The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-06

date to the present time Manila and the Philippines have occupied a prominent place in the worlds history. It Is now the largest seaport city of Australasia. Miguel Lopez de Legespi, whose cour- age diplomacy and intelligence have Spain the rich jewel of the Philippines, died August 20, 1872. Being statesman of rare ability and leader of dauntless courage. he rapidly gained dominion over the kings and chiefs of the most ad- vanced and important islands and in short time became greatly loved and ad- mired by the natives. His great ambi- ton was to promote the glory of Spain, maintain friendship between the Spaniards and natives, give an advanced civilization to the islands and protect commerce. The latter was a hard task, for at this period the China sea was infested with Japanese and Chinese pirates, and his battles with them we're many and fierce.
 Shortly after the death of Legespi, Gui- do de Lavezares. having been appointed governor, was the next most important person to prominently figure in the up- building of the city of Manila Shortly after his appointment renowned and bloodthirsty Chinese pirate, L-Ma- Hong by name, appeared in Manila bay, 1874, with a fleet of 6 junlxs and declared his intention of sweeping the islands with blood and fire The heroic Spaniards. without the help of the cowardly na- tives, who fled in terror, forced him to retreat and followed him as far as Pan- gasiman, where the remainder of the pi- rates fleet and army were destoryed. From this date the progress of the city, and the islands under it's government. was rapid. and with the aid of Spanish ships of war the presiding governors ex- tended the influence of Spain to the most remote of the inhabited islands.
 In 1880 Don Gorzalo Rozuillo Pena- losa was appointed governor and he proved to be man of cratic char acter He rid the seas of Taisfu, celebrated and much feared Japanese pirate. He formed in Manila a pow eYful squadron and sailed against this bloodthirsty brigand of the seas, who had, for years infested the waters of China, Japan, Cambria and Tun Kin. After several fierce scirmishes during which he inflicted severe losses on the pirate fleet he finally succeeded In get ting the ocean outlaws ships cor nered in the Cagayan river, where, after a bloody battle, the pirate and his followers were exterminated.
 During this period of Spanish history Spain seems to have produced her greates leaders They worked entirely for the glory of Spain, were kind, just, heroic, generous and devout. It seems strange indeed that such glorious world power should have weakened ana dwindled as has Spain during the last two centuries.
 F During Rozuillo's time as governor, Father Domingo de Salozar arrived from Spain. He was the first bishop of Manila and rendered great assist ance in the government of Manila and the Philippines. A very tragic incl dent followed his death. One of the lighted candles that surrounded the body as he lay in state in the church of San Augustine ignited the funeral draperies. The temple and large part of the city were reduced to ashes and the body of the holy man incinerated.
 The next important character in the upbuildng was Gov. Don Gomez Perez Dasmarmas. It was he who built the moat and walls of what Is now known as old Manila. or the walled city. He erected the fort of Santiago the Holy