text:
Carlos P. Garcia's First State of the Nation Address

MR. PRESIDENT, MR. SPEAKER, MEMBERS OF THE CONGRESS:

In the exercise of their sovereign prerogatives, our people have entrusted to us the responsibility of administering the affairs of the nation. As Congress opens today the legislative phase of our joint trusteeship, I have come to counsel with you in accordance with the Constitution’s mandate. I am confident that, guided by the Infinite Wisdom, we shall prove equal to the people’s expectations, and live up to our solemn commitments to them.

Fortunately, we have succeeded to an administration that was also our own because most of us were part of it and because, under the concept of party responsibility, its policies were formulated and implemented by us. Consequently, we have to continue these policies; with some addition, we must continue building up the nation, spurred by the dynamics of progressive national growth.

The Administration before us suffered a rude interruption with the tragic death of my illustrious predecessor, Ramon Magsaysay. His loss is irreparable. The Philippines and the rest of the free world sorely miss him. We, however, find consolation in the fact that his spirit abides with us to inspire us to new heights of achievement.

You are all aware that I assumed the presidency in the wake of a shocking national tragedy and at a time of intense political activity, leading to the November elections. Accepting the will of the Divine Providence and the mandate of the Constitution, I occupied the office of President for nine and one-half months to complete the term of the late Chief Executive and carry on his work to the best of my ability and capacity.

I shall therefore, endeavour to report to Congress the state of the nation as I found it at the end of the Magsaysay term, covering achievements of four years since 1954. Having done this, I shall indicate the pressing problems facing the Republic and recommend to you what I believe to be their solutions.

During the last four years of Nacionalista Administration, the climate of distrust approaching despair that had pervaded the nation was replaced by a receiving faith in the Government and a growing confidence in the future of the Republic. The masses of our people came to enjoy the fruits of a determined effort to improve their lot. Our people were reaping the benefits of schools and sanitation, expanded irrigation systems, increased credit facilities, and improved transportation. Our businessmen and industrialists were reacting with understanding to the coordinated efforts to promote the general economic development. The entire nation faced the future with increasing hope and confidence.

In completing the term of my predecessor, I had the advantage of the tremendous momentum he had generated in the promotion of the common welfare. During 1954-1957, unprecedented advances were made in almost all sectors of national progress. I myself did not hesitate to take new measures and introduce new policies whenever they were advisable and necessary. Such measures and policies were intended to check untoward developments mainly caused by the forces of nature or by international events beyond our control and also by our own transgressions against the eternal verities and the laws of measure and proportion.

RELATIONS WITH OTHER NATIONS

National security is anchored on our own internal strength as well as on our cooperation with the United Nations, buttressed by regional arrangements like the SEATO and by our special alliance of mutual defense with the United States.

Relations with the United States — While we have promoted our diplomatic and trade relations with countries in Europe and Asia, we have continued to strengthen our special relations with the United States. Although there have been disagreements on some of the provisions governing military bases, Philippine-American relations have remained as close and harmonious as ever.

Diplomatic Services — We have expanded our consular and diplomatic facilities and services abroad. We have sent an ambassador to the Vatican and have set up a legation in Cairo, Egypt. We have raised our legations in Karachi, Pakistan; New Delhi, India; Seoul, Korea; and Saigon, South Vietnam, to the status of the embassies. We have also opened honorary consulates in 13 key trade centers of the world. Our participations in the United Nations, the SEATO, and other world and regional conferences have raised our international stature and prestige.

We have concluded trade protocols with Germany, Switzerland, Nationalist China, and Japan, and have added trade and press attaches to a number of our embassy, legation, and consular staffs. The trade protocol with Germany includes provisions for the training of Filipino scholars and technicians in German industrial and educational institutions. A major study is being undertaken on the proposals to expand our foreign trade not only to establish new financial contacts but also to set up working balances abroad in other stable and freely convertible currencies. In due time the result of this study will be submitted for your consideration.

INTERNAL SECURITY

The Armed Forces of the Philippines under the late President Magsaysay broke the back of the communist movement and paved the way for the outlawing of communism in our country. The almost total liquidation of the Huk rebellion forced a change of tactics and adequate measures were taken to meet the new situation. The CAFA recommendation for the outlawing of the Communist Party and amendments to make the law on treason applicable in peace time were indorsed by the late Chief Executive, subsequently passed by Congress, and finally signed into law by me.

National security has two supports—diplomacy on one hand and the Armed Forces on the other. The two are interrelated phases of national policy. Our Armed Forces has a two-fold mission — the safeguarding of national security and the maintenance of peace and order, including assistance to the Administration’s socio-economic and rural development efforts.

In the first mission, our Armed Forces participated in several manoeuvres, conferences, and seminars under the auspices of SEATO. With American assistance, in accordance with our mutual defense alliance, and within the limits of our resources, we are beginning to streamline our military equipment and organization in conformity with the expected new requirements of warfare in this atomic-missile age.

In the second mission, aside from taking all necessary measures for the protection of life and property, our Armed Forces has conducted psychological campaigns against dissident elements, helped in the large-scale resettlement of former outlaws, and assisted in the manufacture and installation of prefabricated schoolhouses where needed.

THE WELL-BEING OF THE MASSES

Rural Development Program — As a dynamic answer to Communism and a positive boost to economic progress, the Administration launched a greatly expanded and bold program of social and economic development aimed at rural amelioration and at advancing industrial and agricultural productivity. The Rural Development program included land reforms, land resettlement, the establishment of the Court of Agrarian Relations and the Land Tenure Administration, the organization of cooperatives, the extension of credit, the setting up of expanded rural health units, the construction of roads, irrigation systems and artesian wells, the extension of educational facilities, and the encouragement of enlightened labor unionism.

Land Reforms — In the implementation of our established policy of giving land to the landless, the Government issued during the last four years more than 162,219 patents as compared to only 25,440 during the administration that ended December 30, 1953. The survey and subdivision of new land for distribution is also being hastened, and I propose the adoption of photogrammetry to further expedite survey requisite to the issuance of land titles. The policy launched in 1954 by President Magsaysay of distributing six-hectare farms to those willing to pioneer has resulted in the settlement of 21,587 families in 18 settlement projects, mainly in Mindanao. The Land Tenure Administration’s target is to purchase and distribute 105,000 hectares of land to 17,500 families yearly.

Credit Facilities — Government institutions like the RFC, the PNB, and the ACCFA expanded the area of their operations to rural areas, thus channelling the savings of the economy to rural production. Complementarily, private banks increased not only their respective volumes of business but also their numbers and branches. Following a liberal policy from 1954 to late 1957, the banking system expanded credit to both the public and the private sectors by P1,209 million.

Rural Banks — To further accelerate development at the grassroots level, the rural banking movement was intensified during the past four years. We now have 102 banking institutions well distributed over the country. We are considering the demand to enlarge the lending capacity of rural banks through the assistance of government banks or financial institutions.

Cooperatives — For the benefit of our rural masses, we have since 1954 organized 271,000 farmers into 467 cooperative marketing associations. In 1957 alone 51 FACOMAS with a combined capital of P2.6 million were formed, bringing up the total of FACOMA membership to more than 26,000 farmers. This growth has enabled the ACCFA to extend loans amounting to P142 million to 55,000 farmers for increased production enabled 65,000 farmers to acquire work animals and 15,000 others to purchase farm equipment. During 1957, the ACCFA also financed the purchase of P30 million worth of fertilizer and invested P1.5 million in the development of the ramie program.

To achieve a more efficient distribution of goods, especially the products of our farms, as well as to facilitate travel among our people, we have expanded our net work of roads.

We have also improved the Manila Railroad by converting it into diesel resulting in reduced operational cost.

Roads, irrigation, and Artesian Wells — During the last four years, around 3,940 kilometers of roads and 295 permanent bridges were constructed. Twenty-four national irrigation systems servicing 115,251 hectares and 27 communal irrigation projects servicing 57,410 hectares were constructed. Also installed and drilled were 31 irrigation units consisting of pumps and servicing 196,805 hectares and 8,408 artesian wells i addition to 121 waterworks systems. Under construction are 98 irrigation projects to water 198,893 hectares. All these projects, completed and under construction, will bring the total irrigated area to 568,359 hectares. This figure represents about six times that irrigated by the systems constructed from 1907 to 1953.

