the village, and we are soon with him in his -carromata, speeding leisurely over the highway. - -We approach his home--a typical native dwelling; the body of the -house is raised about six feet from the ground, and is mounted -on thick pieces of stone. This allows the air to circulate freely -beneath, and prevents the entrance of snakes and insects, and is -in every way conducive to health and comfort. We mount the wide -stairway, that connects the house with the ground, and enter upon a -broad open piazza facing the street, called a cahida. The sides of -this are formed of sliding windows, composed of small square panes -of mother-of-pearl, opaque to the heat, but admitting the rays of -light. Here we are introduced to the various members of the family, -who receive us kindly and offer sugared dainties and a cigarette. - -Beyond is a large room, with walls of window and with sliding -doors. Here are some chairs and a table, covered with a handsomely -embroidered cloth. Upon the walls, which are covered with cloth -instead of plaster, are various bric-a-brac, artistically arranged upon -scrolls; while several engravings of religious subjects and one or two -family portraits hang between. From the centre of the ceiling hangs -a crystal chandelier with globes of colored glass; a small oratory, -supporting the brazen image of some Saint, stands in the corner. The -broad floor-planks, daily scrubbed and polished with plantain leaves, -are as smooth and clean as a mirror. - -Opening from this main room are several smaller rooms, used as -bedrooms. A narrow passage-way leads to the bath-room and to the -kitchen--in a separate building. The design of the whole domicile -seems to aim at cleanliness and coolness,--both essentials of comfort -in this hot, moist climate. - -The roof is patched with nipa palm, and the outside walls of -bamboo--painted white and striped with green and blue--are covered with -grotesque carvings. This, with the broad eaves and the wide balconies, -gives the house a most picturesque appearance. - -We note with gratification the many signs of family affection -around us. The father, kind and considerate; the mother, sweet and -sympathetic; the children, quiet, obedient, and well-behaved--a picture -of domestic happiness that is representative rather than exceptional. - - - - -How the Afternoon is Spent. - -After tiffin, each retires to his own room to enjoy the siesta; -and thus we sleep soundly through the heavy afternoon hours. - -The siesta over, we venture into the village. Through the streets -are hurrying scores of men, nearly every one with a cock under his -arm. They are going to the cock-pit. We follow, and soon we come to -our destination. - -Imagine a large bamboo building with a thatched roof, wherein hundreds -of natives have gathered, for, what is to them, the supreme enjoyment -of life. Around the door are one or two guards in Spanish uniform; -but everything appears so decorous and orderly that it is indeed -difficult to realize that we are in a gigantic gambling den. Nearly -every native has with him his fighting-cock, which he loves as -devotedly as one of his own children, and upon which he has spent much -care and interest. The "farmer," often a Chinaman, who has secured a -license from the Government to run the cock-pit, stands in the middle -of the ring, around him a group of natives excited and eager. - -Two fighting-cocks, each armed with a steel spur three or four inches -long, are in the hands of their respective owners. Every eye is riveted -upon the prospective contestants. The farmer, or proprietor, announces -that the contest is about to begin, and from every hand dollars rain -into the ring, each person staking a certain amount upon his favorite. - -This done, all is breathless expectation, and at the word "Casada" -(meaning matched), and at "Largo" (let go), the fowls are let loose. - -The fight waxes hot and furious; the two cocks are as pugnacious as -bull-pups. But it is soon over; for, at a well-directed thrust from -the steel spur, one of the contestants lies dead. - -The crier now announces the name of the winner, and all the winners -come down into the middle of the ring and pick up their own stakes, -as well as the amount won by the wager. - -Strangers often remark how unusual it is that amid so much confusion, -and where there is apparently boundless opportunity for cheating, -there should be so much honesty and good faith. - -However, every man is to be trusted. I have never known but one -exception--he was instantly hacked to pieces with knives. There are -over a hundred of these gambling pits around Manila. It is the natives' -greatest diversion. Opposition to this sport would almost create a -rebellion; and so the Spanish Government wisely makes the best of it, -pocketing almost a million dollars a year from the licenses. - - - - -The Evening Procession. - -It is night. Against the sombre gloom of the heavens twinkle millions -of stars: they too are a part of the grand illumination that is to be -the climax of the whole fiesta. Again the village-green in front of -the church! It is alive with the happy villagers, decked in all their -finery--the men and boys in airy, colored shirts and white trousers, -the women and girls in splendid skirts and brilliant chemisettes. - -All are standing bareheaded. The band is discoursing sweet music, -and the people stand entranced. Not a sound is heard till the tune is -ended; then, on every hand, arises a decorous murmur of delight. Here -comes the cura. He at once proceeds to arrange the procession, which is -the event of the feast, and to which the villagers have been looking -forward, with joyous anticipation, for many months. Mysterious groups -are issuing from the church. These are assigned to their respective -positions by the father, who, in this, as in all else, is the master -of ceremonies. Let us, however, leave the crowd and move a little -way up the street, where, before long, the procession is to pass. - -Over the roadway, from airy arches, gaily decorated with bunting, -are suspended Chinese lanterns. On the gateways to the houses, on -all the fences that line the street, hang little fat-pots, whose pale -flicker, multiplied a thousand-fold, produces a most romantic effect, -to which the lights on the arches and the many-colored illuminated -lamps in the windows add a subdued splendor. - -We have not long to wait; for the procession has been speedily -arranged, and is already making its way up the street, the band, -at the head, playing an operatic air. - -Behind come the happy participants, two by two; men and women -alternating. All carry torches, whose glow throws over their grave -faces a gleam of soft light, that harmonizes well with the nature of -the occasion. - -And now comes the spangled image of some old Saint borne aloft -on a litter; while a murmur of applause bursts from the admiring -onlookers. From every house rockets are shot into the heavens, -showering on the dusky night constellations of colored stars. - -Thus, Saint after Saint, martyr after martyr, is majestically borne -along, till near the end of the procession appears the image of the -Virgin, herself "decked with jewels bright and with glory crowned." - -Now the murmur rises to a shout of devout acclaim: the Queen of the -festive night, Our Lady, passes on. - -Thus, through every street, winds the brilliant procession under the -lighted arches, returning finally to the village-court, whence it -started. Here the priest pronounces a benediction, and with a clash -of triumphant music the participants are dismissed. - - - - -The Entertainment at Home. - -Again we accompany our host back to his hospitable mansion, where -a generous meal has been prepared for us. We partake heartily of -the good things: roast-pig, chicken, many kinds of native fruits, -and rice. At the close, cigarettes are passed round,--both men and -women smoking,--and we soon enter into conversation while the newer -arrivals are being served. - -It is our host's grand reception night. A hundred guests have -partaken of his bounty, and the veranda and the sitting-room are -crowded with friends and neighbors,--invited and uninvited; all are -equally welcome. Cigars and cigarettes are passed round, and now the -fun begins. A girl--a wonderfully sweet and pretty creature--with -glowing black eyes and long, loose black hair--advances to the centre -of the room, and croons a low, plaintive air, reminiscent of unrequited -love. She accompanies her music with a weird dance, impressive through -its very simplicity. Gradually her tones grow louder and her movements -quicker, signifying all the varying degrees of advance and refusal. Her -supple body glides into a thousand graceful curves, each eloquent of -beauty. Her pale olive face becomes mantled with a rich crimson tide -as she lashes herself into a fury of passion. She feigns anger, and, -stamping her pretty feet, now in petulant disdain, now in a paroxysm -of wrath, stands the incarnation of beautiful rage. It is a picture -full of tragic power, of deep significance. - -She is approaching the climax of her passion. Her voice is sharp and -shrill as it trembles with scorn or defiance. Forward and backward -her body sways with a rhythmic swing that compels the attention of -every beholder. Many, in fact, accompany her every motion with the -sympathetic movement of unconscious imitation: their faces mirror -the feelings of the dancer. - -And now a note of triumph rings out, and the singer's face glows with -an expression of ecstasy; while, bounding forward, her splendid hair -trailing its waves of ebony, she seems transformed,--the apotheosis -of joy. Then slowly decreasing in volume, her voice sinks to a low -whisper of serene content, and, blushing modestly at the applause, -she retires to give place to others. - -Two young men and a girl now come forward, and a scene of desperate -rivalry on the part of the men, and of tantalizing coquetry on the -part of the maiden, is enacted. This is by means of a series of -intricate dance-movements, no less striking than original. A pretty -tableau truly! And one not lacking in sentiment and in spontaneous -expression. A foreigner would believe that these lithe young natives -were in terrible earnest, and that they were rehearsing a passion -of the heart! Such, indeed, is often the case, and many a girl has, -through the license of this dance, shown her preference. Many a youth, -too, has seen his hopes blasted, and his rival exalted, by a dainty -pirouette. - -This dance is followed by another, in which an exquisite girl and -a fat young man take part. It is an Oriental rhapsody; a sort of -couchee-couchee,--very suggestive and voluptuous, according to Western -ideas. There are wrigglings and writhings, and clasps and embraces; -all the sweet contortions of secret love, that the natives take as -a matter of course, just as Europeans regard the waltz. - -Dance after dance follows, and it is getting late. But another -entertainment is in store for us; and so once more we venture forth -into the night--en route to the village-green. - - - - -The Moro-Moro, and the Fireworks. - -Here has been hastily erected a large booth, around which hundreds of -natives are standing in an attitude of profound interest. A moro-moro -play is going on. This is a sort of Philippine miracle-play, in which -kings and queens and soldiers, and various persons with Biblical names, -contend together. There is rivalry, ruin, and despair; there is death, -murder, and awful retribution. It is a tumultuous tragedy; in which, -too, are some subtle and refined elements, and a kind of gross humor, -represented by the stage-fool and by the lads that take the female -parts. There is, however, no coarseness; not a suggestion of it. - -Love and religious persuasion and devotion mark the greatest number -of moro-moro performances, and while some of the plays are fairly -good,--not judging from too lofty a standpoint,--yet, on the other -hand, it is indeed amusing to note how little in this line, how thin -a texture, pleases the people, bombast and fury, honeyed accents -and unnecessary vicarious suffering, false and flagrant violations -of dramatic art--all alike are viewed with breathless interest, -and applauded, or stoically witnessed as the occasion demands. The -entire play is given in the Tagal language. - -The native spectators, indeed, enter into the action of the play with, -as it were, a grim earnest; as if all their mental faculties were -judging complex emotions and nice situations. - -Nothing, indeed, in the native character is more remarkable than -its unvarying decorum. Here the happy crowd has been standing for -three hours, agape with delight, drinking in the rude splendors of -tinsel potentates. - -Here, too, they would be willing to stand for several hours more; -but it is nearly midnight, and a sudden illumination on the other -side of the square announces that the time for departure is almost -at hand. It is seen that the villagers have constructed a miniature -castle, now ablaze with fire-works. Various designs are traced by the -spreading glow, and scores of rockets shoot into the sky, dropping a -shower of brilliant stars. Ever and anon, at some unusual display, -a murmur of applause rises from the admiring throng. Entranced, -they stay until the last rocket has been drowned in the vast ocean -of Night. Then all leave as silently as they came, and the village -square is soon deserted; while the lamps and lanterns are allowed to -burn till their glow is quenched in the brightness of the morrow's sun. - - - - - - - - -HISTORY OF COMMERCE IN THE PHILIPPINES. - - -The Spanish Policy. - -Commerce has its two forms, the extensive and the intensive; one that -considers the world at large, and one that seeks to confine itself to -the interests of a nation. The latter, before the nineteenth century, -was everywhere the type of colonial commerce. The nations held their -colonies in leading strings; cramped and crowded them in their natural -growth, and so checked their development that they lost the benefit -that they might have gained from a more liberal policy. Of all the -nations, Spain pursued this short-sighted policy most rigidly. Not only -in commerce, but in everything else, she cramped her colonies. Foreign -trade was so sternly prohibited that, in her period of supremacy, -she put to death any alien merchant that ventured into one of her -ports. Her colonies were her cows; no one could milk them but herself; -but she milked them so dry as to starve them of their natural yield. - -Spain never learned the lesson that the other nations were taking -to heart. In the nineteenth century her policy with her colonies -was as illiberal as in the eighteenth. As a result, rebellions -everywhere broke out; one by one the colonies became free, and -the country whose possessions covered more than a continent at -the beginning of the century, held, at the end, but a shred of her -once-splendid dominion. Spain's treatment of the Philippine Islands -in their commercial interests, forms a marked example of what I have -previously said, and an extended account of this remarkable method -of trade cannot fail to be of interest. - -The Philippines, at first, in 1569, were too far away to be dealt -with directly, and were made an appanage of the intermediate colony -of Mexico, through which they were reached and controlled. The -method was curious. The natives were no sooner subdued and put under -Spanish governors than they were required to pay roundly in taxes -and tribute to the royal treasury. All this belonged to the crown, -but some of it had to be devoted to the government of the colony; -and the Spanish grandees that exiled themselves to that far land, -took good care to pay themselves well for the penance. - -For many years the taxes were paid to the treasury wholly in colonial -produce, and for many more years, partly so. This material was -exchanged for Chinese wares, junks from the Celestial kingdom visiting -the islands each spring, and bartering silks and diverse goods of -China for the rice, hemp, and other produce of the islands, which -had been collecting during the year in the royal stores at Manila. - - - - -The Treasure-galleons. - -The method of dealing with the goods thus received was, to say the -least, peculiar. They were done up each year in bales, always just -fifteen hundred in number, and of exactly the same size and shape, -for shipment to Mexico. From the first year after the formation of -the colony until the year 1811, a fixed process was maintained. Every -year a State-galleon left Manila for Mexico, bearing the baled Chinese -goods, which represented the Philippine tribute. Every year the ship -returned with a portion of the proceeds to the starting-point, this -being known as the Mexican subsidy. One galleon and no more. For two -centuries, and longer, this rigid system was kept up, the commerce of -the islands being limited to this conveyance of tribute across the -seas. Navidad was at first the Mexican port of call. Then Acapulco -was chosen, and for more than two hundred years the State-galleon, -Naos de Acapulco, yearly came and went across the Pacific, carrying -tribute for Spain. The ships employed were very different from modern -commercial craft. Short of length, wide of beam, and light of draught, -with high elevation in bow and stern, above water they presented -something of the outline of a crescent moon. They were of about 1,500 -tons burden, had four decks, and were provided with guns; for, the -waters they crossed were not secure from hostile craft, and Spain -not infrequently had the loss of one of her rich galleons to mourn. - -Thus it continued, until the rebellion in Mexico put an end to the -traffic, the last of the treasure-galleons leaving for Mexico in -1811. The last for Manila set sail in 1815. There were other reasons -than the war to put an end to the old traffic. The expense had become -too great and the profit too small. Spain's finances had fallen -into a lamentable state, and the Naos de Acapulco was, perforce, -withdrawn. Needy politicians, who knew little about seamanship, but -much about perquisites, had forced themselves into the galleon, whose -commander received an annual salary of $40,000, the chief executive -officer $25,000, and the quartermaster nine per cent. of the cargo, -the total of which was no small sum. - -It was an odd idea to restrict the commerce of a group of the richest -islands of the tropic seas, to a single vessel carrying the annual -tribute of the island. In fact, it was not quite so restricted. The -tribute-cargo did not fill the ship. There was some space left, and -the use of this was given to a few favored merchants, the Consulado, -as they were called, a trading ring, each member of which must have -resided a certain number of years in the Philippines, and have a -fortune of at least $8,000. This surplus freight was regulated by -the issue of boletas,--documents that long did duty as paper money, -passing from hand to hand. The demand for space much exceeded the -supply, and the right to ship on the annual galleon often went to -favored hands, merchants being set aside by churchmen, officials, -and others with grasping palms. - -It may be that the idea of adding to the island-trade by supplying -more ships, never penetrated the thick official cuticle of Spain. At -all events, the single galleon sailed back and forth year after year, -until the years lengthened into centuries, and while other nations were -sending their deeply-freighted craft to all the ports of the earth. It -was odd and lamentable to see this pitiful travesty of commercial -enterprise kept up until after the dawn of the busy nineteenth century. - -The yearly value of the official cargo sent from Manila was at -first limited to $250,000. But such was the demand for the goods -in Mexico, that one hundred per cent. was usually realized on the -sales. The return-trade was not permitted to exceed the value of the -proceeds,--$500,000, in coin or stores. In this way Mexican dollars, -the recognized coin of the colony, made their way thither in large -quantities. They were largely absorbed by China, where they were highly -welcome. A certain sum was necessary to maintain the colony. This--the -royal subsidy (Real Situado)--was fixed by decree from time to time, -coming out of the proceeds of the annual tribute. - -In saying that the annual galleon conveyed all the commerce of -the Philippines, I should have confined this statement to Western -trade. There was some commerce with the East. Indian and Persian goods -reached Manila in considerable quantities. The same was the case, -as I have stated, with Chinese wares. But the absurd restrictions of -Spain hampered this trade. No Spaniard was permitted to go to China -to buy his own goods. He must wait for the Chinese junks, and content -himself with what they chose to bring. - -The sailing of the annual galleon took place usually in July; and -the voyage occupied about five months. The route to be followed was -strictly laid down, and even the vagaries of the winds were scarcely -an excuse for deviating from it. As has been said, all was carefully -arranged as to size and number of bales and weight of cargo. For a -century and a half there was practically no competition in this trade, -and everything could be officially regulated, even to the selling-price -of the goods in the Mexican market. The departure and arrival of -the galleon at Manila formed the great events of the year. At these -single dates the bars of exclusion were thrown down,--goods left, -and wealth returned to, the colony; new faces appeared, and rejoicing -was general. Te Deums were chanted in the churches, musicians paraded -the streets, filling the air with melody, and bunting by day and -illumination by night testified to the public joy. - -Life was an easy affair with the merchants of Manila. Business was -never a distressing occupation. One or two days in each week were -Saint's days--to be strictly kept. While the galleon was away, there -was little to do except to await the Chinese junks and prepare the -bales for shipment. There was no rise or fall of market-price, no -need of smartness, tact, or enterprise, and only three months in the -year when active labor was needed. During the remaining nine months -the merchants were cut off from the world, and enjoyed life in their -quiet way, with little regard to the doings of mankind. - - - - -Disasters to Spanish Commerce. - -Now and then, however, a change came over the spirit of their -dreams. The seas are notoriously uncertain, and ship-captains appointed -by favor are not overmuch to be trusted. Disasters came. Galleons -went to sea and never came to port; shattered bones lay on some -inhospitable coast or found a grave on the bottom of the ocean. And -as time went on, hostile ships visited the Pacific and made prizes of -the rich galleons of Spain. Now the remittance from the Philippines -failed to reach Mexico. Now the scores of broad dollars sent back, -vanished on the seas. - -The loss of the invincible Armada in 1588 put an end to Spain's naval -supremacy, and the richly-freighted American galleons often became -the prey of British buccaneers. The colony of the Philippines had -then just been formed, and was not disturbed until the series of -Anglo-Spanish wars before 1760, when its treasure-laden galleons -were frequently swept away. This was notably the case after 1743, -when Admiral Anson's fleet infested the coast and became the terror of -the Spanish islanders. His exploits filled Manila with consternation, -and councils were held to devise some method of getting rid of him; -but he set all their efforts at naught. The captured galleon Pinar put -a million and a half of dollars into his treasure-chest: the Covadouga -yielded him immense wealth. Spies upon high promontories watched the -seas for the dreaded British ships; the people of Manila were held -ready to defend the city from assault; every one was on the alert. - -For each lost galleon another was sent, and in some instances several -galleons had to be despatched in a single year. Yet there were three -or four occasions in which no galleon reached the Philippines for two -or three years; while, after the capture of the Covadouga six years -passed without a ship reaching the islands. The effect was disastrous: -coin grew scarce, misery prevailed, the Chinese traders broke into open -rebellion. There were other sources of revenue besides the Mexican -subsidy, but the officials felt their incomes seriously straitened -in these periods of want. - - - - -Other Nations Enter Into Competition. - -Spain lost not only through war, but through peace. Her inelastic -commerce invited competition, and British, Dutch, and other merchants -began to cut down the great profits of the Philippine trade. These -nations sent their ships to Canton, established factories, and bought -goods for themselves, cutting off the Spanish monopoly of the traffic -with the East. In 1731 foreign ships expended over $3,000,000 of -Mexican coin in China for goods. These were smuggled into New Spain, -not without help from Spaniards on shore. This proved a serious -competition. The old hundred-per-cent. profit was no longer to be -had. Acapulco was so beset with smugglers, whose merchandise found -its way clandestinely to the city of Mexico, that, at times, buyers -could not be found for the galleon-goods except at much reduced rates. - - - - -Fraud and Speculation. - -Fraud now stepped in. Goods of inferior quality were sent and offered -at old prices. Government inspectors were appointed at Manila to -examine goods; but they filled their own pockets at the expense of the -public service, and the frauds went on. Contraband goods were taken -on the State-galleon itself, concealed in water-jars. The misfortunes -that came to the Manila merchants in consequence, were due largely -to their own fault: they had "sown the wind and reaped the whirlwind." - -There were certain public funds in Manila that offered themselves to -speculative uses. These--known as the Obras Pias--were legacies left -by pious persons whose interest was to be used to pay for masses for -their souls. Two-thirds were to be lent at interest to traders, the -remainder being held to cover losses. The Casa Misericordia was another -pious fund that was lent at 40 per cent., sinking to 20 per cent. as -trade grew less profitable. In the end, speculative ventures made way -with much of this accumulated cash; sorely, it may be, to the misery -of the poor souls in Purgatory, waiting to be prayed into Paradise. - - - - -The Merchants of Cádiz. - -A new competition with Philippine commerce came into play at the -beginning of the eighteenth century,--that of the merchants of -Cádiz, who had grown jealous of the shipments from Manila to Mexico, -which they claimed were injurious to the home-trade. Petitions were -therefore sent to the King, who, in response, put a new curb on -the scanty island-commerce, prohibiting trade with China in woven -goods, skins, silk, and clothing, except fine linen. The imports from -China were limited to fine linen, porcelain, wax, pepper, cinnamon, -and cloves. Six months' grace was given, after which all stocks of -prohibited goods in Manila were to be burned, and all sent to Mexico -to be confiscated. There was nothing strange in this decree. England -was at that time practising the same restriction toward her American -colonies, though she did not order any goods to be burned. - - - - -Royal Restrictions on Trade. - -Decree followed decree during the ensuing years, all pointing to the -same end. In 1720 it was decreed that in future two galleons might -annually be sent to Mexico, but these were to be of only 500 tons, -and their cargoes to be valued at $300,000, made up of non-prohibited -goods. Ecclesiastics and foreigners were forbidden to have anything -to do with trade. In 1726 the prohibition on silks was removed, but -only one galleon was permitted to cross. A protest arose from Spain -against the Philippine trade in woven goods, which was declared to be -ruinous to the Spanish weaving industries, particularly as the galleons -took back Mexican coin instead of Spanish goods. As a result, the 1720 -decree was restored in 1731, to the dismay of the Philippine merchants -and the people of Mexico. For they had to pay higher prices for Spanish -goods, while their coffers were drained to meet the Philippine deficit. - -Other Royal decrees were issued from time to time, favoring or -injuring trade, and all with the general effect sure to arise from -interference with the natural course of commerce. Among these were -enactments intended to prevent Mexican capital from being invested -in the Philippines. All was done that could be to keep the islands -in a state of poverty and decadence. - -To mention one further example of Spanish blindness--the priests. Their -meddling proved worse than that of the King. Through their influence -the non-Christian Chinese were expelled from the islands in 1755, and -with them went an industry that caused a deficit of $30,000 a year in -the taxes. Trade grew stagnant in consequence of the loss of these -active shopkeepers, and the Philippines experienced what Spain had -experienced when Philip II. banished the Moorish agriculturists and -artisans. In both cases this concession to bigotry threw the country -into a deplorable state, and years passed before prosperity returned. - - - - - - - - -COMMERCE DURING THE PRESENT CENTURY. - - -The Royal Company. - -The closing of the Chinese shops in Manila and the expulsion of the -Chinese merchants was the beginning of a new state of things in the -islands. A joint-stock company was formed to buy clothing and staple -goods for the Philippines, and sell at 30 per