The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 07 of 55 / 1588-1591 / Explorations by Early Navigators, Descriptions of the Islands and Their Peoples, Their History and Records of the Catholic Missions, as Related in Contemporaneous Books and Manuscripts, Showing the Political, Economic, Commercial and Religious Conditions of Those Islands from Their Earliest Relations with European Nations to the Close of the Nineteenth Century

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

13701

Title

The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 07 of 55 / 1588-1591 / Explorations by Early Navigators, Descriptions of the Islands and Their Peoples, Their History and Records of the Catholic Missions, as Related in Contemporaneous Books and Manuscripts, Showing the Political, Economic, Commercial and Religious Conditions of Those Islands from Their Earliest Relations with European Nations to the Close of the Nineteenth Century

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Edited by Emma Helen Blair and James Alexander Robertson, this volume chronicles the turbulent Spanish Philippines from 1588 to 1591. It details political reforms, native conspiracies, Chinese immigration, and the fierce debate over indigenous tribute collection, offering a vivid glimpse into the colony's fragile defense and spiritual struggles.

Summary up to 500 words

Volume VII of The Philippine Islands, 1493–1898 documents the critical years between 1588 and 1591, a period marked by significant political and social upheaval in the Spanish colony. The text, compiled from contemporary manuscripts and letters, begins with the suppression of the Audiencia and the appointment of a royal governor, Gomez Perez Dasmariñas, who arrives with instructions to implement sweeping reforms. These include repealing oppressive import duties, suppressing Chinese retail trade, and constructing new stone fortifications to defend against English pirates, Japanese raiders, and hostile neighbors like the Borneans and Malucos. The volume presents a stark picture of the colony's vulnerability. Governor Santiago de Vera reports on the destruction of Manila by fire and the need for artillery and light ships to counter English adventurer Candish. Bishop Domingo de Salazar laments the poverty of the churches and the harsh treatment of natives, attributing calamities to divine punishment for Spanish cruelty. He pleads for more missionaries to instruct the natives, noting that many encomenderos are too poor to support religious needs. A major theme is the intense friction between secular authorities and the clergy, particularly regarding the collection of tributes from indigenous peoples. The text includes detailed opinions from Augustinian, Franciscan, and Jesuit orders. They debate whether tribute should be collected from infidels who lack religious instruction. While the Augustinians argue for full tribute as payment for protection and conversion, the Franciscans and Jesuits advocate for deductions to cover the costs of ministers and church construction, suggesting that tribute should only be collected for benefits actually received. This theological and economic dispute highlights the colony's struggle to balance imperial revenue needs with the spiritual welfare of the natives. The volume also addresses the growing Chinese population in Manila. The Chinese trade is described as increasing despite royal restrictions, posing a threat to local economic interests. The Jesuits note the success of converting Chinese residents, forming a "village of Christians," though the Bishop opposes their long hair, leading to a royal conference on the matter. Furthermore, the text details several conspiracies among Filipinos, Borneans, and other groups to drive out the Spaniards. These plots are detected and punished severely, yet the Governor admits that few places remain where natives are not disaffected. The colony faces constant threats from pirates, internal revolts in provinces like Cagayán and Pangasinan, and the unhealthful environment causing high mortality among soldiers. Ultimately, the volume serves as a comprehensive record of a colony on the brink of destruction, relying on royal aid and internal reform to survive.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Religion
• History
• Travel