The Friar's Daughter: A Story of the American Occupation of the PhilippinesPhifer, Charles Lincoln
History
The Friar's Daughter: A Story of the American Occupation of the Philippines
Phifer, Charles Lincoln
Philippines -- History -- 1898-1946 -- Fiction; Philippines -- Politics and government -- 1898-1935 -- Fiction
Men and women rushed to the altar, crowding and kneeling, fumbling
their rosaries and praying. Lonzello sank into the chair at the side
of the altar. The Jesuit alone was calm and commanding.
"Yes," said he, "it is a miracle. The Lord has spoken. Strip your
fingers and ears and pockets of jewelry and money, and lay it before
him who doeth wonders in your sight. Woe to the man or woman who
refuses, woe upon the head of such!"
Men were groaning, women praying aloud. Money and jewelry were thrown
before the altar in profusion, until hundreds of dollars in value
were piled there. Then the audience was dismissed.
"Now," said the Jesuit, turning to Lonzello, "take this stuff and
get from the country at once. Your successor from America has arrived
and is in the harbor even now."
XXI.
"THE INSURRECTION IS OVER."
When Saguanaldo heard of the fate that had befallen Ambrosia he
was almost beside himself with rage and horror. He determined to be
revenged on the Jesuit and Lonzello, and issued orders for the force to
at once prepare for active service. Mrs. Rizal's singing and speaking
began to bear fruit. The story of Ambrosia spread rapidly through
the island, rousing the people to something like frenzy. They came
out in force. Not until now had that feeling which makes a religious
war been stirred, but it was rampant at this time. Even some of the
Spanish friars, who rebelled at being banished from the islands,
joined the revolt. The war had turned, so that it was no longer
Spaniard and native, but the native against both Spain and America.
They gathered in great numbers before Manila, coming in pairs and
squads. Some were captured, but the United States troops, appalled at
the demonstration that seemed to be even larger than it really was,
fell back into the city, while the insurgents formed on the hills
occupying the rifle pits without. It was raining and the mud was so
deep that all movements were slow and disagreeable. But the forboding
appearance of nature did not discourage the malcontents. Women and
children were there. Some of them were unarmed, but they gathered
stones for throwing and carried them. Others had nothing but clubs
or bolos. But they were all mad for slaughter, ready to die.
Contrary to expectations of the Americans, they did not attack by
night. Neither did they make any demonstration against the Spanish
fortress of Cavite. In the early morning women and children, ragged
and showing the poverty that had provoked the war, drenched by rain,
muddy and miserable, marched down the streets, in irregular lines,
shrieking and singing. As they marched, others came from the houses
of Manila and joined them. Again there was the song:
He may be a brother of Governor Daft,
But he ain't no friend of mine.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account