Mindanao, has, on the contrary, expended annually considerable sums,
derived from the revenues of Luzon and Visayas, in maintaining a
squadron of gunboats to police the seas, and keep down piracy, in
building and garrisoning forts to suppress the slave-trade, and in
assisting the missionaries to attract the heathen, by providing them
with seeds, implements of husbandry, and with clothing, also in giving
them fire-arms and ammunition to protect themselves from the Moros.
Annuities were paid to friendly Moro dattos as rewards for services
rendered, or as compensation for the cession of some of their rights.
The Moros have always been the great danger to the peace of the island,
as the Visayas have always been the mainstay of Spanish authority.
Had it not been for the war with America, the Moros would have been,
by this time, completely subdued.
Even as it was, half the island was practically free from danger
from them. If you draw a line on the map from Cagayan de Misamis to
the head of the Bay of Sarangani, it will roughly divide the island
into halves. The Moros who lived to the eastward of this line were
pacific, and some thousands of them had been baptized, and had given
up polygamy and slave-trading.
Had they risen in arms--which was not at all likely--they could have
been put down by the Visayas militia under the local authorities.
To the west of this line, until quite lately, the Spanish garrisons
dotted along the banks of the Rio Grande from Polloc and Cotta-bato to
Piquit and Pinto, dominated the Moro dattos of that region, and nearly
joined hands with the forts and garrisons on the rivers running into
the Bay of Macajalar.
The only remaining seat of the Moro power was the country around Lake
Lanao, where the dattos had formed the Illana confederation to resist
the advances of the Christians.
This lake has never been surveyed, and no two maps agree on its size,
shape or position. It is, however, known to be very different from
the other large lakes in Mindanao, which are shallow, whilst this,
on the contrary, is deep; in some places, three or four fathoms will
be found close in shore. At Lugud and Tugana the banks are steep.
There are five or six islands in it; the largest is called Nuza. It
is high and flat-topped, situated near the middle of the lake, and
on it are five hundred houses.
The length of the lake may be about 14 miles, and its greatest breadth
about the same.
There is a road all round it, reported to be in good condition for
vehicles, except at Taraca, where the ground is soft. This road may be
about fifty miles long, and is said to have houses on both sides of it
nearly all the way. The accompanying sketch, from D. Jose Nietos' map,
shows forty-three towns clustered round the lake, but in reality it is
only one vast town, and the names are those of districts or parishes,
each under the rule of a datto. The Sultan lives at Taraca.
The land about the lake is very fertile, and is cultivated by the
slaves.
The produce is of excellent quality, and the Moros not only supply
themselves, but export annually about 1000 tons of rice, and 900 tons
of coffee.
The River Agus, which drains the lake, is not navigable.
Although it has a great body of water, the impetuosity of the current,
rushing amongst rocks, forms dangerous rapids.
The surface of the lake must be considerably above the sea-level.
The approaches to the northern end of the lake on both sides of the
river were defended by many cottas, or forts. Most of those were
taken and destroyed by the Spanish forces in 1894-96, but they are
now probably being rebuilt.
Half-way between the lake and the Bay of Iligan stands Fort Weyler,
which had a strong garrison of infantry, cavalry, artillery and
engineers, and was impregnable to any Moro attack. To the south of
the lake, on the shores of Illana Bay, stand Forts Corcuera and Baras,
whilst to the westward, between Illana Bay and Panguil Bay, lie four
forts across the narrow isthmus called Alfonso XIII., Infanta Isabel,
Santas Paz, and Eulalia and Maria Cristina.
These, with the trocha, or military road of Tucuran, cut off the
Illano Moros from communication with their brethren of Sibuguey,
or with their former victims, the Subanos.
Further to the northward, Fort Almonte kept watch over the quondam
pirates of the Liangan River.
These forts and posts were garrisoned by nearly 3000 regular troops,
all natives, except the artillery (see List of Posts in Mindanao,
p. 386), and in addition a field force of several thousand men,
also of the regular army, was encamped at Ulama, Pantar, and other
places to the north of the lake, and three small steam-vessels had
been transported overland in sections, and launched upon the lake.
Thus everything was ready for the final blow, for the Moros were
completely hemmed in by Spanish garrisons or Jesuit reducciones;
but the breaking out of the Tagal insurrection, in 1896, obliged
General Blanco to withdraw, not only the field army, but to reduce
the garrisons in order to hold Manila and Cavite until the Peninsular
troops could arrive.
Later on, the war between the United States and Spain, and the
immediate destruction of the Spanish naval forces by the American
squadron, caused the Spanish authorities to sink the flotilla in
the lake, to abandon all the posts on the north coast of Mindanao,
the trocha of Tucuran, and all the forts on the Rio Grande,
and to concentrate their whole force at Zamboanga, leaving the
recently-converted heathen and the missionaries to defend themselves
against the Moros as best they could.
The missionaries of the district of Cotta-bato have taken refuge in
Zamboanga, fearing to fall into the hands of the Moros, who would exact
a heavy ransom for their delivery. As for the hundreds of liberated
slave children, both girls and boys, who were gathered together under
the protection of the missionaries at the asylum of Tamontaca, they
are doubtless once more in the hands of the cruel Moros of Lake Lanao;
some, perhaps, have been sold by these wretches to the heathen tribes
for twenty or thirty dollars each, to be offered up as sacrifices to
Tag-busan, the god of war of the Manobos, or to Dewata, the sanguinary
house-god of the Guiangas.
The missionaries of the north of Mindanao were recalled by the Father
Superior to Manila; but in some of the towns the native converts
and Visayas have detained them by force, and keep a watch on them to
prevent their escape. They treat them well, and allow them to exercise
their ministry.
As there are no Moros in that part of the island, the missionaries
are not in danger, for they are much beloved by their converts,
whose only desire is to keep them amongst them.
The district of Davao has been, like other localities, the scene of
murder and pillage since the withdrawal of the Spanish authorities. At
midnight of February 6th, the bad characters and outlaws of the chief
town, under the leadership of Domingo Fernandez, a native of Zamboanga,
and formerly interpreter and writer in the office of the Governor
of Davao, rose in arms, and attacked the house of Don Bonifacio
Quidato, sub-lieutenant of the local militia. They cut his throat,
and bayoneted his wife as she lay in her bed. They then attacked all
the well-to-do people of the place, committing many barbarous acts,
and plundering their houses.
Most of the Spanish residents escaped from the town in a lorcha, and,
after a terrible voyage of sixteen days, suffering from hunger, and
undergoing many severe privations, arrived in Zamboanga more dead
than alive. The veteran missionary, Father Urios, and three other
Spaniards, could not escape, and remained in the power of the bandits.
This is only one instance of what is going on all over the island. In
the words of one who knows the country well, Mindanao has become a
seething hell, and is in a condition more dreadful than ever before
in historic times.
But amongst these various tribes, Christian or heathen, there is said
to be one subject, and one only, upon which they all agree. They have
combined to resist by force the American invasion. If it is attempted
to conquer them by force of arms, it will be a difficult, a tedious,
and a costly operation--a campaign far more sickly than that now
proceeding in the arable lands around Manila, where the ground is hard,
the country very level, and where field-guns can be taken anywhere
during the dry season. It is my belief that, if skilfully handled,
half the island--the eastern half--could be pacified without war,
although, no doubt, gangs of bandits would have to be destroyed;
but this could be done by the Visayas and the converts, organised as
a militia, and paid whilst on active service.
But this pacification requires the assistance of the missionaries. They
are not likely to give that assistance unless terms are made with them,
and one of those terms will surely be that they shall be allowed to
continue their beneficent work unhindered and unvexed.
So the United States Government is confronted with a dilemma. Either
they must shoot down the new Christians, to introduce and enforce
freedom of worship which the converts do not want, and cannot
understand, or they must negotiate with the Jesuits for them to use
their influence to pacify the island, and thus subject themselves
to the abuse and the outcry such a proceeding will bring upon them
from the divines and missionaries of Protestant sects, and from their
political opponents.
As for the western half of the island, a part may be pacified with the
help of the missionaries, but military operations on a considerable
scale will be required there sooner or later against the Moros of
Lake Lanao.
This would be a holy war, a war of humanity, and I would say to
the Americans: Look back on the deeds of your forefathers, on the
days when your infant navy covered itself with imperishable glory,
when it curbed the insolence of the Bashaw of Tripoli, the Bey of
Tunis, and the Dey of Algiers, teaching all Europe how to deal with
Mediterranean pirates. Inspire yourselves with the Spirit of Decatur
and his hero-comrades whose gallant deeds at Tripoli earned Nelson's
praise as being "the most bold and daring act of the age," and do not
hesitate to break up this last community of ex-pirates and murderous
slave-hunters.
The Moros of Lake Lanao could be simultaneously attacked from north and
south. In 1894, the Spaniards attacked by the north, and transported
all their artillery and stores and their small steamers built in
sections, by paths on the eastern side of the River Agus. Some of
the Moros remained neutral in that campaign. Such were the Dattos of
Lumbayangin and Guimba. Their cottas were spared. The distance in a
straight line from the mouth of the Agus near Iligan to the lake is
fifteen miles.
The path winds a good deal, and the country is hilly, wooded on the
heights, and intersected by streams. There is a path on the west
bank of the Agus, the country there is more open, and a large part
of it is under cultivation. A good outfit of mountain-guns would be
required on this northern expedition.
The other attack could be made from the south, the forces landing at
Fort Baras, or at Lalabuan. From either of these places there is what
in the Philippines is called a road to Ganasi at the southern end of
the lake. The distance in a straight line is about twenty miles. The
two roads join at about half way, just before coming to the cotta of
Kurandangan in the Sultanate of Pualas.
This road is reported to have no steep gradients, no boggy parts,
and no unfordable streams. The country is fairly open, as there is
no thick forest, but only scrub and cogon, or elephant grass. From
a description given by a Tagal who traversed this road, it appears
to be practicable for field artillery. The combined attack, north and
south, could be supported by an advance from the eastward of irregular
forces of the Monteses from the reducciones of the Tagoloan, Sawaga
and Malupati Rivers, if they were supplied with arms and ammunition
for this purpose.
It seems to me that we have here the usual three courses; the fourth,
to do nothing, and allow Moro and Christian to fight it out, would
be unworthy of the United States, or of any civilized government.
1. Put a stop to slave-hunting and murdering by a military expedition
against the Moro Dattos.
2. Maintain garrisons to keep the peace and protect the missionaries
and their converts and trust to their efforts to gradually convert
the Moros.
3. Arm all the Christian towns round about the Moros and organise
the men as local militia, so that they can protect themselves against
Moro aggression.
All these courses are expensive, the second less expensive than the
first, the third less expensive than the second.
However, if either the second or third course is adopted, it is very
probable that before long the first course would become imperative,
for the Moros are faithless and treacherous in the extreme, and no
treaty unsupported by bayonets has the least chance of being respected.
To adopt the second or third course, then, only amounts to putting
off the evil day.
The missionaries can be of the greatest service in pacifiying the Moros
whenever the power of the dattos is broken and when slavery can be put
an end to. The object of the expedition I have spoken of should not be
to exterminate the Moros, but merely to break the power of the dattos
and pandits, and to free their followers and slaves from their yoke.
It is generally taken for granted that a Moro cannot be converted,
but this is not the case in Mindanao. Father Jaoquin Sancho, S.J.,
informs me that when the political power of the dattos has been
destroyed, their followers have been found ready to listen to the
teachings of the missionaries and beginning by sending their children
to school, then perhaps sanctioning the marriage of their daughters
with Christians, they have finally cast in their lot with the Roman
Catholic Church, not in scores, nor hundreds, but by thousands. He says
that his colleagues baptized in one year after 1892, in the district
of Davao alone, more than three thousand Mahometan Moros. He adds that
their religious receptivity is much greater than that of the heathen
tribes, that once baptized they remain fervent Christians, whilst
the Mandayas, Manobos, Monteses and other heathen are only too apt,
with or without reason, to slip away to the forests and mountains and
resume their nomadic life, their heathen orgies, and human sacrifices.
