The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1899-11-03
A Strange Lille Race of People
Who are Comparatively Unknown.
COLONY or THE MARSHES
The Settlement Originated Over Fifty
Years Ago BY Runaway Sailors
From Manila.

Perhaps there is nos a score Of goe
graphers or historians in all the United
States who even know thar Louisiana
contains a Filipino colony. But never
theless there are several OF them.
All about the mouth of the Mississippi
river there are hundreds OF tiny islands
covered with ;all marsh grass some OF
which are only few feet out Of the
ocean. on the west side OF the delta
on little bay called Barataria, and tc
the north OF the famous Grand Isle, are
numerous little islands on which arr
settled the colonies OF Filipinos, which
Just now are being visited by many
Southern people anxious 10 learn for
themselves Just what sort Of people our
soldiers are lighting with in the far
away Orient. Besides these colonies
there are other smaller ones in Lake
Borgne, on the other side Of the delta,
and in the many contiguous islands OF
the Baratarla group.
The principal island in the latter
group is Clarkeheniere, and on this is
land is. the main Filipino settlement.
These little blue men are called along
the Gulf "Manilamen." These sons OF
the far away Filipinos are natural born
fishermen and sailors. There are all
told in this one colony, or rather series
Of colonies. perhaps as many as fifteen
hundred persons.
The colony seems to have originated
more than fifty years ago. In fact
some Of the oldest colonists say that
they have been in the country for fully
seventy fve years. But about half
century ago "Manilamen" first settled
on tirand Isle, the last in the group in
Parataria bay. 1t was on this island
that the famous pirate, Lafitta, made
his headquarters for many years. In
1856 a great storm swept over that re-
gion, completely submerging Last Isle,
its four hundred souls being washed in
to the sea. The next morning not
trace remained Of that
Strangs wild spot in the MeXic Sea
Where wind and wave and wild bird
wandered free.
This storm created fear in the breasts
OF "Manilamen," and by degrees they
moved a little nearer the mainland and
again settled on an island called
/. cheniere Caminado. This island being
somewhat higher than the others was
covered with large oak trees. Here
these quiet people built up flourishing
colony. They had little church, a
schoolhouse and had made more or less
attempt at an organized government.
Then came another fearful hurricane,
in 1850, during which eight hundred
persons-one-half the population of
Cheniere Caminado--were swept into
eternity in one single night. Other
storms Of more or less severity follow
ed, the last occurring in 1898, carrying
with it terrible loss Of life and proper
ty
These sad experiences have inspired
a sort Of superstitious dread Of the out
laying islands in the hearts Of those who
escaped from the fury Of the terrible
hurricanes. and they gradually gave up
their old homes and went further in
shore, where they built new ones
1t is for this reason that now the
greater numer Of these peculiar people
inhabit the low marshy islands in the
sheltered bay Of Barataria and the lit
tie strips Of land along the banks Of
the sluggish bayOus, On whose bosoms
are myrlads Of water lilies in peaceful
repose.
Scattered here and there all through
the tall marsh grasses, nestled among
the scrub willows. half hidden Of times
under the dense gro oSth OF troplcaI veg
citation, are rudely and curiously con-
structed houses Of palmetto and straw,
presenting a half-civilized appearance
the homes OF these wanderers from the
islands Of the South Seas.
They are a silent people, never ming
ling with strangers and taking little in
terest in the doings Of the outside world.
Their lives are devoted to the peaceful
career Of fishermen, Their wants are
few. With little sail boats ard out
fits for fishing this colony has lived
for more than half a century, content
with a good catch which would furnish
a frugal dinner, in blissful ignorance Of
what has been going on in the great
world.
They are inclined TO be suspicious Of
strangers, and when one goes among
them he is very likely to be received
with GOODNESS and Indifference, but when
by the use Of tact and diplomacy their
suspicious are once allayed they will
talk without restraint and even open
their homes with most cordial hospital
ity and place before the stranger the
best that they contain.
The Filipinos are hopelessly ignorant
so far as a book learning and knowledge
Of the world goes, but the great major
ity seem to be endowed with a natural
intelligence which marks them as vast
ly superior to many classes Of foreign
ern who make this country their home.
They are interested in the war in the