Public Health — Rural health was considerably fostered through the organization of health units, each manned by a physician, a nurse, a midwife, and a sanitary inspector. As of today, there are 1281 health units servicing 1300 municipalities in the country. The death rate is definitely declining. Infant mortality alone decreased from 98 to 84 per thousand. It should be stated that the organization of rural health units has the active assistance of the International Cooperation Administration of the United States (ICA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the UNICEF.

In the long-range program of health improvement, the total eradication of malaria continues to be the objective. In cooperation with health and hospital agencies, our blood plasma dehydration laboratories have started an interisland blood collecting program. Under Republic Act. No. 1136, BCG immunization has resulted in the tuberculine testing of 8 million children and the vaccination of 3 ½ million. Our pilot influenza virus preparatory to its approval by the World Health Organization of the Western Pacific regional center.

Social Welfare Assistance — Through the Social Welfare Administration the Government during the past four years has aided 1 ½ million persons. In 1957 alone 599,568 persons were extended relief by this government agency. It also resettled 1125 families from the slum areas of Manila. With the expansion of its regional offices, the Social Welfare Administration was able, in the same year, to extend aid to 6400 families belonging to non-Christian or cultural minority groups. The program of vocational rehabilitation for the blind and other physically handicapped person has also been greatly expanded. A total of 1240 disabled has been given a thorough readjustment training to convert them into active and useful citizens. Forty-seven per cent of these people have already been absorbed in industries.

Public Education — No less significant are the strides made in public education. As a measure of insuring effective instruction, the full-day primary school session, which we had before the implementation of Commonwealth Act 586, has been restores and the maximum size of classes has been reduced from 60 to 40 pupils. The vernacular is now being used as a medium of instruction in the first two years of the primary grades, thereby promoting optimum literacy, especially among those pupils who can stay in school for only a few years.

The secondary curriculum has been revised so as to provide a common program of studies for the first two years, after which the student is given the option, with the help of a competent counsellor, to choose between a vocational course and a college preparatory course. In the revised curriculum more science and mathematics are offered, in view of their importance in present-day life and world progress.

The community school, which has been developed after years of careful experimentation, has become the pattern for our country, particularly in the rural areas. Because of the improvement that this type of school has effected in the living conditions of the people in the community, it has elicited favorable comments from foreign educators who have observed how it works.

In line with the economic development program of the Administration, vocational education has been receiving increased emphasis. Home industries are being fostered as a means of enabling our people to have a supplementary source of income. All school divisions have organized home industry centers which survey local raw materials to be developed, train workers, standardize products, and assist producers in marketing them.

Justice and Public Service — The Administration of Justice has been speeded up since 1954, resulting in a greater popular confidence in our courts. Our justice of the peace courts disposed of 80,000 out of 90,000 cases filed, while our courts of first instance settled 40,000 out of 42,000 cases. The Court of Industrial Relations decided 612 out of 758 cases filed before it, bringing its total of settled cases since 1954 to 8,576. The Agricultural Tenancy Commission also amicably arbitrated 2,800 cases out of 3,200 submitted. The Court of Agrarian Relations disposed of 3,000 out of 5,400 cases; the Court of Tax Appeals decided 93 out of 114 cases handled; while the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, during only six months of operation, disposed of 3,200 out of 7,000 cases.

The announced objective of establishing the highest possible morality in the Government is slowly being realized, with the Presidential Complaints and Action Committee, the Department of Justice, and other agencies working hand .in hand to minimize graft and corruption in public service. To attain a higher level of morality and efficiency in public service, a thorough study was undertaken by the Government Survey and Reorganization Commission and its recommendations which were enacted by Congress are well in the process of implementation.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

The last Nacionalista Administration was committed to a program of economic development designed to accelerate the transition of our trade-oriented economy to an agro-industrial type. Emphasis was given to the building of the industrial strength which would produce an increasingly large proportion of our essential consumer needs. To coordinate government planning, the National Economic Council was revitalized and a long-range and integrated economic plan backed by a fiscal program was formulated. Last year, Congress was requested to create a National Development Authority to carry out economic policies, plans, and programs approved by the NEC and the President. Unfortunately the powers provided by the bill creating such a body were not sufficiently broad and flexible for the vast mission it is intended to accomplish that I constrained to veto it.

Development Expenditures — Towards the achievement of our economic goal, power development was stepped up; ramie, pig-iron smelting and steel plants were started; and overhead projects such as highways, communications, and other facilities which support direct productive processes and trigger private enterprises were expanded. The emphasis on economic development was evident in the rise of the total government expenditure for this purpose, from P151 million in the fiscal year 1953 to P456 million in the fiscal year 1956, and to P506 million in the fiscal year 1957. Fiscal policy was deliberately employed as an instrument of economic development by allocating the highest possible proportion of our available financial resources to this purpose. I wish to call your attention to the fact that while the administration before 1954 used borrowed money for both budgetary and economic development purposes, our administration borrowed only for economic development.

Power Development — 1953-1957 the development of hydroelectric power gained momentum. The Binga hydroelectric plant which will be in full operation in 1960, the Ambuklao hydroelectric project, and Unit No. 2 of the Maria Cristina hydroelectric project, being built at a total cost of P225 million will supply a total of 225,000 kilowatts of electric power. Likewise finished are the hydroelectric projects in Digos and Talomo, Davao; in Loboc, Bohol; in Penaranda, Nueva Ecija; in Amburayan, La Union; in Balombon, Catanduanes; in Lake Buhi-Barit, Camarines Sur; and in Camp Philips, Agusan, Bukidnon, supplying a total of 30.300 kilowatts.

Other Government Industrial Projects — Complementary to the increase in hydroelectric power capacity, various industrial projects were undertaken or authorized. These included the rehabilitation and modernization of the Naga Cement Plant and the completion and operation of the Iligan Steel Mills producing merchant steel bars. Already authorized is the construction of another unit of the Maria Cristina Fertilizer Plant costing P15 million and estimated to double its present fertilizer production. Establishment of a pig-iron smelting plant in Iligan, Lanao; in Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte, and in Angat, Bulacan, costing P50 million to be financed from loans is under way in order to furnish the country with an integrated steel industry and to enable us to process our own iron ores instead of exporting them as such ores.

Sale of Government Enterprises — In fulfilment of the governmental policy of giving way to private capital whenever feasible and practicable, the Bacnotan Cement Plant of the CEPOC in La Union was sold to a private group at very reasonable terms. In the same manner, the Government’s shares in the Campania de Cellulosa de Filipinas were sold. Under this policy, the Government has offered for sale its participation in the Philippine Electrical Manufacturing Company and in the Manila Gas Corporation. It has also announced the outright sale of the Romblon Marble Project and the Pulp and Paper Mill. Proceeds from such sales would enable the government to pioneer and invest in areas where private capital hesitates to venture. Thus, the government is in business only to pioneer and pave the way for private enterprise ultimately to take over.

Industrial Development Center — Channelling of American aid to the private industrial sector is being encouraged through the Industrial Development Center which, outside of offering training courses and equipment demonstrations, has given dollar allocations totalling P33.7 million to 185 firms, long-term loans of P26 million to 46 firms, and guarantee-assistance on loans amounting to P9.5 million to 56 others, including Pi million for livestock development.

Reparations — Pending the organization of the Reparations Commission now in process, the bulk of the first two years of Japanese reparations goods and services has been earmarked for Government offices and corporations, but starting with the second year schedule, a procurement program for the private sector has been put into effect which will furnish canning plants, fishing boats, ocean-going vessels, pulp and paper plants, machineries for cottage industries, and similar equipment for much needed industries. As of November, 1957, contracts for a total of P88.8 million worth of reparations items have been concluded.

PRODUCTION

National Income — The strong showing of the economy’s productive sector from 1954 to 1957, underlined the general efficacy of the policies and measures implemented by our Administration. Our national income increased at a steady rate from P7 billion in 1953 to P8.3 billion at the end of 1956, a gain of 18.6 per cent. All important sectors of the economy have advanced in this respect: agricultural income rose from P3 billion to P3.3 billion; mining, from only P107 million to P141 million; and manufacturing, from P834 million to P1.2 billion, registering a spectacular surge.