I have already spoken of the success of the missionaries on the
Rio Grande and of their industrial and agricultural orphanage at
Tamontacca, where they were bringing up hundreds of children of both
sexes, mostly liberated slaves of the Moros, to be useful members
of society. This noble institution occupied the very spot where the
former Moro Sultan of Tamontacca held his court.
Two or three more institutions like this, established at points a few
miles distant from Lake Lanao, and protected from aggression on the
part of the Moro, would gradually undermine the power of the Dattos
by affording an asylum to all fugitive slaves attempting to escape
from cruelties of their masters.
For years past the Spaniards have protected all slaves who have fled
to them from their masters. The Datto Utto applied to General Weyler
to restore to him forty-eight slaves who had taken refuge at a Spanish
fort on the Rio Grande, but Weyler refused, reminding the datto that
he had signed an engagement to keep no slaves, but only free labourers,
who had the right to fix their residence where they pleased.
I assume that no slaves who seek the shelter of the Stars and Stripes
will ever be sent back again into bondage.
As a guide to the strength of the expedition which will sooner or
later have to be sent against the Moros of Lake Lanao, I may say that
the total war strength of the Moros of Mindanao was estimated in 1894
at 19,000 fighting-men, 35 guns, 1896 Lantacas and 2167 muskets or
rifles. (See list, p. 387).
They have probably since then obtained a large supply of rifles and
ammunition. This traffic in arms should be at once stopped.
Swords and spears they have in abundance.
But of these 19,000 men many have submitted to the Spanish rule,
or have become allies of the Spaniards, like the Datto Ayunan, the
Datto Abdul, the Sultan of Bolinson and many others.
Probably 10,000 men would be the very utmost that the Moros of Lake
Lanao could bring on the field, and only a part of these would have
fire-arms, which they could have little skill in handling.
They would on no account give battle in the open, but would fight
in the bush, and desperately defend their cottas. They would not
concentrate their forces, for want of transport for their food supply;
besides, the nature of the country would prevent this.
They could not stop a flotilla from being launched on the lake and
from capturing the islands as a base of operations.
The flotilla would be operating on inside lines of communication. It
could threaten one side of the lake, and in less than two hours be
landing troops on the opposite side.
In fact, with a moderate force, their subjugation would not be so
difficult as has often been supposed.
It should be made clear to the Sacopes and to the slaves that
the war is waged against the Sultans and Dattos, that the people
would have their lives and property and the free exercise of their
religion guaranteed to them, and that the adults should be exempt
from taxation and conscription for the rest of their lives or for
a term of years. Then the resistance would soon slacken, and the
sultans and dattos might be captured. Those who would not conform to
the new condition of things might be allowed to emigrate to Borneo or
elsewhere, but their subjects and slaves should by no means be allowed
to go with them, for they will soon become useful agriculturists and
good Christians, and Mindanao cannot spare them.
The question of slavery, more especially of slave-concubines,
will require delicate handling, but by adopting a conciliatory but
firm policy, this curse may gradually be got rid of without causing
disturbance or bloodshed. Cranks and faddists should not be allowed
to handle this question, but it should be placed in the hands of some
one well versed in human nature, and a true friend of freedom.
The wise policy of the British authorities in Zanzibar and Pemba is
well worthy of imitation.
As happens in Africa, the greatest impediment to the conversion of
the heathen polygamist is the obligation to renounce all his wives
but one. This is a sore trial, more especially when they have paid
a good price for them, or if they are good cooks.
Father Urios having persuaded a Manobo, who wished to be baptized,
to do this, the man said to him: "Of my two wives I have decided to
keep the elder, but I make a great sacrifice in separating from the
other, for I had so much trouble to obtain her. Her father would only
give her to me in exchange for fifteen slaves. As I did not possess
them, I was obliged to take the field against the timid tribes in an
unknown country, and to capture these fifteen slaves. I was obliged
to fight often, and to kill more than thirty men."
The illustration represents a scene from the labours of Father Gisbert
amongst the Bagobos. He is exhorting a blood-stained old datto and
his wives and followers to abandon their human sacrifices, exhibiting
to them the image of the crucified Redeemer, whose followers he urges
them to become.
As regards the maintenance of the missions, I do not for one moment
doubt that the liberality of the Roman Catholics of the United States
is quite equal to the needs of the pioneers of civilisation, who have
laboured with such remarkable success.
Altogether the Jesuits administered the spiritual, and some of the
temporal affairs of 200,000 Christians in Mindanao.
They educated the young, taught them handicrafts, attended to the
sick, consoled the afflicted, reconciled those at variance, explored
the country, encouraged agriculture, built churches, laid out roads,
and assisted the Administration. Finally, when bands of slave-hunting,
murdering Moros swept down like wolves on their flocks, they placed
themselves at the head of their ill-armed parishioners and led them
into battle against a ferocious enemy who gives no quarter, with
the calmness of men who, long before, had devoted their lives to the
Master's cause, to whom nothing in this world is of any consequence
except the advancement of the Faith and the performance of duty.
They received very meagre monetary assistance from the Spanish
Government, and had to depend greatly upon the pious offerings of
the devout in Barcelona and in Madrid. It is to be feared that these
subscriptions will now fall off as Spain has lost the islands; if so,
it is all the more incumbent upon the Roman Catholics of America to
find the means of continuing the good work.
I feel sure that this will be so--Christian charity will not fail,
and the missions will be maintained.
For their devotion and zeal, I beg to offer the Jesuit missionaries
my profound respect and my earnest wishes for their welfare under
the Stars and Stripes.
To my mind, they realise very closely the ideal of what a Christian
missionary should be. Although a Protestant born and bred, I see in
that no reason to close my eyes to their obvious merit, nor to seek to
be-little the great good they have done in Mindanao. Far from doing so,
I wish to state my conviction that the easiest, the best, and the most
humane way of pacifying Mindanao is by utilising the powerful influence
of the Jesuit missionaries with their flocks, and this before it is
too late, before the populations have had time to completely forget
the Christian teaching, and to entirely relapse into barbarism.
List of Posts in Mindanao Garrisoned by Detachments of the Native
Army with Spanish Officers in 1894.
Field Officers.
Officers.
Men.
1st District.
San Ramon .. 1 12 Infantry.
Santa Maria .. 1 34 Infantry.
Margos-sa-tubig .. 2 60 Infantry.
2nd District.
Fort Weyler, Mumungan 1 7 321 Infantry.
Fort Weyler, Mumungan .. 1 18 Artillery.
Fort Weyler, Mumungan .. 2 112 Engineers.
Fort Weyler, Mumungan .. 1 30 Cavalry.
Fort Weyler, Mumungan .. 3 158 Disciplinary Battn.
Iligan .. 1 30 Tercio
Civil.
Almonte .. 2 58 Infantry.
Almonte .. .. 8 Artillery.
Almonte .. 1 20 Disciplinary Battn.
Tangok, Alfonso XIII. .. 1 20 Infantry.
Balatacan, Infanta Isabel .. 1 20 Infantry.
Trocha de Tucuran, Sta. Pax
and Sta. Eulalia Maria
Cristina .. 3 150 Infantry.
Dapitan.
Sundangan .. 1 32 Infantry.
Parang-parang 1 3 500 Infantry.
Parang-parang .. 1 12 Artillery.
Parang-parang .. 2 60 Disciplinary Battn.
Parang-parang .. 3 60 Engineers.
Matabang .. 3 200 Infantry.
Matabang .. .. 10 Artillery.
Baras .. 3 200 Infantry.
Baras .. .. 10 Artillery.
Sarangani.
Glan .. 2 45 Infantry.
Makra .. 1 32 Infantry.
Balut .. 1 20 Infantry.
Tumanao .. 1 Sergt. 15 Infantry.
5th District.
Cottabato .. 3 100 Infantry.
Cottabato .. 1 12 Artillery.
Libungan .. 1 Sergt. 12 Infantry.
Tamontaca .. 1 20 Infantry.
Taviran .. 1 22 Infantry.
Tumbao .. 1 60 Infantry.
Kudaranga .. 1 20 Infantry.
Reina Regente .. 3 100 Infantry.
Pikit .. 1 60 Infantry.
6 Artillery.
Pinto .. .. 60 Infantry.
6 Artillery.
Coast.
Pollok .. 1 Sergt. 11 Infantry.
Panay .. 1 11 Infantry.
Lebak .. 1 11 Infantry.
---- ---- ------
2 65 2758
This number is exclusive of the garrisons of Zamoanga and Davao.
Basilan 2 officers, 50 men.
Estimate of the Moro Forces in Mindanao in the Year 1894.
District. Fighting-men. Guns. Lantacas. Rifles.
Tucaran 1,000 2 54 162
Parang-parang 2,500 2 29 117
Malabang 3,500 1 342 265
Baras 2,000 4 19 23
Lake Lanao and
surrounding district 10,000 26 1,452 1,600
-------- ---- ------- -------
19,000 35 1,896 2,167
The fighting-men of the River Pulangui, and the Rio Grande comprised
within the 5th District are not included in this list, as many of
them have submitted to the Spaniards, and there appears little to
fear from them. Only those who are quite independent and war-like,
and who may be considered dangerous have been set down.
Population of Mindanao in 1894.
As given by Jose Nieto Aguilar.
Districts. Area in Population Christians. Moros. Heathen.
Hectares. Total.
[31] Zamboanga 2,984,696 17,000 8,000 90,000 115,000
[32] Misamis
(Dapitan and
Camiguin Is.) 1,098,000 116,000 100,000 20,000 236,000
[33] Surigao 1,070,190 68,000 8,000 12,000 88,000
Bislig 441,291 21,076 .. 10,000 31,076
[34] Davao 1,044,333 1,500 .. 17,300 18,800
Cotta-bato 2,829,379 4,000 80,000 [35] 120,000 204,000
------- ------- ------- -------
227,576 196,000 269,300 692,876
APPENDIX.
SOME OF THE COMBATS, MASSACRES AND REBELLIONS, DISPUTES AND CALAMITIES
OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS.
1521. Magellan and several of his followers killed in action by the
natives of Mactan, near Cebu; Juan Serrano and many other Spaniards
treacherously killed by Hamabar, King of Cebu.
1525. Salazar fights the Portuguese off Mindanao, and suffers great
losses in ships and men.
1568. Legaspi's expedition attacked in Cebu by a Portuguese fleet,
which was repulsed.
1570. Legaspi founds the city of Cebu, with the assistance of the
Augustinians.
1571. Legaspi founds the city of Manila, with the assistance of
the Augustinians.
1572. Juan Salcedo fights the Datto of Zambales, and delivers his
subjects from oppression.
1574. Siege of Manila by the Chinese pirate Li-ma-hon with 95
small vessels and 2000 men. The Spaniards and natives repulse the
attack. The pirates retire to Pangasinan, and are attacked and
destroyed by Juan Salcedo.
1577. War against Mindanao and Jolo, parts of which are
occupied. Disputes between the missionaries and the military
officers who desire to enrich themselves by enslaving the natives,
which the former stoutly oppose, desiring to convert them, and grant
them exemption from taxes according to the "Leyes de Indias." They
considered the cupidity of the soldiers as the chief obstacle to
the conversion of the heathen. The Crown decided in favour of the
natives, but they did not derive all the benefits they were entitled
to, as the humane laws were not respected by the governors.
The Franciscans arrived in Manila.
1580. Expedition sent by Gonzalo Ronquillo to Borneo to assist
King Sirela.
1581. Expedition sent by the same to Cagayan to expel a Japanese
corsair who had established himself there. The expedition succeeded,
but with heavy loss.
Expedition against the Igorrotes to get possession of the
gold-mines, but without success.
The Jesuits arrive in Manila.
1582. Expedition against the Molucas, under Sebastian Ronquillo. An
epidemic destroyed two-thirds of the expedition, which returned
without accomplishing anything.
