Philippine Progress Prior To 1898 - free ebook by Conrado O. Benitez

Read as playlist

Philippine Progress Prior To 1898

Conrado O. Benitez

39 chapters

14 hour read

Read as playlist

Selected Chapters

39 chapters

Editor’s Explanations and Acknowledgments

Editor’s Explanations and Acknowledgments

This work is pre-requisite to the needed re-writing of Philippine history as the story of its people. The present treatment, as a chapter of Spanish history, has been so long accepted that deviation from the standard story without first furnishing proof would demoralize students and might create the impression that a change of government justified re-stating the facts of the past in the way which would pander to its pride. With foreigners’ writing, the extracts herein have been extensive, even t

43 minute read

Read Chapter

Philippine Progress Prior to 1898

Philippine Progress Prior to 1898

Made in Manila — Press of E. C. McCullough &amp; Co. — The Work of Filipinos The Spanish writers, and with them the Filipinos as well as, to a great extent, writers of Philippine treatises in other languages, have over-emphasized the political history of the Philippines. The history of this country has been regarded but as the history of the Spaniards in it, and not of its people, the Filipinos. 1 Hence arises the need of studying our history from the point of view of the development of our

10 minute read

Read Chapter

Need of more study of Philippine Economic Development.

Need of more study of Philippine Economic Development.

The present work is built around a group of ideas briefly summarized as follows: The first three chapters portray the industries and commerce at the time of the coming of the Spaniards; and explain the causes that led to their decline; the fourth chapter dwells upon the era of restriction, and the Manila-Acapulco trade, which, for over two centuries, dominated this country, and has had such depressing effect upon economic growth; the last chapter takes up the era of liberalism, during the ninete

53 minute read

Read Chapter

Divisions of present work.

Divisions of present work.

1 “This modest work, which does not pretend to be without mistakes, and perhaps other flaws, has a special interest in that it treats of a matter about which the historians of those islands had hardly occupied themselves. The chronicles written by the laborious ecclesiastics, the only books of history which may be consulted about the Philippines, contain nothing but descriptions of the campaigns against the Dutch, the wars against the infidels—in the Archipelago as well as on the continent of As

35 minute read

Read Chapter

Agriculture.

Agriculture.

The Filipinos at the time of discovery had domestic animals, dogs, cats, pigs, goats and buffaloes, i.e. carabaos. 9 “There were no horses, mares, or asses in the islands, until the Spaniards had them brought from China and brought them from Nueva Espana.” 10 The Kings of Spain in their instructions to the governors-general of the Philippines were solicitous about this matter of supplying this country with sufficient live stock to carry on farm work. 11 The early accounts of expeditions to find

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Live stock.

Live stock.

The lands of the ancient Filipinos were divided among the whole barangay, so that each one had his holding and no resident of one barangay was allowed to cultivate lands in another barangay unless he had acquired them by inheritance, gift, or purchase. In some barangays the lands belonged to the chief through purchase from the original owners. In some localities the chiefs or principal personages also owned the fisheries, and their rights were respected. 18 With the coming of the Spaniards, land

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Land holding.

Land holding.

1 “Historia General de Filipinas,” Jose Montero y Vidal, Vol. 1, p. 66. 2 “Purposely introduced species comprise those of various other tropical countries that, for reason of their economic importance, have been introduced either in prehistoric or within historic times. Naturally the first plants introduced were those of the Malayan region that were familiar to the original invaders or their successors in western Malaya, and these include such species as Job’s tears ( Coix lachryma-jobi L.), the

2 hour read

Read Chapter

Shipbuilding.

Shipbuilding.

As, next to rice, fish formed an important part of the diet of the Filipinos, we find them engaged in the fishing industry at the time of discovery and conquest. Magellan and his party saw many fishing boats near the coasts of the islands passed by them. “All the shores of this bay (Manila) are well provided with abundant fisheries, of all kinds.” 15 The other islands were described to have many large fisheries also. 16 The inland waters, too, furnished the inhabitants with abundant fish supply.