There has been no let-up in the steady development of our agriculture. The country’s cultivated area increased from 6 million hectares in 1953 to 7 million in 1957. Of this area, 5.5 million hectares are devoted to food crops and 1.6 million hectares to commercial crops. It is estimated that agriculture contributed about P3.5 billion or 40 per cent of the national income.

The greater flow today of income from construction, trade, transportation, and communications activity is added testimony that we have travelled a long and vigorous way from the ruins of war. It is not surprising then that a recent United Nations report has described the Philippines as having the highest record of production in this part of the world during the past ten years.

Per Capita Income — Population has increased by approximately 6 per cent since 1953, from 21.2 million to our 22.5 million. Yet in spite of the fact that we have 1.3 million more people today than in 1953, the average annual per capita income has gone up from P322 to P361, showing a 12 per cent improvement.

Volume of Physical Production — During the past four years we have seen the total domestic goods and services increased by 17.4 per cent. This development has been due to the phenomenal expansion of 47 per cent in manufacturing, 25 per cent in agriculture, and 13 per cent in mining. We have also witnessed the establishment or 533 “new and necessary” industries out of 830 granted tax-exemption privileges by the government under Republic Act No. 901. Non-agricultural employment in 1289 establishments in the country has risen by 14.5 per cent during this period of expansion. Since 1954, more than 5586 manufacturing concerns have been established, many of which are producing commodities which we had to import in the past.

In spite of the substantial gain shown by the economy during the last four years, the country still has to increase production with greater diversity at a pace faster than the rapid population growth Increased production for increased export and increased volume of domestic trade is the key to the solution of our problems of unemployment and unfavorable balance of payments.

The fact that the Philippines is still far from producing all the needs of the country underscores the continuing importance of foreign trade to our economy. There are certain consumer goods which we cannot now produce or hope to produce in the near future, but are nevertheless basic to maintain standards of living and public health. Among these are medicine and certain essential foodstuffs. We also have to import an increasing volume of machinery and raw materials required by our growing domestic industries.

Foreign Exchange Receipts — With their gradual removal already envisioned, exchange and import controls with all their attendant administrative difficulties continued to be a necessary part of the economic life during the last four years. Our aggregate capacity for external payments was inadequate to finance our increasing import requirements and servicing of foreign capital. Although the trade relations with the United States were somewhat improved by the Laurel-Langley Agreement, the trade imbalance persisted, partly owing to the loopholes in the controls and partly to the additional import demands generated by our developing industries. From 1954 to 1957 our foreign exchange earnings reached the record total of $1.7 billion. However, our import payments amounted to $2.3 billion. The trade deficit of $600 million had to be paid from the dollar reserves. Aside from the vulnerability to wide fluctuations in world prices and the demand inherent in the raw material nature of our exports, the sale of our export products has been limited by trade restrictions in industrial countries and their discovery of cheaper substitutes.

Further affecting our foreign exchange receipts was the undue use of barter under Republic Act No. 1410. This diverted a considerable part of our dollar earnings into hoarded deposits abroad. It also facilitated additional non-essential imports and contributed to our failure to fill our sugar quota to the United States in 1957. Thus, the re-examination of Republic Act No. 1410 recommends itself to the attention of Congress. For the same reasons, I vetoed Senate Bill No. 167, known as the Dollar Retention law, and suspended temporarily the processing of barter applications.

That we have succeeded to a certain extent in the judicious use of our international reserve to secure benefits to the economy is evident from. the specific economic gains previously cited and the steady change in the pattern of our imports since 1949, when the government undertook to manage the country’s foreign exchange resources directly.

Changing Trade Patterns — Of our total import disbursement from 1954 to November, 1957, $0.4 billion went for the purchase of capital goods with which we are building the base of our industries, $1.2 billion for raw materials to feed our growing number of factories, and $0.5 billion for consumer goods to maintain the well-being and living standards of our people. We also find that Philippine trade has diversified considerably since 1954. In that year almost 64 per cent of our total trade was carried with one country, the United States. Today, with our total trade expanded from P1.8 billion in 1954 to P1.9 billion, we have channelled 42 per cent of it to Europe, Asia, and Central and South America. This geographical broadening of our trade is an encouraging feign of growing stability and lessened dependence on a single country us the source of our imports and the market for our exports.

LABOR

There was considerable improvement in labor-management relations. Last year, 135 collective bargaining contracts were concluded. During the same period, 412 labor unions were accredited, bringing the total to 2676 since 1954. Eight regional offices, in addition to those in Manila, were set up in strategic points throughout the country to serve the nine million Filipino workers. Of the 57 strikes declared during the past year, 50 were satisfactorily settled through conciliation. Under the Workmen’s Compensation Act, P8 million were paid to labor. Matching its acquisition of a widening range of improvements and benefits, labor is developing a deeper sense of responsibility which is helpful to industrial peace.

While the objective of affording our government employees more time for leisure and self-improvement through the enactment of the five-day law is laudable, its implementation has created certain problems in various government units. We should, therefore, give serious study to these problems, as they would affect the adoption of a general policy in this regard.

With respect to unemployment, our program of economic development will precisely produce increased job opportunities. While we believe that we are in some measure taking care of the annual additions to the employable labor force the backlog of unemployment is expected to be absorbed by the accelerated pace of our industries as well as their logical expansion consistent with our resources.

THE PRESENT PROBLEMS AND THE NECESSITY FOR AUSTERITY

Calculated Risk — The Magsaysay Administration fully realized that the problem of mobilizing the resources necessary to implement the policy of accelerated development would be a difficult and complex task. It was, nevertheless, a task that had to be done if the country was to attain an economic independence compatible with its political sovereignty. Accordingly, the Administration boldly resorted to the liberal use of national credit to cover the inevitable gap inherent in our underdeveloped country, between the growth of needed investment and voluntary savings. The only other alternative would have been to cut our essential development investment to a point where the budget would be balanced with no risk of inflation but at which economic forces would be at a standstill.

The aroused desires of our masses for improving their lot and the threat of communism left no choice to the Administration but to take the calculated risk inherent in the generous use of national credit for financing economic development. The risk that the program might generate inflationary pressures was taken after a careful appraisal of the situation and with the firm determination on the part of the Administration to retrench in its budgets and adopt safeguards whenever pressures would develop that would produce adverse effects on the economy.

Failure of Envisioned Conditions — Unfortunately, the envisioned conditions in the accepted program of development failed to materialize within the estimated time. Many of the proposed tax measures failed to get congressional approval while outlays for essential government services increased in response to the demands of a growing population, thus aggravating the inflationary pressures generated by the development spending. On the other hand, the private sector responded enthusiastically to the impulse policies of the development program which included tax incentives, subsidies, protection, and easy credit. As a result, private investment expanded at a rate beyond what was allocated in the budget of real resources. Most of the investment was at the same time diverted to capital intensive projects that required substantial amounts of foreign exchange. Likewise, the foreign exchange receipts of the country were undermined by overshipments, overpricing of imports and underpricing of exports, smuggling, and other practices to circumvent controls.

Upsetting further the forecasted monetary implications of the program were the continued inflationary pressures abroad, the Suez crisis, the rise in freight charges, all of which were reflected in a rise of prices of industrial and consumer goods that the country buys from foreign countries. As a result, the heavy spending for development of both the private and the public sectors exceeded the country’s ability to produce and its capacity to export.

The Administration’s program of development could not thus but unleash inflationary pressures; so the major task of the Administration was the prevention of such pressures from jeopardizing the development efforts and the living standards of the masses. Despite the inflationary effects of the program, however, domestic prices were kept at reasonable levels considered tolerable for a growing economy, by drawing on our international- reserve. In 1949, when exchange control was established, the consumer price index, with 1955 as base, was 101.6. By 1956, the index had settled at 102.7 after slipping down from the 1952 peak of 106.1 points.

Sacrifice of International Reserve — Without resorting to substantial foreign assistance, we achieved our economic progress at some sacrifice of our international reserve. The question of why the country’s international reserve has continued to decline in spite of controls finds an answer in our committed policy of development within a framework of monetary stability. The reserve has not been dissipated as the pattern of importation clearly demonstrates. It has been increasingly put to use to purchase the machinery and the tools of our industrialization without which no satisfactory solution to the problems of poverty and unemployment would ever be possible. In addition to the increased requirements of our growing industries, we dipped into our reserve for the expanding needs of our growing population for imported essential consumer goods. However, we cannot continue to draw on our dwindling reserve indefinitely at the present pace without undermining the international value of the peso and completely setting back our development program completely set at its crucial stages.