Great disputes between the encomenderos and the friars in consequence
of the ill-treatment of the natives by the former. Dissensions
between the Bishop of Manila and the friars who refused to submit to
his diocesan visit.
Manila burnt down.
1584. Second expedition against the Molucas, with no better luck
than the first.
Rebellion of the Pampangos and Manila men, assisted by some
Mahometans from Borneo. Combat between the English pirate, Thomas
Schadesh, and Spanish vessels.
Combat between the English adventurer Thomas Cavendish
(afterwards Sir Thomas), and Spanish vessels.
1587. The Dominicans arrive in Manila.
1589. Rebellion in Cagayan and other provinces.
1593. Third expedition against the Molucas under Gomez Perez
Dasmarinias. He had with him in his galley 80 Spaniards and 250 Chinese
galley-slaves. In consequence of contrary winds, his vessel put into
a port near Batangas for shelter. In the silence of the night, when
the Spaniards were asleep, the galley-slaves arose and killed them
all except a Franciscan friar and a secretary. Dasmarinias built the
castle of Santiago, and fortified Manila with stone walls, cast a
large number of guns, and established the college of Sta. Potenciana.
1596. The galleon which left Manila for Acapulco with rich
merchandise, was obliged to enter a Japanese port by stress of weather,
and was seized by the Japanese authorities. The crew were barbarously
put to death.
1597. Expedition of Luis Perez Dasmarinias against Cambodia, which
gained no advantage.
1598. The Audiencia re-established in Manila, and the bishopric
raised to an archbishopric.
Expedition against Mindanao and Jolo, the people from which were
committing great devastations in Visayas, taking hundreds of captives.
Much fighting, and many killed on both sides, without any
definite result.
1599. Destructive earthquake in Manila and neighbourhood.
1600. Great sea combat between four Spanish ships, commanded by
Judge Morga, and two Dutch pirates. One of the Dutchmen was taken,
but the other escaped.
Another destructive earthquake on January 7th, and one less violent,
but long, in November.
1603. Conspiracy of Eng-Cang and the Chinese against the
Spaniards. The Chinese entrench themselves near Manila; Luis Perez
Dasmarinias marches against them with 130 Spaniards. They were all
killed and decapitated by the Chinese, who then besieged Manila, and
attempted to take it by assault. Being repulsed by the Spaniards,
all of whom, including the friars, took up arms, they retired to
their entrenchments. They were ultimately defeated, and 23,000 of
them were massacred. Only 100 were left alive, and these were sent
to the galleys as slaves.
1606. The Recollets arrive in Manila.
Fourth expedition against the Molucas. Pedro de Acuna, having received
a reinforcement of 800 men--Mexicans and Peruvians--attacked and took
Ternate, Tidore, Marotoy and Herrao, with all their artillery and
provisions. He left 700 men in garrison there, and returned to Manila,
dying a few days after his arrival. The Augustinians furnished a
galleon for this expedition. It was commanded by the Rev. Father
Antonio Flores.
1607. Revolt of the Japanese living in and near Manila, and heavy
losses on both sides.
1609. Arrival of Juan de Silva with five companies of Mexican
and Peruvian infantry. Attack on Manila by a Dutch squadron of five
vessels. They were beaten off with the loss of three of their ships.
1610. Unsuccessful expedition against Java. This was to have been
a combined attack on the Dutch by Portuguese and Spaniards, but
the Spanish squadron did not arrive in time to join their allies,
who were beaten by the Dutch fleet in the Straits of Malacca.
Terrific earthquake in Manila and the eastern provinces.
1616. Violent eruption of the Mayon volcano.
1622. Revolt of the natives in Bohol, Leyte and Cagayan, which were
easily suppressed.
1624. The Dutch landed on Corregidor Island, but were beaten off.
1627. August. Great earthquake.
1628. Destructive earthquake in Camarines.
1638. Sebastian Hurtado de Corcuera makes an attack on the Moros
of Mindanao, and conquers the Sultanate of Buhayen and island of
Basilan. He also defeats the Joloans.
1639. Insurrection of Chinese in the province of Laguna and in
Manila. Out of 30,000, 7000 ultimately surrendered. All the rest were
massacred by the Tagals.
1640. The Dutch attacked the Spanish garrisons in Mindanao and
Jolo. The governor-general, fearing they might attack Manila, withdrew
the garrisons from the above places to strengthen his own defences,
thus leaving the Moros masters of both islands.
1641. Eruption of the Taal volcano. Violent earthquake in Ilocos.
1645. The Dutch attacked Cavite and other ports, but were repulsed.
Rebellion of the Moros in Jolo, and of the natives of Cebu and other
provinces, who were oppressed by forced labour in building vessels,
and other services.
In these years there were great disputes between the Spaniards of the
capital and the friars.
Great earthquake in Manila, 30th November, called St. Andrew's
earthquake.
1646. Long series of strong earthquakes, which began in March with
violent shocks, and lasted for sixty days.
1648. Great earthquakes in Manila.
1653. Great devastations by the Moros of Mindanao, which were
severely punished.
Rebellion in Pampanga and Pangasinan against being forced to cut
timber gratuitously for the navy. Suppressed after a serious
resistance.
1658. Destructive earthquake in Manila and Cavite.
1662. The Chinese pirate, Cong-seng, demands tribute from the
Governor of the Philippines. A decree is issued ordering all Chinamen
to leave the Philippines. The Chinese entrench themselves in the
Parian, and resist. Thousands were killed, and 2000 who marched into
Pampanga were all massacred by the natives.
Great troubles occurred between the governor, Diego de Salcedo,
and the archbishop.
1665. 19th June, violent and destructive earthquake in Manila.
1669. During the government of Manuel de Leon, further troubles
occurred between the archbishop and the Audiencia. The archbishop
was banished, and sent by force to Pangasinan. But a new governor,
Gabriel de Cruzalegui, arrived, and restored the archbishop, who
excommunicated the dean and chapter.
1675. Destructive earthquake in South Luzon and Mindoro.
1683. Great earthquake in Manila.
1689. Archbishop Pardo having died, was succeeded by P. Camacho,
and now great disorders arose from his insisting on making the diocesan
visit, which the friars refused to receive, and would only be visited
by their own Provincial. Again Judge Sierra required the Augustinians
and Dominicans to present the titles of the estates they possessed
in virtue of a special commission he had brought from Madrid, which
they refused to obey, and the end of the dispute was that Sierra was
sent back to Mexico, and another commissioner, a friend of the friars,
was appointed, to whom they unofficially exhibited the titles.
1716. Destructive eruption of the Taal volcano, and violent
earthquake in Manila.
1717. Fernando Bustillo Bustamente became governor, and
re-established garrisons in Zamboanga and Paragua. He caused various
persons who had embezzled the funds of the colony to restore them,
imprisoning a corrupt judge. He was assassinated by the criminals he
had punished, and nothing came of the inquiry into his death.
1735. Earthquake in Baler, and tidal wave.
At this time, the audacity of the Moro pirates was incredible. They
ravaged the Visayas and southern Luzon, and carried away the
inhabitants by thousands for slaves. The natives began to desert the
coast, and take to the interior. Pedro Manuel de Arandia, obeying
repeated orders, decreed the expulsion of the Chinese.
1744. Another rising in Bohol, due to the tyranny of a Jesuit priest
named Morales. The chief of this rising was a native named Dagohoy,
who put the Jesuit to death, and maintained the independence of
Bohol, paying no tribute for thirty-five years. When the Jesuits
were expelled from the Philippines, Recollets were sent to Bohol,
and the natives submitted on receiving a free pardon.
1749. Eruption of the Taal volcano, and earthquake in Manila. The
eruption lasted for twenty days.
1754. Violent eruption of the Taal volcano, which began on 15th
May, and lasted till the end of November. This was accompanied
by earthquakes, an inundation, terrifying electrical discharges,
and destructive storms. The ashes darkened the country for miles
round, even as far as Manila. When the eruption ceased, the stench
was dreadful, and the sea and lake threw up quantities of dead fish
and alligators. A malignant fever burst out, which carried off vast
numbers of the population round about the volcano.
1762. A British squadron, with troops from India, arrived in the
bay 22nd September, and landed the forces near the powder-magazine of
S. Antonio Abad. On the 24th, the city was bombarded. The Spaniards
sent out 2000 Pampangos to attack the British, but they were repulsed
with great slaughter, and ran away to their own country.
The civil population of Manila were decidedly in favour of resisting
to the last drop of the soldiers' blood; but the soldiers were not at
all anxious for this. Confusion arose in the city, and whilst
recriminations were in progress, the British took the city by assault,
meeting only a half-hearted resistance.
The natives immediately began plundering, and were turned out of the
city by General Draper. The Chinese also joined in the robbery, and a
few were hanged in consequence. The city was pillaged. The British
regiments are said to have behaved well, but the sepoys ravished the
women, and killed many natives.
Cavite was about to be surrendered, but as soon as the native troops
there knew what was going on, they began at once to plunder the town
and arsenal.
1763. A British expedition sailing in small craft took possession
of Malolos on January 19th, 1763. The Augustin and Franciscan friars
took arms to defend Bulacan, where two of them were killed in action.
It was said that the Chinese were conspiring to exterminate the
Spaniards. Simon de Anda, the chief of the war-party amongst the
Spaniards, issued an order that all the Chinese in the Philippines
should be hanged, and this order was in a great measure carried
out. This was the fourth time the Spaniards and natives exterminated
the Chinese in the Philippines.
Peace having been made in Europe, the British evacuated Manila
in March, 1774.
In order to satisfy their vanity, and account for the easy victory
of the British, the Spaniards made various accusations of treachery
against a brave Frenchman named Falles, and a Mexican, Santiago de
Orendain. Both those men gallantly led columns of Pampangos against
the British lines in the sortie before mentioned. Although the
Pampangos, full of presumption, boldly advanced against the British
and sepoys, they were no match for disciplined troops led by British
officers, and were hurled back at the point of the bayonet. The
inevitable defeat and rout was made a pretext for the infamous charges
against their leaders. It may be asked, Was there no Spaniard brave
enough to lead the sorties, that a Frenchman and a Mexican were
obliged to take command?
The Spaniards in this campaign showed themselves more at home in
making proclamations, accusations, and intriguing against each other,
than in fighting. However, the friars are exempt from this reproach,
for Augustinians, Dominicans and Franciscans, fought and died, and
shamed the soldiers.
No less than ten Augustinians fell on the field of battle, nineteen
were made prisoners, and twelve were banished. The British are said
by the Augustinians to have sacked and destroyed fifteen of their
conventos, or priests' houses, six houses of their haciendas, and to
have sold everything belonging to them in Manila. The Augustinians
gave their church bells to be cast into cannon for the defence of
the islands.
Spaniards and natives, however, showed great unanimity and enthusiasm
in massacring or hanging the unwarlike Chinamen, and in pillaging their
goods. Nearly all the Chinese in the islands, except those in the parts
held by the British, were killed.
During the Anglo-Spanish war there were revolts of the natives in
Pangasinan and in Ilocos, then a very large province (it is now divided
into four), but both these risings were suppressed. The same happened
with a revolt in Cagayan. Disturbances also occurred in many other
provinces.
Simon de Anda became Governor-General, and carried out the expulsion of
the Jesuits from the Philippines. Great troubles again occurred between
the Archbishop and the friars over the diocesan visit.
1766. 20th July, violent eruption of the Mayon volcano.
23rd October, terrible typhoon in Albay, causing enormous destruction
of life and property.
1777. Jose Basco y Vargas, a naval officer, came out as
Governor-General, and found the country overrun with banditti. He made
a war of extermination against them, and then initiated a vigorous
campaign against the Moros. He repaired the forts, built numbers of
war vessels, and cut up the pirates in many encounters. Basco governed
for nearly eleven years.
1784. During the government of Felix Marquina, a naval officer, the
Compania de Filipinas was founded to commence a trade between Spain and
the Philippines. Marquina was succeeded by Rafael Maria de Aguilar,
an army officer, who organized the land and naval forces, and made
fierce war on the Moros. He governed the islands for fourteen years.
