INQUIRER NORTHERN LUZON
Scholar says Negritos are the 'original Filipinos'
By Vincent Cabreza
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Posted date: February 12, 2008
BAGUIO CITY - All these years, school teachers have taught Filipino children
that Filipinos belong to the Malay stock. Now comes a language scholar, who has authored influential studies about Cordillera and other Philippine languages for almost 50 years, who says that linguistic, archaeological and anthropological findings collected
through the years prove that this assertion may have been wrong.Based on a comprehensive study of Philippine languages and dialects, Dr. Lawrence Reid, a New Zealand-born researcher emeritus of the University of Hawaii, dates the indigenous and mainstream Filipino to Taiwan about 4,500 years ago.Reid says the people Filipinos call "indigenous" today are themselves immigrants to the country and have become a
minority that has been marginalized by the state.He says the "original Filipinos" everyone refers to are actually the Negritos who are all but extinct in the country of their birth.Reid has developed an influential body of work on Philippine languages - with the Tasaday in the 1960s, a contribution to the Tasaday debate in the 1980s, and recently, with online dictionaries of a Mt. Province dialect that he speaks fluently.In 2006, he was honored at the 10th International Conference on Austronesian Linguistics in Palawan.
In a paper, entitled "Who are the Indigenous? Origins and Transformations," he presented to the First International Conference on Cordillera Studies held last week at the University of the Philippines Baguio, Reid asked the government to correct websites that contain "uninformed and grossly amateurish statements about the cultural minorities." The most prominent site Reid poked fun at belongs to the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), the agency tasked to administer, supervise and grant ancestral land titles to indigenous Filipinos."There we find materials that have apparently been taken from popular descriptions and old, long outdated history books that refer to the multiple migration hypotheses of Dr. H. Otley Beyer, the leading Philippine ethnologist of his day, and which I am told is commonly taught in Philippine schools today," he says.He says the NCIP profiles the Ifugao as "descendants of the first wave of Malay immigrants to the country." The Kalinga are said to be descendants of the second group of Malays who came to the islands."The Ibaloi are described as 'peaceful, hardworking, and hospitable tribesmen. They are generally fair in complexion and have well-developed bodies, usually standing four to five feet above in height, have medium and narrow noses and some have broad flat noses,'" he says."Attention to the shape of the nose is also mentioned for the Kallahan (or Ikalahan)," he says, as well as the Bugkalot, the Yogad of Isabela and the Ivatan of Batanes."Absurd and completely unscientific descriptions such as these are internationally read, and not only give completely erroneous descriptions of Philippine indigenous groups, but cast a very poor light on the level of Philippine scholarship," he says.Who does the indigenous Filipino take after?Reid says: "It is simply not true that the ancestors of Ifugaos or any Cordilleran peoples or of the Tagalogs or other lowland groups are descendants of the original inhabitants of the Philippines.""When your ancestors first arrived in these islands, they were not unoccupied. They were occupied by maybe hundreds of groups of Negritos,most of who have been completely assimilated or have died out," he says.He says scientists have located 25 present-day groups of Negrito stock who still thrive, although they are on the brink of extinction themselves.Reid says the latest United Nations policy subscribes to the definition that indigenous peoples are "original inhabitants of a country, who inhabited the present territory of a country, at a time when persons of a different culture or ethnic origin arrived there."Negritos are "the true first Filipinos" who date back to 50,000 years, he says, while the Ifugao ancestors who reputedly built the world heritage enshrined rice terraces appeared to have arrived only 4,000 years ago "as their first colonizers.""It is these first Filipinos who are the most downtrodden and socially marginalized of all Filipinos, and most in need of urgent action to enable them to survive in this society," he says.The Cordillera no longer hosts Negrito tribes, although Reid says anthropologists have found evidence that Alta Negritos of the Sierra Madre used to thrive in the Ifugao mountains... Citing the discovery of ancient pottery shards in a cave in Itbayat, Batanes by archaeologist Peter Bellwood of the Australian National University, Reid says strong evidence "marks [the first colonizers] as being part of a Neolithic culture that existed in southwest Taiwan and [who] spread south from there into the Batanes islands and Northern Luzon.."He says the artifact supports irrefutable linguistic evidence debunking the "pre-scientific myth that Philippine languages are somehow corrupted versions of Malay, as a result of multiple migrations from the south."
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Team Day Outs
![I took this pic on our last Tagaytay visit, the sunset was to be mine [I left the company after two months]](http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8rQiN79oIm0/SaC802eCxlI/AAAAAAAAACQ/W1vafrG7p10/s640/Tagaytay%20Sunset.jpg "Tagaytay")
I took this pic on our last Tagaytay visit, inside a crumbly rustic open hut where we ate like savages, the sunset was to be mine...
When I was still working for that call center in Alabang, I frequently bring my team to that cliché place, for the south metro crowd, Tagaytay, its the closest place where you could still see nature and unwind your tired out mind, with all the stress mounting up on the call floor, it helps to slow down things a little within, people are really glad about just having the time to relax and enjoy the company of their peers. This is the reason why I'm big on this type of activities, other sups don't get it, I do, its always a rejuvenating experience, it's good thing for everybody.
The other place, Calamba, probably nearer compared to Tagaytay, is also a fine spot to hang about, but outside its rented pools and annoying vendors, it doesn't have anything more to offer, for company outings that is [for history students the place should be a gold mine], but some of my team players favors the nighttime swims and the wild merry making it provides, perhaps I could never understand how someone could gulp a case of beer, smoke a pack of cigarrettes, and be satisfied, its ridiculous, they're just the "partying type of animals - its all good", I keep telling myself [I think almost all people are, except me and the majority of the nerd populace], anyway, whatever works for them serves me. These people worship booze, do all the foolish dancing and not to be forgotten, the mighty karaoke [or is it videoke?], people are always fighting over it, and the crazy thing is that everyone sounds dreadful, but the crazier part is that people enjoys hearing others appalling singing voices, you got to love these crazy people. Before the day ends, people are drunk, and me, weary of all the eating, the bone of my nape hurting and feeling heavy from all the cholesterol I digested, watch as my team make complete fools of themselves! I guess the only thing that really matters to us is that everyone, even for a short moment, is happy, it matters because in our line of work, it takes a lot of effort sometimes just to be happy.
As for me, I like nature tripping better, the scenes are the ones I commit to memory, top these with a delightful [often unhealthy] eating, now that is what I call a true getaway for me. The memories I take pleasure in are the days we exhausted in that admired Dominican church on a hill in Nasugbu and the trouble-free Tagaytay treks.