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Fishing.

Fishing.

The early accounts abound in glowing descriptions of the mining wealth of this country. “In many (indeed in most) islands are found amber and civet, and gold mines—these especially in the mountain ranges of Pangasinan and Paracale, and in Pampanga. 20 Consequently there was hardly any Filipino who did not possess chains and other articles of gold, according to the chroniclers. Indeed, many of the early settlers in the country saw no other evidence of wealth but the mines and metals. 21 The early

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Mining and metal work.

Mining and metal work.

Weaving was one of the industries well-known to the Filipinos long before the coming of the Spaniards. Contemporary writers all speak of the great quantity of cloths, especially cotton, woven in the country. 28 Says Sande: “All know how to raise cotton and silk, and everywhere they know how to spin and weave for clothing.” 29 Besides cotton, the fibers of the abacá or hemp plant was also used for weaving; in fact, the latter must have been used even before the former. 30 They wove cloths also fr

34 minute read

Read Chapter

Textile industries.

Textile industries.

That the Filipinos first seen by the Spaniards were not wandering savages, as commonly assumed by later day writers, is shown by the manner in which they built their houses—which very much resembled those of today 33 ,— and fixed their settlements. 34 It is from such and other similar facts that Rizal, 35 and other writers, 36 claimed for the early Filipinos a higher degree of culture than they were given credit for. Among the other industries at the time of discovery and conquest were: the manu

44 minute read

Read Chapter

Miscellaneous industries.

Miscellaneous industries.

To quote Rizal, “All the histories of those first years, in short, abound in long accounts about the industry and agriculture of the natives. Mines, gold-washings, looms, farms, barter, naval construction, raising of poultry and stock, weaving of silk and cotton, distilleries, manufactures of arms, pearl fisheries, the civet industry, the horn and hide industry, etc., are things encountered at every step, and, considering the time and the conditions in the islands, prove that there was life, the

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Conclusion.

Conclusion.

1 “For the above reason there is a large supply of lumber, which is cut and sawed, dragged to the rivers, and brought down, by the natives. This lumber is very useful for houses and buildings, and for the construction of small and large vessels. Many very straight trees, light and pliable, are found, which are used as masts for ships and galleons. Consequently, vessels of any size may be fitted with masts from these trees, made of one piece of timber, without its being necessary to splice them o

3 hour read

Read Chapter

Domestic trade.

Domestic trade.

The coming of the Spaniards opened a new market to the products of the Orient, and Manila soon became the great distributing center of the East. 12 “The merchants and business men form the bulk of the residents of the islands, because of the great amount of merchandise brought there—outside of native products—from China, Japan, Maluco, Malacca, Siam, Cambojia, Borneo, and other districts.” 13 From China, from thirty to forty ships sailed every year usually in March, and reached Manila in fifteen

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Trade relations with oriental countries.

Trade relations with oriental countries.

It was the goods that were imported into Manila by the Oriental traders, especially the Chinese, that formed the bulk of the commerce between the Philippines and New Spain. The only products of Philippine industry dealt with in the so-called galleon trade were gold, cotton cloth, mendriñaque , and cakes of white and yellow wax. 18 By buying from the Oriental traders their merchandise, and sending them to Mexico, the Spaniards in the Philippines made fabulous profits. It is due to this trade that

2 hour read

Read Chapter

Restrictions.

Restrictions.

