Hawaii–Philippines by A.D. Hall

# The Philippines by A. D. Hall

This 1898 geography and political analysis by A. D. Hall examines the Philippine archipelago across ten chapters. The work surveys the islands' geography—describing nearly 1,200 islands spanning approximately 150,000 square miles, with major islands including Luzon (41,121 sq. m.), Mindanao (33,377 sq. m.), and Cebu—their volcanic formations, and early history beginning with Magellan's 1521 discovery.

Hall provides historical context on Spanish colonial rule spanning five centuries, detailing exploitative taxation systems and administrative structures including the gobernadorcillo tax-collection hierarchy. Subsequent chapters address climate, commerce, Manila's development, native populations and customs, regional geography, and contemporary military events—including Admiral Dewey's naval victory, Aguinaldo's insurgency, and policy debates regarding American territorial acquisition. The text reflects immediate post-Spanish-American War considerations regarding Philippine political future.