I started to muse over these things when I got a text message from one of my agents, Pokwa, who also happen to be a great friend 'til now [I don't know why], she was telling me how people from my old team would chatter about all the pleasure trips we had, she would inform me how some could even go into the minutest details, its been so long, I don't even remember a lot about what she's telling me [my memory really is not serving me good!] but I guess thats the enchantment of the famous team A day outs, it stays with those who has been part of it, as for me, I can still vibrantly recall the maddest laughter's and the happiest faces.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Soy Latina Tambien by Kathleen Ferraren
High School Filipino Kathleen Ferraren wins Latino Essay Writing Contest in DC
Tue, October 2, 2007 7:37 am
Kathleen's Dad, Patrick Ferraren (in Virginia), a long lost friend, 30 years ago a co-staffer of The Forward at Colegio de San Jose-Recoletos, after we got reconnected wrote:
"How can a young contemporary Filipina lay claim to Hispanic Heritage, compete with other DC area high school Hispanics in an essay contest about how being Latino is the best of both worlds in the USA, and win? Answer: By weaving a connection that is indisputably valid, drawing on her life's experiences that enhance the connection, and expressing her feelings about the significance of that Spanish connection-utilizing her unique personal style of literary writing that appeals to her audience. She made it light reading and interestingly anecdotal, with relevant facts. The dozen or so judges approved and gave it to her. Who would have known? Pardon my "estoy muy orgulloso" father attitude, but this makes for an interesting English Lesson because it is true. Here is an example of how to write a winning piece! In the real world!" (I asked Patrick that I post Kathleen's winning piece as I find this very inspiring for our young Danawanons in California as well as all other young Pinays. - Monching)
SOY LATINA TAMBIEN
Kathleen is my given name but I recall my parents called me by my Spanish name, Catalina, when I was four years old. Both my parents are Filipinos of mixed origin-mostly Spanish and Asian. Having immigrated to America from the Philippines, they brought their colorful cultures to the melting pot that is America. I was brought up in a Roman Catholic household where the Santo Niño and the Virgen stood on an altar.
Although my parents' home country, the Philippines, is located in Asia, it has a lot to share with other Latino countries. Named after Madrid's King Philip II, the country was colonized by Spain from 1565 to 1898.
My parents decided that I would grow up learning English only. However, they would often insert Spanish words-embossed into their culture from 333 years of Spanish rule-into daily conversation. I was used to hearing other people muttering about my and other children's foibles, complaining with sacrilegious words of Jesús y María, and when we were especially clumsy, Jesús, María y José. Refusals to eat my empanada or drink my leche earned me a slap on the arm and an order of habre.
Around this time, when I was about three, my mother and my tía thought that it would be charming to dress up my cousin and me up in matching outfits. Next to my lacy camisetas, beautiful fans from Sevilla, and handed down jewelries, my mother's favorite outfit for me was a bright red tiered Spanish dress with puffy sleeves and white lace. I hated it and cried often when I was forced to wear it to parties.
"Put it on, hija" commanded my mother.
"No, mamá" I replied defiantly.
"You'll never go to Nicky's again," warned my mother, forcing the itchy heap over my head.
"Jesús, María y José!" I protested, promptly earning me a time-out.
After that episode, my parents considered augmenting my Spanish in addition to the trite expressions. Already I was going around telling my fellow preschoolers that yes, babies could talk, because ga-ga in Pilipino (a language sporadically infused with Spanish) meant stupid. My father especially nudged me to learn Castilian, and he continues to advocate the vosotros conjugation and th lisp to this day.
After seven years, I began to grumble. It irked me when another student was given the Spanish name Catalina. I had to settle for Catrina. The misnomer tormented me, and my interest waned. "Soy Catalina," I used to murmur. "Why do I have to learn, anyway? In America, people speak English."
"Huh," my mother replied. "It is your heritage, and many people in America speak Spanish. Besides, don't you want to be able to read Don Quixote in its original Spanish?"
That last reason remains my biggest motivation of all. Since I am still not fluent in the language, my second-hand hardcover still lies enticingly on my bookshelf. I will suffer patiently like the steadfast Florentino Ariza. However, I have succumbed to the charms of Gabriel García Márquez and Isabel Allende, whose words I devour amid sobs and laughter. I have also given way to telenovelas, RBD, and reggaeton.
I finally had a chance to practice my Spanish during this year's spring break on a school trip to Perú and Ecuador. I spent many happy hours enjoying the warmth and joy of the people, and I nearly leapt out of my chair in a restaurant when local musicians played "Qué sera, sera," a song that my father used to sing to me when I was very little. Cheering and wearing red, I ran into the celebrating throngs in Plaza de Armas when the local Cienciano team won the South American World Cup. I gaped at the majestic Sacsayhuamán, I ate cuy, and I took care not to use the Sagrada Familia's names in vain in the beloved Iglesia de San Francisco. My most unforgettable experience, however, was getting lost on the mountain Machu Picchu.
By the time I started to descend, it was already sunset. Anyone who has been up that long, treacherous mountain can understand the terror it inspired in me as I stumbled in the dark, often losing my footing and hearing snakes in the undergrowth. I found myself conversing with the Urubamba below and clutching my Incan cross that I had bought from the tienda. When I finally emerged along with my fellow hikers, our guide tried to calm us down with Inca Kola and stories of his home life in Lima.
"Well, I like to spend time with my wife and daughter," he began. "And I catch up on telenovelas."
"Ooh, do you watch Rebelde?" I asked eagerly, and conversed with him in as much Spanish as I could muster.
I returned home victoriously spouting colloquial Spanish and proclaiming myself a Latina. That entire trip, more than anything else, made me realize how much the Spanish culture is ingrained in people's lives, including mine, albeit not entirely native. I consider myself a far-extended product of Spanish progeny and regale, however vicariously, in its influence and impact to the world. We as a people have a proud history, and our language unites us and defines our culture. Culture is how one lives his heritage: the dances my mother knew, the songs on the guitarra my father would sing, the religion we practice, the wars we fought, and the glorious lands of our fathers that are worth dying for. Everything is filled with our passion for life. And so we are fortunate to live in the United States, who celebrates and integrates our unique culture with her own. Here, we are offered opportunities that we may not have had back home, and our countries stand together in friendship.
My dream is to take a road trip across Spain and to dance the flamenco in the middle of Madrid, amid shouts of Olé from the audience. And then, of course, to eat chicharrones and vindictively spill them all over my puffy and lacy red dress.