As we reached this limit, in drawing on our international reserve as the inflationary effects of the heavy spending for development became correspondingly greater on the domestic economy as indicated by recent spiraling of prices. No one in this country considers inflation compatible in our democratic system. Aside from its manifest social injustices, it creates social unrest. The Government and our citizenry are determined to insure economic and monetary stability even if this means a temporary retrenchment in our program.

PROBLEMS AND RECOMMENDED SOLUTIONS

Thus far, I have presented to you a picture of our country that glows with the record of our growth and achievements. It is something of which we can justly be proud. But it would not be realistic and true to life if I did not point out its dark side. Life after all is a blend of sunlight and shadows, of successes and failures, of joys and sorrows. We do have problems and serious ones that challenge the best in us to solve them. Self-denial and even some sacrifices may be needed. We have the problems of food insufficiency, unemployment, rising prices, dwindling international reserve, decreasing revenue collections, increasing budgetary requirements, and other problems of equal importance and urgency. But with faith and courage we will meet these problems and solve them to the satisfaction of our people.

Economic problems are not solved in a day, and foreign assistance does not immediately jump at the beck of opportunity. We must, therefore, face the fact that we shall have to rely mainly on our own resources if we are to proceed with our development. It is clear that we cannot continue to draw on our international reserve at the present rate. But a slackening for a time of our consumption of dollars would mean either cutting down our imports of machinery and raw materials—or sacrificing more of our consumer imports in favor of the industrial. The cause of economic progress constrains us to take the latter course, while efforts are being exerted to explore sources of new capital from abroad.

We cannot expect to bring about the degree of economic improvement which we have set for our country without diverting a higher proportion of the national income to capital investment. Such a course inescapably entails our foregoing of less essential consumption and wasteful investment. This implies a policy of voluntary austerity on the part of our people since we are a democratic nation. Sacrifice and a policy of austerity will have to be adopted temporarily on many fronts.

Meaning of Austerity — Austerity as a policy means temperate spending. It signifies more work, more thrift, more productive investment, and more efficiency. It means less imports and less extravagant consumption. It is a challenge to our resiliency as a people to change our past habits and make thrift and economy our everyday way of living. Imposed on us by harsh realities; the exercise of austerity in our everyday life is a desirable end in itself. The Government will do all in its power to direct the main impact of this policy against, extravagant consumption and ostentatious living in a way that: will not affect the basic living standard of the ordinary individual. Curbing such consumption and eliminating wasteful and unproductive activities the only safe and sound way by which we can move ahead in our development program without running the risk of national retrogression. The situation calls for continuing energetic and courageous action on our part.

Retrenchment Measures Adopted — During the early part of 1957, the Central Bank tightened existing selective control measures directed to meet the urgent requirements of trade and industry and arrest the expansion of credit for non-productive and speculative activities. Parallel to this, the bond financing of P264 million announced to Congress by my late predecessor was reduced to P250 million in May 1957 and to P194 million in August of the same year. Early this year, the amount was further pared down to P145 million.

Other measures of monetary retrenchment included the raising of the rediscount rate to 4 ½ per cent in September and the imposition of pre-import cash deposits in December.

The Cabinet is studying ways and means of suspending temporarily certain public services or expenditures that can be deferred. To improve our international reserve position, I have plugged loopholes in our controls and have suspended private barter transactions. I have also created a Producers Incentives Committee to look into feasible and practical ways of stimulating production, especially for exports. I am now exploring ways of promoting export expansion to bolster our international reserve. Arrangements for the receipt and distribution of Japanese reparations have been advanced.

These measures we have adopted so far to relieve the mounting strain on our scare resources, may be drastic in certain respects. They are however, necessary to provide economy with a breathing period. Meantime, we are changing the phase of our economic program on a more selective basis to ensure that our efforts and resources, instead of being dissipated, are devoted first to the most important economic pursuits.

PROPSED COURSES OF ACTION

While adhering to the long-range overall goal of a balanced agro-industrial economic development, we have short-range targets that require our immediate and urgent attention if we are to surmount our present difficulties.

I. SELF-SUFFICIENCY IN FOODSTUFFS

Our first and immediate goal, as I have already announced in my inaugural address, is self-sufficiency in food, specifically in rice, corn, and fish. It is a challenge to our industry and sense of proportion as a people that, blessed with vast and virgin lands and a favourable climate, we have so far failed to produce enough rice and corn to feed ourselves. Likewise, endowed with great bodies of water from which fish of all varieties can be had for the taking, we cannot supply even the minimum needs of our people. Yet, these commodities are the real index to our national well-being. They also exert a profound influence on the general level of prices. Abundant cheap rice may be our most effective weapon against inflation. I therefore propose an intensified rice production estimated to cost P20 million and expected to increase the rice yield by 6 million cavanes in the first year alone which, at P10 per cavan, would mean P60 million additional income,

The ABC of Food Sufficiency Program — Under this program, we envisaged: (a) the distribution of fertilizers, selected seeds and insecticides to small farmers of food crops; (b) the speeding up of the completion of irrigation projects now underway; and (c) the building of impounding reservoirs to guarantee adequate water supply even during drought. We must provide other aids and devise incentives, preferably in kind, and emphasize intensive and scientific cultivation. Similar measures must be taken with respect to fish and fowls and livestock.

Apropos of producing more foodstuffs, I further recommend that the fullest encouragement be given to food conservation and food preserving industries. The attainment of food sufficiency projected in this program can be of only limited benefits unless the surplus can be processed and stored for future use. This should help to ensure year-round availability of otherwise perishable commodities and to eliminate sharp seasonal price fluctuations.

I would also like to see the establishment of more commodity exchanges for our agricultural crops.

II. FULLER UTILIZATION AND GREATER CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES

We must not take for granted that our natural resources cannot be exhausted. They are direct blessings from the Divine Providence and it behooves us to utilize them economically and scientifically and to conserve and preserve them properly. The cutting of timber must be followed by reforestation; fishing must be followed by replenishment of our river and lakes with fry; mining must be done with high recovery method; and farming must be done with refertilization.

We often tell ourselves that we have natural resources greater in proportion than those of most other countries in the world. This is true. We have mineral wealth beneath our valleys and in the bowels of our mountains. Our nickel deposits in the Surigao reservation alone are said to be worth P10 million. In this connection, may I invite the attention of Congress that the law authorizing the development and exploitation of the Surigao deposits failed to attract bidders and should be amended, to liberalize its terms.

Perhaps even more important than the exploitation of our natural resources, however, is their proper conservation. All ways and means to stop the dynamiting of fish must be found; we must intensify fish culture in our fishing grounds. The law requiring the reforestation of areas subjected to lumber operation has not worked in practice, resulting in denuded forests and consequent disastrous floods and droughts. It will perhaps be necessary to withhold the release of cut timber from sale until after the concessionaire has complied with reforestation requirements. Mining must be scientific so that extraction is thorough. Unextracted ores in abandoned or collapsed tunnels or pits are in most cases forever given up and lost. . Lands must not be allowed to reach exhaustion but must be constantly kept productive by contour plowing, fertilizing, fallowing and other scientific measures. Our natural resources have been extended by the Almighty for the benefit of Filipinos until the end of time. It is our sacred obligation to conserve our national patrimony and transmit it to our posterity undiminished until time is no more.

III. APPROPRIATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

Intensive and extensive scientific research is a necessary hand-maiden of both the utilization and conservation of natural resources. I, therefore, request more appropriations for scientific research. Positive encouragement must be extended to private industry and the universities to enable them to cooperate to their fullest capacity with the Government to the end that they may ultimately take over the burden of such research work. The reduction of production costs, for instance, perhaps by simplified and more scientific procedures and by increased utilization of by-products, may save many of our export industries from adverse effects of the liquidation of the free trade with the United States. Research may enable us to raise all the cotton and ramie we need for our textile industry, kenaf for our bags, and the rubber for our tire and rubber industry. It may lead to the discovery of new uses, as raw materials or food or medicine or chemicals, of our crops, plants, and other products, and to the invention of machines and equipment suited to our farms, forests, and other needs.