The galleon trade continued during the rest of the eighteenth century, until 1811 when the last galleon sailed from Manila, and 1815, when the final return voyage was made. The next period in the history of Philippine commerce is characterized by the opening of the country to foreign influence. Before, however, going into the next period let us see who were entitled to participate in the galleon trade. The right to ship was known as boleta or ticket, and there were as many boletas as divisions i

3 minute read

Read Chapter

Effects of the galleon trade

Effects of the galleon trade

1 “Number 96. Distinctions in products from the islands, and their qualities with respect to those of España. “All these products that are trafficked from the islands are divided into six ( sic ) classes. The first is of silk, in skeins, thread, and trama. The second, the silk textiles. The third, the cotton textiles. The fourth, the products of the islands. The fifth, other small wares and articles that are brought. Of these, the last class amounts to but little, and is not harmful to the comme

57 minute read

Read Chapter

The Sociedad Económica de Amigos del País.

The Sociedad Económica de Amigos del País.

The second important event during Basco’s rule was the establishment of the “ Real Compañía de Filipinas ” by royal decrece of March 10, 1785. The capital of the company was fixed at eight million pesos divided into 32,000 shares of two hundred and fifty pesos each; the king bought four thousand shares, and the citizens of Manila were allowed three thousand. The chief object of the company was to establish commercial relations among the different colonies, and also between the colonies and Spain

3 minute read

Read Chapter

The Royal Company.

The Royal Company.

According to Dr. Tavera, the Royal Company introduced capital, which was essential for economic development. 11 Even before the coming of Basco, the taking of Manila by the English in 1762 had a good economic effect, for it acquainted England with the natural resources of the Philippines, and the possibilities for material development. 12 Perhaps as a result of the information thus gained, we find an English commercial house obtaining permission to establish itself in Manila in 1809. And in 1814

2 minute read

Read Chapter

The opening of the ports.

The opening of the ports.

Taking the increase of exports as an indication of greater agricultural and commercial activity, we find that, with the opening of the ports, exports increased; and these now consisted of the products of the country, instead of manufactured goods brought from elsewhere in the Orient. 18 By 1839, the Philippines exported 2,674,220 pesos of her own products, as against 500,000 pesos in 1810. 19 Sugar in 1782, was the only product which was attracting any attention, because at the time, thirty-thou

4 minute read

Read Chapter

Effects of the opening of the ports.

Effects of the opening of the ports.

Furthermore, the law that all the energy in the growth and activity of a population is derived from the physical world, and hence, density of population is dependent on material progress, is well illustrated by the increase of population in this country during the last century, especially its first half. 30 In turn, density of population made possible further social progress. 31 Why is it that writers attribute great significance to the coming of the foreign business men, especially the American

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Conclusion.

Conclusion.

1 Azcarraga, pp. 117–118. 2 See Bl. and Rb., Vol. 52, pp. 307–322. Also Vidal, Historia General de Filipinas , Vol. 2, pp. 285–297; Mas, Informe Sobre el Estado de las Islas Filipinas en 1842 , part II, pp. 28–31; and the Boletin de la Sociedad Económica for the different years. 3 Jagor, Travels in the Philippines , chapter 25. Memoria Sobre el Desestanco del Tabaco en las Islas Filipinas , José Jimeno Agius, Manila, 1871. 4 ”* * * at the time of Basco there were in Camarines four and a half mil

27 minute read

Read Chapter

Pre-Spanish Philippine History A. D. 43–1565

Pre-Spanish Philippine History A. D. 43–1565

By Elsdon Best ( Polynesian Society, Journal, Vol. 1 ) When a powerful and highly civilized nation comes in contact with a barbaric and isolated people, who have nevertheless advanced many steps on the road of progress, it would naturally be thought that the superior and conquering race would endeavor to collect and place on record information concerning such people: their manners, customs, language, religion, and traditions. Unfortunately, in the case of the Spanish conquests of the XVI century

32 minute read

Read Chapter

Pre-historic Civilization in the Philippines

Pre-historic Civilization in the Philippines

The costume of the men consisted of a short-sleeved cotton tunic ( chinina ), usually black or blue, which came below the waist, a colored cotton waistcloth, or kilt ( bahaque ), extending nearly to the knee, and over this a belt or sash of silk a handbreadth wide, and terminating in two gold tassels. On the right side hung a dagger ( bararao ) three palms long, and double-edged, the hilt formed of ivory or gold, and the sheath of carabao-hide. They wore a turban ( potong ) on the head, and also

2 hour read

Read Chapter

San-tao.