cent. advance. But the -Spaniards lacked the keenness at bargaining that their predecessors -possessed, and the company soon failed. Another company followed, under -the favor of the King of Spain, who took a large block of its shares -and gave it abundant privileges and monopolies. It--the Royal Company -of the Philippines, fully organized in 1785--was given exclusive -rights of trade, aside from the galleon trade with Acapulco. Foreign -ships were not allowed to bring goods from Europe to the Philippines, -though they could land Chinese and Indian goods. - -There were old treaties that prohibited Spain from seeking the Pacific -by the eastern route, her trade being via Cape Horn and Mexico. Charles -III. quashed these treaties in favor of the Royal Company, whose -ships were allowed to sail by way of the Cape of Good Hope. No one -seriously objected--Spanish commerce was not worth an objection. With -its large capital and its privileges the Royal Company should have -flourished. But it never did. Yet it benefited the Philippines, and -gave a great impulse to agriculture, on which large sums of money were -expended. The culture of sugar, tobacco, cotton, indigo, and pepper was -much developed, and these long remained the staples of many provinces. - -The company had splendid opportunities, but failed to make the most of -them. It broke down the vexatious prohibition to trade with the East -and with Spain, which had checked Philippine enterprise, but the dry -rot of Spanish incapacity caused its decay. Influence and intrigue -brought men into the company that lacked ability, but received large -salaries. As a result, it lost the power to compete with experts, -while the contraband trade ate into its profits, and the merchants -of Manila opposed its monopolies. Finally, in 1830, its privileges -were taken away, and the island-colony was opened to the trade of -the world. Five years afterward the Company ceased to exist. - - - - -The Restrictions Are Gradually Abolished. - -Early in the nineteenth century foreigners made their way past -the bars of restriction. A Mr. Butler first asked the privilege -of residing in Manila, and opening up trade with Europe; but his -humble petition was rejected as something monstrous,--an innovation -that would put an end to the political security of the colony. Yet -the needs of commerce forced Spain out of this illiberal attitude, -and an American firm, Russell and Sturgis, was soon after admitted -by favor of the Governor-General. Then Mr. Butler came back. Many -others have since followed, and there are, to-day, about a dozen -British and as many German and Swiss firms in the ports of Manila, -Iloilo, and Cebú, together with firms of other nations. - -The house of Russell & Sturgis was long prominent in Philippine -trade. It opened up the sugar culture in the isle of Negros, invested -a large amount of money in agriculture, and was long the mainspring -of Philippine enterprise. But it was, in the end, victimized by the -natives, to whom its capital had been largely advanced, and in 1875, -to the amazement and consternation of the people, the great firm -failed. For a time its failure paralyzed trade, but the minor firms it -had overshadowed soon expanded, and business grew brisker than before. - - - - -Vexatious Duties on Foreign Imports. - -But while foreign merchants were thus forcing their way into the -Philippines, they had to contend against the peculiar Spanish ideas -of commercial enterprise. The customs duties--at that time seven -per cent. on goods in Spanish ships--were double that in foreign -vessels. And the most vexatious regulations prevailed. Thus there -was a system of levying tonnage-dues on foreign vessels in addition -to duties, a cargo-ship being charged double the dues of one in -ballast. If a ship in ballast should land the smallest parcel, it was -at once charged the higher rate. And it is said that the officials -sometimes bribed a sailor to carry a small bundle on shore, to give -them a pretext to make the higher charge. The story is told, that, -one shipmaster, who had brought a cargo of cobble-stones to Manila, -was severely fined because his cargo proved to be one stone short of -the number on his manifest. - -In 1896 the collector of customs at Manila made $82,000 in this way, -all of which went into his private purse. By exactions like these -the Spanish officials managed to make their positions profitable, -but they drove away trade, foreign shippers avoiding Manila. - - - - -Duties Made Uniform. - -In 1869 a Royal decree was passed, making all decrees uniform, -abolishing export duties, and doing away with the obnoxious -port-charges. Since then foreign trade has been less hampered by -Spanish privilege. - -To-day subsidized Spanish steamers have most of the import trade, -though the export trade is done mainly by foreign vessels. These carry -cargoes to Asiatic ports, discharge them, and proceed in ballast to -the islands. No foreigner is permitted to own a vessel trading between -Spain and any of her colonies, or between one colony and another, or -doing a coast-trade from island to island. But this law is readily -evaded, by foreigners giving to Spaniards the nominal ownership of -their vessels. In this way a large part of the internal trade of the -Philippines has fallen into foreign hands. - - - - -Spanish Opposition to Foreign Trade. - -Despite the fact that foreign trade has forced its way into the -Philippines, every step has been gained against Spanish distrust and -opposition. Spain is not a mercantile nation, and its commercial -ideas are centuries behind the age. Only constant pressure forced -the Philippine authorities into more liberal measures, yet the -island-trade remained deplorably fettered, as compared with -general commerce. Proposed reforms, demands to introduce modern -improvements, were alike unwelcome, the Church especially resisting -innovation. Useless and obstructive formalities stood in the way of -trade; vexatious delays were made; and the development of the colony -seems to have been the last thought in the Governor-General's mind. - -By a Royal decree, in 1844, strangers were excluded from the interior -of the islands. In 1857 old decrees were used to prevent foreign -establishments in the colony. In 1886 foreign trade was declared -prejudicial to the "material interests of the country." - - - - -Trade with the Natives. - -The conservatism and ignorance of the natives have similarly -stood in the way of commercial progress. They could not be made to -understand that the change in quotations was not due to the caprice -of buyers. Many of them lost by withholding goods when the quotations -did not please them. Only in 1884, when the whole world was affected -by the crisis in the sugar trade, could they be made to perceive that -quotations were quite beyond the control of the merchants. - -Accustomed to deal with the Chinese, the natives have no fixed prices -for their products. The Chinese understand them, and put prices on -their goods that will allow for a large reduction. In the end, the -native goes away contented, though the shrewd Chinaman has usually -the best of the bargain. Even important mercantile houses seldom -state prices, business being conducted on the shifting Asiatic -scale. Foreign capitalists distrust trade with the natives, whose -word usually cannot be depended upon, and employ middlemen to collect -produce. These are persons born in the colony, who understand at once -the business methods of the foreigner and the shifty customs of the -natives. And they generally bring the opposite parties to terms. - -The only real basis of wealth in the Philippines is the raw material -of agriculture and the forest. Nothing has been done to foster the -industrial arts, and the manufactures are insignificant, the cigar -product being the principal one. - - - - -The Decline of American Trade. - -From the opening of the large export trade until recently, Americans -were supreme. But the failure of the great house of Russell & Sturgis -made a change. Other traders rose upon their ruins, and of late years -England has gained the bulk of the trade. The downfall of the Americans -was completed after the outbreak of the Cuban troubles in 1895. The -Spanish hatred of the Yankee was reflected in these far-off islands, -and, by petty annoyances that soon became intolerable, the last -American firms were crowded out. - - - - -Recent Measures and Statistics. - -In 1891 a protective tariff was laid by Spain on the trade of the -Philippines. This diverted to the home-country most of the traffic -formerly enjoyed by England and other countries. Iron goods and -hardware are now furnished principally by Germany and Switzerland, -but the Manchester cotton goods are supplemented by similar fabrics -made in Barcelona. The imports from the United States are chiefly -kerosene oil and flour. - -As an indication of the growth of Philippine trade since the intrusion -of foreign shippers put an end to the mediæval obstructions of Spain, -some figures may be quoted: - -In 1841 the imports of the islands aggregated in value $3,230,000, the -exports, $4,370,000. In 1885 the imports had increased to $19,171,468; -the exports to $24,553,686. In 1893 the imports aggregated $25,500,000; -the exports $30,000,000. These figures are estimated, however, in -Mexican dollars, the currency of the islands, which is at a large -discount elsewhere. - -In 1895 the principal exports of the Philippines were: Hemp, -$14,517,000; sugar, $10,975,000; tobacco, $3,159,000; cocoanuts, -$356,000. This fell off greatly in 1896, on account of the increased -scale of export duties, hemp declining to $7,500,000, and sugar -to $10,975,000. - -On August 21, 1897, a decree went into effect that imposed an -extraordinary customs duty of 6 per cent. ad valorem on all merchandise -imports, without regard to the country whence they came. - -The trade of the United States with the Philippines has been steadily -on the decline within recent years. In 1888 their imports from -the islands were valued at $10,268,278; in 1897, at $4,383,760. The -export trade has always been insignificant, as compared with European -countries. In 1889 it aggregated $165,903; in 1897 it was only -$94,567. During the same period the exports of Spain to the islands -increased from $890,000 to $7,972,583. These were principally cotton -fabrics. The exports from the United States embraced mineral oil, -bread stuffs, cotton goods, chemicals, iron and steel goods. Of the -imports, the most important were Manila hemp and sugar; other imports -include cigars, tobacco, woods, hides, shells, indigo, and coffee. - - - - -Bad Result of Spanish Rule. - -The foreign trade of the Philippines has always been subject to great -fluctuations, owing to insecurity under the Spanish administration, -the dissatisfaction of the native population, and to the frequent -insurrections. These influences have stood seriously in the way of -developing the wealth of the islands. Under a new and progressive -administration, there seems nothing to hinder this fertile region -from becoming one of the garden spots of the earth. - -The possession of the Philippines, on the other hand, has not been -a bonanza for Spain. The expenses cut so deeply into the revenues -that only a few hundred thousand dollars were left yearly for the -Crown. The bulk of the proceeds fell into the hands of the clergy and -the hidalgos sent out to rob and misgovern the islands. In addition -to the revenue to the King, a few Spanish noblemen receive pensions -from the islands. Among them are the Duke of Veragua and the Marquis -of Barboles, both descendants of Columbus, and, as such, entitled to -the consideration of the United States. - -The Spanish receipts were obtained from everything that could be -taxed. In truth, the people were crowded wherever possible, and kept -in a state of chronic irritation. This made them ready at any time -to break into rebellion. - -As regards the expenditure of money raised by taxes and duties, while -little came to the King, little also was spent on the islands. It was -estimated that in 1897 $611,145 were expended on public works. If so, -the result was not visible in the Philippines. If a bridge was needed, -the neighboring nations had to raise the money to build it. More money -was set aside for the transportation of priests than for the building -of railroads, while ten times the sum was donated to the support -of the Manila Cathedral than was spent for new improvements and for -public instruction. Regarding the officials, from the Governor-General -down to the lowest underling, they seem to have devoted themselves -industriously to robbing the people with one hand and the Government -with the other, sowing a crop of hatred of the Spaniard and of Spanish -rule, which had its harvest in the fierce insurrection of 1896-98. - - - - - - - - -AGRICULTURE: THE SUGAR AND RICE CROPS. - - -Agriculture--The Chief Industry. - -The land is the mainstay of the Philippines, and farming is the native -occupation. Manufacture is a diversion to which the natives do not -take kindly. The only industrial art that has made any progress is -the rolling of tobacco into cigars and cigarettes. Many thousands -of people are engaged in this occupation at Manila, but, otherwise, -manufacture is almost at a standstill. A little cordage is made; -some straw or split-bamboo hats are fashioned and shipped; in some -provinces split-cane and Neto hats and straw mats are made. Iloilo -yields a rough cloth,--sinamay, made from selected hemp fibre. Piña -muslin, made of pure pine-leaf fibre, and husi, of mixed pine-leaf and -hemp, are fabricated. Those, with a few other articles, make up the -native manufactured products. They do not occupy the attention of the -people, the greater part of the population getting their livelihood -from the fields. - -Plantation life is the industrial unit of the islands. The soil is -divided up into plantations, large and small, according to the capital -and enterprise of the planter. As a rule, the planters are of the Malay -race, and the work of the fields is done by other Malays, as many as -five or six hundred being employed on large plantations. The laborers -live in little bamboo houses, the planters furnishing them both food -and clothing. The food consists of rice and fish,--very cheap provender -in the Philippines,--and the clothing is of a primitive character, -that costs little. Yet, at the end of the season, the laborer has -usually exhausted his wages and may be in debt to the planter. - -On the other hand, though the planter holds the land, he is -generally obliged to borrow the capital to work it. This he obtains -from a middleman, who stands between him and the great merchants, -the exporters of the island-produce. The middlemen are generally -mestizos. They contract for the crop in advance, on behalf of the rich -exporters, from whom they obtain the money lent to the planters. This -capital is lent at an interest-rate of from ten to twelve per -cent. They, in turn, lend it to the planters at a considerable -advance,--say, twenty to thirty, and often as much as fifty, per -cent. I have heard of even one hundred per cent. being demanded. Thus -the planter is ground between the upper and nether millstone,--the -exporter and the middlemen. They alone make any money, the producer -being normally in debt, as his laborers are likewise to him. - - - - -The Principal Products of the Colony. - -The products of the islands are various, including maize, rice, cotton, -coffee, tobacco, sugar-cane, the cocoanut, the abacá, or manila hemp -plant, and a large number of dye-woods, medicinal, and other useful -plants, such as ebony, sapan-wood, tamarind, bamboo, numerous palms, -fibrous plants, etc. But I am now concerned only with the agricultural -products, and shall therefore confine this chapter to a consideration -of two of the more important--rice and sugar. - -In former years, the few that faced the obstacles to agriculture in an -unworked country succeeded in obtaining fair returns in wealth from -the cultivation of the main staples. But those palmy days exist no -longer: prices have declined to one-third their former level, while -the wages of the laborers have risen. The buffalo, the indispensable -aid of the farmer, could then be obtained for one-fifth its present -cost, on account of the limited demand. Trade in those days was much -less than at present, but the native producers and traders occupied -a sounder position, and comfort existed, where penury now prevails. - -Of late years, hundreds have gone into agriculture with much too little -capital. They hold the land, but frequently without the deeds to show -for it. Hence, their property is not negotiable, and they are thrown -into the hands of the money-lender, who squeezes the life-blood from -the unlucky planter. As agriculture yields less than thirty per cent., -and this or more has to be paid in interest on capital, the contract is -likely to end in the money-lender getting the land. Few of the planters -succeed in saving their estate and throwing off their load of debt. - - - - -The Cultivation of Sugar-cane. - -The species of sugar-cane cultivated in the Philippines (saccharum -violaceum) differs from that grown in the west, but it is the same as -that found throughout Malaysia and Polynesia generally. The culture and -manufacture are conducted in a very slovenly fashion, consequently -the sugar produced is coarse of grain and poor in quality. The -yield, however, is large, and leaves, after the demands of the -islands are supplied, some 250,000 tons annually for export. With -proper cultivation this could be very much increased and its quality -greatly improved. - -The culture of the cane extends through the islands of Negros, -Panay, Cebú, Luzon, and, in some measure, throughout the entire -Archipelago. The yellow variety is grown in Pampanga (Luzon), the -purple in Panay and Negros. The price of cane-land varies considerably, -according to its facilities for drainage, transportation, and the -like. Thus, in the province of Bulacan, adjoining Manila, whose soil -has been exhausted by long cultivation,--the yield being but 20 tons -per acre,--land is held at the high figure of $115 per acre. In the -more distant province of Pampanga, land can be had for $75, though -the yield per acre is 30 tons. Nueva Eciji, still farther away, and -presenting difficulties of transportation, yields 35 tons to the acre, -yet the land-price is little over $30. The development of an extensive -railroad-system would change all this. - -The high price of land in Bulacan is due mainly to sentimental -considerations. The cane plantations there were laid out centuries -ago, and have been held in the same families for many generations. In -consequence, the natives cling to them with the strength of hereditary -affection, and will part with the family estates only for fancy -prices. Nature has made the soil of the Philippines so wonderfully -rich and fertile, that artificial fertilizers are never employed, the -land being expected, year after year, and century after century, to do -its duty and yield its full return. In view of these considerations, -it need hardly be said that American capital and enterprise would -make a remarkable change in the land. - -The finest sugar-cane region is the island of Negros, in the Visaya -district. This island is about equal to Porto Rico in size. The -culture of the cane began there about 1850, in which year the crop -was 625 tons. Not more than half its area is cultivated, from lack -of capital, but it now sends to the port of Iloilo over 80,000 tons -of sugar for exportation. Uncleared sugar-land there is held at $35 -per acre, cleared land at $70, the average yield being estimated at -40 tons per acre on new, and 30 tons on old, estates. But the latter -give sugar of much higher grade, and need less labor in handling, -so that there is no loss in the value of the crop. - - - - -Methods of Manufacturing Sugar. - -The process of manufacture differs in the north and the south. In -Negros the cane-juice is evaporated to that point of concentration -in which the molasses is incorporated with the grain. Then the liquid -is placed in wooden troughs of about eight by four feet in size, and -stirred with shovels until cooled sufficiently not to form a solid -mass. When cold, the lumps are pounded and broken up, and the whole -is packed in grass-bags for shipment. In the north the process is -carried further, efforts being made to get rid of the molasses. When -the boiled mass has set, the pots containing it are put over pots -into which the molasses drains. If left thus for six months, twenty -per cent. of the original weight will drain off. The molasses is -sold to distillers to make alcohol, and there is some demand for it -to mix with water for horses. - -The Iloilo sugar generally comes to the United States, being shipped -in the raw state, to be refined there. In Manila the manufacture of -sugar has been more developed, and a quantity of crystal grain is -produced there for export to Spain. The old method of grinding the -cane, introduced by the Chinese, consists in the use of two rough -vertical cutting mills,--cylinders of wood being used in the south; -of stone in the north. These are fitted with wooden teeth, between -which the grain is crushed. Mills of this primitive kind are still in -use in parts of the country, but are being superseded by iron rollers -sent from England, and, like the former, revolved by buffaloes. Steam -mills are also being introduced. In Negros, where foreign influence -is predominant, nearly all the mills are of European make. - -It may be said, further, in this connection, that the sugar-estates -are generally small, not a dozen in the country yielding more -than 1,000 tons of raw sugar a year. One that yields 500 tons is -declared large. And the lack of transportation, too, greatly checks -enterprise. In Negros there are no canals or railroads to the coast, -and the annual crop needs to be painfully hauled in buffalo carts, to -be loaded on schooners, for carriage to the port of Iloilo. Buffaloes -on this island, five years old, bring $30. In Luzon they can be -bought for half that price. The wages paid to laborers average about -one and a half dollars weekly. But, in estimating the comparative -comfort to be derived from this, we must consider the low price of -food and clothing, and the primitive habits of the islanders. - -The highest table-lands are most suitable for cane-planting, -good drainage being a necessity of the situation. The shoots are -planted in February, and the cane is cut in the following December -or January. In the West Indies the canes are planted widely, and the -ratoons, or root-stocks, last from five to twenty years, sending up -new shoots annually. In the Philippines, however, the planting is -renewed annually, the canes being set much closer. After cutting, -the milling should be done in ten weeks, delay causing much loss in -sugar. The whole process of milling and planting should be completed -by the middle of March, the remainder of the year being left to the -growth and culture of the crop. - - - - -The Several Systems of Labor. - -In the north the co-operative principle of labor is largely employed, -each tenant being provided with the necessary buffaloes and implements, -and attending to the cane as if it were his own. He provides the hands -for cane-crushing and sugar-making, while the land-owner supplies other -necessaries, and has to take the risk of typhoons, droughts, locusts, -and the like. The tenants receive, as their share, from a third to a -half of the crop, according to the bargain made. Nevertheless, they -are generally in debt to the owner and are looked upon as his servants. - -In the south the plantations are worked on the wage system. Here -great vigilance is needed to keep the men properly to their tasks, -overseers being employed, who have an interest in the crop. The -overseer in some instances provides his own capital, and receives -two-thirds of the yield as his share. In 1877 a British company, -with large capital, organized, to buy the cane-juice and to extract -from it highly-refined sugar. Every preparation was made, but from the -first the enterprise was a failure, and the concern wound up in 1880, -the stockholders suffering severely for their faith. Yet fortunes have -been made in Philippine sugar, and until 1883 the crop could usually be -depended on to pay a good profit to the capitalist and leave something -for the borrower. The custom introduced in Europe, in 1884, of paying -subsidies to the beet-root cultivator, proved ruinous to the islanders, -and interest on capital is now the only return to be looked for. - - - - -The Rice Crop. - -Turning now from the sugar to the rice crop, I may say that it is the -staple food of the people, the crop upon which the very existence of -the people depends. It is grown in every province, rice-cultivation -being the only branch of agriculture that the people thoroughly -understand, and into which they enter with the zest of evident -enjoyment. Rice, a native plant of the East, has from time immemorial -been the leading food-product of all the nations of Eastern Asia. The -wild plant, from which all the cultivated varieties have been derived, -is still plentiful in the marshy, tropical countries of southern Asia -and northern Australia; while the people of India, China, and the -islands of the ocean live very largely on this nutritive grain. It -is known by as many as 1,300 different local names, and it is said -that Bengal alone has displayed 4,000 distinct forms of rice. These -differences are in color, shape, and size, and may be all referred to -a few well-marked varieties of Oryza sativa, the rice plant. In India -and the Philippines rice in the husk is called paddy, and this word -comes constantly into play in speaking of the cultivation of the plant. - -Formerly, rice was the main crop of the Philippines; a considerable -quantity being exported. Twenty years ago Sual was an important -port for the shipment of rice to China. It has now declined to an -insignificant village. In fact, the extension of sugar culture has -so reduced that of rice, that not enough is now produced for use, and -large quantities are imported from Siam, Burmah, and China. Pangasinan -is still a large rice-growing province, but all its product is consumed -within the country. Sugar is a much better-paying crop, its minimum -profit being equal to the maximum profit on rice. Rice-planting, in -fact, is not profitable, and few carry it on largely; yet, inasmuch -as it is necessary for the subsistence of the populace, some degree -of attention compels its culture. - - - - -Methods of Rice-cultivation. - -There are over twenty different kinds of rice-paddy grown in the -Philippines. These constitute two groups,--the highland rice, grown in -localities where inundation cannot be used, and the lowland, with which -inundation is easy. The latter, known as Macan, is of much the finer -quality, the most esteemed variety being that of white grain. Paga, -or highland rice, is in large proportion of red grain. Its return is -but half that of the Macan rice, but only one crop of the latter can be -grown annually, while usually three crops of Paga rice are raised. One -difficulty in Paga rice-cultivation is the presence of a fly that -sucks the flower and prevents seeding. These the planters whisk off -morning and evening with a bunch of straw, tied to the end of a stick. - -The Macan grain is sown in June, in a plot set aside for seeding, -and saturated with water until it is a mass of mud. Here in six weeks -the plants grow to the height of a foot. They are then pulled up by -the roots and transplanted in the flooded fields, in which the final -growth is to be attained. Around these fields banks of earth are raised -to prevent the water from flowing off. The men raise and separate -the plants, and the women set them out again, one plant at a time, -wading through the soft mud, in which they often sink to the knees. The -process seems a tedious one, but I have often been surprised to see the -rapidity with which the natives perform it. It is a process in which -they are thoroughly trained, and at which they are remarkably quick. - -Four months more are needed for the ripening of the grain, during -which the fields are kept clear of weeds, the natives wading back and -forth through the mud in their task. After cutting and heaping, the -paddy is made into stacks. In six weeks more the grain is separated -from the straw by treading or by the use of the flail, or by causing -ponies to trot over it. It may be said that there is nothing in -nature more beautiful than a valley of green ripening rice in the -midst of verdant hills. In the flood of rich color beneath my eyes, -I have gazed upon such a scene with inexpressible delight. - - - - -Primitive Machines, and Importance of the Rice Crop. - -No rice-husking, winnowing or pearling-machines are in use in the -Philippines other than some small ones for domestic use. The great -number of kinds of rice-paddy hinders their use on a large scale, -since the mill adapted to one field would not clean the crop of -another. The grain is generally husked in a large hard-wood mortar, -where it is beaten with a pestle, several men and women at times -working over one mortar. There is also in use a primitive wooden mill -worked by buffaloes. In this a series of pins engage with each other, -causing a column to lift and fall, thereby serving as a pestle as it -falls. Steam and water-power have recently been brought into use in -some localities. - -It is said that one quinon (about seven acres) of land will yield -from 250 to 300 cavans (about 96 pounds each) of rice, but the