PREFATORY NOTE.
The history of the Philippine Islands is little known to its people to-day, for the records are few and not easy of access. Just at the present time this knowledge is especially necessary to the Filipino people. A knowledge of the conditions of the past is of the greatest importance to a people desirous of planning wisely and well for the future.
“The Story of the Philippines” aims to teach Filipino young people the salient facts regarding the past of their country, and, besides this, it points out some of the things needful to the best growth and progress of the islands. Certain chapters are devoted to matters pertaining to geography, commerce, and government, directing attention to the main physical features of the country and the possibilities of its successful development, and touching upon lines of commercial and social advancement which lie just ahead. The book shows that the Filipinos have a past filled with the records of brave deeds and patient forbearance; that they have a beautiful country, rich in natural resources; and that the future development and prosperity of their islands depend largely upon themselves.
The volume has been prepared in order to fill a definite educational need in the schools of the Philippine Islands, and as the first secular history of their land to be brought within reach of Filipino school children it should be of real value. But it is not only to the teachers and pupils in the schools that this book is useful; it should appeal to all who live in the Philippine Islands and all others who are interested in them.
The author has had access to the best historical material available in the Philippines and in America. The book was written in the islands, and as nearly as possible from the standpoint of the people. It is impossible to name the many devoted friends of the islands—Filipinos and Americans—who have helped to make this book possible. No mere words of thanks can express the obligation of the author and publishers to them; but their aid was given in a spirit of desire to help in the education of Filipino young people. If the book does this, their reward will be commensurate with the great service they have rendered.