Tue, October 2, 2007 7:37 am
Kathleen's Dad, Patrick Ferraren (in Virginia), a long lost friend, 30 years ago a co-staffer of The Forward at Colegio de San Jose-Recoletos, after we got reconnected wrote:
"How can a young contemporary Filipina lay claim to Hispanic Heritage, compete with other DC area high school Hispanics in an essay contest about how being Latino is the best of both worlds in the USA, and win? Answer: By weaving a connection that is indisputably valid, drawing on her life's experiences that enhance the connection, and expressing her feelings about the significance of that Spanish connection-utilizing her unique personal style of literary writing that appeals to her audience. She made it light reading and interestingly anecdotal, with relevant facts. The dozen or so judges approved and gave it to her. Who would have known? Pardon my "estoy muy orgulloso" father attitude, but this makes for an interesting English Lesson because it is true. Here is an example of how to write a winning piece! In the real world!" (I asked Patrick that I post Kathleen's winning piece as I find this very inspiring for our young Danawanons in California as well as all other young Pinays. - Monching)
SOY LATINA TAMBIEN
Kathleen is my given name but I recall my parents called me by my Spanish name, Catalina, when I was four years old. Both my parents are Filipinos of mixed origin-mostly Spanish and Asian. Having immigrated to America from the Philippines, they brought their colorful cultures to the melting pot that is America. I was brought up in a Roman Catholic household where the Santo Niño and the Virgen stood on an altar.
Although my parents' home country, the Philippines, is located in Asia, it has a lot to share with other Latino countries. Named after Madrid's King Philip II, the country was colonized by Spain from 1565 to 1898.
My parents decided that I would grow up learning English only. However, they would often insert Spanish words-embossed into their culture from 333 years of Spanish rule-into daily conversation. I was used to hearing other people muttering about my and other children's foibles, complaining with sacrilegious words of Jesús y María, and when we were especially clumsy, Jesús, María y José. Refusals to eat my empanada or drink my leche earned me a slap on the arm and an order of habre.
Around this time, when I was about three, my mother and my tía thought that it would be charming to dress up my cousin and me up in matching outfits. Next to my lacy camisetas, beautiful fans from Sevilla, and handed down jewelries, my mother's favorite outfit for me was a bright red tiered Spanish dress with puffy sleeves and white lace. I hated it and cried often when I was forced to wear it to parties.
"Put it on, hija" commanded my mother.
"No, mamá" I replied defiantly.
"You'll never go to Nicky's again," warned my mother, forcing the itchy heap over my head.
"Jesús, María y José!" I protested, promptly earning me a time-out.
After that episode, my parents considered augmenting my Spanish in addition to the trite expressions. Already I was going around telling my fellow preschoolers that yes, babies could talk, because ga-ga in Pilipino (a language sporadically infused with Spanish) meant stupid. My father especially nudged me to learn Castilian, and he continues to advocate the vosotros conjugation and th lisp to this day.
After seven years, I began to grumble. It irked me when another student was given the Spanish name Catalina. I had to settle for Catrina. The misnomer tormented me, and my interest waned. "Soy Catalina," I used to murmur. "Why do I have to learn, anyway? In America, people speak English."
"Huh," my mother replied. "It is your heritage, and many people in America speak Spanish. Besides, don't you want to be able to read Don Quixote in its original Spanish?"
That last reason remains my biggest motivation of all. Since I am still not fluent in the language, my second-hand hardcover still lies enticingly on my bookshelf. I will suffer patiently like the steadfast Florentino Ariza. However, I have succumbed to the charms of Gabriel García Márquez and Isabel Allende, whose words I devour amid sobs and laughter. I have also given way to telenovelas, RBD, and reggaeton.
I finally had a chance to practice my Spanish during this year's spring break on a school trip to Perú and Ecuador. I spent many happy hours enjoying the warmth and joy of the people, and I nearly leapt out of my chair in a restaurant when local musicians played "Qué sera, sera," a song that my father used to sing to me when I was very little. Cheering and wearing red, I ran into the celebrating throngs in Plaza de Armas when the local Cienciano team won the South American World Cup. I gaped at the majestic Sacsayhuamán, I ate cuy, and I took care not to use the Sagrada Familia's names in vain in the beloved Iglesia de San Francisco. My most unforgettable experience, however, was getting lost on the mountain Machu Picchu.
By the time I started to descend, it was already sunset. Anyone who has been up that long, treacherous mountain can understand the terror it inspired in me as I stumbled in the dark, often losing my footing and hearing snakes in the undergrowth. I found myself conversing with the Urubamba below and clutching my Incan cross that I had bought from the tienda. When I finally emerged along with my fellow hikers, our guide tried to calm us down with Inca Kola and stories of his home life in Lima.
"Well, I like to spend time with my wife and daughter," he began. "And I catch up on telenovelas."
"Ooh, do you watch Rebelde?" I asked eagerly, and conversed with him in as much Spanish as I could muster.
I returned home victoriously spouting colloquial Spanish and proclaiming myself a Latina. That entire trip, more than anything else, made me realize how much the Spanish culture is ingrained in people's lives, including mine, albeit not entirely native. I consider myself a far-extended product of Spanish progeny and regale, however vicariously, in its influence and impact to the world. We as a people have a proud history, and our language unites us and defines our culture. Culture is how one lives his heritage: the dances my mother knew, the songs on the guitarra my father would sing, the religion we practice, the wars we fought, and the glorious lands of our fathers that are worth dying for. Everything is filled with our passion for life. And so we are fortunate to live in the United States, who celebrates and integrates our unique culture with her own. Here, we are offered opportunities that we may not have had back home, and our countries stand together in friendship.
My dream is to take a road trip across Spain and to dance the flamenco in the middle of Madrid, amid shouts of Olé from the audience. And then, of course, to eat chicharrones and vindictively spill them all over my puffy and lacy red dress.
---
Article contributed by James <jamessob@yahoo.com>
Friday, February 6, 2009
Aguinaldo and Dewey in Cavite
I've been busy these past few days, work has been extremely demanding [really?jejeje]. It has kept me away from my customary dose of reading, research and excursions, but there's little alternative, in the real world, everyone have to work, of course there are those who doesn't need to. I'm trying to get a hold of my schedule, I need to better control my time so I could fit everything in.
I have been reading several papers that was recently translated by a friend, Sra.Liz Medina, a writer, historian and a professional translator based in Chile. Since my Spanish is poor, I constantly ask for her guidance regarding difficult old Spanish text, she's an outstanding Filipino history specialist, she had authored several historical books, the insights she supplies are always comprehensive.