yield -could be greatly increased if a system of irrigation were generally -in use. At present, the dependence is largely on the rains. The yield -from seed varies from 40 to 100 grains of crop to one seed, 50 grains -being a good average. A family of five persons will consume about -250 pounds of rice per month. It is used in almost every native dish, -and takes the place of bread. The paddy, or unhulled rice, is to feed -horses, cattle, and fowls. - -It may be said in conclusion, that the rice and sugar planters have -many insect enemies to contend against. One of the worst is the locust, -which makes its appearance at times in overwhelming multitudes, and -whose ravages I have elsewhere described. In some degree it replaces -the food it destroys, the natives cooking and eating their foes, -and in some districts, looking upon them as a luxury whose coming is -worth praying for. - -The average annual production of rice is a million and a half piculs, -and almost a million piculs are imported. - - - - - - - - -THE HEMP PLANT AND ITS USES. - - -Description of the Abacá. - -First and foremost among the useful plants of the Philippines stands -musa textilis, a species of plantain that grows wild in many of the -islands and is the source of the well-known Manila hemp, the most -valuable of all fibres for cordage. The native name for the plant is -abacá. In appearance it is not easy to distinguish it from the plant -of the same genus that yields us that useful and agreeable fruit, -the banana. The only visible difference really is that the banana -tree is taller and its leaves are of a lighter green. The most marked -distinction is in the fruit, that of the abacá being small and unfit -for eating. - -Properly considered, the abacá, like all the plantains, is an herb, -not a tree; that is, it bears flowers and fruit once only, then -perishes. The root survives, however, and a new plant springs up. The -abacá attains an average height of ten feet, though it sometimes grows -much higher. Its favorite location is on hilly land, and it refuses -to grow in swampy situations. I have often found it growing wild on -mountain slopes of volcanic formation, where the little depth of soil -scarcely gave it room to root. - -The value of this plant lies in its leaves, the petioles, or -leaf-stalks, containing a long and strong fibre, for which it is -widely cultivated. Little attention is given to the plant during -its three years of growth. At the end of that time it sends up a -central stem, upon which flowers appear. Now comes the work of the -cultivator. Fruit is not permitted to appear, the flower-stem being -cut away and the leaf-stalks that surround it torn into strips five -or six inches wide, their length being over six feet. - - - - -The Process of Manufacture. - -Bast, the name by which these strips are known, is made up of -hemp-fibre and a soft pulpy substance enclosing it. The process -of manufacture is a very simple one,--consisting in scraping this -soft substance from the fibre. This work is done by the natives in -a primitive fashion. Nevertheless, no one, so far, has been able to -improve upon it. - -The scraping instrument consists of a dull knife, which is attached by -a hinge to a block of wood. To this is connected a treadle worked by -the foot, by whose aid the operator scrapes the fresh leaf-strips under -the knife, with the degree of force that may be thought necessary. The -bast is drawn along between the knife and the block, forcing out -the pulp, which remains on the side of the knife, while the fibre, -as it is set free, is wound by the operator round a stick of wood. - -Only one further process is necessary. The fibre in its fresh state is -very moist, containing about fifty-six per cent. of water. To dispose -of this, it is laid in the sun to dry and left for about five hours, -when it is considered ready for use. All that remains to be done, -then, is to prepare it for shipment, which is done by packing tightly -in bales and binding with hoops of iron or rattan. - -The method of cleaning the bast, as described, has long been practised -by the islanders. Many attempts have been made to improve upon it, but -with no shining success. In fact, the various machines that have been -devised for the removal of the pulp usually have done more harm than -good. A machine that seeks to clean the whole length of a strip of -bast at once, is sure to break the fibre, which is not strong enough -to bear the strain. In the machines a cylinder takes the place of the -hand and the stick of the operator, and those cylinders, whether of -steel or of glass, are always found to discolor the fibre, and thus -reduce its marketable value. The only machine I know of that avoids -this defect is the invention of Don Abelardo Cuesta, a Spaniard, -brought out in 1886. This yielded excellent results, but required so -many hands to run it that it did not pay. The result is, nearly all -the fibre that is shipped is cleaned by the old native hand-process. - - - - -Some Facts about Hemp-growing. - -Hemp-growing is the least troublesome of the agricultural operations -in the Philippines, and gives the best returns for the expense -involved. In starting a plantation the colonist chooses forest land, -clearing away the smaller growth, but leaving the large trees to -shade the plants and the young shoots. Where the soil is virgin, -each shoot occupies, at first, a space of ground thirty-six Spanish -square feet in extent. When the original plant is felled, the suckers -come up anywhere, growing spontaneously from the parent root, and -yielding a much denser plantation. - -The abacá can be raised from seed; in which case it requires -four years to flower. Planters, however, generally transplant the -six-months-suckers, which, as I have said, reach maturity in three -years. Maturity, for commercial purposes, signifies the flowering -stage. In no case is the plant allowed to bear fruit, because -fruit-bearing weakens the outer fibre. - -Ample capital is necessary for success in hemp-growing, inasmuch as -three years or more must pass before any profit can be had. After that, -the grower can depend upon an annual yield. But even then, when he is -the owner of a flourishing plantation, he has serious difficulties to -contend with. The amount of waste is enormous, some thirty per cent. of -the fibre being lost through carelessness and negligence. The natives -often cut the leaf-stalks before they reach maturity. In other cases, -they fail to do so till they have rotted on the plant. - -Inefficiency takes still other forms, but, despite this, there is -abundant margin for gain, since no agricultural operation is conducted -with less risk. The dense protecting forest-growth shields the plants -from hurricanes, while the high land on which they grow is safe from -inundation. Fire can make no headway among their green leaves and -moist stems. Locusts will not touch the hemp plant, and beetles and -other insects harm it but little. As the crop comes to maturity at -successive periods, it can be leisurely gathered, from time to time, -the year round. No ploughing is needed, and therefore there is no -live-stock to be purchased, fed, and cared for. There is no expensive -machinery, and no highly-priced machinists needed to run it. Weeding -must be carefully attended to, but this is the work of the natives, -and is done very cheaply. The enemies of the hemp planter are an -occasional drought when his plants are in the ground, and the danger -of fire to his dried bales before they reach their destination. His -greatest annoyance must come from the steady thirty per cent. of what -seems like unnecessary waste, due to the causes stated. - - - - -Difficulties with Native Labor. - -Work on an abacá estate is performed on the co-operative plan. The -laborers are paid not in money but in kind, they receiving half -the fibre they clean, while the other half goes to the owner of the -estate. The workman, however, is not required to take the fibre for -his pay, but receives, instead, its current cash value--if not cheated, -which he frequently is. The law of the Philippines, however, is cheat -for cheat, the native having become quite as tricky as his master. The -value of the fibre depends upon its whiteness and its strength, and -both are reduced by the indolence and dishonesty of the hands. My -experience with the islanders is, I admit, that they are none too fond -of work. A laborer on a hemp plantation, who finds himself pressed for -money, is likely to take some method like the following to obtain it: -he will seek an abacá plant, strip a few of its leaf-stalks, and leave -them exposed to the rain and the air. As a result, the bast grows soft -and rotten, and is more easily cleaned, but the fibre is weakened and -discolored. In cleaning it, he uses a toothed knife,--a form forbidden -by the trade, since it adds to the discoloration. As the fibre is sold -by weight, the dishonest manipulator is careful to leave some of the -pulp to dry upon it and so increase the number of pounds. Carrying -his bundle of coarse, partly-cleaned, discolored, and weak fibre, he -seeks the dealer at night, that he may be deceived as to the color of -the fibre. These tricks are well known to the planter, his manager, -and to the acopiadores, or dealers at large, and do not often succeed. - -The plantation-owners make every effort to force the natives to use -knives without teeth, in order that the fibre may be fine, perfectly -clean, and white. The Filipino, though, if not closely watched, -persists in using his serrated knife, because if he uses one with a -smooth edge he loses in weight. He is too ignorant to perceive that -the fibre properly treated is of higher value. It is quite possible, -as is often claimed, that there is a difference in plants, some giving -a whiter fibre than others. But it is generally conceded that if -the natives would cut the plant only at maturity, cleanse the fibre -under a toothless knife the same day, place the strips in a clean -place, and sun-dry at once, the waste would be materially lessened, -and there would be little third-class matter. - -In other words, what the hemp-planter needs are honest, reliable -hands and an efficient manager. - -On some of the islands inspectors are appointed by the Governor, -whose duty it is to travel about from place to place, intimidating -hemp-laborers in the name of the law. But so far their efforts seem to -have met with but little success, the plantations owned by foreigners -being large, remote, and difficult to reach; they are, indeed, nearly -always on the sides of mountains. In the extraction of the fibre the -natives work in couples: one man strips the bast, another draws it -under the knife. A fair week's work for the two, including selection -and felling of plants, and cleansing and drying of bast, is 2-1/7 -piculs--about 300 pounds. First-quality fibre brings in Manila $8.50 -a picul, and third-quality $7.25; but while the former price remains -firm, the latter falls as the poor quality increases. Nevertheless, -as may be seen, the native gets good wages even for a poor quality -of hemp. - -The work of the laborers is by no means confined to treating the -fibre, they being expected to devote some time every day to weeding the -plants, and clearing out brushwood. This is part of their regular work -and is not paid for extra. The baling of the fibre is done by means -of a press, at which men and boys work, their rate of payment varying -from 12-1/2 to 50 cents a day. Transportation from the plantations to -the shipping points, such as Manila and Cebú, is also to be considered -in estimating the outlay of the planter. - - - - -Tricks of the Natives. - -I have not yet told all the tricks of the natives. They cheat also -in the planting, by not making deep enough holes for setting out the -shoots. In consequence, planters no longer pay at once for shoots and -labor, as formerly, but reserve payment for three years, or until full -growth is attained. Then $10 are paid for each hundred of live plants. - -In addition to the large planters, many of the Filipinos produce bast -in a small way, selling it to Chinese dealers. Or a Chinaman may, -for a petty sum, gain the right to work a native plantation for a -fixed term of years. With but one thought in mind--that of immediate -gain--he strips the plants in their immature stage, producing a white -but weak fibre, and returns the plantation to its owner ruined for -the time being. The Chinese are, in consequence, held under suspicion, -and their bast is severely inspected before purchase. - -In fact, the whole process of hemp-production, from the proprietor -down to the lowest laborer, seems permeated with fraud; and between -efforts to cheat on the one hand, and efforts to escape being cheated -on the other, life on a hemp plantation is not a state of beatitude. - - - - -Competition with Other Lands. - -Manila hemp never fails of a market, particularly in the United -States, where it is most largely used. No other fibre known is so -valuable for cordage, and the production might be greatly increased -without overstocking the market. To the various frauds practised in -its production may be added another employed by the manufacturers of -cordage: the free adulteration of the pure Philippine fibre by the -admixture of New Zealand flax and Russian hemp. - -The cultivation of the plant has been attempted outside the -Philippines, but with no satisfactory result. Abacá planting, -it is true, was tried successfully in the botanical gardens at -Saigon, Cochin China, but the experiment was abandoned, for some -reason unexplained. Abacá has also been planted in British India, -and flourished as well there as at Saigon, but the effort to produce -hemp from it failed through ignorance of the proper method of the -drawing of the fibre. - -The mode of extraction tried was that practised with the ordinary -hemp of India, excepting that the stems were first passed through -a sugar-cane mill, to get rid of the sap. By this means fifty per -cent. of the whole weight was squeezed out; the stems were then -immersed in water and left to rot for ten or more days; afterward -they were washed by hand and dried in the sun. Less than two pounds -of fibre were thus gained from one hundred pounds of stems, and this -bad in color and lacking in strength. - -This method is very unlike that employed in the Philippines, and the -natives of the islands need have no fear of Indian competition under -such conditions. The fibre will not bear the pressure of cylinders -without damage in color, while the soaking of the stems is sure to -weaken it. The experiments in India failed to distinguish between the -Indian hemp and Manila hemp plants, which belong to different families, -and require radically different treatment. - -The islands of Leyte and Marinduque, and certain districts in the -large island of Luzon yield the finest quality of hemp. The province -of Albay, the leading hemp-district of Luzon, cannot be surpassed in -quantity and quality of yield, its annual hemp-crop averaging about -20,000 tons. Before 1825 the demand was little, and the hemp-yield -insignificant. Since then, the growing demand has greatly developed -the culture, the crop of 1840 being about 8,500 tons, in 1880 about -50,000 tons. It has been steadily on the increase. - -The United States receives the greatest proportion of this product, -nearly all the remainder going to Great Britain and her Australian -colonies. Manila is the principal port of shipment: the bales are -sent thither from the plantations. - - - - -Experience of a Planter. - -For those that desire statistics, I may repeat the statement made to -me in person by an Albay planter. The plantation of this gentleman, -in which he had invested a capital of $60,000, embraced 1800 acres, -planted at the time of purchase with shoots of two years' growth, and -therefore needing one year more before cutting. There was a store-house -on the estate capable of holding 5000 piculs, or 695,000 pounds of hemp -(a picul is 139 pounds). The purchase also included a bale-press and -shed, a plot prepared for sun-drying, two horses, and a vehicle. - -The working expenses of this plantation, including the various items -of salaries to overseers, clerks, and storekeepers, wages to natives, -living and traveling expenses of overseer, fire insurance, office -expenses, freight to Manila, loading, commission, storage, and minor -items, were $10,000. In this were included some loss by stealing, -and several hundred dollars loss by waste. - -In one year the planter received in Manila $27,000 for his dried bales -of hemp-fibre, making a net profit of thirty per cent. on invested -capital. It must be remembered, however, that in Albay province the -conditions for the investor in abacá-planting are of the best. Equal -results cannot be expected elsewhere. - - - - -What the Hemp Is Used For. - -Manila hemp is principally used in the manufacture of mats, sail -cloth, and cordage. Out of the old ropes the well-known stout brown -wrapping-paper is made--the Manila paper of commerce. In Paris the -imported hemp-fibre is used in the manufacture of carpets, tapestry, -net-work, hammocks; and even in the making of bonnets. - -The natives obtain small quantities of very fine hemp-fibre from -the carefully-selected edges of the petiole, or leaf-stalk, and -from this they weave an exquisite, fine, silky material, suitable -for gowns. This fibre is worth twice as much as first-class cordage -hemp. The difficulties with the weave lie in the fragility, and, -consequently, the frequent breakages of the thread; hence the expense -of the material. On one of the islands a fabric is made from fine hemp -and pine-leaf fibre. This the natives endeavor to sell to foreigners -for pure piña, which is as fine and soft as Bengal muslin. The fraud -is detected by the lack of flexibility in the material, it having a -horse-hair stiffness. Any one that has ever touched a soft, silky, -pine-leaf fibre handkerchief, for instance, would easily distinguish -the difference. - -Lastly, in enumerating the valuable qualities of manila hemp, I -may state that the poorer classes of the natives of the Philippine -Islands wear clothes that they manufacture from the ordinary fibre; -and that even the bags in which the fresh coffee-beans are sent from -the islands to foreign markets are made from the same material. - -I may say, in concluding this subject, that hemp is the most important -article of Philippine product, and that its production is capable of -being greatly increased. The official documents that I have examined in -Manila show that within the last decade the United States has received -fully forty per cent. of all the hemp-product of the islands. In -the ten years previous to 1898 a single firm in Boston bought 79,000 -tons of hemp, paying for it an average price of 3 cents a pound in the -Manila market. During this period the total export of hemp was 914,100 -tons. The import to the United States during the same time averaged -in value $2,400,000 a year. A liberal and progressive administration -will soon increase this tenfold. - - - - - - - - -CULTURE AND USE OF TOBACCO. - - -The Cultivation of Tobacco, a State Monopoly. - -The seed of the tobacco plant was introduced into the Philippines from -Mexico by Spanish missionaries. It is an annual, grows to the height of -five or six feet, and varies greatly in flavor, not only in different -provinces, but in different places in the same province. Luzon has -always been more directly under the control of the Spaniards than any -other part of the Archipelago. As it contains the capitol--literally -the seat of Government--it is from this island that every unjust and -cruel edict has proceeded since the time of the conquest. Indeed, -Spain has never tried to govern more than half a dozen of the islands; -and while all of the Philippines are nominally under her suzerainty, -there are at least two hundred of them filled with fierce and -intractable tribes--and these she has not even explored. But it is -Luzon that, from first to last, has felt most heavily the weight of -her iron hand. On that island, in 1781, the cultivation of tobacco -was formally declared a State monopoly. - -This lasted just a year and a century. The Government, after long -debate on the subject, decided that, on the whole, it would be more -profitable and less troublesome to demand a high license, and place -the enterprise in the hands of private dealers. - -The monopoly was accordingly abolished, December 31st, 1882. The -natives fought against this. They had suffered horribly from State -regulations. They feared to suffer more from private persecution. The -friars, however, the real rulers of the Philippines, decided against -the monopoly; and, notwithstanding that it was the largest source of -public revenue on the islands, it was abolished. - - - - -Oppressive Conditions in Luzon. - -From 1781 to 1882, then, in Luzon the following conditions prevailed: -First, in the Philippines natives were never allowed to own land,--the -property of the State. By paying for the privilege they might receive -permission to cultivate the soil. During the continuance of the -monopoly, in certain districts in northern Luzon, only tobacco plants -were permitted to be placed in the ground. Not one foot of his poor -little plot could the native use for his own subsistence. Moreover, -he was forced to contract with the Government to raise 4000 plants -a year; not one leaf of which could he call his own. - -Every family was bound to produce a given quantity annually; while a -shortage in returns was punished with beating, fines, confiscation, -or imprisonment. - -In some of the districts selected the islanders were too wild and -insubordinate to follow directions in the planting, the preparing, -and in the drying of the leaf. Emigrants were therefore sent from -the vicinity of Manila, and were provided with land, homes, food, -and clothing. - -Their subsequent fate was pitiable. Spies of the Government visited -the native houses at all hours, in search of concealed tobacco. Every -nook and corner of the little dwelling would be ransacked time and -again, and the women of the family subjected to rude and insulting -personal inspection. - -And these harassing visits were made at disquieting intervals; -sometimes two or three days in succession; so that the easy and -indolent Filipino was kept in haunting terror of incursions. - -At the Government headquarters of the district, the dried leaves were -carefully examined by the Inspector. Those that he approved he paid -for; the rest were burned. - -If an Indian were caught smoking one of his own cigars, within a few -steps of his own airing-sheds, he was seized and fined. The offence, -arrest, and conviction cost him dear: about $8.00 if he were smoking -a cigar; about $2.00, if a cigarette. - -In a country where the monotony of life is mitigated by the soothing -effects of the leaf, and where men and women smoke as inevitably--and -almost as naturally--as they eat, these constant and harassing -exactions became maddening. The burning of the rejected bundles was -felt to be especially cruel and unnecessary. But the Inspector was -inexorable. - -All these combined causes, and particularly the insults to women, -frequently brought about bloody encounters between the people and -the servants of the State. - -There are numberless cases where Indians live on the land cultivated -by their ancestors, and cling to it; and, in their ignorance, feel it -to be their own. The Government, however, with its usual treachery, -finally took advantage of this attachment, and, while exacting full -returns from the natives, paid them only in part, or in depreciated -currency. - - - - -How Speculators Take Advantage of the Natives. - -Sharpers from Manila made their way into the tobacco districts as -soon as this was known, buying large sums in Treasury notes for -small quantities of specie; and so needy were the natives, and so -rooted their distrust of Spain, that they made the exchange eagerly, -glad to get into their hands the smallest quantity of the money they -were familiar with--genuine gold. - -Every effort was made to confine the growth of tobacco to certain -selected districts controlled by the State, but, in spite of this, -concealed plantations were continually being cultivated in remote -provinces, and a large body of picked men and many revenue cutters -were constantly in the employ of the Government. It was their duty to -discover and destroy these plantations, punish the growers, confiscate -the leaf, and break up the smuggling. - -But, despite these precautions and drastic measures, the initiated -always knew where to obtain a good cigar for about one-fourth of -what was paid for it in a Manila shop. Expedition after expedition -was sent to distant islands, to discover and punish the growers -and manufacturers of illicit tobacco, and stubborn fights ensued, -the friars invariably being on the side of the natives. - -These were the abuses and revolts that finally led to the abolition -of the monopoly. - -Private enterprise in the islands has its own hard ways to accomplish -its own unscrupulous ends, and whether Company, individual, or -Government is in power, the result is always the same--the native is -cheated, suffers, is pushed to the wall. - - - - -The Quality of Manila Tobacco. - -Since 1882 it is a matter of common complaint that there is not so -much care taken in the preparing of the leaf: this requires great -skill and unwearied attention to detail, inasmuch, as if overheated, -or left too long in the airing-sheds, something precious is lost in -quality and in aroma. - -Cuban cigars are not sold in the colony, and the old residents -believe the flavor of their own tobacco incomparable. The outside -world, however, gives the preference to the Cuban brand. Indeed, at -one time the Government tried to introduce seed from Cuba, but, owing -to mismanagement, the scheme failed. Such an inferior quality of leaf -sometimes finds its way into Manila, and is sold for such low prices, -that one wonders what profit there can be in cultivating it. This is, -of course, worked off on the poorer natives. - -The tobacco trade is still a monopoly in Spain, and the Philippines -are under contract to provide the home factories with 98,000 cwt. of -dried leaf per annum. Enormous fortunes are made in a short time in -this product. - -When the infamous Weyler was Governor-General of the Philippines, -his two brothers were in this business in Binondo. They went back to -Madrid in a few years, and lived like princes. - -The fact remains, however, that while a very superior article of cigar -and cigarette is made in the factories of Manila and its vicinity, -if the colony wishes to compete with other countries, the tobacco -planters must raise the standard of quality all along the line. - - - - -Methods of Preparing the Tobacco Leaf. - -There are several large tobacco factories in Binondo, the trading -centre of Manila; one in particular employing 15,000 men, women, -and children, at an average wage of 15 cents a day. The working hours -are from seven to twelve in the morning, and from two to five in the -afternoon. Just at sunset, I have often seen the operatives leave -this factory in droves, and thousands of them immediately plunge into -the waters of Manila Bay, where they swam about in the surf, rolling, -tumbling, and shouting like children. - -I have repeatedly gone through the factories, following the leaf from -bale to finish; and it is an interesting sight. Color and quality -are decided by a lightning expert, and quick and thorough is the -whole process, till the finished cigars are packed in cedar boxes, -labeled for the market. Cedar-wood seems part of the charm. - -Innumerable efforts have been made to use other and less expensive -woods in packing, but without avail: either the cedar conserves the -aroma better, or, more likely, it adds a special quality of its own, -which, through long habit, the confirmed smoker finds indispensable -to his enjoyment. - -The Escalante region is noted for the fine tobacco grown there, -though sugar, of course, is the most important crop. The tobacco is -rich-flavored, and by many experts is deemed the most desirable leaf -in all the Visayas. - -But it is generally agreed that the best quality of Island tobacco -is that grown in the provinces of northern Luzon, the most valued -coming from Cagayan and La Isabela. - -Old residents invariably prefer Island tobacco; but the English, -as the Americans, and the peninsular Spaniard choose, instead, -the famous Vuelto Abajo of Cuba, and think they get it. Millions of -"Havana" cigars, made of Philippine leaf, are sold in Manila under -the name of this brand. In fact, the two styles--Manila and Cuban--are -manufactured in almost equal quantities, differing in size and shape, -but not in quality. The expert, at the selecting table, divides his -heap into many different colors. Only five, however, are known to the -trade. They are: Maduro, Colorado Maduro, Colorado, Colorado Claro, -and Claro. - -The filling of a cigar is called tripa, or tripe; the wrapper, capa, -or overcoat. From the factory I have mentioned, alone, a million and -a half of cigars are shipped to Europe every month. The strong, dark -brands go to Spain. England takes every kind. The lighter colors are -preferred in America. - -Tobacco-leaves for cigarettes are cut into thread--generally -called "long cut,"--and the whole process of making is done by one -machine. I have seen nine of these hard at work, each turning out -12,000 cigarettes a day, making 38,000,000 in a year. - - - - -Smoking, a Universal Habit. - -Smoking goes on in the Philippines everywhere but in church--in the -hotel dining-room as soon