Sources: The first of these documents, the rare volume iii of Mas's Informe, is obtained from a typewritten copy furnished by Epifanio de los Santos from the printed original in his possession; the second, from an unpublished MS. in the possession of T. H. Pardo de Tavera, who furnished to the Editors a typewritten copy of it; the third is written especially for this series by James A. LeRoy; the fourth is summarized from volume iii of Montero y Vidal's Historia de Filipinas; the fifth is obtained from a copy, furnished by E. de los Santos, of Rizal's original MS.; the sixth, from James A. LeRoy's copy of one of the printed originals, revised by a printed copy belonging to the Madrid edition. Translations: All these documents (outside of the third) are translated by James Alexander Robertson. INTERNAL POLITICAL CONDITION OF THE PHILIPPINES, 1842 Report on the condition of the Filipinas Islands in 1842. Written by the author of the "Aristodemo," of the "Sistema musical de la lengua castellana," etc. [1] Volume III. Their internal political condition. Madrid, January, 1843. The twenty-four chapters which I have presented hitherto, [2] have only been preliminary studies, in order that I might treat of the present matter; for it would be an ill thing to speak of the internal administration of the country, or of the line of policy that it is of advantage to adopt therein, without passing in review its anterior data, analyzing its elements, and forming an opinion of its resources. The laws of every state must have one object, and the wiser and more perfect they are, the better they fulfil their end. To discourse, then, on those laws which are advisable in Filipinas, one must take note of the intentions that the government may have in regard to the islands. These intentions will probably be reduced to the following plans or principles. To conserve the colony forever, that is to say, without its separation being even thought of. To consider indifferently its loss or its conservation, and the fate of the Spaniards living in the colony. To resolve upon emancipation, and prepare the colony for giving it freedom. [3] In regard to the second of these three fundamental policies, nothing occurs to me to say, except that it follows in everything, as hitherto. I shall treat, then, only of the first and last. In order to conserve the colony, it is necessary, in my opinion, to work with reference to the spirit of the following three principles, which I shall endeavor successively to explain: 1st. It is advisable to reduce the Spanish-Filipino [4] population to the least possible number. 2d. The people of color must voluntarily give respect and obedience to the whites. 3rd. The general administration demands a complete reform.