Below are chapters she translated from a diary written during the end of the revolution, it was written by Juan Toral. His work was released in the early 1900's as El sitio de Manila, 1898 : memorias de un voluntario, Por Juan y Jose Toral.
The significance of this memoir is that it informs us of Dewey's presence in the celebrations after the proclamation of the first republic in Cavite. Toral stated that Dewey and several Naval officers, joined Aguinaldo in a formal meal.
Historian's like Constantino and Agoncillo tells us otherwise, but this primary source is something that we must review if we are to comprehend the role the Americans played in our history.
Extractos 1898 El Sitio de Manila
De Juan y José Toral
Recopilados por E. Medina
12 de mayo.
Bien decía yo en mis últimos apuntes que tan pronto se presenta el cielo claro y limpio como lleno de nubarrones.
En los días pasados llegaron dos buques más a esta bahía: uno inglés, que fondeó en Cavite, junto a la Escuadra americana, y otro alemán, que lo ha hecho cerca de la plaza.
En la población renace la tranquilidad; se abren ya casi todas las tiendas; el alumbrado eléctrico vuelve a funcionar, y alguna gente, a pie y en carruaje, reanuda los paseos por el Malecón y observa fondeada, cerca de Cavite, a la Escuadra americana, echando constantemente humo e iluminando de vez en cuando con sus potentes focos eléctricos paseo y paseantes.
(In other words, from outside the walled city one could see all the way to Cavite, where the American battleships were anchored; these were coal powered and smoke constantly poured from their chimneys; they also had powerful spotlights and would train them on the people promenading on foot and in carriages on the Malecón. Manila - Intramuros and the surrounding districts like Ermita and Malate, Tondo and Binondo - had electric lighting, also telephones.)
Pero, a pesar de todo esto, tengo que apuntar hoy cosas muy desagradables. Esta mañana, procedente de Paragua, llegó a la bahía el cañonero de nuestra Marina Callao; apenas fue divisado por la Escuadra americana se destacó un barco, que le intimó, y su Comandante arrió inmediatamente la bandera y se entregó sin resistencia alguna.
(The Callao, a Spanish navy gunner, arrived in Manila Bay, it was sighted by the U.S. fleet and a small vessel dispatched to it to deliver an order to surrender, which the Callao's commanding officer immediately obeyed.)
Siguen, como se ve por este suceso, las imprevisiones y los azoramientos, pues aunque no supiera el Comandante del Callao la declaración de guerra sabía por lo menos que se esperaba de un momento a otro y debió decirle algo la circunstancia de estar apagados todos los faros; pero, además, ¿cómo no hizo escala en algún punto y procuró enterarse de la situación? ¿No encontró nada anormal en los islotes de las bocas ni vió en el Corregidor la bandera americana? Y cuando entró en la bahía y divisó fondeada en Cavite la Escuadra americana, ¿cómo no acudió a su pericia naval y a su serenidad para escapar por cualquier parte, ya que su barco podía navegar por sitios de agua baja y los de los enemigos no?
Él lo sabrá.
(The improvidence and trepidations continue, as shown by this event, since even if the commander of the Collao hadn't known about the declaration of war [bet. Spain and the U.S.], he at least knew that it was expected at any moment, and the fact that all of the lighthouses were dark should have told him something was up. But besides this, why didn't he stop at some port and inform himself of the situation? Didn't he see anything abnormal in the small islands at the entry to the Bay, or see the American flag on Corregidor? And when he entered the Bay and saw the U.S. fleet anchored in Cavite, why didn't he use his navigational skills and serenity to escape to some other place, since his vessel could navegate in the shallows while those of the enemy can't?
Who knows.
.......
El Gobernador General de Cavite ha comunicado a Manila el rumor que por allí curre de la llegada de Aguinaldo y otros cabecillas y de una expedición de tropas de desembarco norteamericanas.
(Acc. to Agoncillo, Aguinaldo arrived on May 19 aboard the McCulloch; he was taken to the Olympia where Dewey received him as "the general of the rebel forces".)
Son ya también públicos los nombramientos de Consejeros de la Asamblea y de Comandantes de Milicias, jefes de zona.
(This was the result of a decree by the Gov. General to form a kind of legislative body and defense militias, which Filipino mestizos and natives could take part in and be leaders of.)
Al leer la lista de nombres pierdo muchas ilusiones, pues en ellos figuran muy pocas personas de ilustración, posición social y lealtad y en cambio aparecen como Consejeros y Comandantes de Milicias todos los cabecillas de la pasada insurrección, algunos d elos cuales apenas saben leer ni hablar el castellano.
(Upon reading the list I feel downcast, because there are very few individuals named who are highly educated, socially prominent and of proven loyalty; on the other hand, named as Councilors and Militia Commanders are all the leaders of the past insurrection, some of whom hardly know how to read and speak Spanish. IN OTHER WORDS, ONLY THE MINORITY OF THESE EX-REVOLUTIONARY LEADERS COULD NOT READ OR SPEAK SPANISH.)
Y ahora pregunto yo: ¿en qué situación dejamos a los filipinos que han estado con nosotros durante los dos años de la insurrección, que han perdido dinero, que se han enemistado con los revolucionarios?
(And now I ask: in what situation are we putting those Filipinos who have been on our side during the two years of the insurrection, who have lost money, who have become the enemies of the revolutionaries?) IN OTHER WORDS, NOW THAT THEIR FORMER ENEMIES ARE SITTING IN THE ASSEMBLY AND ARE THE LEADERS OF THE MILITIAS.
Ha sido una lamentable equivocación, por no calificarla de otra manera, la designación de estas personas, que parece hecha a propósito para que Emilio Aguinaldo realice sus planes si es cierto que viene.
(The designation of these individuals has been a lamentable error - not to call it something else - which it seems has been done on purpose so that Emilio Aguinaldo may carry out his plans, if it is true that he is coming.)
En el caso de que llegue este cabecilla supongo que el General no dará armas a ciertos elementos con él identificados, pues así como creo de buena fe, aunque tengo ratos de duda, que el país está a nuestro lado por su propia conveniencia, creo también que cambiaría de actitud si Aguinaldo llegase.
(If this rebel leader does come here, I suppose the Governor General won't hand over guns to certain persons identified with Aguinaldo, since, just as I believe in good faith -- although I have moments of doubt - that the country is on our side because it is what is in its best interests, I also believe that it would change its attitude if Aguinaldo were to arrive.)
. . .
8 de junio.