I urge the coordination of the work of the different research and scientific agencies with a view to obtaining maximum results.

IV. STABILIZATION OF FISCAL POSITION

As a first step towards the stabilization of the fiscal position of the Government, we must reinvigorate our revenue collection services by extending their intensive efforts in areas beyond Manila and take the necessary measures to insure that existing taxes are collected efficiently and equitably. To supplement our present revenues to meet the expanding needs of our growing population for essential government services, I am presenting in my budget message tax proposals designed to distribute the tax burden justly and fairly in accordance with the principle of ability to pay.

I propose a re-examination of the present policy of granting tax exemption to new and necessary industries with a view to correcting certain unsound pattern of investment resulting from the present policy.

We must revise our policy of price support so as to exclude low-grade or sub-standard products. The need for this revision is clearly demonstrated by the price support given to leaf tobacco under Republic Act No. 1194. To encourage low-grade production is wasteful and self-defeating.

We are committed to a gradual removal of controls. Towards this end, even within the restrictions of the Laurel-Langely Agreement, we must make more resourceful uses of tariffs such as the more widespread and more ingenious application of special duties.

V. EXPANSION OF EXPORTS

As demonstrated by our experience, our economic development hinges significantly on our export trade; nevertheless, several of our export promotion measures have not been updated since we became independent. In order to make export expansion more feasible, I submit the following measures for your consideration:

1. To give top priority and incentives to more extensive processing of local raw materials whose production or extraction has already undergone some development. Such incentives may take the form of preferential treatment for processed goods out of local raw materials as against the export of materials in their raw state..

2. To make more vigorous use of economic diplomacy for the more profitable marketing of our products and the development of new markets.

3. To broaden the economic functions of our overseas diplomatic and consular offices.

4. To improve the quality of our export products.

5. To accelerate the diversification of our export trade by promoting research, market studies, improvement of products, and greater utilization of by-products.

6. To set up standards and grades for our manufactured products which should be effectively administered.

VI. REDIRECTION OF AVAILABLE CREDIT RESOURCES AND REORGANIZATION OF ECONOMIC AND BANKING BODIES

We must channel most of our credit and financial resources to enterprises that are immediately productive, particularly those that turn out goods needed by our people.

In line with the policy of doing first things first, I recommend that all arms and instruments of the government charged with the formulation and implementation of economic policies be endowed with efficient and effective organizations. I, therefore, urge the amendment of the Central Bank Charter so as to make possible the appointment of more members of the Monetary Board on full-time basis. I submit that the National Economic Council, while it should maintain its advisory character should be provided with an’ executive arm to carry out the economic policies approved by the Council and confirmed by the President.

Investment of Reparations Proceeds — It is also my considered opinion and I so recommend:

That the proceeds from the sales of capital goods from reparations should constitute a perpetual source of funds for investment in our economic development. To this end, the establishment of an Economic Development Bank capitalized with these proceeds is indicated. This is perhaps the only way to bring our people not only of this generation but of those yet to be born the benefits of reparations.

Mobilizing Hoarded Capital — Likewise, we should look into ways and means of flushing out hoarded capital so that it may be gainfully utilized. As an inducement for domestic capital to come out of hiding, we may offer tax amnesty and set higher interest rates for savings and time deposits.

VII. MORE EFFICIENT UTILIZATION OF OUR FOREIGN RESOURCES

While economic controls cannot be immediately abolished, we must see to it that the administrative difficulties inherent in controls be kept to a minimum. As earlier stated, some of the objectives of these controls can be attained through a wise management of the tariff and customs laws which, however, will require amendatory legislation. The creation of a single agency of full-time members to centralize economic controls which are at present handled by the Central Bank, the Department of Commerce, the NAMARCO, and the Export Control Committee may be necessary while the government is directing its efforts to do away ultimately with controls.

At the same time we are stepping up the campaign against smuggling at our ports, sea frontiers, and other areas in order to prevent the leakage of dollars and the evasion of taxes.

We must try to get the optimum advantage out of our limited foreign exchange resources by funnelling them to these industries that can contribute most to our national income. Overcrowding in many industries needing imported capital equipment, investing in many lines of production not basic to our development, and importation of non-essential consumption goods are unnecessary drains on our foreign exchange. We should bring existing industries to their efficient productive capacity before going ahead with any but the most necessary new ventures.

Our domestic transportation system must be extensively revamped so as to do away with wasteful practices and conserve fuel and spare parts.

The NAMARCO should shift more of its activities to handling local manufacturers. Its dollar quota should be used for legitimate needs of Filipino retail business in accordance with the spirit of the Retail Trade Nationalization Act.

VIII. ENCOURAGEMENT AND PROMOTION OF OUR COTTAGE INDUSTRIES

We must try to extend greater incentives and encouragement to our small producers on the cottage industry level.

Properly developed, this broad sector of the national productivity will be a tremendous boost to our economy as well as an additional means of tapping the talents and ingenuity which we as a people possess. These cottage industries, integrated and strengthened through the establishment of a common clearing house for the regulation of standards as well as for marketing and financing facilities, can become a solid base for further industrial growth.

IX. ATTRACTION OF FOREIGN INVESTMENTS, ASSISTANCE, AND FINANCING

We must define in clear terms our foreign investment policy. It is my considered opinion that foreign investments, through welcome, should be admitted on a selective basis in order that legitimate Filipino business may be protected, particularly in fields already being fully exploited by our own nationals. The remittance of net profits and repatriation of capital by foreign investors should be under most reasonable terms compatible with our exchange resources and development program. While efforts to obtain foreign loans for our development is believed necessary, domestic capital must be encouraged to participate fully in Philippine business.

X. PRICE STABILITY

I must invite your urgent attention to the rise in prices of prime commodities, which appears to be artificial, that is causing undue hardships to our people. The preservation of the nation is the supreme law which no one can violate with impunity. I, therefore, ask Congress for broad powers to handle the situation swiftly and effectively in order to protect the people from those who would exploit them and who seem motivated by insatiable greed for profit.

XI. NATIONAL DEFENSE

The advent of radical changes in military concepts occasioned by the strides made in science and technology makes it imperative for us to place under constant review the problems and requirements of our national defense establishment.

As the minimum requirement of adequate defense, I have earlier emphasized the necessity of reassessing the organizational structure of our Armed Forces in such a way as to make it a balanced and effective instrument for national defense. The aims of such a reassessment is to make our defense plans realistically consistent with our national capability.

I believe that our best contribution to our allies in the defense of the free world lies first in our ability to maintain peace and security in our own country.

I endorse the modernization of our Armed Forces as far as our resources would permit.

XII. WORLD DISARMAMENT

I would like to restate solemnly my stand in favor of world disarmament. We should support in every possible and reasonable way all sincere efforts towards world disarmament. I understand that the world powers have spent and are spending billions of dollars in the armament race. With world disarmament, this huge expenditure can be devoted to the removal of the causes of war and the promotion of human welfare. In this way the human race will be assured of peace, goodwill, happiness, and contentment.

XIII. SHIFT OF EMPHASIS IN EDUCATION

It is time to gear our educational system to our economic development program. Since up-to-date textbooks and modern equipment essential to efficient instruction are not being supplied adequately to our schools, their acquisition through sufficient appropriation should be given serious consideration.

XIV. PROMOTION OF TOURISM AND CULTURE

As a means of augmenting our foreign earnings, we must promote tourism and improve local facilities to take care of the increased passenger and cargo traffic that passes through our country. Our cultural landmarks and public places must be kept in good condition, and new facilities for cultural expression and preservation must be provided. Art is dear to the Filipino soul.

XV. EXPANSION OF SOCIAL SERVICES

We must improve and expand our social services. To the many measures long in effect to promote this objective, was added only five months ago the Social Security Law which provides a system of mass insurance covering the non-governmental sector against disability, sickness, old age, and death. Before the passage of the law, less than three per cent of our nine million labor force enjoyed the protection of social insurance.

The combined savings of non-governmental employees augmented by the contribution, of employers have already placed in the coffers of the system the sum of P9 million which, invested in RFC bonds, has become available for economic development. In time, the system will be one of the richest sources of such capital. It appears advisable, however, that the law creating the system be amended to improve the benefits and conditions of membership and to make the system a more effective source of funds for economic development.

