The Philippines

This is a nonfiction account of the Philippines, not a Victorian penny dreadful. The text is an excerpt from "The Philippines" by A. D. Hall, published by Street & Smith. The book provides geographical and historical information about the island archipelago. Chapter I, "An Iniquitous Mistress," traces the Philippines' discovery by Magellan in 1521 and subsequent Spanish colonial rule. Hall describes the archipelago's geography—approximately 150,000 square miles with nine larger and nearly 1,200 smaller islands—and details Spanish exploitative practices including oppressive taxation systems, use of tax collectors called goberuadorcillos, and violent punishments for tax non-compliance. The text contextualizes American interest in the islands following the Spanish-American War, arguing Spain mismanaged the territory for five centuries while America represents civilization and progress.