Acabo de enterarme del modo y manera cómo los yanquis han traído a estas playas a Emilio Aguinaldo y demás compinches, así como de los pactos celebrados entre el empingorotado representante de la nación más culta del mundo y el procaz Jefe de unas cuantas turbas insurrectas. STOP
. . .
Hoy, 12 de junio, a la una y media de la tarde, las salvas de artillería hechas desde la Fuerza de Santiago anuncian a los vecinos de Manila la llegada de algún barco de guerra extranjero. Corro a las murallas, repletas de gente, y me entero que el saludo ha sido hecho a un soberbio acorazado alemán, que distingo perfectamente con los anteojos, y que trae a su bordo, según me aseguran y se ve por la insignia que enarbola, al Almirante de la Escuadra alemana del mar de la China.
La noticia circula rápidamente por toda la ciudad, produciendo general alborozo y levantando el espíritu público, sujeto a tan encontrados vaivenes de esperanzas y desengaños desde el mes de abril.
Son muchos y halagueños los comentarios que por todo el mundo se hacen, y algunos de ellos yo, que peco de pesimista en cuanto se refiere a intervenciones europeas en la actual guerra, los encuentro muy atinados. Choca realmente que Alemania envíe tantos barcos de guerra (hay anunciados más) para proteger los relativamente escasos intereses que tiene creados en estas Islas, máxime cuando otras grandes potencias, que tienen más intereses en Manila, cuentan con escasa representación naval en esta agua. Choca también que, a pretexto de esos intereses, venga personalmente el Jefe de la Escuadra. De aquí que, relacionando estos hechos tangibles con la actitud poco definida de Alemania en el conflicto hispanoamericano, tengamos los españoles los motivos suficientes para dejarnos llevar de nuestro carácter y creer unánimamente que el Almirante alemán trae una misión concreta de su Gobierno, y que esta misión nos es favorable, ya que todas las simpatías de la poderosa Alemania están con nosotros.
Apenas fondeó el acorazado Kaiserin-Augusta, el Comodoro Dewey ha visitado al Almirante von Diederichs, que así se llama el alemán. Asegúrase que la visita ha sido corta y de pura cortesía. También se afirma por ahí que el Almirante ha pedido al Gobernador General le señale día y hora para saludarle y conferenciar con él, y que la entrevista se verificará mañana por la mañana. Veremos si despué sde celebrada se trasluce algo de lo que vienen a hacer por aquí los alemanes.
.....
13 de junio.
Esta mañana se ha verificado la anunciada conferencia entre el Almirante von Diedrichs y el Gobernador General. Los que hemos ido a curiosear lo que ha ocurrido en el Ayuntamiento, nos hemos quedado in albis. Sólo sé que la visita ha sido afectuosa, durando unos treinta minutos, y que han estado presentes el Almirante alemán con sus ayudantes y el Cónsul y Vicecónsul de su nación, y los Generales Augustí y Montojo, habiendo servido este último de intérprete. Por lo demás, nada se ha traslucido de lo tratado en la conferencia. Esta tarde el Capitán General pagará al Almirante la visita en el Consultado alemán, pues parece ser que, por ahora, el simpático marino extranjero fija su residencia en tierra. Ya veremos qué resulta de todo este tinglado.
...
20 de junio.
....
El mismo día 14 se descubrió una conspiración de voluntarios pampangos, que trataban de apoderarse de las armas del cuartel donde se hallaban, asesinando antes de todos los españoles. Fueron presos y encerrados en la cárcel de Bilibid. También han sido presos algunos katipuneros que ideaban promover un levantamiento en el elemento indígena de la población. Entre los aprehendidos figura el titulado Capitán del Puerto de la República filipina. Por cierto que esta incipiente República fue proclamada solemnemente hace dos días en Cavite. A la ceremonia, que fue seguida de un banquete, asistieron el Comodoro y algunos Oficiales de la Marina yanqui, que, por lo visto, no consideraron rebajada su dignidad de representantes de una gran nación al mezclarse oficialmente con una patulea de criminales y traidores. Un nuevo dato para la historia de esta guerra, tan dolorosa para nosotros y tan negra para los Estados Unidos.
(On the same day, June 14th, a conspiration by Pampanga volunteers was discovered, who were trying to get the weapons in the barracks where they were stationed, killing all of the Spaniards. They were arrested and imprisoned in Bilibid prison. Some katipuneros were also incarcerated who were trying to promote an uprising among the natives in the barrio. Among those arrested is the one they call Captain of the Port of the Philippine Republic. By the way, this incipient Republic was solemnly proclaimed two days ago in Cavite. At the ceremony, which was followed by a banquet, Commodore Dewey and some Yankee navy officers attended, which evidently they did not consider lowered their dignity as representatives of a great nation, upon officially mingling with a gang of criminals and traitors. A new piece of data for the history of this war, which has been so painful for us and so blackening for the United States.)
....
(same date)
Ha entrado en la bahía el acorazado francés Bayard. Con este son ya dos los barcos de guerra que tiene Francia en esta agua. Se anuncia la llegada de otros dos: el Pascal y el Descartes , así como la de varios alemanes, entre ellos el acorazado Kaiser, buque insignia de la Escuadra del Pacífico (alemán). Por confidencias se sabe que los enemigos están un poco escamados (desconfiados) con tantos buques extranjeros, y que el Comodoro ha telegrafiado en este sentido al Presidente MacKinley.
....
Hoy, 20 de junio, han entrado en la bahía el crucero alemán Princess Wilhelm (sic) y el transporte Darmstadt, conduciendo este último 1.300 hombres, que, según dicen, vienen a relevar las dotaciones de los buques. Muchos estiman que esto es un pretexto para tener más fuerzas de desembarco. Realmente, empieza ya a ser chocante la actitud de los alemanes.
.....
27 de junio
Pasaron al enemigo Capitán Sityar, Recarte [Ricarte] y Trías.
Dícese también que insurrectos y yanquis están mal avenidos, y que ha habido algunas escaramuzas entre ellos, habiendo publicado Aguinaldo un bando ordenando se haga fuego sobre el americano que trate de cometer abusos (128).
4 de julio.
Se susurraba desde hace dos o tres días que el Almirante Dewey había prometido a su Gobierno que hoy, aniversario de la independencia de los Estados Unidos, ondearía en los muros de Manila el pabellón americano, y por eso amaneció el día bajo los temores de un bombardeo, que tampoco ha llegado a realizarse. Por la mañana hicieron los barcos enemigos las correspondientes salvas, que fueron contestadas por los otros extranjeros fondeados actualmente en la bahía. Después celebraron los americanos un banquete en la plaza de Cavite, y sentaron a su mesa a Emilio Aguinaldo y compañía.