XVI. PUBLIC SERVICE

I shall continue to insist on honesty and integrity in the public service. I must serve stern warning that erring public servants will be dealt with severely but justly. Deserving employees, however, will be rewarded. This Administration will exert its utmost in combating all forms of graft and corruption in the government.

gentlemen of the congress: I have tried to report to you the true state of the nation. In addition to the recommendations I have submitted, I may from time to time during your session submit other recommendations for your consideration. I am sure that with the guidance of the Divine Providence and the unstinted cooperation of Congress, which counts among its members some of the finest minds and talents in our country, we shall in this crucial year begin our tenure by meeting the great expectations of our people with decisiveness, swiftness, boldness, and patriotism.


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 among them. I imagine that the facts upon which this opinion is founded have never been sufficiently investigated. The Wanzcy-tree, under which their kings are crowned, is avowedly worshipped for a god in every tribe. They have certain stones also, for an object of their devotion, which I never could sufficiently understand to give further description of them. But they certainly pay adoration to the moon, especially the new moon, for of this I have frequently been a witness. They likewise worship certain stars in particular positions, and at different times of the year, and are, in my opinion, still in the ancient religion of Sabaism. All of them believe that, after death, they are to live again; that they are to rise with their body, as they were on earth, to enter into another life they know not where, but they are to be in a state of body infinitely more perfect than the present, and are to die no more, nor suffer grief, sickness, or trouble of any kind. They have very obscure, or no ideas at all of future punishment; but their reward is to be a moderate state of enjoyment with the same family and persons with which they lived on earth. And this is very nearly the same belief with the other Pagan nations in Africa with which I have conversed intimately; and this is what writers generally call a belief of the immortality of the foul. Nor did I ever know one savage that had a more distinct idea of it, or ever separated it from the immortality of the body.

Galla to the south are mostly Mahometans; on the east and west chiefly Pagans. They intermarry with each other, but suffer no strangers to live among them. The Moors, however, by courage, patience, and attention, have found out the means of trading with them in a tolerable

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 regards religous [sic] revelations, of which he had a dim presentiment, but, as Thode has shown, she set him the example of singing them in her verses. It was during the early days of their friendship that the first “Spiritual Sonnets” of Vittoria appeared. She sent them to her friend as soon as she had written them.

He found a consolatory charm, a new life in them. A beautiful sonnet which he addressed to her in reply bears witness to his tender gratitude:

“Blessed spirit who, by your ardent love, keeps my old heart, so near the point of death, alive, and who, in the midst of your possessions and your pleasures, distinguish me alone among so many nobler beings—so you appeared formerly to my eyes, so now, in order to console me, you show yourself to my soul. … That is the reason why, receiving this favour from you, who think of me in my troubles, I write to thank you. For it would be a piece of great presumption and a great shame if I offered


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, of the same materials, to build a palace for him at the southmost end of this peninsula, which is called Gorgora. It was with amazement mixed with terror that they saw a house rise upon house, for so they call the different storeys.

here displayed his whole ingenuity, and the extent of his abilities. He alone was architect, mason, smith, and carpenter, and with equal dexterity managed all the instruments used by each profession in the several stages of the work. The palace was what we shall call wainscoted with cedar, divided into state-rooms, and private apartments likewise for the queen and nobility of both sexes that formed the court, with accommodations and lodgings for guards and servants.

the king had at that time a view to attack the rebels, the Agows and Damots, and to check the inroads of the Galla into Gojam, he saw with pleasure a work going on that provided the most commodious residence where his occupation in all probability was chiefly to lie. His principal aim was to bring into his kingdom a number of Portuguese troops, which, joined to those already there, and the converts he proposed to make after embracing the Catholic religion, might enable him to extirpate that rebellious spirit which seemed now universally to have taken possession of the hearts of his subjects, and especially of the clergy, of late taught, he did not seem to know how, that most dangerous privilege of cursing and excommunicating kings. He had not seen in Peter Paez and his fellow-priests any thing but submission, and a love of monarchy; their lives and manners were truly apostolical; and he never thought, till he came afterwards to be convinced upon proof, that


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 Last Judgment.” The one who cried the loudest was Aretino. This master of pornographic literature undertook to give lessons in decency to the chaste Michael Angelo! He wrote him an impudent Tartuffe-like letter, accusing him of having represented “things which would have made a house of debauchery blush,” and denouncing him to the rising Inquisition for ungodliness, “for unbelief,” he said, “would be a less crime than this of attacking the faith of others.” He advised the Pope to destroy the fresco. In addition to his denunciation of Lutheranism, he made ignoble insinuations regarding Michael Angelo’s morals, and, in conclusion, he accused him of having robbed Julius II. To this infamous blackmailing letter, in which everything that was most


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 he might not, therefore, have two enemies at such a distance from each other upon his hands at once, this year, as soon as the rains were over, he determined to march and attack the basha. The basha was very soon informed of his designs, and as soon prepared to meet them; so that the king found him already in the field, encamped on his own side of the Mareb, but without having committed, till then, any act of hostility. He marched out of his camp, and formed, upon seeing the royal army approach; leaving a sufficient field for the king to draw up in, if he should incline to cross the river, and attack him.

confident, rather than prudent conduct of the basha, did not intimidate the king, who being used to improve ever)' advantage coolly, and without bravado, embraced this very opportunity his enemy chose to give him. He formed, therefore, on his own side of the Mareb, and passed it in as good order as possible, considering it is a swift stream, and very deep at that season of the year. He halted several times while his men were in the water, to put them again in order, as if he had expected to be attacked the moment he landed on the other side. The basha, a man of knowledge in his profession, who saw this cautious conduct of the king, is laid to have cried out, "How unlike he is to what I have heard of his father!" alluding to the general rash behaviour of the late king Menas whilst at the head of his army.

having left all his baggage on the other side, and palled the river, drew up his army in the same deliberate manner in which he had crossed the Mareb, and formed opposite to the basha; as if he had been acting


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128 XXVI

SONG


text: Song (Emily Brontë 5)

title: Song (Emily Brontë 5)


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 the patriarch from Rome, and the Abuna from Cairo, tho' they differed in their opinion as to the two natures in Christ, did both heartily agree in the desire of erecting ecclesiastical dominion and tyranny upon the ruins of monarchy and civil power, and of effecting a total subordination of the civil government, either to the chairs of St Mark or St Peter.

the winter, during the cessation from work, Socinios called Paez from Gorgora to Coga, where he enlarged the territory the Jesuits then had at Fremona. After which he declared to him his resolution to embrace the Catholic religion; and, as Paez says, presented him with two letters, one to the king of Portugal, the other to the pope: the first dated the 10th of December 1607, the latter the 14th of October of the same year. These letters say not a word of his intended conversion, nor of submission to the see of Rome; but complain only of the disorderly state of his kingdom, and the constant inroads of the Galla, earnestly requesting a number of Portuguese soldiers to free them from their yoke, as formerly, under the conduct of Christopher de Gama, they had delivered Abyssinia from that of the Moors.

these things passed at Coga, two pieces of intelligence were brought to the king, both very material in themselves, but which affected him very differently. The first was, that the traitor Za Selaffe, while making one of his incursions into Gojam, had fallen into an ambush laid for him by the Tolunia Galla, guardians of that province on the banks of the Nile, and that these Pagans had slain him and cut off his head, which they then presented to the


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162 XLV

GERALDINE

night, her comrades gathered all

Within their city's rocky wall;

When flowers were closed and day was o'er

Their joyous hearts awoke the more.

But lonely in her distant cave

She heard the river's restless wave

Chafing its banks with dreamy flow,

Music for mirth and wail for woe.

Palm trees and cedars towering high

Deepened the gloom of evening's sky,

And thick did raven ringlets veil

Her forehead, drooped like lily pale.

Yet I could hear my lady sing;

I knew she did not mourn;

For never yet from sorrow's spring

Such witching notes were born.

Thus poured she in that cavern wild

The voice of feelings warm,

As bending o'er her beauteous child

She clasped its sleeping form.


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Rh XLIX

ASPIN CASTLE

do I love on summer night

To sit within this Norman door,

Whose sombre portal hides the light,

Thickening above me evermore.

