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The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 17 of 55 - 1609-1616 - Explorations by Early Navigators, Descriptions of the Islands and Their Peoples, Their History and Records of the Catholic Missions, as Related in Contemporaneous Books and Manuscripts, Sho by Unknown
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on the qualifications necessary for such a post, illustrating
his remarks by historical examples. He outlines the intercourse
and relations of the Philippines with the peoples about them,
and the conquests made by the Spanish colonial governors. Next is
given a chapter from the _Estado de las Islas Filipinas en 1842_ of
Sinibaldo de Mas--a Spanish diplomat who visited the islands--on "the
administration of government and the captaincy-general" therein. He,
too, describes the great authority and privilege of the governor of
the Philippines; and outlines the plan of the general, provincial,
and local governments. The mestizos, when numerous in any community,
have their own separate government. As the cabezas de barangay and
some members of their families are exempted from paying tributes,
they form a privileged class which is a burden on the taxpayers--a
serious defect in the system of government. A special arrangement
is made for the Chinese residing in Manila, and they are enrolled
and classified for the payment of taxes. Finally, a chapter on "the
political and administrative organization of Filipinas" is presented,
from Montero y Vidal's _Archipiélago filipino_ (1886). He devotes
special attention to the subject of local government in the native
towns; and explains why the Filipino natives are so anxious to obtain
the post of gobernadorcillo. The writer describes the mode of dress and
the customs in vogue among these local dignitaries, as well as their
methods of administration. There are certain other petty officials,
whose functions are described; and he ends by stating the powers
and functions of the provincial rulers and those of the governor and
captain-general of the islands, and sharply criticising "the vicious,
anomalous, and unsuitable organization of the provinces of Filipinas."

_The Editors_

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