The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1898-09-08
CHAPTER XIV.

CHAPTER XIV.
1T IS probable, and almost incontestible
! that the Philippine Islands were primi-
lively peoplod Ly atorioines. a small race
/ OF negroes Sill inhabitiilg the interior of
the forests in pretty large numbers. called
A!etas by the Taca!oc3 and Ncgritos by
the Spaniards. Doubtless at a very dis
tant period the Malays invaded the shores
and drove the Indigenous population into
the interior beyond the mountains; after
wards, whether by accidents on sea or
deSIrouS OF availing themselves of the
richncSs OF the soil, they were Joined by
the Chinese, the japanese, the inha bit
ants OF the archipelago of the South
seas, the Javanese, ana even the In
dams.
1t must not, then be wondered at that
from the mixture proceeding from the
union OF these various people, all of un-
cquai physiognomy, there have risen the
inherent nuances, distinctions and types
t upon which, however, il generally de-
plcted Malay physiognomy and cruelty.
Inc Iagal is well made, rather tall than
otherwise. His hair is long, his beard
thln, ms color brass-likG, yet sometimes
lnclInlng TO European Wilderness; his eve
expanded and vivacious, somewhat a la
ChnoIse; nose large, and true to the
Malay race his cheek bones are high and
prominent. He is passionately fond of
dancing and music; whep in love, is very
loving; cruel towards his: enemies: never
iorgiveS an act of injustice, and ever
avengeS 1T with his poignard which like
the kris with the Malays, is his favorite
weapon. Whenever he has pledged his
word IN serious business 1t is sacred He
gives himself passionately to games of
hazard; he is good husband, a good
father; jealous of his wIfe'S honor, but
careless of his daughters 5, who, despite
any little auX-paS, meets with no diff
Guilty in getting husband.
The Tagal is of very sober habits. All
he requires is water, Il little rice and salt |
fish. In his estimation an aged man is
an object OF great vencration and where |
there exists family of them in al periods
OF life the youngest is naturally most sub |
servient to the eldest.
The Tagal, like the Arab, is Hospitality |
inclined, without any sentiment of ego |
tism and certainly without any other idea !
than that OF relieving suffering humanity. |
so that when stranger appears before |
an Indian hut at meal time, were the |
strictly necessary for His family, it is his |
greatest pleasure TO invite and press the |
stranger to take a-place at his humble |
board and partake of has family cheer.
When an old man,i whose days are
dwndling to the shortest span, can work
no longer, he is sure 10 lad a refuge, an
asylum, home at a nciCEbor's S, where he
is looked upon as one Of the family There
he may remain till he is called to that
bourne from whence no traveller re-
turns"
QUEER MARRIAGE CUSTOMS.
Amongst the Tagals the marriage cere-
mony is somewhat peculiar. 1t is pre-
ceded by two other ceremonies, the first
OF which is called Tain manoc, Tacal
words, signifying or meaning "the cock
looking after his hen" Therefore, when
once young man has Informed his
father and mother that he has u predeic-
ton for young Indian girl his parents
pay a visit to the young girls parents
upon some fine evening, ard after some
very ordinary chat the mamma of the
young man offers a plaster to the mamma
OF the young lady. Should the future
mother law, accept the young lover is
admitted, and then his future mother in
law is sure to go and spend the very same
plaster in betei and cocOa-wiue.
During the greater portion of the night
the whole company assembled upon the
occasion chews betel, drinks cocoa wine,