In 1639 some Chinese traders, in the town of Calamba, Laguna province,
exasperated beyond endurance by the insults and outrages heaped upon
them by the Spanish Governor, killed this official and one or two of
his subordinates, and flew to open rebellion. The Chinese all over
the colony joined the rebels, and it is estimated that not less than
30,000 Chinese were under arms. This lasted nearly a year, and resulted
in the surrender of the Chinese; most of whom, however, were spared.
In 1660 there was another rising and a massacre. The Chinese,
nevertheless, were still allowed to remain. They were so important
a part of the commercial life of the province they could not long
be spared. For more than a century the Chinese now pursued their
avocations in absolute security.
When, however, in 1763 they joined the British invaders, little mercy
was shown them by the Spaniards, who killed several thousands.
In 1820 the natives began the massacre of the Chinese and other
foreigners, whom they accused of poisoning the drinking water, thus
producing an epidemic of cholera.
Only since 1843 have the Chinese shops been opened on the same terms
as those of other foreigners. But there is no doubt that the Chinese
have been a great boon to the colony. They have had, in the main,
a civilizing influence on the natives, and have taught them many
important things: as the working of iron and the manufacture of sugar
from the juice of the sugar-cane. They have also ever been the leaders
in commerce and the chief middlemen of the colony; and, for this reason
mainly they have been deemed an unwelcome necessity; for, without them,
trade would almost be brought to a standstill, and, in consequence,
labor would suffer and living be rendered dearer to every class.
By their superior shrewdness and unscrupulous cunning they have, on
the other hand, excited the hatred of the natives, who despise them
for their cowardice. Thus, from time to time, the feeling against
them is very bitter.
Another objection against the Celestial is that he underbids
all competitors, working for what others deem less than living
wages. Furthermore, he spends little, and all that he saves he carries
to his own country. Their expulsion, however, would be as unwise as it
is impracticable, and the only remedy that meets the case is a proper
State-control. The employment of coolie labor, notwithstanding, is
at present impossible, on account of the hatred that the lower-class
natives feel toward them.
In Manila there are at present no less than 40,000 Chinese, while
the whole colony contains about 100,000. They have their own courts,
their guilds, and secret societies, which are necessary for their
self-protection, and they choose representative deputations to
represent them in the Government.
THE MOHAMMEDANS OF SULU.
Cross or Crescent?
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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