How do I love to hear the flow

Of Aspin's water murmuring low,

And hours long listen to the breeze

That sighs in Beckden's waving trees.

To-night there is no wind to wake

One ripple in the lovely lake;

To-night the clouds, subdued and grey,

Starlight and moonlight shut away.

'Tis calm and still and almost drear,

So utter is the solitude;

But still I love to linger here,

And form my mood to Nature's mood.

There's a wild walk beneath the rocks

Following the bend of Aspin's side,

Tis worn by feet of mountain-flocks

That wander down to drink the tide.


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178 L

ON THE FALL OF ZALONA

blue and bright in golden light

The morn comes marching on,

And now Zalona's steeples white

Glow golden in the sun.

This day might be a festal day;

The streets are crowded all,

And emerald flags stream broad and gay

From turret, tower and wall.

And hark! how music evermore

Is sounding in the sky;

The deep bells boom, the cannon roar,

The trumpets sound on high.

The deep bells boom, the deep bells clash,

Upon the reeling air,

The cannon with unceasing crash

Make answer far and near.

What do these brazen tongues proclaim?

What joyous fête begun,

What offering to our country's fame,

What noble victory won?


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 king, who ordered it to be exposed on the lance whereon it was fixed, in the most conspicuous place in the front of his palace.

was the end of Ras Za Selasse, a name held in detestation to this day throughout all Abyssinia. Though his death was just such as it ought to have been, yet, as it was in an advanced time of life, he still became a hurtful example, by shewing that it was possible for a man to live to old age in the continual practice of murder and treason.

was of low birth, as I have already observed, of a Pagan nation of Troglodytes, of the lowest esteem in Abyssinia, employed always in the meanest and most servile occupations, in which capacity he served first in a private family. Being observed to have an active, quick turn of mind, he was preferred to the service of Melec Segued, upon whose death he was so much esteemed by his son Jacob, for the expertness and capacity he shewed in business, that he gave him large possessions, and appointed him afterwards to several ranks in the army; having regularly advanced through the subordinate degrees of military command, always with great success, he was made at last general; and being now of importance sufficient to be able to ruin his benefactor, he joined Ras Athanasius, who had rebelled against Jacob, by whom he was taken prisoner, and, being mercifully dealt with, only banished to Narea. From this disgraceful situation he was freed by Za Denghel, who conferred upon him the most lucrative important employment in the Hate. In return, he rebelled against Za Denghel; and at Bartcho deprived him of his kingdom and life. Upon Jacob's accession he was appointed Betwudet, the first


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Rh LVIII


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 degree of safety. The goods they carry are coarse Surat blue cloaths, called marowty; also myrrh and fair. This last is the principal and most valuable article.

Galla sometimes marry the Abyssinian women, but the issue of those marriages are incapable of all employment. Their form of marriage is the following: The bridegroom, standing before the parents of the bride, holds grass in his right hand and the dung of a cow in his left. He then says, "May this never enter, nor this ever come out," if he does not do what he promises; "that is, may the grass never enter the cow's mouth to feed it, or may she die before it is discharged. Matrimonial vows, moreover, are very simple; he swears to his bride that he shall give her meat and drink, while living, and bury her when dead.

is allowed among them, but the men are commonly content with one wife. Such, indeed, is their moderation in this respect, that it is the women that solicit the men to increase the number of their wives. The love of their children seems to get a speedy ascendency over passion and pleasure, and is a noble part of the character of these savages that ought not to be forgot. A young woman, having a child or two by her husband, intreats and solicits him that he would take another wife, when she names to him all the beautiful girls of her acquaintance, especially those that she thinks likeliest to have large families. After the husband has made his choice, she goes to the tent of the young woman, and fits behind it in a supplicant posture, till she has excited the attention of the family within. She then, with an audible voice, declares who she is; that she is daughter of such a one; that her husband


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 The same may be done with an ordinary Sea Compass, so it have a Circle towards the Limb of the Card, divided into Degrees, by fastening a small Thread, Lute-string or Wire (not of Iron) so upon it, as to pass just over the Center of that Circle; and placing a strait piece of wood or Brass-wire perpendicular on the edge of the Box at the end of the Thread, and turning it to the Sun, till the Shadow of it fall just upon the Thread: then observe, what Degree of the Circle on the Card the Thread cuts, by looking plum upon it; and that is the Suns Magnetical Azimuth.

But to have the Variation to Degrees and Minutes (which is most definable) then the Observation last mention'd must be made with a Quadrant, Sextant, or some such other Instrument, so large as to admit of the division of a Degree into Minutes; which will require the Radius to be about three foot; the larger the better. If a Quadrant, then, it being laid flat, and the Square Box with the Needle placed upon it, move the Quadrant to and again, till that side of it, on which the Box is placed, lie parallel to the Needle, when at quiet: Then the Sight of the Quadrant being slid along the Rimb of it, till the Sun shine on both its sides at the same time, the Mid-Line, that divides equally the Sight, when the Sun shines upon it through the slit, will mark the Degree. and Minute of the Suns Magnetical Azimuth. All which is easie to be put in practice.

And if many such Observations be made by Several persons at the same place; and by the same or other persons distant from one another, 1.10.20. or more Years; Not only will the Compass become more useful then formerly, even to be conducive possibly to the finding the Lougitude at Sea, at least in some places: but the variation of the Variation of the Needle being known in different places, all will be reduced to Rules, and so from hence, Philosophical or Natural Knowledg, will probably be enlarged by a happy discovery of the true cause of the Verticity, or Directive faculty of the Loadstone; one of the Noblest and most abstruce Phænomena, that falls under the cognizance of humane Reason.

To find this variation by the Stars, is so easie, as every Master can do it; seeing there is no more requisite, than to find out the true North, that is the Meridian, and compare the Needles on


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 him, and by his orders, availing himself with great attention of all the advantages the ground could afford him. The basha, confident in the superior valour of his troops, thought, now he had got the king between him and the river, that he would easily that day finish Sertza Denghel's life and reign.

battle began with the most determined resolution and vigour on both sides. The Abyssinian foot drove back the Turkish infantry; and the king, dismounting from his horse, with his lance and shield in his hand, and charging at their head, animated them to preserve that advantage. On the other hand, the basha, who had soon put to flight part of the Abyssinian horse with whom he had engaged, fell furiously upon the foot commanded by the king, the Turks making a great carnage among them with their sabres, and the affair became but doubtful, when Robel, gentleman of the bed-chamber to the king, who commanded the pike-men on horseback, part of the king's household troops, seeing his master's danger, charged the Turkish horse where he saw the basha in person, and, clearing his way, broke his pike upon an officer of the basha who carried the standard immediately before him, and threw him dead at his feet. Being without other arms, he then drew the short crooked knife which the Abyssinians always carry in their girdle, and, pushing up his horse close before the basha could recover from his surprise, he plunged it in his throat, so that he expired instantly. So unlooked for a spectacle struck a panic into the troops. The Turkish horse first turned their backs, and a general route followed.


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 the king's horse had passed the ravine, the Galla were alarmed, and mounted on horseback. As they never fight in order, it required no time to form; but they received the king's cavalry so rudely, that, though Emana Christos and the young prince behaved with the utmost courage, they were beat back, and obliged to fly with considerable loss, being entangled in the bushes. No sooner did the king observe that his horse were engaged, than he ordered his troops to pass the ravine to support them, and was desirous to bring on a general engagement. But a panic had seized his troops. They would not stir, but seemed benumbed and overcome by the cold of the morning, spectators of the ruin of the cavalry.

, and those of the cavalry that had escaped the massacre, had repassed the ravine, and dispersed themselves in the front of the foot; while the victorious Marawa, like ignorant savages, pushed their victory to the very front of the king's line, Socinios, ordering all the drums of the army to beat and trumpets to found, to excite some spirit in his troops, advanced himself before any of his soldiers, and slew the first Galla within his reach with his own hands. The example and danger the king exposed himself to, raised the indignation of the troops. They poured in crowds, without regarding order, upon the Marawa, great part of whom had already passed the ravine, and all that had passed it were cut to pieces.