1787. Violent and destructive earthquake in Panay.
1796. Disastrous earthquake in Manila.
1800. Destructive eruption of the Mayon volcano.
1807. Rebellion in Ilocos.
When the parish priest of Betal, an Augustinian, was preaching to his
flock, exhorting them to obedience to their sovereign, a woman stood
up in the church and spoke against him, saying that they should not
believe him, that his remarks were all humbug, that with the pretence
of God, the Gospel, and the King, the priest merely deceived them, so
that the Spaniards might skin them and suck their blood, for the
priests were Spaniards like the rest. However, the townsmen declared
for the King, and took the field under the leadership of the priest.
1809. The first English commercial house established in Manila.
1811. Rebellion in Ilocos to change the religion, nominating a
new god called Lungao. The leaders of this rebellion entered into
negotiations with the Igorrotes and other wild tribes to exterminate
the Spaniards, but the conspiracy was discovered and frustrated.
1814. Rebellion in Ilocos and other provinces.
Prisoners released in some towns in Ilocos. This rebellion was in
consequence of General Gandaras proclaiming the equality of races,
which the Indians interpreted by refusing to pay taxes.
1st February, violent earthquake in south Luzon and destructive
eruption of the Mayon volcano. Astonishing electrical discharges.
A discharge of ashes caused five hours' absolute darkness, through
which fell showers of red hot stones which completely burnt the towns
of Camalig, Cagsana, and Budiao with half of the towns of Albay and
Guinchatau, and part of Bulusan.
The darkness caused by the black ashes reached over the whole of Luzon,
and even to the coast of China. So loud was the thunder that it was
heard in distant parts of the Archipelago.
Great epidemic of cholera in Manila.
1820. Massacre of French, English, and Americans in Manila by the
natives who plundered their dwellings, after which they proceeded with
the fifth massacre of the Chinese. They asserted that the Europeans had
poisoned the wells and produced the cholera. The massacre was due to
the villainous behaviour of a Philippine Spaniard named Varela, who was
Alcalde of Tondo, equivalent to Governor of Manila, and to the criminal
weakness and cowardice of Folgueras the acting governor-general, who
abstained from interference until the foreigners had been killed,
and only sent out troops when forced by the remonstrances of the
friars and other Spaniards.
The archbishop and the friars behaved nobly, for they marched out in
procession to the streets of Binondo, and did their best to stop the
massacre, whilst Folgueras, only attentive to his own safety, remained
with the fortifications.
1822. Juan Antonio Martinez took over the government in
October. Folgueras having reported unfavourably of the officers of
the Philippine army, Martinez brought with him a number of officers
of the Peninsular army to replace those who were inefficient.
This caused a mutiny of the Spanish officers of the native army, and
they murdered Folgueras in his bed. He thus expiated his cowardice in
1820. The mutiny was, however, suppressed, and Novales and twenty
sergeants were shot. Novales' followers had proclaimed him Emperor of
the Philippines. The constitution was abolished by Martinez, without
causing any rising.
1824. Destructive earthquake in Manila.
Alonzo Morgado appointed by Martinez to be captain of the Marina Sutil,
commenced an unrelenting persecution of the piratical Moros, causing
them enormous losses.
1828. Another military insurrection, headed by two brothers,
officers in the Philippine army.
From this date Peninsular troops were permanently maintained in Manila,
which had never been done before.
1829. Father Bernardo Lago, an indefatigable missionary of the
Augustinian Order, with his assistants baptised in the provinces of
Abra and Benguet more than 5300 heathen Tinguianes and Igorrotes,
and settled them in towns.
1834. Foreign vessels allowed to enter Manila by paying double dues.
1836-7. Great disturbances amongst the natives in consequence of
the ex-claustration of the friars in Spain. The natives divided into
two parties. One wished to turn out the friars and all Spaniards,
the others to turn out all Spaniards except the friars, who were to
remain and take charge of the government.
The disturbances were ultimately smoothed over.
1841. Marcelino de Oraa being Governor-General, a sanguinary
insurrection burst out in Tayabas, under the leadership of a native,
Apolinario de la Cruz. He murdered the Alcalde of the province, and
persuaded his fanatical adherents that he would make the earth open
and swallow up the Spanish forces when they attacked.
His following was composed of 3000 men, women, and children. They were
attacked by four hundred soldiers and as many cuadrilleros and
coast-guards, and suffered a crushing defeat, and a third of them were
slain.
Apolinario de la Cruz was apprehended, and immediately put to death.
Apolinario called himself the "King of the Tagals," and told his
followers that a Tagal virgin would come down from Heaven to wed him,
that with a handful of rice he could maintain all who followed him,
and that the Spanish bullets could not hurt them, and many other
absurd things. His followers declared that he had signified his
intention, in case of being victorious, to tie all the friars and other
Spaniards to trees, and to have them shot by the women with arrows.
There lay in garrison at Manila at this time a regiment composed of
Tagals of Tayabas, and they also mutinied, and were shot down by
the other troops.
1844. Royal order prohibiting the admission of foreigners to the
interior of the country.
Narciso de Claveria became Governor-General, and organised a police
force called the Public Safety for Manila, and similar corps for the
provinces. Up to this time the Alcaldes Mayores of provinces had been
allowed to trade, and, in fact, were almost the only traders in their
provinces, buying up the whole crop. This forced trade is quite a
Malay custom, and is practised in Borneo and the Malay States under
the name of Serra-dagang.
The Alcaldes Mayores used to pay the crown one third, or half, or all
their salary for this privilege, and took in return all they could
squeeze out of their provinces without causing an insurrection, or
without causing the friars to complain of them to the Government, for
the parish priests were ever the protectors of the natives against the
civil authority. This privilege of trading was now abolished as being
unworthy of the position of governor of a province.
1851. Expedition by the Governor-General Antonio de Urbiztondo
against Jolo. The force consisted of four regiments, with artillery,
and a battalion of the inhabitants of Cebu, under the command of a
Recollet friar, Father Ibanez. These latter behaved in the bravest
manner, in fact they had to; for their wives, at the instance of the
priest, had sworn never to receive them again if they turned their
backs on the enemy.
The undaunted Father Ibanez led them to the assault, and lost his life
in the moment of victory. Eight cottas (forts), with their artillery
and ammunition, were captured by this expedition, and a great number
of Moros were killed.
After this the Jolo pirates abated their insolent attacks. Claveria
made an expedition against the piratical Moros and seized their island
of Balanguingin, killing 400 Moros, and taking 300 prisoners, also
rescuing 200 captives. He also captured 120 guns and lantacas, and
150 piratical vessels. This exemplary chastisement tranquillised the
Moros for some time.
1853. 13th June. Loud subterranean noises in Albay and eruption of
the Mayon volcano. Fall of ashes and red-hot stones which rolled down
the mountain and killed thirty-three people.
1854. Insurrection in Nueva Ecija under Cuesta, a Spanish mestizo
educated in Spain, where Queen Isabela had taken notice of him.
He arrived in Manila with the appointment of Commandant of Carabineros
in Nueva Ecija, and immediately began to plot. The Augustine friars
harangued his followers and persuaded them to disperse, and Cuesta was
captured and executed, with several other conspirators; others were
banished to distant islands.
In this year Manuel Crespo became Governor-General, and a military
officer, named Zapatero, endeavoured to strangle him in his own office.
1855. Strong shocks of earthquake in all Luzon. Eruption of the
Mayon volcano.
1856. In the latter part of this year a submarine volcanic explosion
took place at the Didica shoal, eight miles north-east of the island
of Camiguin in the Babuyanes, to the north of Luzon. It remains an
active volcano, and has raised a cone nearly to the height of the
volcano of Camiguin, which is 2414 feet high.
1857. The old decrees against foreigners renewed.
Fernando de Norzagaray became governor-general, and found the country
over-run by bandits, against whom he employed severe measures. He
greatly improved Manila.
The French in Cochin-China, finding more resistance than they expected,
appealed to Norzagaray for help. He lent them money, ships, and about
a thousand native troops, who behaved with great bravery during the
campaign.
1860. Ramon Maria Solano succeeded to the Government.
In this year two steam sloops and nine steam gunboats were added to
the naval forces, and now the Moros could only put to sea running
great risks of destruction.
These nine gunboats were the greatest blessings the Philippines
had received for many years.
1861. Jose de Lemery y Ibarrola, Governor-General. Mendez-Nunez,
with the steam sloops and gunboats, inflicted terrible chastisement
on the piratical Moros.
1862. Rafael de Echague y Bermingham became Governor-General.
Second visitation of cholera in the islands, but not so severe
as in 1820.
1863. Terrible earthquake in Manila and the surrounding country,
causing thousands of victims, destroying the cathedral, the palace
of the governor-general, the custom houses, the principal churches
(except St. Augustine), the public and private buildings, in fact,
reducing the city to a ruin.
At this time the steam gunboats continually hostilised the Moros of
Jolo, and caused them great losses.
1865. Juan de Lara y Irigoyen became Governor-General, and
took measures to subdue the bandits, who were committing great
depredations and murders. Hostilities continued in Jolo, as the Moros
had recommenced their piratical cruises.
1866. Frequent earthquakes in Manila and Benguet.
At this time the Treasury was in the greatest difficulty, and could
not meet the current payments. A large quantity of tobacco was sold
to meet the difficulty.
1867. Jose de la Gandara y Navarro became Governor-General. To him
is due the credit of creating that excellent institution the Guardia
Civil, which has extirpated the banditti who infested the islands
for so many years.
An expedition was sent against the Igorrotes, but without effecting
anything of consequence.
1868. June 4th. Intense earthquake in the island of Leyte.
1869. Carlos Maria de la Torre became Governor-General, and was not
ashamed to publish a proclamation offering the bandits a free pardon if
they presented themselves within three months. Hundreds and thousands
of men now joined the bandits for three months murder and pillage, with
a free pardon at the end of it. This idiotic and cowardly proclamation
was most prejudicial to the interests of the country. Finally a special
corps, called La Torre's Guides, was organised to pursue the bandits.
1871. Rafael Izquierdo y Guttierez became Governor-General, and
raised the excellent corps called La Veterana to act as the police
of the capital.
December 8th, eruption of the Mayon volcano, and discharge of ashes
and lava. Two persons smothered, and one burnt.
16th February. Commencement of the series of earthquakes which
preceded the frightful volcanic eruption in the island of Camiguin
on 30th April. Full details of this terrible event are preserved. A
volcanic outburst took place on the above date at 344 metres from
the town of Cabarman, and near the sea. Great volumes of inflammable
gases were ejected from deep cracks in the neighbouring hills,
which presently took fire, and soared in flames of incredible height,
setting fire to the forests. The wretched inhabitants who had remained
in their houses found themselves surrounded by smoke, steam, water,
ashes, and red hot stones, whilst their island seemed on fire, and they
had sent away all their seaworthy craft with the women and children.
At first the volcanic vent was only two metres high, but it continually
increased.
After the eruption, the earthquakes decreased, and on 7th May entirely
ceased.
The volcano gradually raised itself by the material thrown out to a
height of 418 metres.
1872. Military revolt in Cavite, in which the native clergy were
mixed up. A secret society had been working at this plot for several
years, and was very widely extended. It inundated the towns of the
Archipelago with calumnious and libellous leaflets in the native
languages. The conspiracy coincided with the return of the Jesuits in
accordance with a Royal Order, and their substitution for the Recollets
missionaries in many parishes in Mindanao. In turn, the Recollets,
removed from Mindanao, were given benefices in Luzon which, for one
hundred years, had been in the hands of the native clergy, who were,
in consequence, very dissatisfied, and great hatred was aroused
against the Recollets. The mutiny was suppressed by the Spaniards
and the Visayas troops, who bayoneted the Tagals without mercy,
even when they had laid down their arms.
