diced b Jos e S. Arc a, - non

In the same manner, a series of curious circumstances make me thinkmasonry was actively involved like birds of prey of the English and Getmancapitalist imperialism, so that with a change in the situation, they could easilytake over some islands which then and now integrate the present independentrepublic of the Philippines. The oft cited Regidor, behind his pen-nameFrancisco Engracio Vergara, gave us in his pamphlet La Masoneria enFilipinas the following information:At that time these lodges instigated various conflicts in Mindanao, Jolo, andPalawan which led to the capture of the vessels "Mina," "Gazelle," and otherswhich were later released, the Spanish government having to pay huge sums ofindemnity to their proprietors and crews, because of the strongly worded notesfrom the Cabinets of London and Berlin.The captain of the "Mina," Mr. Holcan, was also captain of the "Rupax," withwhich he facilitated the escape of the Filipinos from the Marianas. And theconsignatory of both boats in the British colt:6y was the same corporation,Anthony Brothers."The truth of these assertions is easily verified in the archives of theOverseas Ministry preserved in the Archly() Hist6rico Nacional and those ofthe Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In the issue for 22 March 1872 of the Londonand China Express we can read these "friendly" opinions and "wise"suggestions on the Cavite mutiny:28As they tell us from Madrid, the conspiracy was really aimed at completelyliberating the Islands from the Spanish yoke. Not strange that such a thing shouldhappen. All the residents, both civilian and military, know the SpanishGovernment is purely and simply despotic and unbearable. The government inMadrid does not take good care of the interests of these islands since its attentionis too occupied with the internal evils of the peninsula and with those of theproximate colony of Cuba, where the fight for independence continues fiercely.That government owns the Philippines as a lemon squeezed dry, whose juice italone will drink. It is impossible for the Spaniards to dispatch troops abroad toface these manifestations which will surely take place again in Manila and theneighboring provinces. Success is a matter of time. Useless to hide the desire that"the sooner the better." The bountiful resources of these islands have too longbeen wasted. What has been done to develop them is due to the Anglo-Saxons,whose activities have been shackled by all possible means, by the narrow andinert ideas of the Spanish government. With regards to the future government ofthe Philippines, it is not possible for ours or that of America to take anyresponsibility; and no one else but themselves would benefit from a change sonecessary for the proper development of the wealth and abundant products of thatland. That is why the best that these inhabitants can do is establish their inde-