Transcriber’s Note:
The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.
VIEW FROM THE CITY WALL, MANILA.
THE STORY
OF
THE PHILIPPINES
FOR USE IN THE SCHOOLS OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS
PREFATORY NOTE.
The history of the Philippine Islands is little knownto its people to-day, for the records are few and noteasy of access. Just at the present time this knowledgeis especially necessary to the Filipino people. Aknowledge of the conditions of the past is of the greatestimportance to a people desirous of planning wiselyand well for the future.
“The Story of the Philippines” aims to teach Filipinoyoung people the salient facts regarding the pastof their country, and, besides this, it points out some ofthe things needful to the best growth and progressof the islands. Certain chapters are devoted to matterspertaining to geography, commerce, and government,directing attention to the main physical features of thecountry and the possibilities of its successful development,and touching upon lines of commercial and socialadvancement which lie just ahead. The book showsthat the Filipinos have a past filled with the records ofbrave deeds and patient forbearance; that they have abeautiful country, rich in natural resources; and that thefuture development and prosperity of their islands dependlargely upon themselves.
The volume has been prepared in order to fill a definiteeducational need in the schools of the PhilippineIslands, and as the first secular history of their land to6be brought within reach of Filipino school children itshould be of real value. But it is not only to theteachers and pupils in the schools that this book isuseful; it should appeal to all who live in the PhilippineIslands and all others who are interested in them.
The author has had access to the best historical materialav