Sin duda, los vapores de las bebidas, los mutuos ofrecimientos de amistad y protección, los calurosos brindis a la nueva República filipina y las excitaciones hechas al amor propio de los cabecillas insurrectos, trastornaron las débiles cabezas de estos desgraciados, encargados de sacar del fuego la castaña que han de comerse los americanos, y decidieron tomar a Manila sin pérdida de momento.
A las tres y media empezó el fuego por Singalong y San Antonio Abad, generalizándose después en toda la línea y oyéndose con bastante frecuencia disparos de cañón procedentes de nuestra Artillería.
El destacamento del puente de Paco pidió refuerzos, y se envió una compañía que había preparada para el caso en el parque de bomberos del mismo distrito; esto y las corridas de unos cuantos por la calle de Nozaleda produjeron alguna alarma en los vecinos de aquel arrabal; pero, afortunadamente, no pasó del susto consiguiente en las mujeres que por allí vivían. Cuando la compañía de refuerzo llegó al puente de Paco, ya se había retirado el enemigo con grandes pérdidas, y aquella recibió orden de regresar.
El fuego ha durado hasta las seis de la tarde, y en toda la línea ha sido rechazado el enemigo. Esta noche hemos oído también algunos disparos.
7 de julio
Esta mañana entró en el puerto un crucero austríaco, y esta tarde lo hicieron dos: uno inglés y otro japonés (144).1
CAPÍTULO XXII
La verdad es que los que hayan estado en Manila no la conocerían si por arte diabólico fuesen transportados a ella en estos momentos.
La frondosa vegetación que caracterizaba sus calzadas ha desaparecido. Los altos y espesos cañaverales de las Aguadas, que unían sus copas por encima de los focos eléctricos para formar verde bóveda a todo lo largo del hermoso paseo, han venido abajo a los golpes del hacha; las pomposas hojas de los árboles seculares han sufrido igual suerte.
¡Pobres pájaros, cuyos gorjeos llenaban el follaje de misteriosa vida! Se encontraron una tarde sin nidos, y han tenido que emigrar a otras regiones!...
¡Ya no se alboroza el espíritu de los paseantes con las encantadoras armonías de las aves que despedían la tarde, ni con el fresco perfume que exhalaban las hojas!
Sólo se ve, a uno y otro lado de los paseos de Magallanes, Arroceros, la Concepción, San Marcelino y las Aguadas, larga hilera de troncos despojados de todo verdor, como fúnebre procesión de fantasmas petrificados, con las escuetas ramas extendidas en el espacio semejando brazos que imploran clemencia. ¡Ni el jardín botánico ha podido salvarse, y hoy no es más que árido solar lleno de los escombros de la derruida verja!
Todo lo que rodeaba a la ciudad murada ha sido talado, para que desde las murallas pueda dominarse una gran extensión y prevenir una emboscada del enemigo (145).
Cada día va en aumento el abuso de los comerciantes, y no sé cómo se las arreglarán las muchas familias que aquí hay con pocos recursos para no morirse de hambre (146).
---
I have been reading several papers that was recently translated by a friend, Sra.Liz Medina, a writer, historian and a professional translator based in Chile. Since my Spanish is poor, I constantly ask for her guidance regarding difficult old Spanish text, she's an outstanding Filipino history specialist, she had authored several historical books, the insights she supplies are always comprehensive.
Below are chapters she translated from a diary written during the end of the revolution, it was written by Juan Toral. His work was released in the early 1900's as El sitio de Manila, 1898 : memorias de un voluntario, Por Juan y Jose Toral.
The significance of this memoir is that it informs us of Dewey's presence in the celebrations after the proclamation of the first republic in Cavite. Toral stated that Dewey and several Naval officers, joined Aguinaldo in a formal meal.
Historian's like Constantino and Agoncillo tells us otherwise, but this primary source is something that we must review if we are to comprehend the role the Americans played in our history.
---
Extractos 1898 El Sitio de Manila
De Juan y José Toral
Recopilados por E. Medina
12 de mayo.
Bien decía yo en mis últimos apuntes que tan pronto se presenta el cielo claro y limpio como lleno de nubarrones.
En los días pasados llegaron dos buques más a esta bahía: uno inglés, que fondeó en Cavite, junto a la Escuadra americana, y otro alemán, que lo ha hecho cerca de la plaza.
En la población renace la tranquilidad; se abren ya casi todas las tiendas; el alumbrado eléctrico vuelve a funcionar, y alguna gente, a pie y en carruaje, reanuda los paseos por el Malecón y observa fondeada, cerca de Cavite, a la Escuadra americana, echando constantemente humo e iluminando de vez en cuando con sus potentes focos eléctricos paseo y paseantes.
(In other words, from outside the walled city one could see all the way to Cavite, where the American battleships were anchored; these were coal powered and smoke constantly poured from their chimneys; they also had powerful spotlights and would train them on the people promenading on foot and in carriages on the Malecón. Manila - Intramuros and the surrounding districts like Ermita and Malate, Tondo and Binondo - had electric lighting, also telephones.)
Pero, a pesar de todo esto, tengo que apuntar hoy cosas muy desagradables. Esta mañana, procedente de Paragua, llegó a la bahía el cañonero de nuestra Marina Callao; apenas fue divisado por la Escuadra americana se destacó un barco, que le intimó, y su Comandante arrió inmediatamente la bandera y se entregó sin resistencia alguna.
(The Callao, a Spanish navy gunner, arrived in Manila Bay, it was sighted by the U.S. fleet and a small vessel dispatched to it to deliver an order to surrender, which the Callao's commanding officer immediately obeyed.)
Siguen, como se ve por este suceso, las imprevisiones y los azoramientos, pues aunque no supiera el Comandante del Callao la declaración de guerra sabía por lo menos que se esperaba de un momento a otro y debió decirle algo la circunstancia de estar apagados todos los faros; pero, además, ¿cómo no hizo escala en algún punto y procuró enterarse de la situación? ¿No encontró nada anormal en los islotes de las bocas ni vió en el Corregidor la bandera americana? Y cuando entró en la bahía y divisó fondeada en Cavite la Escuadra americana, ¿cómo no acudió a su pericia naval y a su serenidad para escapar por cualquier parte, ya que su barco podía navegar por sitios de agua baja y los de los enemigos no?
Él lo sabrá.