as coffee is served, and at the theatre or -opera while the audience is gathering, and between the acts. Even your -cab-driver will offer you a cigar, if he thinks you have none. Spanish -women of wealth and rank--grandmothers, mothers, daughters, and nieces -sit on the balconies of their beautiful residences in the capital, -puffing away at their cigarillos,--a tiny brand made especially for -feminine consumption; while in some homes men and women help themselves -from the same box. - -It is an incongruous sight, and one hostile to the accepted ideas -of a splendid type of primitive man, to see in the depths of remote -provinces native men and women, young and old, of striking physical -proportions, the men nude but for the flimsy breech-clout, smoking -away at cigars, cigarettes, and even pipes; and at every possible -and impossible angle of incidence. - -For cigars and cigarettes have for many years been sold everywhere -throughout the colony,--in even the remotest hamlets. - -Besides, considerable stimulus has been given to the smoking habit in -the wildest provinces by travelers, who, to ingratiate themselves with -the half-savage natives of distant provinces, or to keep them from -speculating whether one is a Spaniard or not, and thereby arousing -their ire, bountifully dispense cigars and cigarettes wherever they go. - -And so the dominant and absorbing habit of the Filipinos is to smoke. - -Indeed, the common habit of smoking makes it possible to realize the -Arabian Nights' stories of fabulous fortunes made in the Philippines -in a short time from the cultivation, preparation, and manufacture -of the fragrant leaf. - - - - - - - - -THE CULTIVATION OF COFFEE. - - -The Origin of the Industry. - -In the early part of the nineteenth century several Spaniards began -the cultivation of coffee in a little valley away at the north end -of Luzon. The trees they planted were the first coffee plants ever -known on the island. A small wild animal, somewhat like a weasel, -somewhat like a fox, began eating and scattering the growing berries, -until in this way myriads of the little creatures had unwittingly -sown coffee seeds over all the island. - -Some of these original plants still bear fruit, thousands of pounds -being gathered from the wild bushes. Plantation owners in that -vicinity, the province of Batangas, have, indeed, assured me that the -trees possessed by their grandfathers are still vigorous; while it is -also a well-known fact that in many other coffee-producing colonies -the plants are quite exhausted by the end of the thirtieth year. - -Manila coffee is highly prized in Spain and her dependencies. They -have, of course, nothing so rich in flavor as the Mocha bean of Arabia, -but a kind, called caracolillo, that resembles it in taste and in -shape. It has only one seed to the berry, while, on the other hand, -all other varieties have two. - -The merchants in Manila are extremely cautious in their dealings with -the provincial planters, giving the preference to coffee from Cavité, -Batangas, and La Laguna. In Mindanao coffee is sent to the market -without being looked over, the result being a distasteful compound -of good and bad beans. This is sold to the unfastidious natives at -very low prices, but is wholly unfit for European consumption. - - - - -Indifference of Coffee-planters. - -Cavité planters--whether Spaniard or Indian--show an indifference to -a dozen details that their competitors in the other provinces named -are extremely particular about. They are careless in the selecting of -sites for their plantations, which should be on hilly ground; careless -in the choice of the soil, of the seed, in pruning, in attention to -the ripe fruit; in detaching the bean from its outer coating; and, -above all, in many places, careless to separate the good beans from -the bad. All this is due to the inertness of the planter and to the -indolence of his laborers. - -And while this continues, the Philippines will never be known as -one of the great coffee-producing countries of the world; though its -possibilities in that direction are simply incalculable. - - - - -Speculation in Coffee. - -Coffee is a good deal of a speculation in the islands. Collectors -drive about paying for crops still ungathered. Moreover, if the large -planters do not produce enough to fill their contracts, they depend -upon the small plots of the natives,--which will account for much -variety in the bean, and for the occasional extremely-poor quality -already spoken of. The money advanced is always gauged by the price -per picul that coffee brought the year before in the Manila market. - -For instance, if it then cost $12 a picul, $8 will be advanced to -the planter on the crops in the ground. The collector always tries -to protect himself by a pretty good margin. He occasionally loses, -however. In one case, some years ago, coffee advanced to $31 a picul, -and enormous fortunes were made. - -Fluctuations are constantly occurring in the coffee market, owing to -the peculiar nature of the transactions, as purchases are invariably -made before the crop has come to fruition. But a startling rise like -the one mentioned, is unprecedented in the history of the trade, -and is hardly likely to occur again. - - - - -Methods of Cultivation. - -A coffee-site, as I have said, should be chosen on high ground, and -on the side of a hill; for the reason that, while the body of the -plant requires a great degree of moisture, which is given by the heavy -rains of the country, the roots, on the other hand, must be kept dry. - -The ground is cleared--generally by fire--and fenced in. Like hemp, -the coffee tree needs careful shading, and to insure this the next -process is to plant slips of the madre cacao, in straight rows, about -one Spanish yard apart. When these reach the height of three feet, -the coffee-shoots are placed at intervals in the holes prepared for -them, having been soaked for two or three days in water. - -As the plantation becomes too thick, trees and plants are removed--care -being taken, however, to preserve the symmetrical appearance of -the whole, as it is imperative for the health of the tree that no -coffee-shoots or branches should touch one another. - -In its natural state, the tree grows to the height of twenty-five feet, -but constant pruning is necessary, and the tree, when properly cared -for, is kept down to seven or eight feet. Returns are expected four -years after planting. - -There are few things more beautiful than a well-ordered coffee estate -in full bloom. Straight and stately avenues cross each other in -every direction. The plant has long glossy leaves, like the laurel; -the blossoms are snowy-white, and in shape resemble the jasmine, -and their fragrance is exquisite; while overhead the madre foliage -grows dense, protecting the more delicate plant from too much sun, -too pelting a storm, too wild a blast. The fruit, when ripe, is of a -dark scarlet color, and the ordinary berry contains two seeds, glued -together and covered with a membrane. The mocha of Arabia and the -caracolillo of Manila are richer in flavor than the other varieties, -and, as already stated, have but one bean, thus differing in shape -from those of the ordinary berry. - -The neighborhood of Lipa is noted for its wealth and for many coffee -estates round about. A number of the planters there have sedulously -done all in their power to attain perfection in the growing, dressing, -sorting, and marketing of the bean. Along their own lines, too, they -have overcome obstacles, and have effected certain success. And some of -the estates are beautiful and most prosperously ordered. I have driven -through them and ridden over them, and have invariably admired them, -and, admiring, I have marveled at the landscape-gardening effects -produced on what was seemingly so commercial a basis. Ruskin's -own ideas of beauty in every-day life and in lowly occupation can -not find a more delightful and satisfying illustration than in the -environment in which masses of laborers delve and toil upon some of -the Lipa coffee estates. - -In the Philippines the coffee berries are gathered by hand from the -trees,--men, women, and children assisting in the process. The fruit -is then put aside in heaps, and in a few days is washed. In this way -much of the pulp is detached and discarded. The remainder is placed in -a mortar and pounded until the clean bean emerges, which, in the bulk, -forms the coffee of commerce. This is sent, in coarse bags of hemp, -to Manila for sale. - -The ripe berries, when sun-dried, lose over 50 per cent. of moisture. - - - - -Harsh Methods of the Government. - -The Government at Madrid, with its usual heavy, tyrannous policy, -has imposed extra licenses on the planting of coffee, and laid a -heavy import duty on the machinery lately introduced and used to -prepare the bean for market. - -The formation of the Philippine Archipelago is peculiarly adapted to -the cultivation of coffee and hemp. To say it once more: Both need -high altitudes, and to be grown on the sides of hills or mountains. On -most of the islands a range runs north and south, rising sometimes -to the height of nine thousand feet. - -The laborers on a coffee estate expect to receive one-half -the produce for their work in caring for the crop, which -includes ploughing,--something essential to the health of the -tree,--cultivating, picking, and drying the fruit, and preparing the -bean for transport to Manila. - -The hard methods of the Government regarding the coffee bean, -the difficulties of the grower in obtaining reliable assistance, -and the fluctuations of the trade will probably account for the -small quantity produced under Spanish auspices. The island of Negros -alone is so accessible that the coffee production there ought to be -enormous. In 1897 the exportation amounted to about $250,000. Under -almost any other government it would have reached $3,000,000. - - - - - - - - -BETEL NUT, GRAIN, AND FRUIT-GROWING. - - -The Areca Palm and the Betel Nut. - -Every wild country, it appears, has its favorite soporific, and in -the Philippines the fruit of the areca palm is a necessity to most -of the natives, just as opium is to the average East Indian, but -it is far less deleterious. The manner of its use is as follows: -A slice of the nut is wrapped in a buyo leaf, covered with lime, -made from oyster shells, and then chewed. The whole is called betel, -and the betel-eater is constantly spitting what seems arterial blood; -this, together with the sanguinary appearance of his gums, teeth, -and lips, makes him disgusting to contemplate. - -The areca palm for its nut, and the buyo palm for its leaf, are -carefully and extensively cultivated. The latter must be used fresh, -and quantities of the green leaves are sold in the markets daily. The -effects of betel-chewing seems to be similar to that of the coca -of Peru; in moderation, the stimulus to the stomach is excellent; -and in both cases it is possible to labor for hours without food, if -only the native--Philippine or Peruvian--has an ample supply of his -favorite drug. Temperate use of either is positively beneficial. Abuse, -in both cases, produces delirium and death. - -There are nearly one thousand warehouses and retail shops in Manila -for the sale of the areca nut, or for the fresh buyo leaf and lime -necessary in its preparation; or for the slices wrapped and ready -for immediate use. The buyo leaf is hot to the taste. When bruised -and placed on the wound it is an antidote to the bite of the most -venomous snakes. It is useful in cholera; and water in which the -leaf has been steeped, is used by mothers as an outside application -in cases of infant colic. - - - - -The Nipa Palm and Nipa Wine. - -The nipa palm looks like a gigantic fern. It grows in swamps, and -its leaves are deemed invaluable for the thatching of native huts. A -tall grass, called cógon, is also used for this purpose. From the -fruit-stalks of the nipa a wine is distilled that is a Government -monopoly; and the art of manufacturing brandy from sugar-cane seems -to be aboriginal. The inhabitants of the most distant islands and -provinces have a patient, slow, inglorious way of making their -favorite drink. The fermented juice is boiled in four-gallon jugs; -the steam then escapes through bamboo pipes, is cooled, and condensed -by a primitive arrangement overhead, running water passing through -a hollow log,--and the liquor falls into another large stone jug. It -is extremely strong and pure, and small quantities of the drink are -not unhealthful. The natives of the Philippines, as I have said so -often, hate to trouble themselves about anything, and are impatient -of slow processes; they will, however, take infinite pains in the -distillation of sugar-cane brandy. The rewards, though slow, are -definite, enchanting, and, above everything else, personal. - - - - -Various Fruits of the Islands. - -The fruits of the Philippines include many varieties well-known in -American markets,--bananas, shaddocks, oranges, lemons, citrons, -and pineapples. Others are the usual ones found in the tropics, and -nowhere else; and none is to be compared to the apple, peach, grape, -cherry, and strawberry of the temperate zone. - -The durian, however, is extremely luscious. It is large as a pineapple, -and has a delicious white pulp. It requires a great deal of courage to -open it, as the rough outside-skin has a monstrous odor of decaying -flesh. - -The favorite fruit is the mango. Of this, quantities are partaken -daily in the season. - -Guava, from which jelly is made, grows wild. - -The pawpaw tree also grows wild, and is valuable to the natives. The -bruised leaves exude a saponaceous liquid, that is used in the washing -of clothes, and has the cleansing effect of soap. The fruit is cooling, -but tasteless. It is said to contain pepsin, and is used by invalids -with weak digestion. - -Bananas are both wild and cultivated; seventy-seven varieties are -found on the islands. The fruit is a staple article of food; and a -cloth is woven from the fibre that natives make up into garments. A -coarse paper is also made of it. - - - - -Cereals and Vegetables. - -A native cannot own land. He may hold it under certain conditions. What -these are in the tobacco districts has been stated. The regulations -outside these districts are as follows:-- - -He must plant useful trees, suitable to the soil; raise wheat, -rye, maize, vegetables, cotton, pepper; maintain every species of -appropriate cattle; keep fruit growing in his orchards and around his -house; have at least twelve hens, one cock, and a sucking pig. Failing -in these impossible conditions, the land may be confiscated at the -end of two years. - -The missionaries have always helped the natives to divide their farms, -plan their cultivation, and garner their harvests; they introduced -the useful maize and wheat, as well as melons and garden-truck--peas, -beans, cucumbers, onions, and other vegetables. Potatoes are very much -in demand, but, so far, have not been successfully cultivated; being -literally what the Americans call "small potatoes and few in a hill." - - - - -Cotton and Indigo-planting. - -Cotton is cheaply produced, and in quantities sufficient to supply -the domestic trade. There is no reason why it should not be made a -matter of large foreign export. - -Indigo plants grow in the wildest luxuriance throughout the -Philippines. Owing to the richness of the soil but little labor is -required in their cultivation, and annual returns are expected of -50 per cent. on the capital employed. There are people now living -magnificently in Paris and Madrid that owe their revenues to indigo -plantations in the colony; the Alvarado family, for instance, whose -immense estate is on the island of Sámar, and whose income from this -source is nearly $55,000 a year. - -There was once a prejudice against Manila indigo among European -purchasers. This, however, has been removed by improved processes and -greater care on the part of growers and manufacturers. The crops -are not so certain as those of hemp, tobacco, or coffee. They -are likely also to be injured by hurricanes and eaten by -caterpillars. Nevertheless, the estate-owners seem to flourish. - - - - -The Cocoa Industry. - -Cocoa and chocolate are the product of the cacao tree, introduced -early in the history of the islands by missionaries from Mexico. The -fruit is red in color and shaped like a large cucumber. The beans, -or kernels, are arranged in regular rows through the pulp, varying -in size and in number. They average twenty to the single fruit, -and generally have the size, and always the appearance, of almonds, -with hard skins. They are also very bitter. Whether dried in the sun -or roasted in ovens, the process must be done as soon as the fruit is -gathered, else the flavor of the kernel is injured. The beans are very -oily, and in manufacturing cocoa much of the fat is extracted. This -makes the drink more suitable for children and invalids. - -To make chocolate, the beans are dried, the skins removed, and the -mass is pounded in a mortar, then placed upon a rolling board and -rolled. Quantities of sugar are added to neutralize the bitterness of -the kernel, with vanilla to give the whole flavor. This makes a paste -that is a great favorite with all classes of Spaniards and natives, -both as a confection and when made into a beverage; yet but little -more of the fruit is grown on the islands than is necessary for home -consumption. The dried bean is safe as an export, but the cacao tree -has many enemies; and when the crop has come to ripening, in spite -of threatened disease and destroying vermin, it may be ruined by a -tempest in a single hour. These vicissitudes discourage the planter, -who seldom tries to do more than secure enough of the cacao bean for -family use. The trees are usually planted in gardens near the house, -and the chocolate-paste is made at home. A small quantity of the bean -is sent annually to Spain; and there is a chocolate factory in Manila -for the benefit of those that do not care to trouble themselves with -either the growth of the fruit or the preparation of the kernel. The -oil of the cocoa is used also for lighting the houses and streets. - -It is impossible to find better chocolate than that made by the friars -of the Philippines. Special pains are taken with the cacao tree, which -is planted in the orchards and gardens of the monasteries, and in -the manufacture of the paste and in the making of the beverage. Care -must be used in the selection of soil and locality; the tree must -be shaded by the taller banana; the planter must be able to risk the -loss of an occasional harvest, caused by vermin, disease, or tempest; -and in good years the planter will get a return of 90 per cent. on his -capital. The fact remains, however, that few colonists are willing to -take chances in a crop, that, at the last minute, can be easily ruined. - - - - -The Traffic in Birds' Nests. - -The Philippine Islands are rich in growths that would seem strange -to an American--edible birds'-nests, roots, nuts, grasses, fruits, -and the like. The bird's nest is sold in large quantities to the -Chinese, who make a soup of it,--nauseous, indeed, to foreigners. It -is built by a little creature resembling the swallow; is pasty-white -in appearance, dotted with red spots. The nests are found high up, -in almost inaccessible caves, on cliffs above the sea. Nest-gathering -is an occupation by itself, very dangerous, and followed by natives -of only extreme hardihood and agility. The birds are robbed of their -nests as soon as they are completed, and this first gathering is sold -to the Chinese at enormous prices. The bird patiently builds another -home, and is again despoiled. The second gathering, however, is deemed -second-class in the market; and the third gathering is even more -inferior. And 'tis only the approach of the rainy season that protects -the bird in the laying of its eggs and in the care of its young. - - - - - - - - -USEFUL WOODS AND PLANTS. - - -The Huge Forests. - -There are great forests of costly woods in the colony, mahogany, -sapan-wood, log-wood, iron-wood, ebony, and cedar; beside fifty -varieties not known to European markets, but eagerly sought for by -merchants from China. The cedar is almost exclusively used in making -cigar boxes; and I have seen beautiful knotted and polished war clubs -of iron-wood used by the remoter savages in their battles with other -tribes; they are as black as ebony, and nearly as hard as steel. These -various woods yield logs from eighteen to seventy feet in length. The -molave is especially valuable: the sea-worm cannot bore it, the white -ant eat it; nor is it affected by water or by climate. It is used for -the frames of vessels, and would be unsurpassed for railroad ties, -being practically invulnerable. - -The palma brava is used in the making of bridges, piles, and -piers--wherever, in short, resistance to water is necessary. - -Lanete-wood is useful in carving and in the making of musical -instruments, or elsewhere where delicacy is required, as well as -strength. - -From sapan a rich crimson dye is extracted. This is obtained by -cutting the smaller branches into little pieces and soaking them in -boiling water. This dye is much esteemed, but is not so permanent as -that made from cochineal. - -There are many hundreds of islands in the Philippines with thousands of -miles of virgin forests, with woods suitable for ship-building, houses, -cars, fittings, furniture, wharves, bolts, axe-handles, carriages, -wheels, and everything else that timber is used for; besides some -exquisite pink, red, yellow, and veined varieties, capable of high -polish, and suitable for veneering and for dye-woods. The saps of -many trees, also, give a hard, durable glaze. - -Magnificent orchids abound in all parts of the Philippines. One -specimen was recently sold for $500. And there are rubber trees that -have hardly been worked, but have, nevertheless, a future of great -importance. - - - - -The Bamboo Plant and its Uses. - -The most beautiful plant in the colony is bamboo. It grows everywhere -except in marshy places--on the hills, along the banks of rivers, in -open spaces, and in woods. Groups of bamboos are invariably cultivated -by the natives in the vicinity of their homes. It has a light, -feathery, tufted top, that waves in the slightest breeze and gives -a spirited look to the landscape. It frequently grows to the height -of fifty or sixty feet, is from five to eight inches in diameter, -and strongly jointed, every joint strengthened by an inside web. - -There are also many smaller kinds. - -The plant is constantly propagated by the natives from young shoots; -for bamboo-sticks always bring their price in Manila markets, according -to size and season. There are several varieties; and the uses to which -they are put are endless, the wood being tough, flexible, and elastic. - -From bamboo-sticks huts, houses, and churches are made; and even roofed -and thatched. For the latter, however, nipa palm and cógon grass are -preferred. Bridges are constructed of them several hundred feet in -length, over which a drove of elephants could safely cross; they are -used in the making of furniture, walls, flooring, rafts, scaffolding, -carts, baskets, vessels to contain liquid, and measures for wheat, -organs, and small instruments, and every kind of household utensil -used by the natives. They are used, also, for weapons, for cordage, -for hats, for mats, for palings, for carrying poles, for blowers -to a furnace, and for condensing-pipes in making brandy,--and for a -hundred other articles of amusement or convenience. - -Bamboo-leaves are eaten by horses and cattle, and its tender shoots by -man. In one variety of the cane a stone is occasionally found. This -the Indians believe will heal sickness. In another kind is a white -substance used to allay inflammation of the eye. This disease is very -common in the colony, owing to the intensity of the sun-rays. - -The rattan, or calamus family, is very much like the bamboo, and -its varieties are only a little less useful. One kind, the bojo, -is used for much the same things that the lighter bamboo is. - - - - -The Bejuco Rope. - -The bejuco, or bush rope, a rattan, is sometimes three hundred feet -long; indeed, it is said to have been found on one of the islands -three times that length. It is used for rope, cords, or cable; to bind -hemp-bags, sugar-bales, and bundles; to lash together whatever breaks -down or gives way, in house, harness, carriage, cart, machinery, or -package; in the city street, in the country, on the mountain, in the -wilderness. The thickest bejuco is used for rafts and cables, and, -in conjunction with bamboo, for the making of suspension bridges. And -the delicate fibres are woven into cloth, and even made into hats -and cigar cases. - - - - -The Useful Cocoanut Palm. - -Cocoanut plantations are among the surest sources of revenue in -the Philippines. The fruit is in demand in every market in the -world--as much so as oranges and lemons; and every part of the tree -can be sold. It thrives best on sandy soil, near the sea-shore, -and cocoanut-groves are expected to produce a profit of $250 an -acre annually. - -In many provinces this palm is cultivated for the oil only, which -is then used either at home or is shipped to Europe. In the European -climate it is solid and is made into soap and candles. In the islands -the heat reduces it to a liquid, which is used for oiling machinery, -for lighting, and for cooking purposes. The nightly terror of the -region is a possible impending earthquake, and so in every house -or hut a tiny light burns from dark to dawn: a glass is half-filled -with water; on top is poured a small quantity of cocoanut oil, and in -this floats a wick, protected by a strip of tin. This arrangement has -the illuminating qualities of a brilliant firefly, but in cases of -illness or fright other lamps can be lighted quickly, and the panic -of darkness averted. - -The majority of the inhabitants use cocoanut oil from reasons -of economy. The factories are small bamboo huts, and the process -primitive. The nuts are first dried, then halved and scraped,--an easy -process while the pulp is fresh. The mass is then pressed, to express -the oil, and the refuse boiled in order to obtain what is left of the -fatty substance. This is skimmed off. The whole is then packed into -kegs, and is ready for the markets of Manila or Madrid. The meat of -the nut is eaten as food by the natives, or made into sweets. The -milk, or water, is a refreshing and harmless drink, and makes good -vinegar also. The shell is carved into household utensils, and when -burnt makes a valuable dye. Every part of the tree is used. The native -dwells in a house made of the trunk and thatched with the leaves. From -it he obtains light, fire, rope, brushes, mats, furniture, clothing, -and, in fact, all the necessaries of life. In Europe and America the -coir, or outer covering of the cocoanut shell, is made into ropes -and cocoa-matting. - -Besides all this, the sap of the tree forms a delightful beverage, -called tuba. Incisions are made high up in the flowering stalk, -and underneath these cuts, vessels are hung to the tree, in order to -catch the liquor as it falls. This is removed at sunrise and sunset, -and is served fresh at the different houses. For it there is a daily -demand. The dealer, too, has it for sale in the market-place. - -A distilled wine is also made from this, called cocoa-wine. Tuba trees -are never used for fruit, as the loss of the sap deprives them of -their producing-power. And tuba-gathering is extremely dangerous. The -natives are obliged to climb to a great height to make the incisions -and gather the liquor, and a false step means certain death. - - - - -Oppressive Regulations of the Government. - -The Government is very jealous of foreign growers. There is a -well-known case of a young Englishman that invested in a cocoanut -grove, a few years ago, not far from Manila. He was ruined in a short -time by taxes and exactions--on the score that he was not a native. The -real reason, however, was the fear that his success would draw round -him a British colony. - -On the other hand, Spaniards and natives find no difficulty to obtain -concessions from the Government, under promise of cultivating the land -so taken. The regulations are so vague or so impossible, that they are -inevitably broken. The proprietor, too, is never sure of his land: -it can be forfeited by disobedience; and lawsuits are constantly -going on between the individual and the State. - -This condition of affairs is of course annoying to everyone concerned, -yet no one ever thinks of changing the laws. To a Spaniard, what was -good enough for his grandfather is quite good enough for himself. - - - - -The Early Missionaries Beneficial to the Natives. - -The early missionaries from Mexico were of the greatest benefit to -the Filipinos, both in the religious and in the practical affairs of -life. They introduced the use of wheat and maize, taught the natives -how to cultivate these articles of food, and, when ripe, how to make -them into bread. But there were many stubborn prejudices to overcome; -and for a long time wheat was eaten by the natives only in the holy -wafer used in the sacrament of the Church. - -Now, wheat-patches are common, and in many districts maize is as much -a staple article of food as rice is in others, and roasted ears of -corn are sold as a delicacy in the markets. There are three crops of -maize grown in a year, but only for family use. - -The missionaries also introduced the art of weaving, and all -through the islands a primitive bamboo-loom is one of the commoner -implements of the smallest hut. Here are woven