The Katipunan; or, The Rise and Fall of the Filipino Commune

by Francis St. Clair

Introduction

«Manila, 21st (Aug. ’96).—The Governor General to the Colonial Minister:

Vast organization of secret societies discovered with anti-national tendencies.

Twenty-two persons detained, among them the Gran Oriente (of Philippine freemasonry) of the Philippines, and others of importance.

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Immediate action taken and special judge will be designated for greater activity in the proceedings....

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—Blanco.

Such was the telegram sent by Gen. Blanco and read by Sr. Castellano in the Spanish Camara, announcing the discovery of the revolutionary movement headed by the Katipunan, the bastard child of Filipino freemasonry.

Freemasonry in the Philippines was but a pretext: under this pretext the enemies of Spain, in days of Spanish rule, and the enemies of the U. S. in these days of American rule, put themselves into close and secret communion, to earn out plans of revolt.