San-tao.

The island is flat and broad. It is watered by a double branched stream. The soil is rich. The climate is rather hot. In their customs they are chaste and good. Both men and women do up their hair in a knot behind. They wear a blue cotton shirt. When any woman mourns her husband, she shaves her head and fasts for seven days, lying beside her husband. Most of them nearly die, but if, after seven days, they are not dead, their relatives urge them to eat. Should they get quite well they may not rem

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Ma-i.

Ma-i.

This place has the Shih-i island as a defense. The fields of the island of three years cultivation are lean; they can grow millet and wheat. The people eat shahu (sago), fish, shrimps, and shell fish. The climate is half hot. The customs are simple. Men and women cut their hair, wear a black turban, and a piece of chintze with a minute pattern tied around them. They boil sea-water to make salt, and ferment the juice of the sugar-cane to make spirits. They earn a living by weaving chu pu . They h

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Su-lu.

Su-lu.

Mr. Salmon’s “Modern History,” London, 1744, Vol. I, pp. 92–93. The Portuguese were no sooner in possession of Malacca, but they discovered the Moluccas or Spice islands; at which time Magallanes returning home and not being rewarded according to his expectations, as has been hinted above, offered his service to the Emperor Charles the Fifth, proposing to discover a passage to these very Spice islands by sailing westward, which he apprehended would bring them within the Emperor’s share, accordin

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Spanish Unreliability; Early Chinese Rule over Philippines; and Reason for Indolence in Mindanao

Spanish Unreliability; Early Chinese Rule over Philippines; and Reason for Indolence in Mindanao

( Dr. Terrien de Lacouperie, Formosa Notes; Hertford, 1887, p. 39. ) There are other evidences of importance, which show that the Chinese were acquainted with the dark-skinned occupiers of Formosa as originated from the Philippine Archipelago. The Yang tchou wen Kao (v. Geo. Kleinwachter, The History of Formosa under the Chinese, p. 345) says that “the island of Tai-wan (or Formosa), which was formerly called Ki-lung , was originally a part of the Liu-Kiu state, which was founded by some descend

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Bisayans in Formosa

Bisayans in Formosa

1 This prefix does not seem, however, to be genuine in the language, so that the Chinese have mistaken the first syllable Ta for their own word (adjective preposed) ta “great”, and dropped it with their usual contempt for foreign nations. But all this is conjectural. 2 apparently Sanskrit ... some such sound as ... Vaisadja.—Parker (China, London, 1901.)—C. By Jose Rizal Tagalog belongs to the agglutinative branch of languages. For a long time it was believed to be one of the dialects of Malay,

2 minute read

Read Chapter

The Tagalog Tongue

The Tagalog Tongue

By Prof. Ferdinand Blumentritt. Notwithstanding the rich literature concerning the peoples and languages of the Philippine Archipelago, there is no book or publication in which are catalogued the names of the tribes and the languages, and this appears the more inexcusable, since both Spanish and Philippine writers, with few exceptions, handle these names very carelessly, so that great confusion must ensue. The prevailing bad form in the Philippines, of transferring the name of one people or fami

36 minute read

Read Chapter

Philippine Tribes and Languages

Philippine Tribes and Languages

Aeta , see Negrito . (Variants: Aheta, Eta, Aita, Aigta, Ita, Atta, Agta, Inagta, Até, Atá, etc., from the Tagalog, ita , itim , Malay itam , Bicol, ytom , black). Agutainos. —Name of the natives of Malay race in the island of Agutaya, in the Cuyo archipelago (province of Calamianes). They have their own dialect, called Agutaino; are Christianized and civilized. Alibaon, Alibabaun. —Not the name of a people, but, it seems, a title of the Moro chief, settled on the bay of Davao. Alimut. —This nam

