Carlos rose from the comfort of his caned lounge chair, leaned on the balcony railing and stroked the dark mahogany with both hands while he looked out at the fading light of day. The sun had disappeared below the horizon but the sky still had a pink and yellow glow. He took the cigar from his mouth with his right hand, turned slowly toward his father in-law and said, Don Andres, what is happening in the Philippines at this very moment is exactly what happened in Cuba a few years ago. But there were a hundred times more Spaniards and thousands more criollos and mestizos living on that island. They all wanted a Cuba libre. And so they easily defeated 200,000 Spanish regulars commanded by Spains most experienced generals. But here, what does Spain have? Twenty thousand regular troops and an aging naval fleet? This government wouldnt last one month if all the Filipinos united and fought for a Filipinas libre!
If thats how serious it is, shouldnt the government be negotiating with the leaders, the so called ilustrados? Jorge asked.
Of course, Don Andres responded. Here, the revolutionary leaders do not seek the downfall of the monarchy. They want justice for the farmers who are being cheated of their legitimate claims for land ownership. Above everything else they want representation in the Spanish Cortes and to belong be something, be someoneand not just a colonial servant. After centuries of living here and enriching themselves and marrying the Filipinas, why dont the Spaniards do the honorable thing and take this country to church and marry her? In other words, whats wrong with making Filipinos Spanish citizens?
It is easier said than done, Carlos answered. There are thousands of Spanish and Chinese businessmen whod rather see this revolution go forward so they can maintain their political and economic power over the farmers and the poor working class.
Jose looked inquiringly at Don Andres. He wanted to know how the old man would respond to Carlos comment. Instead Don Andres bravely lifted his glass towards them and said, A Filipinas libre! He did not have to explain what he felt in his heart: the revolution was coming. Filipino nationalism and the overwhelming desire for freedom could not be held back. From his years of reading Spanish history the history of a people, descendants of Celtics, Iberians, Romans and Moors, continuously in battle since before the time of Christ he could almost feel in his bones the same winds of change in the Philippines winds that often brought along cleansing rains, reinvigorating the people and inspiring them to fight back, to rise above tremendous odds and take back what had been theirs all along.
A bit confused by Don Andres message, Jose stood up and walked inside toward Don Andres red wood bookcases, handsomely decorated with rattan weaving. The shelves were full of old books and magazines, most of which Don Andres had inherited from his father. Some newspapers and pamphlets lay on a shelf near the floor. One pamphlet caught his eye it was a translation of Maupassants short stories: Bola de Sebo and Seorita Fifi. He also noticed Unamunos new book En Torno al Casticismo, which when published a few years ago, he recalled, had further inflamed Spanish radicalism against antiquated beliefs in the monarchy and the countrys fascination with French social mores. Next to the bookshelves was a handsome heavy desk. The dark knots of the three-inch tabletop contrasted beautifully with the yellow in the wood finish. The edges of the tabletop were carved to resemble heavy manila rope. The rope motif continued down the square legs each of which rested on a ball grasped tightly by the scaly talons of an eagle. On the desk Jose could not help but notice a large, thick red book entitled Album Timbres Poste whose cover was embossed with the figure of a woman dressed in a billowing chiffon robe. Beside the book he saw Philippine and Spanish stamps in little protective packets of transparent paper and a few stamped envelopes from Europe ready to be mounted in what must have been Don Andres personal stamp album.
And then it struck him. With his brothers marrying mestizas and Don Andres himself a criollo, they had just cast their vote for Philippine independence.! Jose walked back to where the others were seated. They looked at him, eager to hear what he had to say.
Look, I just arrived this morning, Jose finally blurted out. From what I have seen and heard it looks like this country is not ready for independence. Most Filipinos, you tell me, can hardly speak Spanish. The Chinese, who seem to be everywhere and control this countrys economy, speak another foreign language. If Spain has not been able to organize this country into one homogeneous or at least cohesive society, what chances do the Filipinos have to survive on their own? I think that if Spain is defeated and abandons these islands, Chinese hordes will be here before anyone can finish saying me cago en la mar salada (I shit in the salty sea).
What chances do the Filipinos have to govern themselves? That is the key question, agreed Don Andres, unable to suppress a smile at young Joses repartee with the older men. Economically we are dependent on the other nations that buy our agricultural products. Other than what we export now we have little else to sustain our economy. In the long run seeking independence for independence sake cannot save us from ourselves we are a small country, our population is small and most of the people are poorly educated. For example, without teachers, engineers and scientists we will always be dependent on foreigners to develop our natural resources, especially our gold and copper mines. But, if Spain abandons these islands, the result will be even more disastrous. Every country with influence in the Pacific will try and take the Philippines, not just China Russia, Japan, even Britain and Germany will be tempted.
And the Americans, Jorge added, I dont think any Asian or European power can take this country now without a fight from the Americans.
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