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.