fabrics of cotton, -silk, hemp, bamboo, and piña,--the fibre of the pineapple leaf. The -merely well-to-do and poorer classes wear clothes woven of cotton, -silk, and piña, or of piña and hemp, or of hemp or bamboo. But the -glory of the wealthy, Spaniard or Mestizo, man or woman, are their -garments of pure pineapple-leaf fibre, called jusi. This is durable -and almost priceless. A small jusi handkerchief is worth $50. So -delicate is the thread, that, in weaving, it is protected by gauze -from the gentlest breeze. The costliness of the material, therefore, -is due to the difficulties of the weaver and to the time and patience -necessary to produce even a single inch. - -The missionaries, as well, taught the native the arts of living; -of being more comfortable in his house, and out of it; of making -bricks and tiles, and of building and adorning churches. And thus -they stood between an exacting Government and the helpless natives, -and were often the only Providence of which the latter were aware. - -Herbs and medicinal plants abound in the islands. The bark of the ditá -tree greatly resembles that known as Peruvian Bark, and is used by -the natives to reduce fever. From it an alkaloid is extracted that -is called by Manila chemists, ditaïne. Its effects are like those -produced by swallowing quinine, only not so marked. - -A perfume called Ylang-Ylang, is made from the flowers of a tree of -that name that grows in the Philippines. - -Large quantities of wax are found there, and are used in the functions -of the Church. Indeed, the poor priests constantly gather candle-ends -at the close of each service, and sell them to be remoulded. The -small sums of money thus gained are deemed a part of their perquisites. - - - - - - - - -MINERAL WEALTH OF THE ISLANDS. - - -Early Search for Gold. - -Mining for gold was unquestionably practiced in the Philippines long -before the time of Magellan, and incredible stories were told by -Spanish conquerors of the rich deposits on the islands, and of the -weight and beauty of the bracelets, necklets, and anklets of pure -metal worn by the natives. But the cruelty and robberies of Mexico -and Peru were repeated there, and the Indians yielded their jewels -and hoards to the ruthless conqueror. - -Galleon after galleon sailed to Spain laden with the precious dust, -and enormous rewards were bestowed upon pilot and captain that should -convoy the treasure safely home. Winds, waves, and rocks were not the -only enemies of the Spanish mariner, either. England has always had a -hankering for the Philippines, and her fleets accordingly went out of -their way many a time to despoil Spain. In his voyage round the world, -Sir Francis Drake seized two prize-ships filled with island-gold, -in token of whose riches one of his cruisers swaggered into the port -of London with damask sails and silken cordage. And in the eighteenth -century Anson's fleet hovered for years in the neighborhood of the -Philippines, a rich prize occasionally his reward. - - - - -The Mining Laws and Methods of the Colony. - -The mining laws of the colony are extremely liberal in character; -almost any one--Spaniard, native, or foreigner--that discovers a mine, -and reports it to the Government, is allowed to work it. Certain -regulations exist, however, that must be strictly observed. The mine -has to be worked uninterruptedly eight months of the year; no less -than eight laborers shall be employed at a time; and it must be under -the inspection of the Mining Department of the State. - -The gold of these islands is produced by washing and digging. The tools -that the natives use--a washing-board and a wooden bowl--are of great -antiquity, and are invariably seen among the household utensils in -the gold regions. Large deposits of gold are found in the beds of -streams, and sometimes, after heavy rains, grains of the precious -metal may be picked up in the streets of the small villages. - -No Indian ever works systematically, or lays up anything for a possible -future time of need. The tax-gatherer is at hand, and in a desultory -way the native manages to get sufficient of the wherewithal to satisfy -his greed. Or a holiday approaches, and there must be a few dollars -to gamble away in the cock-pit. All this is done in the intervals of -other work,--the planting of his own land, or the gathering of the -rice-harvest for his employer. The gold lies about him, upon which -he can draw at pleasure for his extra relaxations or needs. It is -always there, has always been, will always be there. Why should he -trouble himself further? - -Mining, scientifically considered, as carried on in Europe and in -America, is unknown in the Philippines. Nevertheless, from the first, -so far as draining is concerned, operations have been conducted on -sound engineering principles. The natives cling to ancient customs, -and reject explosives of every sort, using instead the work of myriads -of human hands; but they have been rewarded by obtaining thousands -of ounces of gold. - -For instance, in draining the mines, the shafts are filled with -men that bail out the water with small buckets made of palm leaf, -and holding about two gallons. These are passed from hand to hand, -and this seems to serve their purpose quite as well as a more modern -method. To an Anglo-Saxon the slowness of the process would, of course, -be intolerable. The natives wash the river-sands, or grind the alluvial -deposits between stones. In the latter instance the whole mass is -thrown into grates, when the metal sinks to the bottom. In the mines -the rocks are broken with hammers, and the quartz pulverized between -mill-stones; then dissolved. By this means the gold is separated. - -The inhabitants of one province cut a basin in the top of a mountain -and conducted water to it through canals of palm-leaf. As they dug, -the stratifications of gold revealed themselves and the quartz was -detached. In another province a hillock has been cut down to sea-level, -and large quantities of paying quartz must have been obtained, as -the natives never work long without reward. - -Mambulao is on the island of Luzon. It means in Bicol language, -"the place of gold." Here is an abandoned mine, worked by the ancient -methods. The records say that, in its time, it produced weekly sales -of gold, amounting to one thousand ounces. - -On the other hand, the Spaniards have conducted their mining -operations without enterprise and without ingenuity, and during the -last twenty-five years they have spent nearly a million and a half -dollars, with results that are totally unsatisfactory. - -There are several reasons for this state of affairs: The gold mines -are mostly in remote provinces of the colony, and there are no -practical roads. The natives that are employed--because they live in -the vicinity of the mines--are half-subjected, totally uncivilized, -and frequently nomadic. They accordingly resent interference with -property that they deem their inalienable rights. And in this they -are supported by the friars: they also dislike change. - -Since 1894 the agents of the Philippines' Mineral Syndicate--an English -concern--have been vigorously exploring for gold and the other metals, -and in time American capital and intelligence will probably do what -Spanish ignorance and inertness have failed to accomplish. - - - - -Where the Precious Metal is Found. - -Till now, much of the gold found has been near the coast, and -accessible. The principal districts are Mambulao, in Luzon, the -islands of Cion, Mindoro, Mindanao, and Panaon, a small island north -of Mindanao. It is a well-known fact that the natives in the interior -of Luzon, a district only partly explored, traffic in gold. And it -is believed that the mountains in the centre of the island are the -sources of the alluvial deposits so freely gathered. In the districts -mentioned there is not a stream--however small--that does not bear -in its sands some evidence of the presence of gold; and heavy nuggets -are occasionally brought in from the interior. - -For the present, however, only the edges of the gold districts -can be worked. The absence of roads must long prove an insuperable -obstacle even to English and American capital and inventiveness. To -the Indians this is no obstacle at all. They march along contentedly, -in single file, cutting their way with bowie-knives through dense and -almost impenetrable forests, their burden the primitive instruments of -their ancestors; their power lying in numbers, and in the invincible -strength of the naked hand. - -But modern methods require machinery, and machinery requires roads for -its transportation and for bridges, and for all the costly engineering -staff and outfit. The proper development of the gold districts of the -islands will therefore, necessarily, be a thing of the future. English -or American enterprise, if devoted to this purpose, must find its -reward near the coast, and in the vicinity of harbors and navigable -rivers. - -So far, gold is known only in placer-deposits, and these not very rich, -as compared with the golden sands of California or the gravel pits -of Alaska. Personally, I know but little about these gold gravels, -having seen only some of their results. They are so widely distributed, -and are worked in so desultory a manner, that their actual richness -is a matter of guess-work. - -But, as is well known, the gold of streams comes from quartz-veins -in the mountains, which have been worn away and washed down by -the rains during the long ages, then carried down stream, with the -mud and the gravel of the rock débris, and gradually sinking to the -bottom. There may be rich rock-veins in the interior, at the head of -those gold-paved water channels. But I have made no search for these -mother-beds; neither have the Spanish. - -Many Chinese enter the gold districts, penetrating into the most -distant parts, and exchanging their wares for gold, which is sent -to China in ways known to themselves alone. Paracale is a prosperous -village in the interior of Luzon, and "Paracale" gold is well known -in Manila on account of its shape,--the metal being melted in shells, -that give it form. Every small shell bears the mark of the Chinese -testing-auger; its fineness seldom exceeds sixteen carats. Paracale -is near the Mambulao district, already mentioned, and is famous for -its abandoned mine and for its gold-washings. - - - - -The Whole Country a Virgin Mine. - -In fact, the whole country waits in virgin richness to be exploited -by a wide-awake people, and now the outcome of the land falls into the -hands of the Americans. In my own mind I am convinced that gold is to -be had in paying quantities for the mining, if hunted for by some of -that enterprising people that have recently dug up such wealth in the -frozen river-beds of the Yukon. Spain held California for centuries, -and picked up not even an ounce of gold from its broad acres. The -Americans, on the other hand, found it teeming with gold; and in the -first year of their possession too. - -The same may be said of Alaska. Russia found it hardly worth the -keeping, and sold it at a low price to the United States. To-day it -could not be bought back for a hundred times the price paid for it. - -Such may prove to be the case with the Philippines. They wait to be -exploited. Spain has held them for centuries, and knows next to nothing -about them. I venture to affirm that the United States would not hold -them ten years before they would be veritable mines of wealth. I am -satisfied, too, that they are far richer in gold, iron, coal, and -some other minerals than is suspected. But this can be proved only -by a stirring people, that will cut their way through the tropical -jungles, explore the hill-country from base to summit, and cover the -islands with a network of rails,--the iron nerves of modern enterprise. - -The country sadly needs opening up and developing. It is running over -with rich possibilities. But it wants brains and hands. I know that -it can be made enormously prolific if proper energy be devoted to -the task. - - - - -Precious Stones and Iron. - -An English engineer, in the employ of the Mineral Syndicate, -told me that in some gold alluvial-deposits brought to him by -the aborigines in the interior of Luzon, he had discovered small -stones. Subsequent investigations and tests proved them to be rubies -and hyacinths. Granted. But I have never heard of precious stones -outside of that district; nor do I believe they exist in any quantity -there. - -There is plenty of iron, of excellent quality, in Luzon and in the -other islands. There are some deserted mines near Manila that were -once worked by the Government; but they have been idle for more than a -century. About the year 1750, by promises of great concessions to the -State, a Spaniard named Salyado obtained possession of a large iron -mine in the district of Mórong. Finding the Indians too indolent to -help him, he hired Chinese. He was then attacked by the Church, on -the score of employing infidel labor, and eventually he was obliged -to send his workmen back to China at his own expense. He was further -refused a market for his ore, because, it was said, it was the result -of infidel labor. Hence, he found himself ruined. The Government thus -adopted a plan to get the valuable mine into its own hands again, -after which its interest ceased. - -Near Angat, early in this century, two Englishmen introduced expensive -machinery, and proceeded to mine for iron. They were so cheated by -the natives, and received so little in return for the large sums -expended, that they simultaneously committed suicide, by blowing out -their brains. - - - - -Peculiar Methods of Mining Copper. - -Copper is found in many parts of the Philippines, but in very small -quantities. In the mountain-ranges in the centre of Luzon, however, -deposits have been worked by the natives from a time long before that -of the Spaniards. They soften the rocks by wood fires and then make -excavations, separating the ore according to quality. Their furnaces -are holes lined with clay, and they use blowers of bamboo to produce -the necessary draught. - -The Spaniards recently took hold of the mines, introducing the most -expensive machinery and the latest methods; but they failed where the -natives had succeeded, and their enterprise collapsed. The Indians -still work them on a small scale. - -The engineers of the syndicate also found a very curious deposit -of copper in one of their concessions. This consists of round or -pear-shaped nuggets of the metal, with traces of both gold and silver -in their composition. - - - - -Other Minerals and the Coal-fields. - -The Archipelago is said to be of volcanic formation, and unlimited -quantities of sulphur exist on many of the islands. Red lead, silver, -and gypsum were also found, and marble, capable of a high polish. - -There are extensive coal fields in Luzon and Cebú, but it is mostly of -a poor quality, known by the trade as lignite. It is used in coaling -steamers, but not when long voyages are to be taken. Five thousand tons -per month could be procured in Cebú alone, if carriage were provided; -yet nearly all the coal used is imported from Australia. - -A few years ago an American vessel was wrecked on the coast of -Mindoro. The captain and his men crossed to a port on the east -coast, over the mountains, living for seventeen days in the woods -on nuts. They reported great ledges of out-cropping coal in the -hill-country, and that thousands of tons had broken off and fallen to -the foot of the cliffs. The Spanish Government immediately confiscated -the lands;--and that was the last of the matter. - -The coal field in Luzon lies in the southern part. A lead cropping -out at Gatho is from ten to twenty feet in thickness. This has proved -useful for steamboat service. The coal of Cebú was first discovered in -1827. It is found on the western slopes of the island, and seemingly -extends under the straits, appearing again on the eastern slopes of -the neighboring island, Negros. At least five beds have been opened, -which vary in quality and thickness; but exploration has not been -actively conducted. - -Once more: The Spanish masters of the island have done little to -develop its mineral resources. It is therefore impossible to say how -rich it may be in coal. The find reported by the American captain -lies fallow, no effort having been made even to prove its truth or -to test its value. It was in the mountainous interior, and, hence, -would demand railroads and other public improvements for its working, -and the Spanish find it more convenient to enjoy life lazily in Manila -than to disturb their easy existence by any such activity. - -To those minerals mentioned I may add quicksilver, lead, sulphate, and -vermilion. As yet, the veins of lead and quicksilver have yielded no -results of value, and probably they possess none. But they have been -discovered in many localities and may be found in others; possibly, -too, of greater richness. - -Perhaps the iron of the Philippines offers the best opening for -enterprise. As I have said, it occurs in many sections, and is of -excellent quality, pure and rich, but it was actually worked a century -ago with more energy than it is to-day. It is capable of yielding -great results to an enterprising people. The Philippines fell like -a rich jewel into the hands of Spain, but have been left by them in -their uncut state. They remain like a rough diamond, needing only -the work of the lapidary--America--to show to the world their full -beauty and value. - - - - - - - - -ANIMAL LIFE IN THE COLONY. - - -The Useful Buffalo, and Other Domestic Animals. - -Among the domesticated animals of the Philippines the buffalo stands -first; the delight and pride of the low-class native being in his -carabao, as he designates this animal. It is easily domesticated, -and is regarded with affection by its owner, being a very different -animal from the wild buffalo of the Asiatic and African wilds,--one -of the most savage of beasts. - -At six years of age the tamed buffalo is put to work as a draught -animal, and when twelve years old it remains strong enough for five -years more of light labor. The buffalo is the plough-horse of the -islands. The plough is a very primitive affair--a heavy stick of wood -sharpened to a point at one end, with a beam attached by rattan thongs, -about two feet above the point to which the buffaloes are hitched, -and with a handle for the ploughman at the right end, consisting of -a round bar of wood, inserted in an auger hole. - -The buffalo is amphibious in habit, and if left to itself will spend -a considerable part of the time in mud and water. It is capable of -keeping its head under water for two minutes at a time, exploring the -bottom of streams or pools for certain favorite plants. To it a daily -mud-bath is one of the necessities of life. He will fling himself on -his side in the mire, and shuffle round and round until he is covered -to the eyes with a mortar-like substance. When he has dried himself -in the sun he looks like a huge clay image. This strange habit is not -without its useful purpose. Millions of stinging flies swarm among -the rank vegetation of his habitat, and till his mud-coat peels off -the animal is impregnable to their vicious attacks. - -At work in the field he has certain feathered companions,--usually -five or six white herons,--that follow him and feed on the worms and -insects that his heavy tread brings to the surface. A more friendly -attendant is a small black bird, that hops on the back of the great -creature, and cleanses its ears of the vermin that harbor there. - -By the native owner the buffalo is treated with the utmost kindness, -a warm affection existing between the family and their patient, -docile laborer. Easy to train, and slow in movement, it can be guided -by a child three years old, and will move or halt with readiness at -the call of any of the family. Yet, strong as it is, it cannot work -for more than two hours without rest, and cannot exist at a distance -from streams. - -Epidemic diseases sometimes break out among these animals and destroy -thousands of them. An old acquaintance of mine once lost in this -way nearly the whole of his live-stock in one season. Buffaloes are -not much needed in the hemp districts, where there is no ploughing -done, but are very necessary on the sugar plantations. Their -price varies accordingly. Wild ones, when caught young, are easily -tamed and trained by kindness, which the low-class native bestows -freely. Buffalo-hunting is very dangerous; for the animal in his -native jungle fights to kill or be killed; therefore, only the calves -are captured alive. Buffalo-meat makes excellent food, and its flesh, -cut into strips, and sun-dried, is much relished by the natives. - -Horses are not native to the islands. The ponies that are found -there in large quantities are descended from the Andalusian horse and -the Chinese mare. They are swift and strong when cared for, but are -treated with horrible cruelty by the natives. These ponies, having -an Arab strain, are sensitive and nervous, easily guided by kindness; -whereas, on the other hand, they are infuriated by mismanagement. The -native riders often first goad them to madness and then punish them -viciously. This seems to arise more from a misunderstanding between -the two animals than from definite cruelty on one hand and obstinacy -on the other; and the contests witnessed daily in the streets of -Manila are not more painful than ridiculous. - -The oxen sold in Manila markets do not yield very palatable beef, -being fattened on an herb that they are very fond of, but that gives -to the flesh a taste the reverse of agreeable. - -In fact, neither fish, flesh, nor fowl has the same taste as those of -Europe and America, and newcomers to Manila have to acquire a taste -for these viands. Of course they are all right with those "to the -manner born." - -Sheep are not indigenous to the soil, and do not thrive there, -languishing and dying within a few months. - -The other domestic animals include goats, dogs, cats, pigs, monkeys, -and the ordinary fowls. The dogs and cats are of inferior breed, -a peculiarity in the cats being twisted tails. Among the viands -that foreigners seem to approve, is stewed monkey, but the natives -will not touch it except as a medicine, they deeming it of value in -cutaneous diseases. - - - - -Reptiles, Bats, and Insects. - -Reptiles and insects abound both in the jungles and in the villages. In -the latter they are, indeed, more numerous than is agreeable to -strangers. Among them are lizards, frogs, snakes, centipedes, -tarantulas, spiders of great size, hornets, beetles, ants, and -myriad other inmates of the minor world. The snakes while usually -harmless are not always so; one species,--the manapo,--found in the -rice-fields, haunts the mud and the tall rice-blades; its bite is -fatal if not immediately cauterized. Leeches are numerous in swamps -and stagnant pools, and one tiny species, found in dense forests only, -has the disagreeable habit of leaping from the trees upon passers-by, -and at once beginning its blood-imbibing habit. - -Boa-constrictors are the giant members of the serpent family. They -are rare, and when caught are caged. Large as they are, little dread -is felt of them, they being far less dangerous than the manapo, -the small tenant of the rice-fields. - -Bats are numerous, and some of them are of enormous size, measuring -five feet from tip to tip of the wings, and with a body almost as -large as a cat. One of these uncanny creatures, gone astray from its -native haunts, flew into the dining-room of a Manila hotel once where I -was dining. Its appearance was appalling: women shrieked and fainted, -men rolled under the tables, and an earthquake could hardly have made -more commotion. These huge bats are much hunted by Europeans, and their -soft skins are eagerly purchased by those that are returning home. - - - - -A Field for the Sportsman. - -The Philippines abound in game; deer and wild boars being plentiful; -while the game-birds include pheasants, snipe, pigeons, woodcock, -ducks, and other water-fowl. There are also hawks, cranes, herons, -parrots, parroquets, and many species peculiar to the islands. Among -the latter, we are told of a small black bird of the swallow-kind -that makes its nest in the tails of wild horses,--a story more -easily told than believed. Other fables concerning birds are extant, -one describing the "solitary" bird, which dies when captured; one, -the calayo, which has a large, transparent bill, and crows like a -cock; one, the bocuit, a bird of seven colors and the sweetest of -notes. There is a curious pigeon with a crimson spot on the breast, -which looks like a blood-stain from a wound. - -Of aquatic creatures, tortoises are of considerable commercial -importance. They march in from the sea in great numbers, and the -natives turn them on their backs to prevent them from escaping, leaving -them in this helpless state until they are ready to remove them. - -Quantities of small fish are caught in the rice-paddy fields when -they are flooded; and the rich Indians are fond of a curious kind -of beetle found in stagnant waters, which will bring in the markets, -in the season, as high as fifty cents a dozen. They eat many things -that would be repulsive to a foreigner. - -Among the lizards there is a little creature, known as the guiko, -that frequents houses, and whose noise is very annoying. It is not a -fair representative of the "cricket on the hearth." It has its value, -however, being useful in destroying vermin. It clings with remarkable -tenacity, even when dying, to the piece of timber on which it is -placed, the soles of its feet seeming to be provided with suckers. - -There are few scenes in nature more beautiful than a bush or tree when -lighted with the brilliant fireflies that illuminate the forests at -night. They seem almost to have a system of fire-telegraphy, answering, -as they do, each other by a sudden glow of a delicate green hue, -which gleams in quick succession from point to point of the bush. - - - - -The Locust Scourge. - -The great scourge of the Philippines is the locust. It will not touch -the hemp plantations, but menaces and devastates almost everything -else green or growing. In 1851 the Government imported some martins -from China, for the extermination of the pest. They were received -by a procession of soldiers, with a band of music, and the cages -containing them were carried in state to Santa Mesa, where the birds -were turned loose. The severest penalties were then prescribed for -any person that should kill a martin. According to latest accounts, -however, the locusts still flourish. - -The injury done by these pests to cultivated lands is always serious, -often disastrous. Miles of ripened crops may be devoured in a single -night. When the locust-army makes its descent by day, preparing to -attack a planted field, the natives do their best to drive it away by -dint of noise and glare, beating tin cans, rattling bamboo-choppers, -waving scarlet flags. Others make a dense smoke, by setting fire to -damp straw and other fuel. The insects are very sensitive to noise, -and the firing of small mortars, which the natives use at feasts, -is a very useful locust-dispeller. - -In general appearance the locust looks like a large grasshopper; -of a light reddish-brown hue in the males, and a darker brown in -the females. The eggs are laid in the ground, which is pierced to -the depth of an inch by the auger-like ovipositor of the female. She -continues this process of egg-laying every few days, if allowed to -settle. Two or three weeks are necessary for the hatching. The grubs -cannot be driven to flight, as their wings do not sprout for about ten -days, and they set themselves diligently to work to eat their fill, -making havoc in the growing crops. Though they cannot fly, they can -jump, and the plan adopted to dispose of them is to form a barrier of -sheet-iron at one side of the field, dig a pit before it, and set a -number of men to beat up the small game around the other three sides -of the field. In this way the young locusts may be driven in heaps -into the pit, and there destroyed. I have seen instances where tons -of these destructive pests were thus slain. - -Locusts have been known to travel as far as sixty miles out to sea. It -is a curious fact, that, they avoid for several years a province -where large quantities of their number have been swallowed up and -destroyed by an earthquake. - -Aside from their destroying growing-crops, these insects are perfectly -harmless; little children play with them, and older people eat them, -fried locust being esteemed a great delicacy by the poor-class -natives. I can vouch for one instance in which the inhabitants of a -certain village offered to pay the parish priest if he would say mass -for the continuance of this luxury. The scourge is thus a terror to -the planter, but a boon to his poor laborers. - - - - -The Chief Nuisances: Mosquitoes and Ants. - -To repeat: Among the chief nuisances in the Philippines are mosquitoes -and ants. The ordinary bed is a hemp mat, without sheets, but never -without ample mosquito nets, in the absence of which sleep would be -banished. The white ants are indeed formidable; not like the locusts, -feeding on green things growing, but destroying dry wood and vegetable -fibre, wherever found. They can literally devour a house; and I have -been gravely told that even the surface of iron is not safe from -their ravages. - -Many anecdotes are extant concerning the silent, hidden, and rapid -ravages of these aggressive insects, working entirely out of sight, yet -finding their way by a sure instinct to anything that will serve