Ibarra replied: “I love our country, not only because it is the duty of all men to love the country to which they owe their being, not only because my father taught me so; but also because my mother was a native, an Indian, and because all my most beautiful memories live in these islands. I love it too, because I owe it my happiness and will continue to do so.”
“And I, I love it because I owe to it my misfortunes,” said Elias.
“Yes, my friend, I know that you are suffering, that you are unfortunate, and that this makes you see a dark future and influences your way of thinking. For this reason, I make allowance for your complaints. If I were able to appreciate the motives, if I had known part of that past——”
“My misfortunes have another source. If I had known that they would have been of usefulness, I would have related them, for aside from that, I make no secret of them. They are well enough known by many.”
“Perhaps knowing them would rectify my opinions. You know I do not rely much upon theories; facts are better guides.”
Elias remained pensive for some moments.
“If that is the case, señor,” he replied, “I will relate briefly the history of my misfortunes.”
[1] Author here shows difficulty in establishing American sovereignty over islands by military forces.