The Philippines

The Philippines, by A. D. Hall (1898), published by Street & Smith as Historical Series No. 2, is a non-fiction account of the Philippine archipelago.

The work surveys the islands' geography, history, resources, and contemporary political situation following the Spanish-American War. Hall describes the archipelago's composition of approximately 1,200 islands extending across a defined latitude and longitude, with nine major islands including Luzon and Mindanao. He traces Spanish colonial history from Magellan's 1521 discovery through subsequent colonization efforts, emphasizing Spain's exploitative policies—punitive taxation systems, religious persecution, and coastal dominion over interior regions. Hall details the roles of Catholic missionaries and Chinese settlers. The text includes chapters on Manila's development, native customs, island commerce and resources, and historical events including Commodore Dewey's naval victory, Aguinaldo's insurgency, and future American governance questions. Contemporary testimony from witnesses like Manley R. Sherman documents Spanish colonial administration's severity. The account culminates with discussion of American military involvement and policy implications for Philippine futures.