Besides many who were shot for complicity in this revolt, three native
priests--D. Mariano Gomez, D. Jacinto Zamora, and D. Jose Burgos--were
garrotted in Bagumbayan on the 28th February. Much discussion arose
about the guilt or innocence of these men, and it is a matter on which
friars and native clergy are never likely to agree.
Later on, a rising took place in Zamboanga penal establishment, but
this was put down by the warlike inhabitants of that town, who are
always ready to take up arms in their own defence, and are very loyal
to Spain.
Loud subterranean noises in Albay. Eruption of the Mayon volcano, which
lasted for four days.
1873. Juan de Alaminos y Vivar became governor-general.
The ports of Legaspi, Tacloban and Leyte, were opened to foreign
commerce.
November 14, 1873, violent earthquake in Manila. Eruption of the
Mayon volcano, from 15th June to 23rd July.
1874. Manuel Blanco Valderrama, being acting governor-general,
fighting took place in Balabac, where the Spanish garrison was
surprised by the Moros. Jose Malcampo y Monge, a rear-admiral, took
over the government of the islands, and, during his administration,
the news of the proclamation of Alfonso XII, as King of Spain was
received, and gave great satisfaction in Manila, which had never
taken to the Republican Government in Spain.
Malcampo led a strong expedition, consisting of 9000 men, against the
Moros, and took Jolo by assault, after bombarding the Cottas by the
ships' guns. At the end of his time, the regiment of Peninsular
Artillery had become demoralised, and its discipline very lax. Finally,
the soldiers refused to obey their officers, and broke out of barracks.
Two of them were shot dead by the officer of the guard at the
barrack-gate, Captain Brull, but the affair was hushed up, and
no one was punished. Discipline was quite lost.
1877. Great devastation by locusts in province of Batangas. Domingo
Moriones y Murillo arrived, and took over the government on 28th
February. His first act was to shoot a number of the Spanish mutineers,
put others in prison, and send back fifty to Spain in the same vessel
with Malcampo. This incident is related in greater detail in Chapter
III. The Treasury was in the greatest poverty, and the poor natives of
Cagayan obliged to cultivate tobacco and deliver it to the government
officials, had not been paid for it for two or three years, and were
actually starving. Moriones did what he could for them, and strongly
insisted on the abolition of the "estanco."
To this worthy governor, Manila and the Philippines owe much. He
insisted on the legacy of Carriedo being employed for the object
it was left for, instead of remaining in the hands of corrupt
officials.
He also made good regulations against rogues and vagabonds.
1879. Nov. 8th. Violent typhoon passed over Manila, doing much
damage.
July 1st. Commencement of earthquakes in Surigao (Mindanao), which
lasted over two months.
1880. Fernando Primo de Rivera became Governor-General, 15th April.
On July 14th, a violent earthquake took place, doing enormous damage
in the city of Manila and the central provinces of Luzon. The seismic
disturbance lasted till the 25th July. The inhabitants of Manila were
panic-stricken, and took refuge in the native nipa houses.
General Primo de Rivera made an expedition against the Igorrotes, and
the vile treatment the soldiers meted out to the Igorrote women has
delayed for years the conversion of those tribes.
1881. Eruption of the Mayon volcano, which began on July 6th,
and lasted till the middle of 1882.
At times there were loud subterranean noises, after which the flow of
lava usually increased.
1882. Dreadful epidemic of cholera which, in less than three months,
carried off 30,000 victims in the city and province of Manila. In the
height of the epidemic the deaths reached a thousand a day. The victims
were mostly natives, but many Spaniards died of the disease. Only
one Englishman died, and this was from his own imprudence. A typhoon
passed over Manila on October 20th, and caused great damage on shore
and afloat. Twelve large ships and a steamer were driven on shore,
or very seriously damaged.
On November 5th, another typhoon, not quite so violent as the first,
took place. After this, the cholera almost entirely stopped. On
December 31st, another typhoon occurred.
1883. Joaquin Jovellar y Soler, captain-general in the army, and
the pacificator of Cuba, assumed the government 7th April, and was
received with great show of satisfaction by the Spaniards.
The old tribute of the natives was replaced by the tax on the
Cedulas-personales.
During his time there were threats of insurrection, and additional
Peninsular troops were sent out. He resigned from ill-health
1st April, 1885.
October 28th. Typhoon passed over Manila.
1885. Emilio Terrero y Perinat assumed the government of the islands
on April 4th.
He conducted successful expeditions against the Moros of Mindanao
and Jolo.
In the month of May, during the great heat, the River Pasig was covered
with green scum from the lake. The water was charged with gas, the fish
and cray-fish died, and the stench was overpowering, even at a couple
of miles distance from the river.
A huge waterspout was formed in the bay, and passed inland.
November. Death of King Alfonso XII., and mourning ceremonies in
all the islands.
October 2nd. Eruption of the Taal volcano.
1886. 5th March. Separation of the executive and judicial
powers. Appointment of eighteen civil governors instead of
alcaldes--mayores of provinces. Very great inconvenience occurred
through the delay in sending out the Judges of First Instance, and
the duties were, in some cases, temporarily performed by ignorant
persons devoid of any legal training.
11 P.M., 2nd April, an enormous flaming meteor traversed the sky,
travelling from E. to W., and when about the zenith it split into two
with a loud explosion, the pieces diverging at an angle of perhaps
45 deg.; they fell, apparently, at a great distance, producing a violent
concussion like a sharp shock of earthquake.
24th April. Attack by bandits on the village of Montalban. Two of
them were killed by the Guardia Civil.
8th July. Eruption of the Mayon volcano in Albay. It continued to
discharge ashes and lava, bursting out into greater violence at times
till the middle of March, 1887.
March 19th. Don German Gamazo, Minister for the Colonies, lays before
the Queen-Regent, for her approbation, the project of the General
Exhibition of the Philippines, to be held in Madrid in 1887. In it
he says:--
"By this we shall bring about that the great sums of money which are
sent from the metropolis to purchase in foreign countries cotton,
sugar, cacao, tobacco, and other products, will go to our possessions
in Oceania, where foreign merchants buy them up, with evident damage
to the material interests of the country."
When it is considered that the freight from Manila to Barcelona in the
subsidised Spanish Royal Mail steamers was considerably higher than
that charged in the same steamers to Liverpool, that enormous duties
were charged in Spain on sugar and hemp, which enter British ports
duty free, and that British capital was advanced to the cultivators
to raise these very crops, the idiotic absurdity and contemptible
hypocrisy of such a statement may be faintly realised by the reader.
In May the mud of the Pasig became permeated with bubbles of gas, and
floated to the surface. On May 23rd, the writer witnessed several
violent explosions of fetid gas smelling like sulphuretted hydrogen
from the mud of the Pasig at Santa Ana.
June 7th. Triple murder committed at Canacao by a Tagal from
jealousy.
20th May. Three days' holiday and public rejoicings ordered in
honour of the birth of the King of Spain (Alfonso XIII.).
1887. January 3rd. Troops embarked in Manila for the expedition
against the Moros of Mindanao under General Terrero.
March 5th. The United States warship Brooklyn arrived in Manila.
July 14th. The Penal Code put in force in the Philippines.
December 3rd. The Civil Code put in force in the Philippines.
1888. March 1st. A petition is presented to the Acting Civil
Governor of Manila by the Gobernadorcillo and Principales of Santa
Cruz, praying for the expulsion of the religious orders and of the
Archbishop, the secularization of all benefices, and the confiscation
of the estates of the Augustinians and Dominicans. See Chapter VI.
December 15th. Violent eruption of Mayon volcano with subterranean
noises, storms, thunder and lightning. Don Valeriano Weyler, Marques
de Tenerife, became governor-general.
1890. Agrarian disturbances occurred at Calamba and Santa
Rosa between the tenants on the Dominicans' estates and the lay
brother in charge. During this year there was a great increase
of secret societies. A woman admitted as a mason. A woman's lodge
established. See Chapter IX.
February 21st. Violent eruption of the Mayon.
February 24th. Several explosions occurred at the summit, discharging
showers of white-hot bombs. About 100 metres of the top toppled
over. Many of the inhabitants of the neighbouring towns fled to
a distance.
1891. Don Emilio Despujols, Conde de Caspe, became
governor-general. See Chapter III.
1893. Doroteo Cortes banished to the Province of La Union, other
malcontents banished to different localities.
October 3rd. Eruption of the Mayon and explosion of volcanic
bombs. Loud subterranean noises and deafening thunder.
A vast column of smoke ascended to the sky, from which proceeded
violet-coloured lightning.
The eruption lasted till the end of October.
1894. May. The Datto Julcainim, with seventy armed Moros from Sulu,
landed in Basilan Island to recover tribute from the natives, but
was sent back by a Spanish gunboat.
1896. August 30th. Tagal insurrection broke out near Manila and in
Cavite Province. See Chapter X.
1897. June 25th. Violent and disastrous eruptions of the
Mayon. Complete destruction of the villages San Antonio, San Isidro,
Santo Nino, San Roque, Santa Misericordia, and great damage to other
places by the incandescent lava. A dreadful tempest destroyed houses
and plantations in places where the lava did not reach. About 300
people were either killed outright or died of their wounds. Fifty
wounded persons recovered.
1898. March 24th. Revolt of the famous Visayas or 74th Regiment
at Cavite.
March 25th. Massacre of the Calle Camba.
April 24th. Meeting at Singapore between Aguinaldo and the United
States' Consul, Mr. Spencer Pratt.
April 26th. Aguinaldo proceeds to Hong Kong.
May 1st. Naval battle of Cavite. Destruction of the Spanish squadron
and capture of Cavite Arsenal by the Americans.
May 19th. Aguinaldo and seventeen followers land at Cavite from
the United States' vessel Hugh McCullough, and are furnished with
arms by Admiral Dewey.
May 24th. Aguinaldo proclaims a Dictatorial Government.
June 23rd. He issues a manifesto claiming for the Philippines a
place, if a modest one, amongst the nations.
August 6th. He sends a message to foreign powers claiming
recognition.
August 13th. The American troops enter Manila, the Spaniards making
only a show of resistance.
August 14th. The capitulation signed. General Merritt issues his
proclamation establishing a military government.
August 15th. General McArthur appointed military commandant of the
Walled City and Provost-Marshal-General of the city and suburbs.
September 29th. General Aguinaldo makes a speech at Malolos to
the Philippine Congress, the keynote of which was independence:
"The Philippines for the Filipinos."
October 2nd. The Peace Commission holds its preliminary meeting
in Paris.
November 13th. The insurgents invest Ilo-ilo. Fighting proceeding
in other parts of Visayas between Spaniards and natives.
December 10th. The Peace Commission signs the Treaty. Don Felipe
Agoncillo, representative of the Philippine Government, hands in a
formal protest, of which no notice is taken.
December 24th. The Spaniards evacuate Ilo-ilo.
December 26th. The insurgents occupy the city. The Spaniards evacuate
all the southern island stations except Zamboanga. The Philippine
Congress at Malolos adjourns.
December 29th. New Philippine cabinet formed; all the members
pledged to independence.
President of Congress and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senor Mabini;
Secretary for War, Senor Luna; Interior, Senor Araneta; Agriculture
and Commerce, Senor Buencamino; Public Works, Senor Canon.
1899. January 5th. The Washington officials announce that they
"expect a peaceful adjustment." [Blessed are they who expect nothing.]
President McKinley instructs General Otis to extend military
government with all dispatch to the whole ceded territory.
January 8th. Protest of Aguinaldo against the Americans.
January 12th. General Otis telegraphs to the War Department that
conditions are apparently improving.
Other dispatches represent the situation as daily growing more acute.
January 16th. A telegram was received at Washington from General
Otis, of so reassuring a character regarding the position at Manila
and Ilo-ilo, that the government officials accept without question
the correctness of his statement, that the critical stage of the
trouble there is now past and that he controls the situation.
A commission nominated by President McKinley, consisting of
Dr. Schurman, President of Cornell University; Professor Worcester
of Michigan University, and Mr. Denby.
