The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-11-26
| |

1t is we'll known that Magellan. in the
| memorable voyage the outcome or
| which was the first circumnaNigation
| of the globe. discovered the Ladrone
| Islands on March 16, 1920. They were
named "Robber Islands" from the fact
| that the natives proved adroit thieves,
| even going SO far as to steal boat
| from one of the ships. After short
stay in this group. Magellan continued
| on his westward course and next
! reached the north coast Of Mindanao.
After taking possession of that island
| in the name of the King of Spain, the
| explorer proceeded to Cebu, and formed
| an offensive and defensive alliance with
! its King. In pursuance of the COM
| pact, he entered into Il war against
| the euemies of this chief, and on April
| 20, l52l perished in IA skirmish on the
| little island of Mactan. 1t is well
| known that part of his comrades,
| after making other discoveries and suf
| f.ring many vicissitudes, ultimately ar
rived in Spain by the route around the
! Cape of Good Hope. Although, after
the return of Magelans companions.
| two more expeditions TO the Philippines
| was organized by the Emperor CHARLES
| V, the value OF the islands seems to
| have been for a time unapDreciated
| The first serious attempt to take actual
| possession OF them was made under
| Philip H., in whose honor they had
| been named. 70 this end four ships
! and u frlgate We're made ready on the
| coast of Mexico. The commander Of
the expedition, Legaspi, landed at Cebu
| Oh April -. 1865 and took possession
Of the town. The Daciticatior of this
and neighb0ring islands was proceed
ing steadily enough when the Portu-
sueSe arrived and set up claim to
them. In 1870 Legaspis grandson Sal
cedo, was sent to subdue Luzon. He
discmbarked near the site of Manila
and the territory now included in the
province of Batangas was soon sub
dued, as was the island Of Mindoro and
communication was established with
I.egaspi, who was subjugating Panay.
lie FASTENED 20 Manila, and on arriV-
ing there declared that city the capital
OF the archipelago and the King of
Spain the sovereign of the whole group.
The method of subduiue refractory
tribes adopted by Salcedo has been fol-
lowed more or less closely by his suc-
cessors up to the present day. It con
sisted in allowing the conquered peO.
pie to be governed by their own chiefs
so long as the latter acknowledged the
sovereignty of the spanish King.
1t was not alone by the Portuguese
that the Spaniards We're disturbed in
their possession of the PHILIPPINES
Shortly after Legaspis death one Linn
ahong, Chinese pirate, brought a for
midabe fleet of siXty-two armed 1unlls
to attack Manila, and forced his way
within the walls of the citadel itself
hut was finally repnlsad subsequently,
he landed on the west coast of LUXOR
and organized settlement at the
mouth of the Agno river. Eventually
however, a strong force was sen,
| against him, and he was compelled Il
leave the archipelago. About the sams
time began the long series of dlssen
SiOns between Church and state which
have continued TO disturb the peace o
the colony up to the present day. Sn
premacy was claimed hy both civil ant
ecclesiastical authorities. and so much
trouble arose that the Bishop of Ma,
Mia dispatched a priest 20 Spain witt
instructions TO lay the whole matter be
fore the king. This appeal to the SOY
ereign resulted in the publication of al
important decree which provided in de
tail for the conduct Of affairs in thu
Philippines. BY this organic law, which
may be regarded as the basis OF tn,
system OF government hitherto pursued
! tribute was to be levied upon the ma
tives, and the sum thus raised was I,
, be divided in definite ratio between
the church, the treasury and the army
Import and export duties We're also es
: tablished, as well as fixed stipends 70
all soldiers and state employees Tn,
| Notifications Of Manila were to be I'm