(The improvidence and trepidations continue, as shown by this event, since even if the commander of the Collao hadn't known about the declaration of war [bet. Spain and the U.S.], he at least knew that it was expected at any moment, and the fact that all of the lighthouses were dark should have told him something was up. But besides this, why didn't he stop at some port and inform himself of the situation? Didn't he see anything abnormal in the small islands at the entry to the Bay, or see the American flag on Corregidor? And when he entered the Bay and saw the U.S. fleet anchored in Cavite, why didn't he use his navigational skills and serenity to escape to some other place, since his vessel could navegate in the shallows while those of the enemy can't?
Who knows.
.......
El Gobernador General de Cavite ha comunicado a Manila el rumor que por allí curre de la llegada de Aguinaldo y otros cabecillas y de una expedición de tropas de desembarco norteamericanas.
(Acc. to Agoncillo, Aguinaldo arrived on May 19 aboard the McCulloch; he was taken to the Olympia where Dewey received him as "the general of the rebel forces".)
Son ya también públicos los nombramientos de Consejeros de la Asamblea y de Comandantes de Milicias, jefes de zona.
(This was the result of a decree by the Gov. General to form a kind of legislative body and defense militias, which Filipino mestizos and natives could take part in and be leaders of.)
Al leer la lista de nombres pierdo muchas ilusiones, pues en ellos figuran muy pocas personas de ilustración, posición social y lealtad y en cambio aparecen como Consejeros y Comandantes de Milicias todos los cabecillas de la pasada insurrección, algunos d elos cuales apenas saben leer ni hablar el castellano.
(Upon reading the list I feel downcast, because there are very few individuals named who are highly educated, socially prominent and of proven loyalty; on the other hand, named as Councilors and Militia Commanders are all the leaders of the past insurrection, some of whom hardly know how to read and speak Spanish. IN OTHER WORDS, ONLY THE MINORITY OF THESE EX-REVOLUTIONARY LEADERS COULD NOT READ OR SPEAK SPANISH.)
Y ahora pregunto yo: ¿en qué situación dejamos a los filipinos que han estado con nosotros durante los dos años de la insurrección, que han perdido dinero, que se han enemistado con los revolucionarios?
(And now I ask: in what situation are we putting those Filipinos who have been on our side during the two years of the insurrection, who have lost money, who have become the enemies of the revolutionaries?) IN OTHER WORDS, NOW THAT THEIR FORMER ENEMIES ARE SITTING IN THE ASSEMBLY AND ARE THE LEADERS OF THE MILITIAS.
Ha sido una lamentable equivocación, por no calificarla de otra manera, la designación de estas personas, que parece hecha a propósito para que Emilio Aguinaldo realice sus planes si es cierto que viene.
(The designation of these individuals has been a lamentable error - not to call it something else - which it seems has been done on purpose so that Emilio Aguinaldo may carry out his plans, if it is true that he is coming.)
En el caso de que llegue este cabecilla supongo que el General no dará armas a ciertos elementos con él identificados, pues así como creo de buena fe, aunque tengo ratos de duda, que el país está a nuestro lado por su propia conveniencia, creo también que cambiaría de actitud si Aguinaldo llegase.
(If this rebel leader does come here, I suppose the Governor General won't hand over guns to certain persons identified with Aguinaldo, since, just as I believe in good faith -- although I have moments of doubt - that the country is on our side because it is what is in its best interests, I also believe that it would change its attitude if Aguinaldo were to arrive.)
. . .
8 de junio.
Acabo de enterarme del modo y manera cómo los yanquis han traído a estas playas a Emilio Aguinaldo y demás compinches, así como de los pactos celebrados entre el empingorotado representante de la nación más culta del mundo y el procaz Jefe de unas cuantas turbas insurrectas. STOP
. . .
Hoy, 12 de junio, a la una y media de la tarde, las salvas de artillería hechas desde la Fuerza de Santiago anuncian a los vecinos de Manila la llegada de algún barco de guerra extranjero. Corro a las murallas, repletas de gente, y me entero que el saludo ha sido hecho a un soberbio acorazado alemán, que distingo perfectamente con los anteojos, y que trae a su bordo, según me aseguran y se ve por la insignia que enarbola, al Almirante de la Escuadra alemana del mar de la China.
La noticia circula rápidamente por toda la ciudad, produciendo general alborozo y levantando el espíritu público, sujeto a tan encontrados vaivenes de esperanzas y desengaños desde el mes de abril.
Son muchos y halagueños los comentarios que por todo el mundo se hacen, y algunos de ellos yo, que peco de pesimista en cuanto se refiere a intervenciones europeas en la actual guerra, los encuentro muy atinados. Choca realmente que Alemania envíe tantos barcos de guerra (hay anunciados más) para proteger los relativamente escasos intereses que tiene creados en estas Islas, máxime cuando otras grandes potencias, que tienen más intereses en Manila, cuentan con escasa representación naval en esta agua. Choca también que, a pretexto de esos intereses, venga personalmente el Jefe de la Escuadra. De aquí que, relacionando estos hechos tangibles con la actitud poco definida de Alemania en el conflicto hispanoamericano, tengamos los españoles los motivos suficientes para dejarnos llevar de nuestro carácter y creer unánimamente que el Almirante alemán trae una misión concreta de su Gobierno, y que esta misión nos es favorable, ya que todas las simpatías de la poderosa Alemania están con nosotros.
Apenas fondeó el acorazado Kaiserin-Augusta, el Comodoro Dewey ha visitado al Almirante von Diederichs, que así se llama el alemán. Asegúrase que la visita ha sido corta y de pura cortesía. También se afirma por ahí que el Almirante ha pedido al Gobernador General le señale día y hora para saludarle y conferenciar con él, y que la entrevista se verificará mañana por la mañana. Veremos si despué sde celebrada se trasluce algo de lo que vienen a hacer por aquí los alemanes.
.....
13 de junio.
Esta mañana se ha verificado la anunciada conferencia entre el Almirante von Diedrichs y el Gobernador General. Los que hemos ido a curiosear lo que ha ocurrido en el Ayuntamiento, nos hemos quedado in albis. Sólo sé que la visita ha sido afectuosa, durando unos treinta minutos, y que han estado presentes el Almirante alemán con sus ayudantes y el Cónsul y Vicecónsul de su nación, y los Generales Augustí y Montojo, habiendo servido este último de intérprete. Por lo demás, nada se ha traslucido de lo tratado en la conferencia. Esta tarde el Capitán General pagará al Almirante la visita en el Consultado alemán, pues parece ser que, por ahora, el simpático marino extranjero fija su residencia en tierra. Ya veremos qué resulta de todo este tinglado.