January 21st. The Philippine constitution is proclaimed at Malolos.
February 4th. Fighting between Filipinos and Americans began at
Santa Mesa 8.45 P.M., and continued through the night.
February 5th. Fighting continued all day and ended in the repulse
of the Filipinos with heavy loss.
General Otis wires: "The situation is most satisfactory, and
apprehension need not be felt."
February 6th. The U.S. Senate ratifies the Peace Treaty with Spain
by 57 to 27.
Senator Gorman in the course of the debate expressed his belief
that the battle at Manila was only the beginning. If the treaty was
ratified war would follow, lasting for years, and costing many lives,
and millions upon millions of money.
[Senator Gorman makes a better prophet than General Merritt or
Mr. Foreman.]
February 8th. General Otis wires: "The situation is rapidly
improving. The insurgent army is disintegrating, Aguinaldo's influence
has been destroyed."
February 10th. The Americans attack and capture Calocan. President
McKinley signs the Treaty.
February 11th. Ilo-ilo captured by General Miller without loss,
but a considerable part of the town was burned.
February 18th. The American flag hoisted at Bacolod in Negros Island,
opposite Ilo-ilo.
February 22nd. Tagals attempt to burn Manila, setting fire
simultaneously to the Santa Cruz, San Nicolas, and Tondo. Sharp
fighting at Tondo. Many natives were burned while penned in by the
cordon of guards.
February 23rd. The Americans burned all that remained of
Tondo. General Otis issued an order requiring the inhabitants to
remain in their homes after 7 P.M.
March 13. Oscar F. Williams does not expect to live to see the
end of the war. This is the man who on July 2nd, 1898, "hoped for an
influx that year of 10,000 ambitious Americans," who he said could
all live well and become enriched. See Chapter XVIII.
Since the American occupation three hundred drinking saloons have
been opened in Manila.
March 19th. Urgent instructions sent from Washington to Generals
Otis and Lawton to hasten the end.
March 24th. Engagement at Marilao--the Filipinos are defeated.
New York Times says the situation is both surprising and painful
to the American people.
March 31st. The Americans occupy Malolos which the Filipinos had
set on fire, after some skirmishing.
April 1st. Troops resting at Malolos.
The ironclad Monadnock was fired on by Filipinos artillery at
Paranaque (three miles from Manila), and replied silencing the
guns on shore.
April 20th. A column of General Lawton's force, 140 strong,
surrounded and captured by the Filipinos near Binangonan.
April 23rd. Fighting at Quingua. Col. Stotsenburg killed. This was
a severe engagement.
April 26th. Americans capture Calumpit. Washington "profoundly
relieved."
April 27th. Fighting near Apalit.
April 30th. General Otis believes that the Filipinos are tired of
the war.
May 1st. Anniversary of the Battle of Cavite.
May 2nd. Conference between Filipino envoys and General Otis with
the American Civil Commissioners.
General Lawton captures Baliuag.
May 12th. The Nebraska Regiment petitions General McArthur to relieve
them from duty, being exhausted by the campaign. Since February 4th,
the regiment has lost 225 killed and wounded, and 59 since the fight
at Malolos.
May 18th. Filipino peace delegates enter General Lawton's lines at
San Isidro.
May 20th. Admiral Dewey leaves Manila in the Olympia.
May 22nd. The U.S. Civil Commission received Aguinaldo's Peace
Commissioners, and explained to them President McKinley's scheme
of Government.
May 29th. Aguinaldo reported dead.
May 30th. The authorities at Washington admit that more troops are
needed for Manila.
June 1st. Mr. Spencer Pratt obtains an interim injunction in the
Supreme Court, Singapore, against the sale of Mr. Foreman's book,
"The Philippine Islands."
June 5th. Skirmishing in the Laguna district. An attempt by the
Americans to surround Pio del Pilar fails.
June 13th. A Filipino battery at Las Pinas, between Manila and
Cavite, consisting of an old smooth bore gun and two one-pounders
open fire on the American lines. A battery of the 1st Artillery,
the ironclad Monadnock, and the gunboat Helena directed their fire
upon this antiquated battery, and kept it up all the morning.
A correspondent remarks, "This was the first real artillery duel
of the war."
This developed into one of the hardest fights in the war, the
Filipinos made a determined stand at the Zapote bridge.
Reports arrive that General Antonio Luna had been killed by some
of General Aguinaldo's guards.
June 16th. The Filipinos attack the Americans at San Fernando and
are repulsed with heavy loss.
Mr. Whitelaw Reid, addressing the Miami University of Ohio, denounces
the President's policy, or want of policy, in the Philippines.
June 19th. American troops under General Wheaton march through
Cavite Province.
June 21st. General Miles describes the situation at Manila as
"very serious."
June 26th. Twelve per cent. of the American forces sick. Little
can now be attempted as the rainy season is now on.
June 27th. General Otis reports that the Filipinos have no civil
government.
June 28th. It is stated that General Otis will have 40,000 men
available for active operations after the rainy season.
July 12th. General Otis asks for 2500 horses for the organisation
of a brigade of cavalry after the rainy season.
The entire staff of correspondents of the American newspapers protest
against the methods of General Otis in exercising too strict a
censorship over telegrams and letters. They say, "We believe that,
owing to the official despatches sent from Manilla and published in
Washington, the people of the United States have received a false
impression of the situation in the Philippines, and that these
despatches present an ultra-optimistic view which is not shared by
general officers in the field."
July 20th. The rainfall at Manila since 1st June has been 41 inches
and the country is flooded.
July 23rd. Mr. Elihu Root nominated to succeed Mr. Alger as Secretary
for War.
July 27th. General Hall's division captures Calamba on the lake.
August 1st. Mr. Root sworn in as Secretary for War. He contemplates
increasing General Otis' available force to 40,000 men.
August 15th. General McArthur's force captures Angeles.
August 17th. Orders issued at Washington to form ten additional
regiments to serve in the Philippines. General Otis to have 62,000
men under his command.
August 23rd. General Otis applies the Chinese Exclusion law to
the Philippines.
August 24th. The Moros sign an agreement acknowledging the
sovereignty of the United States over the entire Philippine Islands.
The Moros of Western Mindanao are asking for permission to drive out
the insurgents.
August 28th. President McKinley makes a speech to the 10th
Pennsylvanian Regiment lately arrived from Manila. See Chapter XII.
September 1st. Fighting in Negros, American successes.
September 14th. U.S. cruiser Charleston engages a gun mounted by
the Filipinos at Olongapo, Subic Bay, and fired sixty-nine shells
from her 8-inch guns without silencing the gun, notwithstanding that
the Filipinos used black powder.
September 18th. Some of the U.S. Civil Commission had already
started to return; remainder leave.
September 23rd. A U.S. squadron, consisting of the Monterey,
Charleston, Concord and Zafiro, bombarded the one-gun battery of
the Filipinos at Olongapo for six hours, and then landed 250 men who
captured and destroyed the gun which was 16-centimetre calibre.
General Otis, in an interview, is reported to have stated that "Things
are going very satisfactorily."
September 28th. General McArthur captures Porac.
September 30th. General Aguinaldo releases fourteen American
prisoners. They looked well and hearty, and it was evident that they
had been well treated.
October 8th. General Schwan advanced against Noveleta and encountered
a heavy resistance, but ultimately took the town and next day occupied
Rosario.
October 18th. War now said to be beginning in its most serious
phase. The American troops, men and officers, said to be thoroughly
discouraged by the futility of the operations ordered by General
Otis. They feel that their lives are being sacrificed without anything
being accomplished.
October 28th. 17,000 sick and tired soldiers have been sent home
and replaced by 27,000 fresh men. 34,000 are on the way or under
orders. Total will be 65,000 men and forty ships of war.
October 31st. General Otis reports to the War Department that the
continuance of the rainy season still harasses the prosecution of
the campaign.
Count Almenas, speaking in the Spanish Senate, said that through the
ignorance of the Peace Commission the Batanes Islands, Cagayan Sulu,
and Sibutu were not included in the scope of the treaty.
November 7th. General Wheaton, with an American force lands at San
Fabian [Pangasinan] and marches towards Dagupan, driving the Filipinos
before him.
November 13th. Tarlac captured by the Americans under Colonel
Bell. Telegrams from Manila state, "A careful review of the situation
made on the spot justifies the prediction that all organised hostile
operations on a definite plan are at an end."
November 14th. The U.S. cruiser Charleston lost on the Guinapak
rocks to the north of Luzon, and the crew land on Camiguin Island.
November 28th. The province of Zamboanga [Mindanao] said to have
surrendered unconditionally to the commander of the gunboat Castine.
December 20th. General Lawton shot by the insurgents at San Mateo
whilst personally directing the crossing of the river by two battalions
of the 29th U.S. infantry.
1900. January 20th. The Filipinos capture a pack train of twenty
ponies in the Laguna Province. American losses, two killed, five
wounded, nine missing.
February 15th. American newspapers report many cases of insanity
amongst the U.S. soldiers.
February 20th. General Otis signifies to the War Department his
desire for leave of absence from Manila to recruit his health.
March 30th. The bubonic plague, extending in Luzon, and appears
in other islands of the Archipelago. Cases suspected to be leprosy
reported amongst the U.S. troops.
Independent reports represent the situation in the Philippines
as most unsatisfactory. The islands are practically in a state
of anarchy.
April 6th. The War Department issues an order recalling General
Otis, because his work has been accomplished, and appoints General
McArthur in his place.
May 1st. Judge Canty, of Minnesota, makes a report upon the condition
of the Philippines.
He says: "All the native tribes, except a small band of Macabebes and
the Sulu Mahometans, are against us, and hate the Americans worse
than the Spaniards.... The American soldiers are undergoing terrible
hardships, and are a prey to deadly tropical diseases."
June 2nd. General McArthur asks for more troops, and at least three
regiments are to be sent.
June 14th. Rear-Admiral Raney cables for another battalion of
marines.
June 15th. Macaboulos, a Filipino chieftain, surrenders at Tarlac
with 8 officers and 120 riflemen.
June 17th. A regiment of infantry and a battery of artillery embark
at Manila for China.
June 19th. It is reported that, in all, 5000 men are to be sent
from Manila to China.
June 20th. But to-day, the idea prevails in Washington that, under
present conditions, every soldier in the Philippines is needed there.
July 27. Negotiations are being carried on between Spain and the
United States for the cession by the former to the latter of the
Sibutu and Cagayan Islands on payment of a sum of $100,000.
August 4th. The Filipinos kill or capture a lieutenant of Engineers
and fifteen soldiers.
August 8th. Miss Margaret Astor Chanler, who was engaged in Red
Cross work in Manila, declares that the hospitals are inadequate. This
is confirmed by the Washington correspondent of the World. He says
3700 men are now in hospital, and large numbers are unable to find
accommodation. Thousands who are down with fever and other diseases
are without doctors or medical supplies. Eight per cent. of the entire
force is incapacitated.
August 15th. The Filipinos reported to be gaining ground.
The cost of the war said to be nearly L40,000,000, 2394 deaths,
3073 wounded. There are said to be still 70,000 American troops in
the Philippines. The "goodwill" of the war cost L4,000,000.
August 19th. Censored news despatches from Manila show that the
Filipinos are increasing their activity, and scorn the offers of
amnesty.
September 1st. The Civil Commission in the Philippines, presided
over by Judge Taft, assumes the direction of the Government. Judge
Taft reports that the insurrection is virtually ended, and that a
modus vivendi is established with the ecclesiastical authorities!
September 3rd. General McArthur cables that an outbreak has occurred
in Bohol, and that in an engagement near Carmen the Americans lost
1 killed and 6 wounded, and the Filipinos 120 killed.
September 6th. The estimated cost of the Philippines to America is
estimated at three-quarters of a million dollars per day.
September 12th. The first public legislative session of the Civil
Commission was held. Two million dollars (Mexican) were voted for
the construction of roads and bridges, $5000 for the expenses of a
preliminary survey of a railroad between Dagupan and Benguet, and
$5400 towards the expenses of the educational system.
