diced b Jos e S. Arc a, - non

as "bureaucratic-military, subordinated to the priesthood, in which everyonewho opposes the caste rule of the friars is denounced as a traitor. Arrests,banishment, and imprisonment are the rule of the day. Every Philippineintellectual who was not on good terms with the Church was not sure for anymoment that he would not be arrested."In another detailed analysis of the monastic rule in the light of thepolitical situation' Blumentritt cites as an example the murder of GovernorBustamante-Bustillo and his son by aimed monks and the corrupt rule of theArchbishop of Manila. But the Austrian was especially infuriated by the factthat the natives were whipped by the friars, for committing the crime oflearning Spanish, as reported by governor Anda. The friars feared for theirmonopoly of being the only mediators between the natives and the Spaniards.And Blumentritt was shocked to learn that the friars, once the torchbearers ofenlightenment, should now base their rule on native stupidity and ignorance.Where and how he obtained the information that led to his change to attitudeis not quite clear. But he was a profound student and a forerunner of what wewould call today "investigative journalism," although he was a scientist,known for his thorough scientific investigations and research, one who wouldnot rest until he was satisfied he knew enough for a detailed analysis.It is most interesting and also very important to note that Blumentritt'sopposition to the policy of the monastic orders in the Philippines was notmotivated by an anti-clerical feeling; rather it must be seen as his warning tothe friars to make them realize the dangers of their shortsighted policy. In thesame article he expressed his conviction that the friars' attempt to stem thetide of progress and enligtenment was futile and could not stop it. If the clergywould not take advantage of the trend and lead it themselves, it wouldcontinue any way, despite themselves. However the carriers of the new ideaswould no longer be the Church but the liberals and the freemasons of Voltaireand Rousseau. It was the same attitude that Blumentritt professed when hewarned the Spanish rulers that timely reforms would save their dominionover the Philippines, but that intransigence would inevitably lead to independenceand the loss of 7,200 islands from their empire.Finally it should not be overlooked that Blumentritt's harsh opposition tothe monastic orders was to a large extent fueled by his shock and indignationon learning of the sufferings of Rizal's family at the hands of the Dominicanfriar owners of the Calamba estate. On 24 August 1890,4 he wrote in what isperhaps his strongest letter and call for counter-measures:230We deeply regret the grievous misfortune that your family has suffered at thehands of the friars . . . . It is necessary to undertake a determined and bold