NOTES TO VOLUME I.
Note I.—Page 6.
Were it not that we have this strong corroborative evidence of the veracity of other travellers on this subject, we should be inclined to attach a degree of impossibility to the existence of an European power of the first distinction, in an insular situation, similar to that of the Philippines, established there for nearly three centuries; yet through the whole of that period incessantly exposed to the inroads and depredations of the surrounding savage nations. But in the perusal of the following pages it will appear sufficiently manifest that the system of colonization pursued by the Spanish monarchy. From the first discovery of the New World, and without little, if any, amelioration, practised at this time, is least of all calculated for either the extension of permanent national dominion, the enlargement of the human mind, or the general dissemination of commercial industry. The discovery of the Cape of Good Hope and America produced a revolution among the European nations, which, aided by the phenomenon of the magnetic needle, stimulated the human mind to exertions far more arduous than had been effected by the Crusades; but the same spirit that animated Peter the Hermit seems to have presided over the counsels of the Spanish monarchy and directed its researches. To whatever cause it may be imputed, whether political, moral, or physical, this nation, so justly celebrated about this period, seems to have had little progressive tendency to improvement, and till within these few years the Spanish colonists of the eighteenth, in point of information and commercial enterprize, differed in no respect from those of the sixteenth century. The general dissemination of science, the gradual dispersion of prejudice, the consequent expansion of the human mind, and the example of surrounding nations, will doubtless have due effect on those noble qualities which characterized the Spaniard of the sixteenth century; and which, though enchained for succeeding ages by the peculiarity of their internal politics, still exist in the Spaniard of the nineteenth. No doubt, indeed, can be entertained that the changes likely to be produced during the present eventful period, will convert the reign of Ferdinand the VIIth into the æra of Spanish regeneration, in all that can be considered steady in council, great in arms, liberal in sentiment, and energetic in social as well as commercial intercourse. And we fully trust that the blind and persecuting influence which dictated the expulsion of the Chinese from the Philippines, and produced consequences nearly bordering on the annihilation of all industry and all commerce in the Islands, no longer disgraces their counsels or finds an advocate in the breast of one true Spaniard.
Note II.—Page 8.
We are well aware that at a distance from the seat of even an energetic government, abuses will exist which may sometimes be beyond its reach; but the instance before us, gives us at once an insight into that system of oppression and abuse of power which prevails in the Spanish settlements, and originated in the invariable practice of the Spanish court, of furnishing the opportunity to their dependants in the mother country to enrich themselves during a temporary residence in the colonies.
Note III.—Page 12.
The most authentic communications on this subject to the translator, are, that during the months of March, April, and May, the heat is sometimes oppressive; June, July, August, and September, forms the rainy season; the month of October of a doubtful character; November, December, January, and February, a heavenly spring: and that the climate in the whole is uncommonly healthy, the natives living to a great age.
Note IV.—Page 13.
If it were not sufficiently ascertained that the author of this work was not a foreigner, but a monastic Spaniard, it might be concluded from this expression, that he meant to cast a strong reflection on the Spanish government; but in the progress of the work the reader will discover that he is fully justified.
Note V.—Page 14.