them -for food. In one aggravating instance, happening in 1838, the priests -of a certain town had packed away, in a trunk of narra-wood, the -various articles used in the service of the mass, including the robes, -priests' garments, and so forth. The following day, March 19th, they -were taken out and used, and in the evening restored to the trunk. On -the 20th some dirt was seen near this receptacle, and it was opened. To -the horror of all the priests, their sacred vestments had vanished; -nothing was left of them but a layer of dust and the gold and silver -lace, this being tarnished by a filthy deposit. Yet not an ant was to -be found in the trunk, nor in any part of the church; and five days -elapsed before it was discovered how they had reached their prey. It -was then found that they had eaten through a beam six inches thick, -making a small hole, through which they obtained access to the trunk. - -Blind though they are, their other senses seem to be remarkably -developed. They work from underground, never appearing at the surface, -and will excavate a piece of furniture until it is a mere shell, and -falls at a touch, yet not show the least vestige of a tunnel outside. - -One ignorant servant-girl had lent her earnings, in hard silver -dollars, to a relative, and on asking to be repaid was gravely informed -that the money no longer existed--the white ants had eaten it. This -preposterous story was believed by the girl, who was ready to accept -any marvel that the white ants were credited with. - - - - - - - - -STRUGGLE OF THE FILIPINOS FOR LIBERTY. - - -Early Insurrections Against the Spaniards. - -Many and notable have been the struggles of the Filipinos to escape -the yoke of the Spanish tyrant. But in all cases European intelligence -and Spanish treachery proved too strong for the simple natives, and -thus, after every revolt, the chains of servitude were riveted only -more firmly. - -As early as 1622 there was a revolt on Bojol island, which was speedily -quelled. The same year saw a great insurrection in Leyte, which was put -down only after great difficulty. The leaders were all executed: some -were garroted, others shot with arrows, and many burnt at the stake. - -Despite these extreme punishments, a rising took place in Surigao, -in the eastern part of Mindanao, in 1629, which lasted for three -years. At last, weary of the tyranny of the church, the natives -rose en masse and killed the priests. Expedition after expedition -was sent from Manila; and after much loss on the Spanish side, -and a vigorous resistance on the part of the rebels themselves, -the rebellion was brought to an end. But the peace that followed -was destined to be of short duration. In 1649 the Governor-General -put into effect the odious press-law, which caused a general protest -and a formidable revolt. A native, Sumoroy by name, killed a priest -that had grievously wronged him, and led the insurrection. The Spanish -soldiers, unable to apprehend him, discovered his mother, and literally -tore her to pieces. Sumoroy, goaded into a very frenzy of vengeance, -pursued his enemies with merciless hate, and many fell a victim to his -cruelty. He was finally betrayed by his own people and beheaded. His -head was stuck on a pole and paraded through the province. Other -chiefs then surrendered, on the condition of receiving a full pardon; -but the Spaniards forgot their fair promises, and promptly hanged -them as soon as they had them in hand. This rebellion also extended -to other provinces, but was quelled by the proclamation of a general -amnesty. All those that took part in it, however, were, finally, -executed or imprisoned. - -In 1660 there was another rising in Pampanga, where the natives were -forced to cut down timber without payment. In Pangasinan province -Andres Malong, a native, was declared King. He advanced toward the -capital with a large army, gathering reinforcements on the way, -till he had with him about 40,000 men. These were met by a small but -well-armed Spanish force, and were routed. Most of the chiefs were -captured and hanged. - -In 1744 a Jesuit parish priest, Morales, by his despotic manner and -arrogance, embittered the natives of his flock. One of these, whose -brother's body was left uninterred because his family could not furnish -enough money to satisfy the unjust demands of the avaricious priest, -led a party of natives against him. Morales was captured and executed, -and his own body left in the sun. Dagohoy then raised the standard -of revolt, and was joined by many thousands of his countrymen. He and -his people thus maintained their independence for thirty-five years, -when they finally submitted and were pardoned. On account of the -strength and the multitude of the offenders in this insurrection the -Spaniards were afraid to visit upon them the customary punishment; -they feared to provoke another rebellion. - -In 1823 a creole, Andres Novales, conspired to seize the capital and -to control the Government. He and his fellow-conspirators, however, -were seized and executed. - -In 1827 there was a small rebellion in Cebú, which was quelled by -the friars. Another insurrection took place in Negros in 1844, when -the Governor of the province was killed, because he made the natives -work for his own private purpose. - - - - -The Burgos Revolt. - -In 1872 the friars were again the cause of a great revolt. Dr Joseph -Burgos, a prominent native, led a party that urged the exclusion of -the friars from parochial incumbencies. This had been promised at -the council of Trent. The night of a suburban feast was the time -agreed upon by the natives for the attack. The native soldiers of -the garrison were also in the plot; and thus the arsenal was taken -almost without a struggle, while the Europeans were now made the -object of the attack. The latter rallied, however, and drove out the -invaders. The arsenal was re-taken and many rebels were killed and -taken prisoners. Burgos himself, with three other native priests, -was apprehended and executed on the old sea-wall by the Luneta, -that spot so richly sanctified by the blood of patriot-heroes. - -Many others of the native clergy were banished. And ever since this -revolt the native priests have been under suspicion, and native -youths are no longer allowed to study for the priesthood. In this -instance the insurgents had planned a revolutionary government, which, -if successfully carried out, would have reflected great honor upon -the leaders. - - - - -The Present Rebellion. - -In August, 1896, the present rebellion was begun. The causes of this -uprising were similar to those that caused the preceding insurrections; -the arrogance and the exactions of the friars, the oppressive taxes, -the licenses and numerous fees, and other extortions practised by -the Government officials were again the source of much discontent -among the people. The natives, furthermore, were compelled to submit -to usurious loans whenever they wished to raise money to carry on the -various kinds of domestic enterprise. If a native was unable to satisfy -the claims against him, his property was immediately confiscated by -the Government. This power of confiscation was used most effectively -against the well-to-do-natives, who thus were fleeced by the officials -on the slightest pretext. - - - - -The Katipunan. - -Smarting under these grievances, the natives formed a secret -Revolutionary League, called the Katipunan, which soon numbered not -less than 50,000 men. Cavité was the rebel stronghold, and from the -day of its inception till the present time the rebellion has steadily -grown; the barbarity and inhumanity of the Spaniards, now proverbial, -have caused similar retaliations on the part of the rebels. And while -this is not surprising, it is, nevertheless, surely to be deplored. - -If the civilized and religious Spaniard tortured his prisoners,--by -burning, smothering, disemboweling, and otherwise mutilating,--what -was to be expected of the half-civilized ignorant native. He, -however, displayed far more mercy and greater magnanimity than his -European enemy. The Spaniards, indeed, revived all the horrors of the -inquisition,--the thumbscrew, the stake, and the rack. Is it a wonder -that the Filipinos, rankling with the memory of a recent outrage and -an ancient wrong, sometimes inflicted the same punishments on the -unfortunate Spaniards that fell into their hands? - - - - -The Black Hole of Manila. - -For the rebels well knew that a policy of extermination had been -declared against them. Was it not at a banquet in Manila that the -Spanish officers made a compact to kill the savages like wild beasts in -their lairs, and to show quarter to none! We yet shudder when we think -of the black hole of Manila, in which one hundred prisoners were thrust -one night, of whom sixty were found dead the next morning--because -the one door that admitted air into the dungeon had been shut. We -remember with horror, too, the executions of the rebels in Manila. - -The day of an execution was made a day of jubilee, when the élite -of the city came out to grace the general rejoicing. It was eagerly -looked forward to, and, in honor of the great event, all the prominent -houses were decked in flags and bunting--the whole city, in fact, -assumed a holiday aspect. - -The execution usually took place in the cool of the morning, when -the Luneta would be thronged with thousands of people, who came to -witness this grand vindication of the honor of Spain. Nor was the -fair sex lacking in these demonstrations of loyalty. Here come the -victims, stolid and indifferent; behind them march the soldiers, -with measured tread. - -The condemned are then made to stand upon the old sea-wall, and, -facing the sea, await their doom. The suspense becomes intense; -a hush falls over the expectant multitude, and a succession of -sharp commands falls upon the morning air. An answering click and -a scattered volley of shots, and the grim figures standing mutely -on the sea-wall fall headlong to the ground, many stark and stiff, -others writhing in agony. Hardly have the echoes of the shots died -away, when a jubilant cheer bursts from the assembled multitude. Men -toss their hats into the air; and ladies, beautiful and fashionably -dressed, are waving their handkerchiefs and clapping their hands in -an ecstasy of enthusiasm. The band bursts into triumphal music, and -there is great rejoicing. But ten thousand natives go back to their -homes with murder in their hearts. - - - - -The Forbearance of the Natives. - -And yet, notwithstanding this severe provocation, the rebels rarely -attacked non-combatants, and seldom injured private property--an -example of their self-restraint and their remarkable forbearance. This, -too, is seen in their refraining from molesting the only railroad -in the colony, whose traffic was, of course, an advantage to the -Spaniards. This railroad is owned by an English company, and this -fact alone saved it from destruction. - -It is also said that when the insurgents had made their plans to attack -Manila, a list of all the foreigners and non-combatants was carefully -prepared by their leaders. This, as may be supposed, was done so that -these might be guarded from the pillage and slaughter that was sure -to follow a successful assault of the thousands of infuriated natives, -thirsting for the blood of their Spanish oppressors. It would also be -no exaggeration to say, that the great majority of all the foreigners -in the islands--Germans, English, Dutch, and Americans--were secretly -in sympathy with the cause of the insurgents. And this is no cause -for wonder, when one thinks of the many and various impositions that -the Spanish Government and its unscrupulous officials have at every -shadow of an opportunity practised upon them. The rebellion began in -the province of Cavité, and was made formidable by the thousands of -refugees driven away from their rude bamboo huts and tiny rice-fields -by the Spaniards, come to pacify the province. - - - - -The Rebel Army. - -At first, the rebels were successful; but when a large army, between -15,000 and 20,000 fresh Spanish conscripts from the Peninsula, was -sent against them, they were forced to retire; and, accordingly, -they entrenched themselves in the mountains near the capital. Here -they built a considerable fortress, and though the greater part of -the troops were without arms of any kind, they were, nevertheless, -made subject to the most rigid discipline. Many of them, indeed, were -engaged in the attempt to make their own fire-arms, and it can readily -be surmised how crude and indifferent such weapons were. Those that -could not secure guns, however, armed themselves with some other -weapon; and thus in the rebel army were to be seen all sorts and -styles of instruments for offensive warfare, from the deadly native -bolo to the large steel mowing scythe of European make. Only 1200 -of the 7000 men that composed this camp possessed rifles; yet, even -thus poorly equipped, for more than eighteen months they kept up a -desultory but harassing war against 15,000 well-armed Spanish troops. - -Most interesting is the manifesto of the rebel leaders. Part of this -document read as follows: - - - We make no distinction of race. We appeal to all honorable men--to - all who desire national dignity. All suffer alike, Filipinos and - Asiatics, Americans and Europeans. We call upon all to help a - down-trodden and tormented race--to restore a country destroyed, - to raise a land degraded. We welcome all--excepting not even a - Spaniard; for with us are some noble Spaniards, lovers of justice, - and free from prejudice, who support our demands for individuality - and national honor. - - - - -The Tagal Republic Proclaimed. - -The Tagal Republic was proclaimed in October, 1896, and Andreas -Bonifacio was chosen President. When Bonifacio died, a few months -later, Aguinaldo was elected President and commander-in-chief. - -When General Primo de Rivera arrived from Spain to quell the rising -insurrection, he attempted to end the insurrection by making various -concessions, having been unable to do so by force. The rebel leaders -were accordingly approached, and these, relying upon the fair promises -of the Spaniards, made a treaty known as the Pact of Biacnabato, so -named after the village where it was signed, December 14th, 1897. In -this pact the following reforms are promised: - - - The banishment, or at least, the disbanding, of the religious - orders; Philippine representation in the Cortes; the same - administration of justice for the natives as for the Spaniards; - unity of laws between the Philippines and Spain; the natives to - share the chief offices of the Philippine civil administration; - rearrangement of the property of the friars and of the taxes in - favor of the natives; recognition of the individual rights of - the natives, with liberty of public meeting and of the press, - and a general amnesty. - - -In return for these concessions, Aguinaldo and the other leaders -promised that if Rivera fulfilled these promised reforms, they would -leave the country for three years; and that they would stir up no -insurrection against the Spanish Government during this period. The -rebels then laid down their arms and surrendered their forts and -ammunition, and, according to other provisions of the treaty, Aguinaldo -received 400,000 pesetas, which were deposited in the Hong-Kong and -Shanghai Bank at Hong-Kong; not for his own personal use, but as a -fund, the interest of which, if the Spaniards carried out their part -of the agreement, was to be devoted to the education of native youth -in England. - -In case the agreement was not carried out by the Spaniards, the money -was to be used for arms and to renew the rebellion. - - - - -Treachery of the Spaniards. - -And how did the Spaniards fulfil their part of the pact? Rivera at -no time proclaimed a general amnesty; he denied the existence of -the pact, and shot several leaders, who, relying on his promises, -had returned to Manila. The rebellion was therefore renewed. - -Only lately, Aguinaldo has again been approached by the Spanish -leaders, who promised to carry out the reforms stated in the pact if -he would combine with them against the Americans. The Captain-General, -indeed, went so far as to create a Legislative Council, to which he -appointed some of the leading men in the Tagal Republic. Aguinaldo -treated his overtures with scorn; for he well knew that these fair -promises would, like those made before, be broken at the first -opportunity. - -The most powerful political organization in the islands is the -Katipunan Society, already referred to, which has a membership of -50,000. Each member of this body made a weekly contribution to the -revolutionary fund. Among the Katipunans are a great many Freemasons, -who are most bitter in their opposition to the friars. And not without -reason; for at one time more than 3,000 Masons were imprisoned by -the friars, and fettered with irons. - - - - -Dr. José Rizal and His Wife, Josephine. - -The rebels were greatly encouraged by the presence in their ranks of -many women, who not only incited them to battle, but often also took -part themselves. Among these was Josephine Rizal, the wife of the -unfortunate and lamented Dr. Rizal,--one of the leaders in this revolt. - -Rizal was a native of high scientific acquirements, and had -considerable fame as a physician. He was also the president of the -Manila University, and was deemed a leader in social and educational -circles. But above all he was a patriot, and desired beyond all else -the freedom of his country. He soon became the most ardent, as well -as the most prominent, among the revolutionists, who looked upon him -with awe. However, he was suspected, and he was exiled to Perin, -on the island of Dapitan. There he performed a most difficult and -successful operation on a patient,--an Irishman,--whose daughter -fell violently in love with him. Rizal was similarly affected, and -the lovers were soon engaged. - -Not long after, Rizal was taken back to Manila for trial. He was -condemned to death. On the morning of his execution, December 6th, -1896, his fiancée came to visit him. It was an affecting meeting--that -last hour they were together. A sadder trysting-place surely could -not be imagined than that damp cell, over which the glimmering light -of dawn cast a sepulchral gloom. - -And there, in that dreadful hour, on the brink of the grave, the -unhappy pair were united. - -They remained together, kneeling, till the executioners came to lead -the bridegroom away. - -Rizal's speech, at the place of execution, was powerful, dignified, -eloquent. He spoke without a tremor, and said that he forgave his -enemies, even as he himself hoped for forgiveness. He then predicted -that the Spanish power would fall within the next ten years. He also -asserted pride in his martyrdom, and said he was only sorry he did -not have another life to offer for his country. - - - - -Execution of Rizal. The Philippine Joan of Arc. - -At a signal from their commanding officer, the soldiers, that were -drawn up back of the hero, fired a volley. Rizal fell forward on -his face, pierced by seven Spanish bullets. The hero-martyr of the -Philippines was dead. - -His widow instantly set out for the rebel camp at Imus, where she -was hailed as a modern Joan of Arc. She was made commander of a -body of insurgents, armed with rifles, and she showed her ability by -winning victory after victory over the Spanish troops. Her camp was -at Naic--near Cavité. Since then, Mrs. Rizal has paid a visit to the -United States, where she has been endeavoring to work up an agitation -in behalf of her country. - - - - -Rizal's Farewell Poem. - -A few hours before his death, Dr. Rizal wrote a farewell poem, entitled -"Mi Ultimo Pensamiento," the following translation of which was first -given in the New York Herald: - -Translation. - - -MY LAST THOUGHT. - -Farewell, adored fatherland! Our Eden lost, farewell! - Farewell, O sun's lov'd region, pearl of the Eastern sea! -Gladly I die for thy dear sake: Yea, thou knowest well -Were my sad life more radiant far than mortal tongue could tell - Yet would I give it gladly, joyously for thee. - -On bloodstained fields of battle, fast locked in madd'ning strife, - Thy sons have dying blest thee, untouched by doubt or fear. -No matter wreaths of laurel; no matter where our life -Ebbs out, on scaffold, or in combat, or under torturer's knife. - We welcome Death, if for our hearths, or for our country dear. - -I die while dawn's rich iris-hues are staining yet the sky, - Heralds of the freer day still hidden from our view -Behind the night's dark mantle. And should the morning nigh -Need crimson, shed my heart's blood quickly, freely, let it dye - The new-born light with th' glory of its ensanguined hue. - -My dreams when yet were ling'ring my childhood's careless years. - My dreams, my hopes, when vigor pulsed in my youthful heart, -Were that one day, gem of the East, thine eyes, undimmed with tears, -Might darkly glow, that I might see unwrinkled, free from fears, - Thy lofty brow wherefrom for aye all blushes should depart. - -Hail unto thee, dreams of my life! My dying soul doth cry - All hail to thee! And ye I hail, my aspirations deep -And ardent! Oh, how sweet it is to fall beneath thy sky, -To die that thou mayst live, and, for thy welfare high, - In thine enchanted bosom eternally to sleep! - -If on my grave, midst the thick grass, thou shouldst see spring one day - A simple, humble flow'ret, Life victor over Death, -Sweet symbol of my loving soul, ah, kiss the dew away. -Approach to it thy gentle lips, that in my cold tomb I may - Feel on my brow thy tender sigh, the soft warmth of thy breath. - -Let o'er my grave the placid moon shed its soft tranquil light; - Let cool dawn's fleeting splendor shine on my resting place; -Let the deep murmur of the wind caress it in the night; -And if above my lonely cross it stay its restless flight, - 'T will breathe a prayer of peace and chant a canticle of grace. - -Oh, let the rain rise pure to heav'n beneath the sun's hot rays - And carry to the throne of God my loving, last request. -Let friendly souls weep for my end, and in the after days, -On evenings clear, when o'er my tomb some gentle being prays, - Pray also thou, O Fatherland, for my eternal rest. - -Pray for all those who died alone, betrayed, in wretchedness. - For those who suffered for thy sake torments and misery, -For our poor, loving mothers' hearts, who weep in bitterness, -For widows, tortured captives, orphans in deep distress, - And pray for thy dear self that thou may'st finally be free. - -And when dark night enshrouds in gloom the silent cemetery, - When but the lonely dead are left watching by the sea, -Disturb not their repose, nor dispel the mystery, -Perchance then shalt thou hear cithern or psaltery - Well tuned, 'tis I, O my dear country, 'tis I singing to thee. - -And when the memory of my grave has faded from the mind, - When my tomb bears nor cross nor stone to mark where I lie dead, -Plough o'er the spot, turn up the earth, and scatter to the wind -My ashes ere they return to naught; let them go unconfined - To form thy rolling meadows and thy flower-covered glade. - -No matter then, if all forget, still, still shall I be near, - Still shall I breathe thy od'rous air, still wander in thy ways. -And dwell in space, a thrilling note loud sounding in thine ear; -I shall be perfume, light and shade, sound, color, refrain clear, - Telling forever of my faith and singing thy dear praise. - -Farewell, adored country! I leave my all with thee, - Beloved Filipinas, whose soil my feet have trod, -I leave with thee my life's love deep. I go where all are free, -I go where are no tortures, where th' oppressor's power shall be - Destroyed, where faith kills not, where He who reigns is God. - -Farewell, my parents, brothers, friends of my infancy, - Dear fragments of my heart, once to my bosom pressed -Round our lost hearth. Give thanks to God in glad tranquillity -That after day's long, weary hours I sleep eternally. - Farewell lov'd beings, stranger sweet; to die is but to rest. - - - - -Aguinaldo Confers with Admiral Dewey. - -It was in December, 1897, that hostilities in the Philippines, -between the Spaniards and the rebels, ceased. Just before the recent -Hispano-American war began, Aguinaldo was in Singapore, where, it is -said, he entered into secret political relations with Admiral Dewey, -who was then at Hong-Kong. The Spaniards having broken the conditions -of the pact, Aguinaldo, of course, was at perfect liberty to renew -his attempts against his old enemy. - -As a result of these negotiations with the Admiral, the rebel leader -offered to co-operate with the Americans in their occupation of Manila, -by assailing the capital with his forces on land; he also guaranteed -to maintain order and discipline among the native troops, to conduct -the war in a humane manner, and to prevent the natives from committing -outrages on defenseless non-combatants. He also declared his ability -to establish a responsible government on liberal principles. - - - - -Aguinaldo as Dictator: His Proclamations. - -Upon his return to the Philippines, May 24th, Aguinaldo issued three -proclamations. The first explained that he had returned as dictator -because the Spaniards had not carried out their promised reforms. He -had previously surrendered, he said, his arms and disbanded his army, -believing that the Spaniards were sincere in their protestations and -promises of reform, being led to such belief not by any consistency -in the past, but by the several guarantees they had given as pledges -of their good faith. The reforms, however, ended where they began, -on paper, and the Government seemed helpless in the hands of the -friars, who, fearful of the light of truth and knowledge, placed every -obstacle in the way of progress. As the great and powerful Republic, -the United States, had offered protection, and were desirous that -the natives might gain their longed-for liberty and their country's -independence, he had come back to resume his command of the army, and -he now purposed to establish a dictatorship, with an Advisory Council, -until the islands were completely pacified and won. A republican -constitution could then be established and a legislature elected. To -this he would hand over the command of the army. - -In a second proclamation, Aguinaldo forbade all attempts at -negotiations for peace, between the rebels and the Spaniards since -all previous negotiations had proved but a deceptive lure to lead the -insurgents to their destruction. All Spaniards, therefore, coming -to parley without a flag of truce and the customary credentials, -would be shot as spies. On the other hand, any native that undertook -such a mission would be regarded as a traitor, and hanged, with a -placard attached to his body, inscribed with the words: "Traitor to -his country." - -The third proclamation shows the rebel leader's humane intentions, -and is remarkable when we reflect that it was written by one of "the -cruel and bloodthirsty savages" that the Spanish soldiery had sworn -to exterminate. I give this entire: - - - The great North American nation, a lover of true liberty, and - therefore desirous of liberating our country from the tyranny and - despotism to which it has been subjected by its rulers, has shown - us decided disinterested protection, considering us sufficiently - able and civilized to govern this unhappy shore. - - In order to retain this high opinion of the never - too-highly-praised and great nation of North America, we should - abominate such acts as pillage and robbery of every description - and acts of violence against persons and property. - - To avoid international complications during the campaign, - I order:-- - - First, lives and property of all foreigners are to be respected, - including Chinese and those Spaniards who neither directly nor - indirectly have taken up arms against us. - - Secondly, the lives and property of our enemies who lay down - their arms are to be equally respected. - - Thirdly, in the same way, all hospitals and all ambulances, - together with the persons and effects therein, as well as their - staffs, are to be respected unless they show themselves hostile. - - Fourthly, those who disobey what is set forth in the three former - articles, will be tried by summary court-martial and shot, if - by such disobedience there has been caused assassination, fires, - robbery or violence. - - - - -Triumphant Progress of the Rebels. - -Dewey's victory wonderfully increased the morale of the rebel army; -while the Spaniards daily lost hope. In two weeks after landing, -Aguinaldo had assembled a force of 3000 men with arms, and fought -many skirmishes. He had also captured two strong batteries, and taken -the whole province of Cavité. He had made sixteen hundred Spanish -prisoners, and supplied his men with over 4000 rifles and with several -field-guns captured from the enemy. - -On May 30th the Spaniards attacked the rebels, intrenched in a strong -position at Zapote. The engagement was a very severe one and lasted -ten hours, the Spaniards being forced to retire with a loss of 500 -killed and wounded. - -The rebels, now numbering about 5000, full of enthusiasm, and -well-armed, then attacked the Fourth, Sixth, and Eleventh Cazadores, -and several companies of the Sixty-eighth and Seventy-fourth -regiments. The natives in the last regiment deserted, after first -killing their own officers. The Spaniards were beaten back with severe -losses, and the rebels, with important reinforcements, then routed -the enemy, taking many prisoners. Not long after, the capital of the -province of Batangas was taken by the insurgents, and the Governor -attempted to commit suicide. The Governor of the province of Malabra -was also taken prisoner, and town after town, province after province, -yielded to the victorious rebels, who daily grew stronger and gradually -closed in on the capital. Outside, in the bay, was anchored Dewey's -victorious American squadron, calmly awaiting reinforcements from -home. With these he would aid Aguinaldo to prosecute the war on land. - - - - -The Spaniards Fortify Manila. - -Meanwhile, the Spaniards displayed great energy in improving the -defences of Manila. The moat was deepened, and all the shrubbery -wherein an enemy might lurk and find cover was destroyed. For, -as a last resource, the Spaniards intended to shut themselves in -their grim old fortress, as if they thought to find security there, -although a few ten-inch shells from the fleet would lay the whole city -in ruins. Everywhere facing the bay trenches were dug, and modern -9 pounder Krupp field-pieces were mounted, and mountain batteries -brought from the interior. - -But, notwithstanding these elaborate preparations, the Spaniards were -lacking in good modern ordnance and in accurate marksmanship. - -Another great source of Spanish weakness was their native -allies. However, these professed great loyalty to the Spaniards, -asserting that they wished to fight to preserve the Catholic -religion. These natives had responded to a proclamation of the -Captain-General, in which he called them brothers, and appealed to them -to help defend their faith from the Yankee pigs who would desecrate -"the holy Catholic church." - -A few days after this proclamation, Spanish faith in these professions -of loyalty was rudely shaken; for some priests were barbarously -murdered by the natives. The following day, several companies of -these sworn allies, armed with Mauser rifles, attacked Bacora, -a small town between Cavité and Manila, and, after a few hours, -captured the place and drove the garrison back to the capital. In -this engagement several hundred Spaniards were killed. The natives -of a regiment distinguished for its loyalty, massacred their officers -and joined the insurgents. It is said that the latter lost more than -2000 men; but thousands were ready to take their places, eager for -an opportunity to join against the common oppressor. - -It was to quell a threatened mutiny of these troops in Manila, -that the friars handed over $1,000,000 of their immense hoard to -the Captain-General, that he might satisfy long-standing arrears of -pay. At the same time, the insurgents received some field-guns, 5000 -magazine rifles, and 200,000 rounds of ammunition from Admiral Dewey; -and Aguinaldo and his forces continued their victorious advance step -by step, the Spaniards daily growing more discouraged. - -In the latter part of June a body of United States troops landed and -took possession of Cavité; and in July Aguinaldo proclaimed himself -President of the Revolutionary Republic. - - - - -Sketch of Aguinaldo. - -General Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy is a little more than thirty years -of age. He was born in Imus, a village near Cavité. His father was -a planter, and the son was sent first to the College of St. Jean de -Lateran, then to the University of St. Tomas in Manila. The youth's -education cost his father much privation, for the cost of pursuing a -course of study at these institutions is not less than 1200 francs -a year, and the elder Aguinaldo had great difficulty to make both -ends meet. - -At St. Jean de Lateran the student is drilled in Spanish and Latin -and the classics; and when he is able to translate the masterpieces of -Rome with facility, he is ready for the University of St. Tomas. This, -like the College, is under the Dominicans. In the University, the -principal studies are physics, metaphysics, theology, jurisprudence, -law, and medicine. - -Aguinaldo was adjudged a very dull student, and gave no promise -of distinction. In fact, the Dominicans finally sent him home in -sheer despair. Aguinaldo then entered the Normal school of the -Jesuits. Here he made some progress; but at this time his father -died, when the youth was forced to return home to take care of his -patrimony, which was threatened by the lawsuits instituted by the -order of the Recollectos--an organization composed of the greatest -land-proprietors of the colony. It was in 1893 that Dr. Rizal created -the Philippine League, the object of which was to unite politically -the various parts of the Archipelago. - -Rizal was banished, but shortly afterward the order of the Katipunan -was formed, which soon had more than 250,000 members. The object of -this society was co-operation for the protection of the colonists. - -The Government then fearing an alliance of this society with the -Freemasons and the various secret orders hostile to Spanish rule, began -to take active measures against it. Aguinaldo was suspected of being -one of the leaders. A Spanish officer, with a squad of native soldiers, -came to arrest him. Aguinaldo, when confronted by the officer, promptly -shot him, then eloquently appealed to his companions to leave the -service of their foreign oppressors and strike a blow for liberty. - -The soldiers received his words with acclaim, and instantly chose -him as their leader. He then sought the fastnesses of the forest, -where he was soon joined by thousands of his countrymen--all flaming -to join the standard of revolt. - -Aguinaldo is short of stature, with a well-knit figure. He has the -Japanese cast of face, and wears a black pompadour, which heightens -that impression. His countenance is imperturbable; it is notable for -its serious expression. During the rebellion he was in hourly fear -of assassination. For, a reward of $25,000 had been offered by the -Spaniards for his head; and this prize had brought into his camp a -host of mercenaries, that were only seeking a convenient opportunity -to gain the coveted reward. - -Aguinaldo's headquarters were in the former home of a rich native -in Cavité. With him were his staff and his mother and several of -his relatives. These he kept with him to secure them from Spanish -vengeance. - -The house is described as broad, low, and roomy. In front is a paved -court; on each side a trusted number of stalwart insurgents constantly -kept guard. The uniform of these soldiers was a cheap native homespun; -their arms were of the crudest description; but they made up in -loyalty what they lacked in training. - -The General himself usually wore a spotless suit of white linen, -a white shirt, with a well-polished front, a high collar and a -black necktie. He wore red velvet slippers, embroidered in gold. In -his office was a modern desk,--piled high with documents,--a large -mirror, two large, strong, iron boxes,--which served as a safe for -the moneys of the insurgent government,--and a grand piano of Spanish -make. Against a hat-rack leaned the rebel standard, and on the wall -hung a map of the province. This the General used to scan eagerly, -tracing the movements and the disposition of his troops. - -Aguinaldo was usually surrounded by various members of his staff, none -of whom, however, was as impressive as himself. I believe Aguinaldo -to be sincere and patriotic. He is courageous, and has surely proved -himself an able general. - -He has unbounded influence with his countrymen, and while, as stated, -$25,000 was offered for his head, no one betrayed him or attempted -to make an assault upon his life. - -He is bravery personified, and inasmuch as the Filipinos admire this -above all other attributes, Aguinaldo is always at the head. He is a -born leader, and has just enough tact to adopt expediencies and make -compromises, yet not seem to do so. - -And in so doing he, nevertheless, rarely appears to infringe upon -his own original plans. - -In everything he takes the initiative; in no event does he consult -any one. He brooks no opposition; he has had no rivals in reality: -there have been one or two would-be-ones, but they could not withstand -him. He is perhaps not always scrupulous as to the attainment of -his ends, yet his proclamations are wise and moderate, his conduct -all one would desire in even a European dictator. Moreover, few have -shown themselves so modest and so merciful. - -There is a tremendous magnetism about the man, and whenever he -addresses his troops, he holds them with a grip that would be -spellbound but for the rapt attention and for the devotion that is -vociferously manifested. - -The natives, too, seem to be unable, as well as unwilling, to get -away from his power; and, to all appearances, he is to the islanders -the man of the hour. - -Of course I do not agree with him in everything he does, but, -knowing his sincerity, and believing that he makes his spectacular -display merely to impress the natives, and so hold their allegiance, -I therefore admire him and hope that the Americans will co-operate -with him to give us a stable Philippine Government. - -At all events, the man's strong personality, and his large following, -cannot, I believe, well be ignored by the American Government. - - - - - - - - -DEWEY AT MANILA. - - -The White Squadron. - -It was the 19th of April. An American fleet lay in the harbor of -Hong-Kong, where it had been anchored for nearly a month, impatiently -awaiting the command that should send it to battle. - -There was feverish expectation of war, and bustle of preparation, -and Commodore Dewey nervously walked the deck; for, every moment the -longed-for order was expected. - -It was the 19th of April, and the White Squadron lay gleaming in -the sunlight,--and yet by the night of the 20th the White Squadron -was no more; for she had exchanged the snowy garb of peace for the -sombre gray of war. The ships' painters had, in this short time, -given the entire fleet a significant coating of drab. - -The English steamer Nanshan, with over three thousand tons of -Cardiff coal, and the Steamer Zafiro, of the Manila-Hong-Kong line, -carrying 7,000 tons of coal and provisions, had just been bought -by the Commodore, in anticipation of a declaration of neutrality, -which would preclude such purchases, and thus two more vessels were -added to the fleet, Lieutenant Hutchins being made commander of the -Nanshan, and Ensign Pierson of the Zafiro. The Zafiro was then made -a magazine for the spare ammunition of the fleet. - -Hong-Kong, for strategic reasons, had been chosen as a place of -rendezvous for the Asiatic Squadron. - - - - -Declaration of War, and Journey to the Philippines. - -On April 25th war was declared between the United States and Spain, -and, at the request of the acting-Governor of Hong-Kong, the American -fleet steamed away to Mirs Bay, about thirty miles from Hong-Kong. On -April 26th the revenue cutter McCulloch, which had been left at -Hong-Kong, brought the desired message. It read as follows: - - - Washington, April 26th. - - Dewey, Asiatic Squadron: Commence operations at once, particularly - against the Spanish fleet. You must capture or destroy them. - - McKinley. - - -"Thank God!" said the Commodore. "At last we've got what we want. We'll -blow them off the Pacific Ocean." - -And now the fleet was headed direct for Manila, a distance of 628 -miles; and, with hearts beating high with hope, the sailors cheered -lustily for Old Glory and the Navy Blue. - -In the squadron were the following vessels: Olympia, flagship, Captain -C. V. Gridley, commanding; Boston, Captain Frank Wildes; Concord, -Commander Asa Walker, and the Petrel, Commander E. P. Wood. The -Raleigh, Captain J. B. Coughlan, commanding, and the Baltimore, -commanded by Captain N. M. Dyer, also joined the squadron. - -All these vessels were cruisers. The single armored ship in the -squadron was the Olympia; and the armor--four inches thick--was around -the turret guns. - -In making the journey to the Philippines a speed of only eight knots -was maintained; for the transport ships could not make fast headway -against the rolling sea. - -During this run, gun-drills and other exercises kept the men busy, -and every minute was employed in earnest preparation for what all -knew was to come. - - - - -Luzon Sighted, and Preparations for Battle. - -It was on Saturday morning, April the 30th, that Luzon was sighted, and -final preparations for the battle were immediately made. Impedimenta -of all kinds were thrown overboard,--chairs, tables, chests and -boxes,--and the ships were stripped and made ready for action. It -was intensely warm, and the most ordinary evolutions proved exhausting. - -The Boston, the Concord, and the Baltimore were now sent ahead to -discover whether the Spanish fleet was anywhere around. - -After looking in at Bolinao Bay, these three vessels cautiously -approached Subig Bay, about 30 miles from Manila. However, only a -few small trading-vessels were here discovered, though it had been -reported that the enemy intended to give the Americans battle there. - -When the scouting ships reported that the enemy was nowhere in sight, -the Commodore replied: "All right, we shall meet them in Manila Bay." A -war-council was then held on the Olympia, and the American commander -told his officers that he intended to enter Manila Bay that very night. - -The squadron then slowly proceeded in the direction of Manila. It was -a sultry evening, and the yellow moon paved the waves with a pathway -of gold, that seemed like a glorious avenue to victory. - -Fearing that they might come upon the enemy at any moment, the men -were posted at their guns, and, with the greatest quietness, the fleet -steamed stealthily forward. The lights on all the ships were put out, -save the one at the stern, and so the squadron slipped into the bay, -each moment dreading a challenge from the strongly-fortified batteries -that the Americans had been taught to believe were located at every -point along the entrance. - -The speed was now increased to eight knots; for the Commodore wished -to be as far inside as possible before his presence was discovered. - -Through the dangerous channels, mined with death-hurling torpedoes, -swept the silent squadron, grim and spectre-like. Well did the -Americans know the dangers of this undertaking; and few there were -that did not momentarily expect some exploding mine to hurl them -into eternity. - -Then Corregidor Island, with its lofty lighthouse, came within view, -and the ships swept into the chief channel, known as the Boca Grande. - -The Commodore, having so far failed to discover the presence of the -enemy, naturally concluded that the Spanish fleet was lying at Cavité, -where it would have the advantage of the protection of the forts and -the shore-batteries. - - - - -The Fleet Sails by Corregidor. - -And thus, with a full appreciation of the thousand and one dangers, -known and unknown, that beset his path, Dewey kept straight by -Corregidor. - -It was eleven o'clock, and the men of the fleet, which was now -almost past the island, were congratulating themselves that they were -undiscovered when a solitary rocket soared over the lofty lighthouse; -there was an answering light from the shore, and every moment the -Americans expected the boom of the Spanish guns, long primed with a -deadly welcome for the "Yankee pigs." - -The narrowest part of the inlet had been passed, and still no sign -that the entering fleet had been discovered. Impressive, indeed, was -that long line of gloomy hulls, steering for battle, and courting -destruction. The Olympia, the Baltimore, the Raleigh, the Petrel, -the Concord, and the Boston, with the two transports the Nanshan -and the Zapiro, convoyed by the McCulloch, on the flag-ship's port -quarter--all kept on in the same straight course, while the men on -board were partaking of light refreshment. For all felt that a great -day's work was before them. - -But where are the enemy? was the thought uppermost in every mind. For -to the Americans themselves it seemed that they were surely making -enough noise to be heard by the sentries on the shore. Doubtless they -were asleep, dreaming a Spanish dream of mañana. - -It was shortly past eleven o'clock, when from the smokestack of the -convoy McCulloch flew a shower of sparks. A fireman had thrown open -the furnace-doors and shoveled in a few pounds of soft coal. - -This was evidently seen by some one on shore, for it was just fourteen -minutes past eleven when a bugle sounded an alarm, and from the west -came a blinding glare, a shrill whistle overhead, and the heavy boom -of a cannon. - - - - -First Shot of the War. - -It was the first shot of the war, and it was fired with characteristic -Spanish inaccuracy. - -Again the battery thundered; and then a third time, before there was -a reply from the American fleet. The Raleigh, which was the third -vessel in the line, was the first to speak for the American side, -and then the Boston followed, with stentorian roar, and the battle -was on. Again the battery sent its deadly missive over the fleet, -and this time the Concord, taking its aim by the flash, responded by -throwing a six-inch shell into the Spanish fort. A crash and a cry -and all was still. It was learned afterward that considerable damage -was done by this wonderfully accurate shot, several of the Spanish -gunners being killed. - -The Boston and the McCulloch fired another round or two; but the -forts had evidently had enough of it: they were no longer heard from. - -Meanwhile, the squadron continued its course, though its speed was -reduced to about three knots an hour, the Commodore not wishing to -arrive at Manila before dawn. - -A gray darkness hung over the harbor as the gray procession glided -noiselessly in. Had a Spanish scout been on the lookout, it would -scarcely have been possible for him to have distinguished his -approaching enemy. A strict lookout was kept for the Spanish ships -and for the dreaded torpedo boats, while most of the men lay down by -their guns to get a little sleep. But with the terrible fate of the -Maine vivid in their memories, the more imaginative ones conjured up -a shuddering sense of insecurity in a harbor supposed to be literally -planted with destructive mines. - - - - -The Spanish Fleet is Sighted. - -This invisible foe--and not the longed-for and expected combat with the -enemy's fleet--was feared by the brave Americans, and when the morning -sun, in all his tropical splendor, rose right before the Americans, -under the guns of Cavité lay the Spanish fleet. The Americans were -at last face to face with the enemy. - -The commander-in-chief of the Spanish squadron was Rear-Admiral -Patricio Montojo y Pasaron; the second in command was the Commandante -General Enrique Sostoa y Ordennez. - -Under Admiral Montojo's command were the following vessels: - -Reina Cristina, flagship, armored cruiser, Captain L. Cadarso -commanding, 3,500 tons; battery six 6.2-inch; two 2.7-inch; six -6-pounders; and six 3-pounder rapid-fire guns; speed, 17.5 knots; -crew 400 officers and men. - -Castilla, Captain A. M. de Oliva, commanding; 3,334 tons; battery, -four 5.9-inch; two 4.7-inch; two 3.3-inch; four 2.9-inch, and eight -6-pounder rapid-fire guns; speed, 14 knots; crew, 300. - -Isla de Cuba, Captain J. Sidrach, and Isla de Luzon, Captain J. de -la Herian; 1,030 tons each; battery, four 4.7 inch; four 6-pounder -and two 3-pounder rapid-fire guns; speed, 14 knots; crew, 200 men each. - -General Lezo, Commander R. Benevento, and Marques del Duero, Commander -S. Morena Guerra; the former was 524, the latter 500 tons; batteries, -two 4.7 inch; one 3.5 inch, and two 3-pounder rapid-fire guns; speed, -11 knots; crew, 100. - -Altogether the Americans had four cruisers, two gunboats, one cutter, -fifty-seven classified big guns, seventy-four rapid-firing guns and -machine guns, and 1808 men. - -On the other side were seven cruisers, five gunboats, two torpedo -boats, fifty-two classified big guns, eighty-three rapid-firing and -machine guns, and 1,948 men. - -It will thus be seen that the Americans had a few more heavy guns; -but the Spanish had several more ships and over a hundred more -men. They were also assisted by the powerful land-batteries, and -by the knowledge of the exact distance of the American ships. For -the latter had no range-marks with which to determine the proper -elevation to be given to their sights. In the American squadron, -moreover, was not a single armored cruiser; besides, the Spaniards -were at their base of supplies, while Commodore Dewey was more than -six thousand miles away from all aid. - -Such were the numbers and the disposition of the combatants now about -to fight. - - - - -Dewey Attacks the Enemy. - -With Old Glory flying at every masthead, and with the beating of -drums, the American squadron, after a brief reconnoitering detour -in the harbor, sailed in a straight line past the fleet of the -enemy. Each ship was to hold its fire until near enough to inflict -the most damage, when as many shots should be fired as possible. Then -to steam as quickly as possible out of effective range; to wheel and -return--keeping close to the opposite shore--to the original point -of starting, when the same manoeuvre was to be repeated--and so again -and again till the enemy was destroyed or defeated. - -On the Spanish fleet, too, all was bustle and preparation; the national -flag, that symbol of mediæval tyranny, floated from every masthead, the -Admiral's flag on the Reina Cristina being the cynosure of all eyes. - -The Americans had left their supply-ships behind, and their -fleet, according to pre-arranged plan, steamed slowly past the -enemy. Meanwhile, the batteries of Cavité kept up an incessant roar, -and now Montojo's flagship thundered a deadly welcome; while over the -American flagship was hoisted a code-flag, with the watchword "Remember -the Maine!" This was the signal for a concerted yell from the sailors -in the fleet. And thus with colors flying, and with fire reserved -till a closer range should make it more effective, the Commodore and -his brave officers bore down toward the Spaniards, who were awaiting -their approach with curiosity not unmixed with alarm, at the same time -they sent a thunderous fusillade as a greeting to the hated Yankees. - -But the Americans, undeterred, grimly kept their course, -notwithstanding one or two mines exploded beneath the water,--one -near the Raleigh and one beside the Baltimore. Again and again the -Spanish guns thundered, until the roar became incessant and shells -were bursting all around. - -When about six thousand yards the Commodore shouted to Captain -Gridley, who was in the conning tower: "Fire, as soon as you get -ready, Gridley." - -Hardly had he given the word--which also was passed down the line--when -the whole ship shivered, and the eight-inch gun in the front turret -burst into a sheet of flame, while a dull muffled roar belched forth, -that awoke the apparent torpor of the whole fleet to instant activity. - -The Baltimore and the Boston now took up the cue, and sent -their tremendous shells crashing into the enemy, who replied -vociferously. The din was deafening, and over and around all the -American ships was the shriek and scream of terrifying shells. Some -of these fell upon the decks, some smashed into the woodwork; but--as -if providentially--not an American was hit. - -"Open with all the guns," signaled the Commodore; and all the ships -joined together in a roaring chorus, as if Cerberus and all the dogs -of hell had opened their mighty throats. - -And thus with incessant firing, the battle-line passed the whole -length of the stationary Spanish fleet, then slowly swang round and -began the return to its starting-point, keeping up the same flash -and clatter, the Spaniards responding furiously. It was at this time -that a shot passed clean through the Baltimore, though, fortunately, -no one was hurt. Lieutenant Brumbuys had the signal halyard shot out -of his hands; while on the Boston a shell burst in the state-room of -Ensign Dodridge, and another passed through the Boston's foremast. - -During the third round the Raleigh was carried by the strong current -against the bows of two of the Spanish cruisers, where all aboard -seemed too bewildered to take advantage of their opportunity. Captain -Coughlan, however, did not lose his presence of mind, but poured a -destructive broadside into the enemy. His vessel was then carried -back into the line. - - - - -The Fate of the Reina Cristina. - -While this fierce combat was waging, the Reina Cristina moved out of -the Spanish line and made direct for the American flagship, which -hurled a perfect tornado of lead into the approaching cruiser, -her immense hulk being soon riddled with large holes, where the -eight-inch shells had entered. The port-bridge, where Admiral Montojo -was standing, was also struck; but he bravely stuck to his post, -while ton after ton of steel fell upon the deck. - -No ship, however, could withstand such a fire, and the gallant Reina -Cristina turned round and made for the shore. As she swang round, -Captain Gridley gave her a parting shot, that caused her to tremble -and stagger, while the 250-pound shell crashed through the bowels of -the ship and there exploded, hurling its deadly contents all round, -while from the shattered deck rose columns of steam, mingled with -human fragments. The ship, now completely disabled, continued her -retreat. Sixty of her crew had been killed, and had she continued -longer within the Americans' range, all would have met a like fate. - -Meanwhile, the little Petrel was engaged in a duel with two Spanish -torpedo boats, headed for the American line. One of these she chased -to the shore, where the crew sought shelter in the woods, while their -abandoned vessel was blown into pieces by the daring American. The -other advanced to within 500 yards of the Olympia, braving the storm -of shot and shell that threatened to overwhelm her. As it was, a shell -ploughed its way into her middle, where it exploded. From stern to -beam she shivered, gave a forward plunge, and sank beneath the waves. - -The Baltimore, too, was engaged in an encounter with the Castilla, -that resulted most disastrously to the latter; for she was soon a -blazing wreck. - -Five times the American fleet passed in front of the enemy, keeping -up the same deadly fire, that showed only too well the results of -American training and marksmanship. And though the Spanish guns in -the ships and the forts ceased rattling not one instant, they neither -disconcerted nor damaged in the least the Americans. It was now a -quarter of eight, and so dense was the smoke hanging over the waters, -that it was impossible for the Americans to distinguish not alone -the enemy's ships, but their own vessels, and the signals, too. - - - - -The Commodore Pipes All Hands to Breakfast. - -The Commodore now wisely concluded to stop for awhile the fighting, -and allow his men a chance to take some breakfast; for the brave -fellows, after their morning's hard work, were hungry as wolves; -so the signal "cease firing" was given, and the ships were headed -for the eastern side of the bay, near the transport ships. - -It is related that the Spaniards were exceedingly relieved when they -saw the Americans in--as they thought--full retreat, and many of them -stood on the decks and cheered, thinking they had gained the victory. - -When the various commanders came on board to report to Commodore Dewey, -it was found that not a ship was disabled, not a gun out of order, not -a man killed or injured. It is true, Frank B. Randall, the engineer -of the McCulloch, died from heart-disease as the fleet steamed past -Corregidor, but this was not in any wise due to the engagement. Many -miraculous escapes, indeed, are related; and it is really wonderful -that no serious casualties took place. The sailors, as may easily be -imagined, were nearly wild with joy; and as all hands were piped to -breakfast, the decks were gay with merry jackies improvising a dance -of victory; while the strains of Yankee Doodle and the Star-Spangled -Banner filled the morning air. Cheery was that breakfast, and sweet, -ah, sweet was the three hours' rest so nobly earned. - - - - -The Americans Renew the Battle. - -At 10.45 the boatswains' whistles and the drums announced the renewal -of the battle. Instantly every man was at his post, eager to finish -the job so well begun. Again the American squadron was headed to ward -the enemy's battle line; but several of the Spanish ships were now -almost disabled, the Cristina and the Castilla were both on fire, -and the Mindanao beached not far from Cavité. - -Admiral Montojo had meanwhile transferred his flags to the Isla de -Cuba; and the Baltimore, leaving the American line, made straight -for his former flagship, which threw a torrent of shells toward -the intrepid American. The Baltimore, however, notwithstanding -that a few of these deadly missiles exploded on her deck, wounding -eight of her crew, continued her course till within 2500 yards -of her antagonist. Then from her decks she fired a broadside at -the Spaniard. There was an ominous silence for a minute or two, -and both Spaniards and Americans waited anxiously for the smoke to -lift. Suddenly, all saw a sight that struck every man in both fleets -with terror, for it seemed the probable fate of all. The Cristina shot -into the air and then fell back upon the waves with a thunderous crash, -while a thousand fragments of men and timbers--promiscuously mingled -in awful confusion--were whirling through the air. Down into the waves -she sank--that gallant man-of-war--the pride of the Spanish fleet--down -into the deep blue sea. Upon the surface, amid tons of floating débris, -a hundred sailors struggled for life; many sank to rise no more; -some, however, succeeded in reaching one of the adjacent consorts. - -The Baltimore, aided by