September 17th. General McArthur cables that Captain McQuiston,
who had become temporarily insane, shot a number of men of his
company. The others, in self-defence, shot and killed the captain.
September 20th. The Civil Commission reports that large numbers of
the people in the Philippines are longing for peace, and are willing
to accept the government of the United States.
General McArthur cables reports of fighting in the Ilocos Provinces,
from whence General Young telegraphs for reinforcements, also in
Bulacan, and in Tayabas.
A desperate engagement is fought in the Laguna Province, where the
Americans made an attack upon the Filipino positions, and were repulsed
with heavy loss, including Captain Mitchell and Lieutenant Cooper.
The Filipinos are constantly harassing and attacking the
American outposts and garrisons around Manila, and have caused fourteen
casualties amongst the troops.
CUSTOMS DUES ON EXPORTS, 1896-97.
Articles. Tax per 100 kilos
Gross Weight.
$ cts.
Hemp or cordage 0.75
Indigo 0.50
Tintarron liquid indigo 0.05
Rice 2.00
Sugar 0.10
Cocoa-nuts or copra 0.10
Tobacco in cigars or cigarettes 3.00
Tobacco in leaf from the provinces of
Cagayan, Isabela, and Nueva Vizcaya
in Luzon 3.00
Tobacco in leaf from Visayas and Mindanao 2.00
Tobacco in leaf from any other province 1.50
Estimated receipts from above tax in the
financial year 1896-97 $1,292,550
EXTRA IMPORT TAX ON CONSUMABLE ARTICLES.
(This is in addition to the Customs dues.)
$ cts.
Spirits In barrels or demijohns per litre 0.20
In bottles or flasks per litre 0.30
Beer 0.10
Vegetables or fruits, dried or green per kilog. 0.02
Wheat flour per 100 kilog. 0.50
Common salt per 100 kilog. 1.00
Petroleum and mineral oils per 100 kilog. 1.00
Estimated receipts from above tax in the
financial year 1896-97 $301,000
EXPORT STATISTICS.
16 piculs = 1 ton of 20 cwt.; 8 bales hemp = 1 ton of 20 cwt.;
1 quintal = 100 lbs. Spanish, or about 1013/4 English.
+-------------+---------+-------+----------+-------+--------+-----------+---------+--------+-------+---------+---------+-------+
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Sugar. |Hemp. | Copra. |Coffee.|Cordage.|Sapan-wood.|Hides and|M.-o'-P.| Gum. | Indigo. | Tobacco |Cigars.|
| | | | | | | |Cuttings.|Shells. | | | Leaf. | |
+-------------+---------+-------+----------+-------+--------+-----------+---------+--------+-------+---------+---------+-------+
| | Piculs. |Bales. | Piculs. |Piculs.|Piculs. | Piculs. | Piculs. |Piculs. |Piculs.|Quintals.|Quintals.| Mil. |
| {Manila |1,500,139|571,047| .. |107,236| 1,985| 12,006| 32,658| 184| 5,276| 4,639| 204,592|109,109|
|1888 {Cebu | 267,100| 90,385| | | | | | | | | | |
| {Ilo-ilo|1,197,851| .. | Small | .. | .. | 93,575| | | | | | |
| +---------+-------+quantities+-------+--------+-----------+---------+--------+-------+---------+---------+-------+
| Total |2,965,090|661,432| only |107,236| 1,985| 105,581| 32,658| 184| 5,276| 4,639| 204,592|109,109|
|-------------+---------+-------+ shipped. +-------+--------+-----------+---------+--------+-------+---------+---------+-------+
| {Manila |1,565,668|475,638| No | 92,993| 1,487| 17,965| 7,701| 387| 7,326| 3,545| 203,085|120,532|
|1889 {Cebu | 187,791| 92,933| records | | | | | | | | | |
| {Ilo-ilo|1,748,049| .. | kept. | .. | .. | 60,739| | | | | | |
| +---------+-------+ +-------+--------+-----------+---------+--------+-------+---------+---------+-------+
| Total |3,501,508|568,571| .. | 92,993| 1,487| 78,704| 7,701| 387| 7,326| 3,545| 203,085|120,532|
|-------------+---------+-------+----------+-------+--------+-----------+---------+--------+-------+---------+---------+-------+
| {Manila | 874,088|449,606| 74,447| 76,756| 3,141| 21,934| 6,300| 501| 3,016| 374| 179,054|109,636|
|1890 {Cebu | 55,280| 56,549| | | | | | | | | | |
| {Ilo-ilo|1,431,054| .. | .. | .. | .. | 22,635| | | | | | |
| +---------+-------+----------+-------+--------+-----------+---------+--------+-------+---------+---------+-------+
| Total |2,360,422|506,155| 74,447| 76,756| 3,141| 44,569| 6,300| 501| 3,016| 374| 179,054|109,636|
|-------------+---------+-------+----------+-------+--------+-----------+---------+--------+-------+---------+---------+-------+
| {Manila |1,174,374|546,854| 245,309| 45,917| 2,403| 17,051| 5,439| 452| 4,168| 2,039| 195,925| 93,248|
|1891 {Cebu | 140,200| 88,693| | | | | | | | | | |
| {Ilo-ilo|1,357,685| .. | .. | .. | | 52,886| | | | | | |
| +---------+-------+----------+-------+--------+-----------+---------+--------+-------+---------+---------+-------+
| Total |2,672,259|635,547| 245,309| 45,917| 2,403| 69,937| 5,439| 452| 4,168| 2,039| 195,925| 93,248|
+-------------+---------+-------+----------+-------+--------+-----------+---------+--------+-------+---------+---------+-------+
| {Manila |1,089,054|702,228| 259,539| 21,242| 1,762| 29,634| 6,032| 507| 5,005| 5,894| 253,850|138,389|
|1892 {Cebu | 294,220| 88,280| | | | | | | | | | |
| {Ilo-ilo|2,571,989| .. | .. | .. | | 36,277| | | | | | |
| +---------+-------+----------+-------+--------+-----------+---------+--------+-------+---------+---------+-------+
| Total |3,955,263|790,508| 259,539| 21,242| 1,762| 65,911| 6,032| 507| 5,005| 5,894| 253,850|138,389|
|-------------+---------+-------+----------+-------+--------+-----------+---------+--------+-------+---------+---------+-------+
| {Manila |1,712,059|561,391| 184,304| 4,910| 2,251| 53,319| 6,145| 671| 3,638| 940| 230,686|137,458|
|1893 {Cebu | 271,400| 80,080| | | | | | | | | | |
| {Ilo-ilo|2,203,523| .. | .. | .. | | 25,376| | | | | | |
| +---------+-------+----------+-------+--------+-----------+---------+--------+-------+---------+---------+-------+
| Total |4,186,982|641,471| 184,304| 4,910| 2,251| 78,695| 6,145| 671| 3,638| 940| 230,686|137,458|
|-------------+---------+-------+----------+-------+--------+-----------+---------+--------+-------+---------+---------+-------+
| {Manila |1,577,523|661,550| 512,729| 9,502| 1,787| 43,368| 5,236| 347| 1,788| 1,025| 191,706|137,877|
|1894 {Cebu | 163,172|119,721| | | | | | | | | | |
| {Ilo-ilo|1,369,507| .. | .. | .. | | 26,124| | | | | | |
| +---------+-------+----------+-------+--------+-----------+---------+--------+-------+---------+---------+-------+
| Total |3,110,202|781,271| 512,729| 9,502| 1,787| 69,492| 5,236| 347| 1,788| 1,025| 191,706|137,877|
|-------------+---------+-------+----------+-------+--------+-----------+---------+--------+-------+---------+---------+-------+
| {Manila |1,729,625|749,777| 549,319| 3,099| 2,938| 25,034| 6,714| 1,730| 4,044| 6,672| 233,702|146,372|
|1895 {Cebu | 209,352| 89,212| 44,352| | | | | | | | | |
| {Ilo-ilo|1,719,115| .. | .. | .. | | 11,100| | | | | | |
| +---------+-------+----------+-------+--------+-----------+---------+--------+-------+---------+---------+-------+
| Total |3,658,092|838,989| 593,671| 3,099| 2,938| 36,134| 6,714| 1,730| 4,044| 6,672| 233,702|146,372|
|-------------+---------+-------+----------+-------+--------+-----------+---------+--------+-------+---------+---------+-------+
| {Manila |1,563,477|669,778| 558,509| 1,421| 3,484| 12,930| 7,127| 204| 2,803| 462| 219,640|185,017|
|1896 {Cebu | 106,228| 86,818| 49,200| | | | | | | | | |
| {Ilo-ilo|1,957,099| .. | .. | .. | | 35,300| | | | | | |
| +---------+-------+----------+-------+--------+-----------+---------+--------+-------+---------+---------+-------+
| Total |3,626,804|756,596| 607,709| 1,421| 3,484| 48,230| 7,127| 204| 2,803| 462| 219,640|185,017|
+-------------+---------+-------+----------+-------+--------+-----------+---------+--------+-------+---------+---------+-------+
| {Manila | 811,059|835,067| 765,026| 2,111| 3,786| 17,325| 11,081| 689| 4,029| 251| 287,161|171,410|
|1897 {Cebu | 247,110| 80,271| 46,414| | | | | | | | | |
| {Ilo-ilo|2,051,113| .. | .. | .. | .. | 51,300| | | | | | |
| +---------+-------+----------+-------+--------+-----------+---------+--------+-------+---------+---------+-------+
| Total |3,109,282|915,338| 811,440| 2,111| 3,786| 68,625| 11,081| 689| 4,029| 251| 287,161|171,410|
|-------------+---------+-------+----------+-------+--------+-----------+---------+--------+-------+---------+---------+-------+
| {Manila | 251,169|510,958| 252,840| 176| 72| 5,102| 3,648| 261| 1,122| 206| 175,170|103,707|
|1898 {Cebu | 159,469|235,597| 10,562| | | | | | | | | |
| {Ilo-ilo|2,449,023| 46,051| .. | .. | .. | 51,610| | | | | | |
| +---------+-------+----------+-------+--------+-----------+---------+--------+-------+---------+---------+-------+
| Total |2,859,661|792,606| 263,402| 176| 72| 56,712| 3,648| 261| 1,122| 206| 175,170|103,707|
|-------------+---------+-------+----------+-------+--------+-----------+---------+--------+-------+---------+---------+-------+
| {Manila | 80,374|437,751| 215,819| 784| 183| .. | 6,226| 517| 2,840| 2,578| 114,261|111,646|
|1899 {Cebu | 210,780|148,049| 66,282| | | | | | | | | |
| {Ilo-ilo|1,197,700| 14,938| 9,221| .. | .. | 5,700| | | | | | |
| +---------+-------+----------+---- --+--------+-----------+---------+--------+-------+---------+---------+-------+
| Total |1,488,854|600,738|[1]291,322| 784| 183| 5,700| 6,226| 517| 2,840| 2,578| 114,261|111,646|
+-------------+---------+-------+----------+-------+--------+-----------+---------+--------+-------+---------+---------+-------+
[1] Value $1,600,000. The copra comes from Laguna, Tayahas, Albay,
Samar, Leyte and Mindanao, and the bulk of it goes to Marseilles,
some to Liverpool, a little to Spain and Italy.
VALUE OF LAND.
MANILA-DAGUPAN RAILWAY.
First Section--Manila to San Fernando.
First sub-section, Manila to Polo.
Second sub-section, Polo to Guiguinto.
Third sub-section, Guiguinto to Calumpit.
Fourth sub-section, Calumpit to San Fernando.
Second Section--San Fernando to Tarlac.
First sub-section, San Fernando to Angeles.
Second sub-section, Angeles to Bamban.
Third sub-section, Bamban to Capas.
Fourth sub-section, Capas to Tarlac.
Third Section--Tarlac to Dagupan.
First sub-section, Tarlac to Panique.
Second sub-section, Panique to Moncada.