...
20 de junio.
....
El mismo día 14 se descubrió una conspiración de voluntarios pampangos, que trataban de apoderarse de las armas del cuartel donde se hallaban, asesinando antes de todos los españoles. Fueron presos y encerrados en la cárcel de Bilibid. También han sido presos algunos katipuneros que ideaban promover un levantamiento en el elemento indígena de la población. Entre los aprehendidos figura el titulado Capitán del Puerto de la República filipina. Por cierto que esta incipiente República fue proclamada solemnemente hace dos días en Cavite. A la ceremonia, que fue seguida de un banquete, asistieron el Comodoro y algunos Oficiales de la Marina yanqui, que, por lo visto, no consideraron rebajada su dignidad de representantes de una gran nación al mezclarse oficialmente con una patulea de criminales y traidores. Un nuevo dato para la historia de esta guerra, tan dolorosa para nosotros y tan negra para los Estados Unidos.
(On the same day, June 14th, a conspiration by Pampanga volunteers was discovered, who were trying to get the weapons in the barracks where they were stationed, killing all of the Spaniards. They were arrested and imprisoned in Bilibid prison. Some katipuneros were also incarcerated who were trying to promote an uprising among the natives in the barrio. Among those arrested is the one they call Captain of the Port of the Philippine Republic. By the way, this incipient Republic was solemnly proclaimed two days ago in Cavite. At the ceremony, which was followed by a banquet, Commodore Dewey and some Yankee navy officers attended, which evidently they did not consider lowered their dignity as representatives of a great nation, upon officially mingling with a gang of criminals and traitors. A new piece of data for the history of this war, which has been so painful for us and so blackening for the United States.)
....
(same date)
Ha entrado en la bahía el acorazado francés Bayard. Con este son ya dos los barcos de guerra que tiene Francia en esta agua. Se anuncia la llegada de otros dos: el Pascal y el Descartes , así como la de varios alemanes, entre ellos el acorazado Kaiser, buque insignia de la Escuadra del Pacífico (alemán). Por confidencias se sabe que los enemigos están un poco escamados (desconfiados) con tantos buques extranjeros, y que el Comodoro ha telegrafiado en este sentido al Presidente MacKinley.
....
Hoy, 20 de junio, han entrado en la bahía el crucero alemán Princess Wilhelm (sic) y el transporte Darmstadt, conduciendo este último 1.300 hombres, que, según dicen, vienen a relevar las dotaciones de los buques. Muchos estiman que esto es un pretexto para tener más fuerzas de desembarco. Realmente, empieza ya a ser chocante la actitud de los alemanes.
.....
27 de junio
Pasaron al enemigo Capitán Sityar, Recarte [Ricarte] y Trías.
Dícese también que insurrectos y yanquis están mal avenidos, y que ha habido algunas escaramuzas entre ellos, habiendo publicado Aguinaldo un bando ordenando se haga fuego sobre el americano que trate de cometer abusos (128).
4 de julio.
Se susurraba desde hace dos o tres días que el Almirante Dewey había prometido a su Gobierno que hoy, aniversario de la independencia de los Estados Unidos, ondearía en los muros de Manila el pabellón americano, y por eso amaneció el día bajo los temores de un bombardeo, que tampoco ha llegado a realizarse. Por la mañana hicieron los barcos enemigos las correspondientes salvas, que fueron contestadas por los otros extranjeros fondeados actualmente en la bahía. Después celebraron los americanos un banquete en la plaza de Cavite, y sentaron a su mesa a Emilio Aguinaldo y compañía.
Sin duda, los vapores de las bebidas, los mutuos ofrecimientos de amistad y protección, los calurosos brindis a la nueva República filipina y las excitaciones hechas al amor propio de los cabecillas insurrectos, trastornaron las débiles cabezas de estos desgraciados, encargados de sacar del fuego la castaña que han de comerse los americanos, y decidieron tomar a Manila sin pérdida de momento.
A las tres y media empezó el fuego por Singalong y San Antonio Abad, generalizándose después en toda la línea y oyéndose con bastante frecuencia disparos de cañón procedentes de nuestra Artillería.
El destacamento del puente de Paco pidió refuerzos, y se envió una compañía que había preparada para el caso en el parque de bomberos del mismo distrito; esto y las corridas de unos cuantos por la calle de Nozaleda produjeron alguna alarma en los vecinos de aquel arrabal; pero, afortunadamente, no pasó del susto consiguiente en las mujeres que por allí vivían. Cuando la compañía de refuerzo llegó al puente de Paco, ya se había retirado el enemigo con grandes pérdidas, y aquella recibió orden de regresar.
El fuego ha durado hasta las seis de la tarde, y en toda la línea ha sido rechazado el enemigo. Esta noche hemos oído también algunos disparos.
7 de julio
Esta mañana entró en el puerto un crucero austríaco, y esta tarde lo hicieron dos: uno inglés y otro japonés (144).1
CAPÍTULO XXII
La verdad es que los que hayan estado en Manila no la conocerían si por arte diabólico fuesen transportados a ella en estos momentos.
La frondosa vegetación que caracterizaba sus calzadas ha desaparecido. Los altos y espesos cañaverales de las Aguadas, que unían sus copas por encima de los focos eléctricos para formar verde bóveda a todo lo largo del hermoso paseo, han venido abajo a los golpes del hacha; las pomposas hojas de los árboles seculares han sufrido igual suerte.
¡Pobres pájaros, cuyos gorjeos llenaban el follaje de misteriosa vida! Se encontraron una tarde sin nidos, y han tenido que emigrar a otras regiones!...
¡Ya no se alboroza el espíritu de los paseantes con las encantadoras armonías de las aves que despedían la tarde, ni con el fresco perfume que exhalaban las hojas!
Sólo se ve, a uno y otro lado de los paseos de Magallanes, Arroceros, la Concepción, San Marcelino y las Aguadas, larga hilera de troncos despojados de todo verdor, como fúnebre procesión de fantasmas petrificados, con las escuetas ramas extendidas en el espacio semejando brazos que imploran clemencia. ¡Ni el jardín botánico ha podido salvarse, y hoy no es más que árido solar lleno de los escombros de la derruida verja!
Todo lo que rodeaba a la ciudad murada ha sido talado, para que desde las murallas pueda dominarse una gran extensión y prevenir una emboscada del enemigo (145).
Cada día va en aumento el abuso de los comerciantes, y no sé cómo se las arreglarán las muchas familias que aquí hay con pocos recursos para no morirse de hambre (146).
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