2 hour read

Read Chapter

The Beginnings of Philippine Nationalism

The Beginnings of Philippine Nationalism

By “Plaridel” (Marcelo H. del Pilar). Three centuries have passed since the blood of Legaspi and of Sikatuna mingled in a cup of which both partook in token of eternal friendship, thus ratifying their oaths to fuse thenceforward into a single ideal the aspiration of Spain and the Philippines. But the passage of time, instead of making firmer this fusion, has only strengthened the predominance of the religious orders who have turned the islands into a colony exploited by friars. No one is ignoran

4 minute read

Read Chapter

The Friar Domination in the Philippines

The Friar Domination in the Philippines

The parish priest has no vote in these elections, but controls them because in his hands is the veto power. In forwarding the returns for the ratification of the election result, the parish priest makes two reports: one is public in character and is limited to setting forth the grade of instruction of the candidate in the official language; the other is confidential and under no restrictions whatever. The candidate who has no legal impediment, unless he is of the priest’s following, will turn ou

20 minute read

Read Chapter

Archbishop Martinez’s Secret Defense of His Filipino Clergy

Archbishop Martinez’s Secret Defense of His Filipino Clergy

The curacies of the aforesaid diocese were two hundred and thirty-seven, of which forty-eight belonged to the secular clergy. The scant resources of Cebu’s theological seminary, its lack of professors and the students’ ignorance of the Spanish language, knowledge of which is indispensable in the study of Latin and moral theology, not only prevented the preparation of a sufficient number of priests for the control of the above-mentioned parishes, but also detracted from the success of those neede

21 minute read

Read Chapter

Nineteenth Century Discontent

Nineteenth Century Discontent

The fatal consequences of the imprudent proclamation of the constitution of Cadiz in the Philippines produced a certain lack of social discipline and led to uprisings. A pitiable one was the catastrophe of 1820, when, with excuse of cholera, the Indians assassinated countless Chinese and many foreigners who were in Manila. The hatred against the French (from Napoleon’s attempt to make his brother King of Spain in place of Ferdinand VII.—C.) the pretext which caused the American conspiracies—had

9 minute read

Read Chapter

The Liberal Governor-General of 1869–1871

The Liberal Governor-General of 1869–1871

An old man, he retired to his family estates, once broad but sadly shrunken through his years of liberality. There from Pozorubio he wrote his defence against the charge of being responsible for the uprising of Cavite. Contrast the brave words of the Governor-General upon his first coming to the Philippines, and his expressions after the conclusion of his office when he was upon the defensive. “As good, honored and loyal, you are recognized as our brothers. * * * I shall indicate to you the sali

9 minute read

Read Chapter

The Rebellion in the Philippine Islands

The Rebellion in the Philippine Islands

( Hongkong Telegraph , April 28, 1898.) The United States Asiatic Squadron left Mirs Bay yesterday afternoon for the Philippines. It was previously arranged that the fleet should have left on Tuesday, but the departure was delayed to await the arrival of Mr. O. F. Williams and several officers who had stayed behind for dispatches. As we have already intimated, Mr. Williams and the officers were stormstayed on Tuesday and had to return to Hongkong. * * * * * * Meanwhile Mr. Rounsevelle Wildman, U

50 minute read

Read Chapter

Filipinos with Dewey’s Squadron

Filipinos with Dewey’s Squadron

(From the London and China Telegraph of March 22, 1872, retranslated.) Reviewing the Cavite uprising, it concludes: “The magnificent resources of these Islands have been neglected too long, whatever has been done toward their development is due to Anglo-Saxons whose efforts have been impeded by every possible means through the indifferent and indolent ideas of the Spanish government. As to the future government of the Philippines, could our government, or the American, be induced to accept any r

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Corrections

Corrections

The following corrections have been applied to the text:...

3 minute read

Read Chapter