Third sub-section, Moncada to Bayambang.
Fourth sub-section, Bayambang to San Carlos.
Fifth sub-section, San Carlos to Dagupan.
AN ESTIMATE OF THE POPULATION OF THE PHILIPPINES IN 1890.
Peninsular Spaniards, including the garrisons, friars,
officials and private persons. 14,000
Spaniards born in the islands. 8,000
Spanish mestizos 75,000
Foreigners of white races 2,000
Foreign mestizos 7,000
Chinese 125,000
Chinese mestizos 500,000
Moros of Mindanao, Jolo, Tawi-tawi, Basilan, Balabac, and
other islands 600,000
Heathen in all the archipelago--Igorrotes, Manobos,
Subanos, Monteses, Ibilaos, Aetas, Ifugaos, etc., etc. 800,000
Christian natives 5,869,000
---------
Total 8,000,000
The above is taken from a pamphlet called 'Filipinas' Fundamental
Problem,' by a Spaniard long resident in those islands, published in
Madrid, 1891, by D. Luis Aguado. The pamphlet itself is a violent
attack on Rizal and those who sympathised with him, and holds out
as the only remedy against insurrection the encouragement of Spanish
immigration on an extensive scale.
ESTIMATE OF PHILIPPINE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE, 1896-97.
$
Direct Taxes--
Property tax, $140,280; industrial and commercial tax,
$1,400,700; cedulas personales, [37]$5,600,000;
capitation tax on Chinese, $510,190; acknowledgment of
vassalage from outlaws and heathen, $20,000; tax of 10
per cent. on railway fares, $32,000; various surtaxes,
$63,000; tax of 10 per cent. on the pay of employes
paid by local funds, $80,000; tax of 10 per cent. on
the pay of employes paid by the State, $650,000 8,496,170
Custom House--
Imports, $3,600,000; exports, [38]$1,292,550; loading
tax, $410,000; unloading, $570,000; trans-shipment,
$1000; warehousing, $4000; fines, surtaxes, etc.,
$22,000; tax on consumable goods, [39]$301,000 6,200,550
Monopoly--
Opium contract (farmed out) [40] 576,000
Stamps--
Stamped paper, do. for fines, for bills of exchange,
post office stamps, patent medicine stamps, stamps for
telegrams, receipts, signatures, passports, less
$200,000 paid to Bolmao and Hong Kong Cable Co., etc. 646,000
Lottery--
Profits of the Manila lottery, licenses for raffles,
etc. 1,000,000
Crown Property--
Rents of mining claims, $2000; royalties on forest
produce, $170,000; sale of Crown lands, of buildings,
and fines 257,000
Miscellaneous--
Unexpended balances, $50,000; produce of convict labour,
$4000; sale of buildings and stores of War Department and
Navy, $3800; profits on coining money, $200,000; sundry
receipts, $40,500 298,300
Total [41]$17,474,020
$
General charges--
Ministry of the Colonies, Court of Audit, expenses of
Fernando Po, civil, military and naval pensions, interest
on savings bank deposits, passages of Government employes 1,507,900
State--
Diplomatic and consular expenses 74,000
Grace and Justice--
Courts of Justice, register of property, gaols, the
clergy, missionaries, public worship, passages of
missionaries, college for missionaries 1,896,277
Army--
Pay and allowances, provisions, forage, clothing,
war-like stores, invalids, orphans, extraordinary
credit for the campaign in Mindanao ($624,680) 6,042,442
Treasury--
Central administration, mint at Manila, provincial
administration, pay and allowances of corps of
carbineers (custom house guards), cost of selling
stamped paper, of collecting taxes, of working the
lottery 1,393,184
Navy--
Pay and allowances, victualling and clothing, material
for the station, for the squadron, material for the
arsenal ($1,260,652) 3,566,528
Civil Service--
Colonial Secretary (pay and allowances), Governor-
General, civil governors, political and military
governors, council of administration, the Guardia
Civil, post office, telegraph, health officers of
ports 2,198,350
Education and public works--
Technical schools, nautical do. of drawing, painting,
sculpture and engraving, university, normal school,
observatory of Manila ($20,000 per annum), pay and
allowances of engineers and assistants of public
works, of the woods and forests, of mines, and of the
model farms 615,198
Total 17,293,879
N.B.--Expenditure on Army and Navy $9,608,970, considerably more than
half the total revenue.
Value of Land.
Official valuation of land required for the construction of the
Manila-Dagupan Railway. The expropriation commenced in 1888 and
continued up to end of 1892, and the prices paid were far in excess
of estimate.
+-------------------------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
| | First Section. | Second Section. | Third Section. |
+-------------------------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
| Sub-section | 1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5. |
+-------------------------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
| From kil. | 0 | 13.8| 29.2| 45.8| 60.7| 75.5| 90.5|107.3|116.5|134.6|149.2|162.9|179.3|
| To ,, | 13.8| 29.2| 45.8| 60.7| 75.5| 90.5|107.3|116.5|134.6|149.2|162.9|179.3|192.3|
+-------------------------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
| | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ |
|Water meadows or irrigated rice land |480 |240 |240 |240 |220 |200 |120 |100 | 88 | 80 |100 |140 |180 |
|Rice lands (dry), 1st class |200 |192 |180 |168 |120 |108 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 32 | 48 | 72 | 80 |
| ,, 2nd class |168 |160 |160 |152 | 72 | 60 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 16 | 28 | 40 | 44 |
|Cane fields, 1st class |272 |240 |260 |100 | 80 | 60 | 28 | 20 | 20 | 16 | 32 | 40 | 48 |
| ,, 2nd class |200 |160 |192 | 80 | 56 | 40 | 20 | 12 | 12 | 8 | 20 | 28 | 32 |
|Stony land near the sea |140 |120 | | | | | | | | | | | |
|Buyo (betel) plantations |240 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | 72 | 72 |
|Nipa palm groves | 88 | 80 | 72 | 60 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | 24 |
|Mangrove swamp | 76 | 60 | 48 | 32 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | 12 | 16 |
|Gardens and building lots |200 |180 |180 |160 |100 | 88 | 32 | 28 | 28 | 20 | 32 | 48 | 56 |
|Forest land | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | 10 | 6.4| 4 | 2.4| 1.6| 4 | 4 | |
|Bush land | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | 8 | 4.8| 2.4| 1.6| 1.6| 2.4| | |
|Pasture | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | 12 | 10 | | | | | |
+-------------------------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
Price is given in Mexican dollars per acre.
CARDINAL NUMBERS IN SEVEN DIALECTS.
Peninsula Luzon. Borneo. North
and Three Dayak Dialects. Borneo.
Islands.
Malay. Tagal. Pampango. Sabuyan. Lara. Salakan. Ida'an.
1 Satu. Isa. Isa or metung. Sat. Asa. Asa. Iso or san.
2 Dua. Dalaua. Adua. Dua. Dua. Dua. Duo.
3 Tiga. Tatlo. Atlu. Tiga. Taru. Talu. Telo.
4 Ampat. Apat. Apat. Ampat. Apat. Ampat. Apat.
5 Lima. Lima. Lima. Lima. Rima. Lima. Limo.
6 Anam. Anim. Anam. Anam. Unum. Anam. Anam.
7 Tujoh. Pito. Pitu. Tujoh. Ijo. Tujoh. Turo.
8 Dulapan. Ualo. Ualu. Lapan. Mahi. Delapan. Walo.
9 Sumbilan. Siam. Siam. Sambilan. Pire. Sambilau. Siam.
10 Sa'puloh. Sang puot. Apulu. Sapulo. Sapuloh. Sapuloh. Opod.
London: Printed by William Clowes and Sons, Limited, Stamford Street
and Charing Cross.
NOTES
[1] England has 51,000 square miles area; Wales, 7378; Ireland,
31,759; Scotland, nearly 30,000. Total, Great Britain and Ireland,
etc., 121,000 square miles.
[2] Worcester, p. 446, mentions Conifers at sea level in Sibuyan
Island, province of Romblon.
[3] Called in Spanish the oropendola (Broderipus achrorchus).
[4] A whip made from hippopotamus hide.
[5] Expelled in 1768. Readmitted, 1852, for charge of schools and
missions.
[6] Of these 4102 were baptisms of heathen in 1896.
[7] Exchange was then at 4s. 2d.
[8] This word is formed of the first syllable of the names of three
native priests executed after the Cavite mutiny, Fathers Gomez,
Burgos, and Zamora.
[9] Report published in Outlook, September 1st and 21st, 1899.
[10] The Abbe de Brantome, whose appreciative remarks upon the
courtesans who accompanied the Army of the Duke of Alva are quoted by
Motley in 'The Rise of the Dutch Republic,' would have been delighted
to take up his favourite subject and chronicle the following of the
American Army.
[11] My remarks apply to the accounts published in the Times.
[12] May 11th, 1899, The New York Herald's correspondent at Manila
reports that the insurgents have succeeded in landing ten machine
guns on the island of Panay.
[13] The kindness and mercy are not obvious.
[14] I think, in view of the German atrocities in Africa, including
many cases of flogging women, that this epithet is well earned.
[15] In making these remarks, I am not in any way desirous of
depreciating the Department of Agriculture, for I hold the belief
that its reports are written with exceptional ability. But this
circular bears internal evidence of having been written by some
person, perhaps a consul, unfamiliar with Philippine agriculture,
and published without correction.
[16] Their Hong was colloquially known as Sion Corner.
[17] See the sentence of court-martial on Julius Arnold, musician
of M Company, 25th Infantry, for murdering a woman under the most
atrocious circumstances it is possible to imagine.
[18] The Krakatoa explosion was heard all over the Southern Philippines
like the firing of heavy guns, although the distance in a straight
line is over 1500 miles. This will give some idea of the loudness of
volcanic explosions.
[19] The territory occupied by each tribe is shown on the general
map of Mindanao by the number on this list.
[20] Ajonjoli (Sesamun Indicum, L.). See Chap. XIX. for Gogo.
[21] The Blachang of the Malays.
[22] Pristiophoridae.
[23] Raiidae.
[24] 'Comentarios Reales.' Garcilasso Inca de la Vega.
[25] Some ridiculous person has stated in a magazine article that
they have no word in Tagal equivalent to Thank you. This is not true,
for the word Salamat is the exact equivalent.
[26] The roller pinions in both Chinese and native mills are of
hard wood.
[27] Crocodilus Porosus.
[28] They sell about 25,000 bales per annum.
[29] The above was the Christian Visyas population, and is exclusive
of Negritos, Mundos, and other heathen savages and remontados. The
area is taken from a Spanish official report.
[30] See 'In Court and Kampong,' by Hugh Clifford.
[31] The territory of Sibuguey is almost unexplored.
[32] The principal industry of Christians or Moros, is washing the
sands and alluvial soils for gold, which is found in abundance.
Agriculture is progressing.
[33] The principal industry is washing the sands and mining for gold.
[34] From Jesuit records the Christian population of Davao was 12,000
in 1896. This number included over 3000 converted Moros. There were
also some 2,000 Moros residing there. The Jesuits residing on the
spot must know best.
[35] Nieto gives the total as 200,000. I have divided them as above.
[36] Value $1,600,000. The copra comes from Laguna, Tayahas, Albay,
Samar, Leyte and Mindanao, and the bulk of it goes to Marseilles,
some to Liverpool, a little to Spain and Italy.
[37] The total receipts from this tax are $7,000,000
The local funds receive 20 per cent., say $1,400,000
----------
Remainder $5,600,000
[38] See Table of dues on Exports.
[39] See Table of this tax.
[40] In August 1900 the Straits Settlements Government received offers
for the opium and spirit farms in Singapore, Penang and Malacca, for
three years from January 7th, 1901, amounting to $385,000 per month.
[41] In 1886-87 the revenue only amounted to $9,324,974; the Army
estimates for 1888 were $3,918,760, the Navy $2,573,776. If to the
revenue of 1896-97 we add the amount paid over to local funds, the
total will be double the revenue raised ten years before.