the Olympia and the Raleigh, now kept up -a deadly fire on the Juan de Austria; which answered this terrible -fusillade with intermittent volleys, that spoke well for the courage, -but poorly for the aim, of her gunners. - -It was at this moment that the Raleigh sent a shell crashing through -the other's centre, exploding her magazine; in an instant she seemed -a crater of flame, and sank back like the Cristina, a total wreck. Her -flying fragments also inflicted such damage upon the gunboat El Correo, -which lay beside her, that she was completely disabled. The Petrel -gave her a finishing shot, that closed her brief career. Another -Spanish gunboat, the General Lezo, also set out to accomplish great -things, but the Concord, with a few good shots, put a quietus upon -her warlike ambition, and, like her sister ships, she too was soon -a floating wreck. - -Meanwhile, the Boston was engaged in a duel with the Velasco. Captain -Wildes, of the former, stood on the bridge of his ship vigorously -fanning with a palm-leaf fan; for it was a hot morning and it was the -captain's policy to keep cool. The Velasco responded to the Boston's -broadsides but feebly. Then with a plunge she careened to one side -and sank heavily, her crew having scarcely enough time to escape to -the adjacent shore. The Castilla had already been set on fire and -scuttled by her crew, to prevent her magazine from exploding. - -The Don Antonia de Ulloa, which was engaged with the Olympia and -the Boston, though riddled with shells and on fire in a dozen places, -refused to surrender. Her gallant commander Robion stuck to his ship to -the very last; then she sank with colors flying, a signal example of -Spanish bravery. Another vessel had hauled down her flag, but when a -boat's crew from the McCulloch approached to take possession of her, -she treacherously fired on them. Suddenly, from every ship in the -American fleet there thundered a swift and awful retribution. There -was darkness around her shivering hull, there was a dull explosion -and a lurid glare; and when the smoke had rolled away nothing but a -few floating fragments were left to indicate the traitor's fate. - -Thus ship after ship of the Spanish fleet met a like fate, until -Admiral Montojo, on the deck of the deserted and almost-useless Isla -de Cuba, took down his colors, and, with a few surviving officers, -escaped to the shore. - - - - -The Yankees Are Victorious. - -But, notwithstanding the destruction and the surrender of the Spanish -fleet, the batteries kept up an incessant fire. The Americans now -turned their attention to these, and speedily silenced them. The -Petrel was left behind to complete the destruction of the smaller -gunboats. This she did most effectually. - -As the Cavité Arsenal unfurled the white flag, the command "Cease -firing" was given, and the various American commanders once more -gathered on the flagship, their men cheering themselves hoarse. - -A most extraordinary victory, truly! Not one man lost, and only six men -slightly wounded, all on the Baltimore; while the Baltimore, Olympia, -and Raleigh suffered injuries that could be repaired in a few hours. - -The Spanish, on the other hand, were almost annihilated, and -lost the following vessels: Sunk: Reina Cristina, Castilla, -Don Antonia de Ulloa. Burnt: Don Juan de Austria, Isla de Luzon, -Isla de Cuba, General Lezo, Marquis del Duero, El Correo, Velasco, -and Isla de Mindanao. Captured: Manila, and several tugs and small -launches. Besides this, the enemy lost more than 600 men. - -On the day following the engagement, the squadron returned to -Cavité, where it took up a permanent position until the arrival -of the transports from America. On the third of May the Spanish -evacuated Cavité Arsenal, which was then held by a detachment from the -fleet. The same day the batteries on Corregidor Island surrendered -to the Raleigh and the Baltimore. And thus ended the greatest naval -battle in American history. - - - - - - - - -THE AMERICAN OCCUPATION. - - -Merritt, and the Expedition. - -The Spanish fleet had been destroyed; Cavité had been taken; and -Admiral Dewey lay in the harbor awaiting the reinforcements that were -on the way. - -These reinforcements had been sent out in three expeditions: the first -expedition, Brigadier-General Anderson commanding, consisted of 115 -officers and 2,386 enlisted men; the second, under Brigadier-General -Greene, of 158 officers and 3,428 enlisted soldiers; the third, under -command of General McArthur, consisted of 197 officers, and 4,650 -men. With these expeditions went the Astor Battery and Major-General -Wesley Merritt, who had been chosen Commander-in-chief of the United -States forces in the Philippines. In all, over 11,000 men were on -their way to Manila, and a fourth expedition, consisting of 1,763 men, -under Brigadier-General H. G. Otis, was soon to follow. - -It was the cruiser Charleston, which conveyed the transports of one -of these expeditions, that stopped to have a little fun, by way of -profitable diversion, at the island of Guam, one of the Ladrones. - -Thirteen shells from the Charleston went thundering against the -fortress of Santa Cruz. But even thirteen proved insufficient to -provoke a Spanish reply. However, a half-hour after the bombardment -began, the captain of the port, Lieutenant Commander José Garcia -y Gutierrez, of the Spanish navy, accompanied by one or two other -Spanish officers, were rowed to the Charleston, and, having been -taken on board, apologized for their seeming discourtesy; they said -that lack of ammunition at the fortress made it impossible for them -to return the American salute. They were, in fact, unaware that war -had been declared between the United States and Spain, and were, -therefore, much surprised when Captain Henry Glass informed them -that they were prisoners of war. They were sent ashore and ordered -to convey to the Governor Don Juan Marina the command that he come -upon the Charleston. He replied that, under Spanish law, he was not -allowed to go aboard a foreign man-of-war. - -Captain Glass then sent Lieutenant Brannersreuther to the Governor, -demanding an immediate and unconditional surrender. A half-hour was -allowed for the consideration of the demand. The Governor expressed -great surprise at these peremptory proceedings; but twenty-five -minutes after this demand he, nevertheless, made the unconditional -surrender of everything Spanish in and around the Ladrones. The guns, -ammunition, and flags of the Spaniards, as well as the garrison and -all the Spanish officers, were then taken aboard one of the transports, -and the expedition continued its journey Manila-ward. - -It is said that, great was the rejoicing on board the cruiser and -the transports as the Stars and Stripes were unfurled from the Fort -of Santa Cruz; and, while the Charleston fired a salute of 21 guns, -Captain Glass formally declared the Ladrones to be possessions of -the United States. - -Upon his arrival at Manila, by the transport Newport,--July -26th,--General Merritt immediately reported to Admiral Dewey, and, -establishing his headquarters in the Cavité Arsenal, he assumed command -of all the American land-forces. He was officially recognized by a -salute of 13 guns. The three expeditions, respectively, arrived a -few days after one another, and all were now awaiting the word of -the Commander-in-chief. He at once proceeded to inform himself of -the situation. - -Meantime, General Aguinaldo had removed his headquarters to Malolos. He -had also consolidated the divers insurrectionary parties in the -northeast provinces, by which he had gained an additional force -of 5,000 men, and obtained control of the entire northern part of -Luzon. The insurgents, too, kept up a desultory fight, and were -gradually driving the Spaniards back. The latter possessed still a -few outposts, but these were for the most part but feebly defended, -and it was indeed a question of but a few days when the enemy would -be driven within the walls of the city. The insurgents were already -building trenches on the northern part of the city; they also held -the water-works; and this, inasmuch as the dry season was approaching, -was most important. - - - - -The Battle of Malate. - -On the night of Sunday, July 31st, occurred the first loss of life of -the Americans in the Philippine Islands. They had thrown up earth-works -not far from the Spanish trenches, which, soon after dark, kept up -a desultory fire. - -The Americans began to reply in the American fashion, the men standing -up and exposing themselves to the Spanish fire. The most dangerous -place, of course, was the open ground just behind the trenches; -and here the greatest loss was incurred; for the reinforcements, -when crossing this open space, were wholly unprotected. - -It has been said that there was no need to reply to the Spanish fire, -as the intrenchment was sufficient protection. However, the First -Colorado and the First Nebraska regiments, who threw up the trenches, -suffered no loss whatever. No attention was paid to the Spanish fire -at that time; and it is a pity that this contemptuous indifference -on the part of the Americans was not maintained. - -Subsequently, about the middle of July, the First Battalion of -the Californians pitched their tents at Tambo. This soon came to -be known as Camp Dewey. The Californians were soon joined by the -other American regiments, and outposts were stationed far in front, -near the insurgent line. The insurgents at this time were between the -Spaniards and the Americans; but, at General Merritt's solicitation, -Aguinaldo moved his position over to Pasai, while the Americans -advanced to the insurgent trenches. - -These were soon found untenable, and it was Lieutenant-Colonel McAvoy, -who commanded the Colorado battalions, that was the first to assume -a position in front of the enemy. He advanced the line to an old -Capuchin chapel, that stood in the middle of the field, between the -Spanish position and the insurgent trenches. - -The Colorado and Nebraska men, who threw up the new breast-works at -the point that Colonel McAvoy had chosen, were occasionally fired -at by the Spaniards, who had a good view of what the Americans were -doing. The breast-work was about seven feet high, with notches and -peepholes for the lookouts. Inside the parapet was a parallel elevation -of about two feet--for the men to stand on when they wished a shot -at the enemy. The old chapel itself was in the line of defense, and -was used for cover; though it was nearly wrecked by the many shells -that had been thrown against it. - -Saturday, July 30th, two batteries were placed in position: they were -A and B of the Utah Battalion. The guns of the former were placed on -the right, those of the latter on the left, of the chapel. - -It was, accordingly, near Pasai, about ten o'clock the same day, -that the first American blood was spilt. The First Colorado regiment -had just been relieved by the men from Nebraska, and were returning -to camp, when a Spanish bullet hit Private W. H. Sterling of Company -K. in the upper part of the left arm. The wound, however, was very -slight, and Sterling was soon back in the ranks. - -Saturday night the Spaniards began a lively fusillade. But this did -no damage--the men were safe inside the newly-finished parapet. The -rain, in fact, made things far more uncomfortable than the Spanish -bullets. It fell in torrents, but the inventive Yankees tore up the -floor of the old chapel, and hastily built shelters, which effectually -kept off the water. - -The Spanish trench was about 800 yards from the American -breast-works. It extended northeast, just in front of the old fort -at Malate, and was strengthened with rocks and sandbags. The land -between the two trenches was low and level. On Sunday night Spaniards -advanced beyond their works, began a heavy fire against the Americans, -and drove in the pickets of the Tenth Pennsylvania. The bullets -began to fall among the Americans, and the guns of Malate roared -continuously. The night is described as awful. From the skies fell -tons of water, while the wind blew with the force of a cyclone, -howling and shrieking through the swaying trees. - -Major Cuthbertson was in command of the Pennsylvanians, and when the -pickets came in and reported that the enemy was trying to flank the -Americans, he ordered K and B companies into the trench, and also -commanded Major Bierer, who commanded companies D and E, to the front. - -The Spaniards, meanwhile, with their Mausers, kept up a terrific fire, -but the Americans and their Springfields soon began a vociferous -reply. The Utah artillerymen displayed remarkable coolness, and -worked their four guns like veterans. Though there was a perfect hail -of bullets, only one man was hit, and he but slightly wounded. The -Spanish fire was now concerted, and their bullets whistled, sang, and -fell all round the Americans. Most of them, however, were too high, -though they sounded dangerously near. - -Across the open field, to the rear of the American trenches, now came -two companies, under the command of Major Bierer. It was here in this -unprotected field, swept by Mauser bullets, that the first American -lost his life. Corporal W. E. Brown, of Company D, Tenth Pennsylvania, -was the hero. He was shot through the body. Many others around him were -wounded, and, a few minutes later, Private William E. Stillwagon was -also killed. The men, notwithstanding, kept right on, and continued -to shoot; though, on account of the darkness, they could not see the -enemy; their fire, therefore, was not effective. - -At this juncture gallant Captain O'Hara, in command of the Third -Artillery, still in camp, who knew that the boys in front must soon be -in want of ammunition, ordered his command to the rescue. And they came -in the nick of time. For the soldiers in the trenches had but a few -rounds of cartridges left. Many of the men, too, were shooting wild; -others, also, were somewhat demoralized; for the darkness, the danger, -and the uncertainty of the enemy were most disconcerting to raw troops; -but the example of Lieutenant Krayenbuhl and his regulars, who kept up -a steady fire, had good effect upon the volunteers; they soon recovered -themselves, and, with a rousing cheer, the whole command moved onward. - -Meanwhile, General Greene sent other reinforcements to the -front,--Colonel Smith, with part of his regiment, the First -California. As Boxton's battalion of Californians advanced -through the open field, they received the terrible Spanish fire, -and many were shot, and were left by the way. It was here that -Captain Reinhold Richter, of Company I, was fatally shot; and here, -too, First Sergeant Morris Jurth, of Company A, was killed. It was -said that these Californians, not knowing of the presence of the -Pennsylvanians and of the regulars in front, fired three volleys at -them before the mistake was discovered. It is believed, however, that -no damage was done by the firing; but it was a mistake that might -have cost the Americans dearly. Meanwhile, two men were killed in -the trenches: Sergeant McIlrath, of Battery H., Tenth Pennsylvania, -who had recklessly exposed himself upon the parapet, and Private -Brady of Company I, the same regiment. - -It was at this time that Private Finlay of Company C, First California, -gave proof of remarkable bravery. Finlay belonged to Major Jones' -Transportation Department, and, on account of his knowledge of -Spanish, he had been put in charge of the ammunition-train that was -sent forward. In the train were eight carromatas, each in charge of -a native driver. Right through the open fields, where the bullets -fell thickest, he drove with his carromatas. The canvas-tops of the -carts were soon ripped into shreds, and one or two of the natives were -wounded; but the intrepid American kept right on toward the trenches, -and delivered his cartridges. But before he reached his destination -one of the ponies was killed. He merely took it out of the cart, -and, with the native driver, he pulled the cart up to the place -occupied by the others. On his return-journey he stopped to pick up -the dead and wounded that he found lying along the way, taking them -to the field-hospital in the rear, then received orders to take ten -carromatas and to go after all the wounded. This he did as coolly -as if he were loading his wagons with hay. Still, all were tenderly -cared for. The eight dead were buried in the yard of the old convent -of Maribacan, back of the camp. Every man was sewed up in his blanket; -to it was attached a tag with his name for identification. The bodies -were then all buried in one trench, and above the grave of each man -a headboard with his name. - -The chaplain of the Tenth Pennsylvania made careful observation of -the place, and of each grave. - -About 2 o'clock the Spaniards began to cease firing. The Americans, -on the other hand, kept up a lively rattle for a quarter of an hour -longer; but the engagement was about over; and General Greene, who had -followed the men to the front, returned to the camp. A few desultory -skirmishes took place for a day or two longer, in which two men were -killed; but the Spanish advance had been checked by the first night's -work, and by Monday morning the battle of Malate was practically -over. Altogether, the Americans lost ten killed and forty-six wounded. - - - - -Capture of Manila. - -Nothing of importance occurred for several days after the battle -of Malate. Troops were landed on the Bacoor shore, and the foreign -warships took up their respective positions: the British and the -Japanese vessels near the American fleet, the French and the German -vessels on the other side of the bay. An ominous quiet brooded -over all. - -On August 7th, the following letter was sent by General Merritt and -Admiral Dewey to General Jandenes: - - - To the General-in-Chief commanding the Spanish Forces at Manila: - - - Sir: We have the honor to notify Your Excellency that operations - of the land and naval forces of the United States against the - defenses of Manila may begin at any time after the expiration of - forty-eight hours from the receipt by you of this communication, - or sooner if made necessary by attack on your part. - - This notice is given to afford you an opportunity to remove all - non-combatants from the city. - - - Yours Respectfully, - Wesley Merritt, Major-General U. S. A., - Commanding. - George Dewey, Rear-Admiral U. S. N., - Commanding. - - -To this the Spanish general replied in a polite note; that on account -of the fact that he was surrounded by the insurgents he was without -"a place of refuge for the increased number of wounded, sick, women, -and children" within the walls. He doubtless hoped that his mention -of this fact would put off the attack altogether. - -And it did delay it for several days. However, General Merritt then -issued the following order, which was translated into Spanish: - - - In view of the extraordinary conditions under which this army is - operating, the commanding general desires to acquaint the officers - and men with the expectations he entertains as to their conduct. - - You are assembled on foreign soil, situated within the western - confines of a vast ocean, separating you from your native - land. You have come not as despoilers or oppressors, but simply - as the instrument of a strong, free government, whose purposes - are beneficent, and which declared itself in this war champion - of those oppressed by Spanish misrule. - - It is therefore the intention of this order to appeal directly - to your pride in your position as representatives of a high - civilization, in the hope and with the firm conviction that you - will so conduct yourself in your relation with the inhabitants - of these islands as to convince them of the lofty nature of the - mission you have come to execute. - - It is not believed any acts of pillage, rapine or violence will be - committed by soldiers or others in the employ of the United States, - but should there be persons with this command who prove themselves - unworthy of this confidence, their acts will be considered not - only as crimes against the sufferers, but as direct insults to - the United States Flag, and be punished on the spot with the - maximum penalties known to military law. - - -It was decided to begin the attack on Saturday morning, August 13th. - -Accordingly, a little before nine o'clock the fleet began to move in -close to the city. The Olympia led the way, followed by the Raleigh -and the Petrel, while the Callao and the launch Barcelo hugged the -shore. The Monterey, with the Baltimore, Charleston, and Boston -formed the reserve. The ships were all cleared for action, and moved -majestically and silently forward. It was raining heavily. - -Suddenly at twenty-five minutes of ten, the Olympia opened with her -8-inch guns. The first four shells were aimed at the Spanish fort -at Malate--known as San Antonia de Abad. On account of the rain it -was difficult to get the range, and so these first shells all fell -short. The Raleigh, Petrel, and Callao also opened upon the fort, -and as soon as the range was determined, the shots did great havoc, -the fort soon being rendered untenable. - -The Callao, under Lieutenant Tappan, and the launch Barcelo, which -were nearer inshore, threw their shells among the Spanish riflemen, -who replied but feebly. - -General Merritt and his staff and the color guard of the First Oregon -were on the despatch boat Zafiro. - -General Anderson directed the operations on shore. - -About twenty minutes after the bombardment began, General Greene, -with the left wing, began the land-attack, the advance being made -toward Malate, under cover of a heavy fire from the Utah Battery. - -The troops, with colors flying, marched rapidly up the beach. The bands -were playing and the men rushed forward with a cheer. Six companies -of the Colorado regiment leaped over the enemy's breast-work and took -position behind some low hedges but a few hundred feet from the Spanish -line. General McArthur led the right wing, and was ably supported -by the Astor Battery, under Captain March. It shelled a Spanish -block-house with its Hotch-kiss Mountain guns, and then gallantly -charged the position with revolvers. It lost three men killed. - -Meanwhile, the bombardment had ceased, and the Colorados, the -Californians, and the Eighteenth Regulars drove back the Spaniards -from Malate, and occupied the position, where the Californians at -once raised the Stars and Stripes. - -In the suburbs of Malate and Ermita, where the Spaniards had erected -street barricades, there was now considerable street-fighting, and -the Californians, under Colonel Smith, advanced as far as the Luneta, -within 300 yards of the citadel. At this moment General Greene, -with several members of his staff, came galloping up the Luneta, a -scattering fire playing upon him and his companions from the adjoining -houses, until a white flag was raised above the southwest corner of -the fort. - -At this,--and while the Americans were standing at rest,--the -Spaniards in the citadel opened fire upon them, fatally wounding two -Californians: privates Dunsoupe and Lamerson. This has never been -satisfactorily explained, but it was probably due to the confusion -of the moment; for 2000 Spaniards, retreating from Santa Ana before a -large body of insurgents, that were shooting at them, just then came -up, and it was to aid these that the Spaniards behind the walls fired -a volley after the flag of surrender had been raised. - -General Greene then ordered the retreating Spaniards inside the -walls, as a letter from the Captain-General was received inviting the -American commander within for a consultation. General Greene himself, -with Adjutant-General Bates, entered the city. - -When General Merritt, on the Zafiro, saw the white flag, he sent -General Whittier, with Flag-Lieutenant Thomas M. Bramley, ashore to -meet the Captain-General to discuss the terms of surrender. - -General Whittier found the Spanish officials much disturbed. Because -of the Spaniards seeking refuge in the city from the insurgents, -it was believed the Americans were continuing the attack. - -When General Merritt himself entered the city, about three o'clock, -the situation was explained, and a conference with General Jandenes -resulted in the following terms of capitulation. - - - - -Capitulation of the Philippines. - -Officers allowed to retain their swords and personal effects, but -not their horses during their stay at Manila. - -Prisoners of war surrendering their arms are to have necessary supplies -provided from the treasury; when that is exhausted the Americans to -make provision. - -All public property is surrendered. Future disposition of Spanish -troops surrendered is to be determined by negotiations between the -respective governments. - -Arms may be returned at General Merritt's discretion. - -Banks will continue to operate under existing regulations, subject -to change by the United States Government. - - -General Jandenes, it is said, was found in the sacristy of a church, -which was filled with women and children. The capitulation, however, -was made and signed in the adjacent municipal buildings. - -The terms of capitulation were formally signed by the American -commissioners: General Greene, Colonel Whittier, Colonel Crowder, -and Captain Lamberton; and the Spanish commissioners Colonel San José -Maria Laguen, Felix Don Carlos Reye, and General Don Nicolas de la -Pena y Cuellas. - -The insurgents were barred from the city. At dusk General Augustin, -the Captain-General of the Islands, and his family, escaped on a -German cruiser to Hong-Kong. - -Lieutenant Bramley lowered the Spanish flag on Fort Santiago, and -raised the Stars and Stripes. It is said that while this momentous -ceremony was performing, many of the Spaniards looking on wept; -while the American band played the Star-Spangled Banner, and the -surrounding American troops presented arms. - -The Americans suffered a loss of eight killed and forty wounded. The -exact Spanish loss has never been ascertained, but it was probably -not far from 500 killed and wounded. The Americans took 20,000 -Mauser rifles, 3,000 Remingtons, a large number of cannon and 11,000 -prisoners; 7,000 of them Spanish regulars. - -American sentries were at once placed on the battlements and along -the Pasig, and perfect order was maintained. - -It was found, further, that the stories of starvation were grossly -exaggerated; both the inhabitants and the soldiers were looking very -well. Most of them, in fact, seemed to be pleased that the surrender -had been made so soon, without great loss of life, and before a -continued bombardment had reduced the city to ruins. - -General Merritt and chief of staff, General Babcock, deserved great -credit for their plan of attack, which was carried out successfully -under great disadvantages. The conduct of the Americans, officers -and men alike, army and navy, was most creditable. - -Because the protocol establishing peace between the United States -and Spain had been signed a few hours before the capture of Manila, -it was believed that the United States was bound by the third article -of the protocol, which reads: - - - The United States will occupy and hold the city, bay, and - harbor of Manila pending the conclusion of a treaty of peace, - which shall determine the control, disposition, and government - of the Philippines. - - - - -Awaiting the Peace Commission. - -Thus Spain was to remain the nominal possessor of the Archipelago, -until the decision of the Peace Commission. - -Pending the conclusion of the peace negotiations, and the disposition -of the islands, it was settled that the authority of the United -States was to be supreme. Both Spaniards, and insurgents were thus -to have no share in the Government. The Americans were conquerors; -the Spaniards, as the conquered, had lost all right to a voice in -public affairs. There was, however, some doubt on the part of the -American commands as to the status of the insurgents; who, though -they had but little part in the capture of Manila, had done effective -work in other parts of Luzon, having driven the common enemy step by -step to the gates of the capital. The revolution, too, was spreading, -and new complications arose every day. - -In reply to their joint-message for instructions, General H. C. Corbin -cabled General Merritt as follows: - - - - INSTRUCTIONS TO MERRITT. - - - Adjutant-General's Office, Washington, D. C., August 17, 1898. - - - Major-General Merritt, Manila, Philippine Islands:--The President - directs that there must be no joint-occupation with the insurgents. - - The United States is in the possession of Manila city, Manila - bay and harbor, and must preserve the peace and protect persons - and property within the territory occupied by their military and - naval forces. - - The insurgents and all others must recognize the military - occupation and authority of the United States and the cessation - of hostilities proclaimed by the President. - - Use whatever means in your judgment are necessary to this end. All - law-abiding people must be treated alike. - - By order of the Secretary of War. - - - H. C. CORBIN, Adjutant-General. - - - - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's The Philippine Islands, by Ramon Reyes Lala - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS *** - -***** This file should be named 42726-8.txt or 42726-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/2/7/2/42726/ - -Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net/ for Project -Gutenberg (This file was produced from images generously -made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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