The author has had access to the best historical material available in the Philippines and in America. The book was written in the islands, and as nearly as possible from the standpoint of the people. It is impossible to name the many devoted friends of the islands—Filipinos and Americans—who have helped to make this book possible. No mere words of thanks can express the obligation of the author and publishers to them; but their aid was given in a spirit of desire to help in the education of Filipino young people. If the book does this, their reward will be commensurate with the great service they have rendered. CONTENTS. CHAPTER. PAGE. I. THE DISCOVERY OF THE ISLANDS 13 II. EARLY SETTLEMENTS 27 III. THE COUNTRY AND ITS PEOPLE 42 IV. EARLY TROUBLES 52 V. BEGINNINGS OF STRIFE 61 VI. COLONIAL WARS AND DIFFICULTIES 70 VII. THE SPANISH AND THE FILIPINOS 78 VIII. A NEW BEGINNING 88 IX. TRADE IN THE PHILIPPINES 99 X. THE ISLANDS UNDER ARANDIA’S RULE 109 XI. BRITISH OCCUPATION 117 XII. TO THE END OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY 124 XIII. THE CONSTITUTION OF 1812 132 XIV. CHANGES IN THE ISLANDS 142 XV. EFFORTS TO KEEP PEACE 151 XVI. THE INSURRECTION AT CAVITE 162 XVII. THE UPRISING OF 1896 177 XVIII. THE END OF SPANISH RULE 191 XIX. THE BEGINNING OF AMERICAN OCCUPATION 203 XX. CIVIL GOVERNMENT FOR THE PHILIPPINES 212 XXI. PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY OF THE ARCHIPELAGO 221 XXII. THE FUTURE 236 ILLUSTRATIONS. PAGE.