Galla, unable to stand this loss, fled from the field, and immediately after left Begemder. The want of horse on the king's part saved their whole army from the destruction which would infallibly have been the consequence of


text:
Geraldine

 * Geraldine, a poem by Emily Brontë
 * Geraldine, a poem by Letitia Elizabeth Landon

title: Geraldine


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 with it. By this means, the variation may be had well enough to degrees, half degrees, and some smaller parts; and if carefully and curiously prosecuted, even to Minutes too. But it will not be amiss, to do it both by the Sun and Stars, that the greater certainty may be attained.

He Dipping-Needle is to be used at least as Frequently as the former Experiment is made, and in the same places, in order to the same purposes. All that needs be said of the Manner, is, that when the Dipping of the Needle is to be examined, the Circle, in which it moves, is to be hung perpendicular, and turned, till it be just in the Magnetical Meridian, where it dippeth most, and the degree of its depression under the Horizon is to be noted in a Table. See Figure 1.

He Particulars here to be regarded, are, 1. The precise times of the beginnings of the Flood and Ebb, in all Rivers, Bayes, at Promontories, Capes, and in all Roads, Harbours, &c. 2. Which way Currents run in all places, with their Times, Changes, &c. 3. What perpendicular Distance there is, between the highest reach of the Tide, and lowest of the Ebb, both of all Spring-Tides and Neap-Tides, with their irregularities, &c. 4. What day of the Moon's age, and what times of the Year the highest and lowest Tides fall out: And all other considerable Accidents observable in Tides, chiefly in and near all Sea-ports, Harbours, Roads, Islands, &c. as St. Helens Island, Bermuda. 5. The position of the Wind at every Observation of the Tides, &c. 4. To


text: The Boy Travellers in Australasia

title: The Boy Travellers in Australasia


text: The Boy Travellers in Australasia/Preface


text: The Boy Travellers in Australasia/Contents


text: The Boy Travellers in Australasia/Illustrations


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O perform this, take a Globe of Firr, or Maple, or other light wood, as A, let it be well secured by Vernish, Pitch, or otherwise, from imbibing Water, then take a piece of Lead or stone, D, considerably heavier than will sink the Globe: Let there be a long


text: The Boy Travellers in Australasia/Chapter 1


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 And it is for that reason, Christians, that I love you, for I pity you. I pity you and admire your melancholy. You sadden the world, but you beautify it. The world will be poorer when your sorrow is no longer there. In this age of cowards, who tremble when face to face with sorrow and noisily lay claim to their right to happiness, which, as often as not, is the right to the unhappiness of others, let us have the courage to look sorrow in the face and venerate it! Blessed be joy, but blessed also be sorrow! One is the sister to the other and both are saints! They make the world and expand the souls of the great. They are strength, they are life, they are God! He who loves not both of them, loves neither the one nor the other. And he who has relished them knows the value of life and the sweetness of leaving it.

At the end of this tragic history I am tormented by a scruple. I ask myself whether, in wishing to give those who suffer companions of sorrow to support them, I have not added the sorrow of the latter to that of the former. Ought I not rather to have shown, as so many others have done, only the heroic side of the life of my hero, and to have thrown a veil over his sadness?

No! Truth above all things! I have not promised my friends happiness at the price of a lie—happiness in any and every case, at no matter what cost. I promised them truth, even at the price of happiness—virile truth which fashions eternal souls. Its breath is rough, but it is pure. Let us bathe our anaemic hearts in it.

Great souls are like mountain summits. The wind

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 beats upon them, clouds envelop them; but we breathe better and deeper there than elsewhere. The air on those heights possesses a purity which cleanses the heart of its defilements, and when the clouds part we dominate the human race.

Such was that colossal mountain which towered above the Italy of the Renaissance and whose tortured profile we see far away in the sky.

I do not claim that the generality of mankind can live on those summits, but that once a year they ought to ascend them on a pilgrimage. There they will renew the air of their lungs and the blood of their veins. Up there they will feel that they are nearer the Eternal. And afterwards they will descend towards the plains of life with their hearts tempered for the daily struggle.

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 long Wine-staple B in the Ball A, and a springing wire C, with a bended end F, and into the said Staple, press in with your fingers the springing Wire on the bended end: and on it hang the weight D, by its hook E, and so let Globe and all sink gently into the water, in the posture represented in the said Figure, to the bottom, where the weight D touching first, is thereby stopt; but the Ball, being by the Impetus it acquired in descending, carried downwards a little after the weight is stopt, suffers the springing Wire to fly back, and thereby sets it self at liberty to re-ascend. And by observing the time of the Ball's stay under water (which may be done by a Watch, having Minutes and Seconds; or by a good Minute-Glass; or best of all, by a Pendulum, vibrating Seconds; the which must be three foot, three inches, and one fifth of an inch long, viz. between the middle of the Bullet and the upper end of the Thread, where it is fastned, or held when it vibrates.) You may by this way, with the help of some Tables, come to know any depth of the Sea.

Note, That care must be had of proportioning the weight and shape of the Lead, to the bulk, weight, and figure of the Globe, after such a manner, as upon experience shall be found most convenient.

In some of the Trials already made 'with this Instrument, the Globe being of Maple-wood, well covered with Pitch, to hinder soaking in, was 5 inches in Diameter, and weighed 2½ pounds; the Lead, of 4½ pounds weight, was of a Conical (but is now used of a Globous) Figure 11 inches long, with the sharper end downwards, 1 at the bottom in Diameter. And, in those Experiments made in the Thames, in the depth of 19 foot water, there passed between the Immersion and Emersion of the Globe, 6 Seconds of an hour; and in the depth of 10 foot water, there passed 3½, Seconds, or thereabouts: From many of which kind of Experiments, it will likely not be hard to find out a method to calculate, what depth is to be concluded from any time of the like Globes stay under water: As for instance, if in the depth of 20 fathom, measured by the Line, the Globe stay under water 15 Seconds; then if the Ball stay 600 Seconds, the depth of the Sea is 933 fathom and 2 foot, if the Ball be found to move equal spaces in equal time. In


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 In the same Trials made with this Instrument in the said River of Thames, it has been found, that there was no difference in time, between the submersions of the Ball at the greatest depth, when it rose two Wherry's length from the place where it was let fall (being carried by the Current of the Tyde) and when it rose onely a Yard, or so, from the same place, where it was let down: And that it must be so in great depths and stronger Currents, is as certain, as easie to be demonstrated.

And if it be alledged, that it must be known, when a Light Body ascends from the bottom of the Water to the Top, in what proportion of time it rises; it may be considered, that in this Experiment the times of the Descent and Ascent are both taken and computed together; so that, for this purpose, there needs not the nicety, which is alledged.

F other Experiments of this way of sounding without a Line, made by the Noble Lord Viscount Brounker, Sir Robert Moray Knight, and Mr. Hook, in the Channel at Sheerness; the following account was given, Vid.

The Ball (B) and the Lead (B) were let down at 16 fathom 5 and the Ball returned in 48 single strokes of a Pendulum, held in the hand, vibrating 58 single strokes in a Minute.

A second time repeated with the same success; therefore, the motion was 4 foot every second.

Again the Ball (A) and the Lead (B) whose Nail was bended into a sharper Angle; the Ball returned in 39 strokes. A second time repeated with the same success at the same depth.

Ball (B) Lead (B:) in which trial the Line, not being clear, stopped a little the motion; the Ball returned in 47 at the same depth. Rh


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is a point of prestige with what is called the Higher Criticism in all branches to proclaim that certain popular texts and authorities are "late," and therefore apparently worthless. Two similar events are always the same event, and the later alone is even credible. This fanaticism is often in mere fact mistaken; it ignores the most common coincidences of human life: and some future critic will probably say that the tale of the Tower of Babel cannot be older than the Eiffel Tower, because there was certainly a confusion of tongues at the Paris Exhibition. Most of the mediæval remains familiar to the modern reader are necessarily "late," such as Chaucer or the Robin Hood ballads; but they are none the less, to a wiser criticism, worthy of attention and even trust. That which lingers after an epoch is generally that which lived most luxuriantly in it. It is an excellent habit to read history backwards. It is far wiser for a modern man to read the Middle Ages backwards from Shakespeare, whom he can judge for himself, and who yet is crammed Rh


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Rh with the Middle Ages, than to attempt to read them forwards from Cædmon, of whom he can know nothing, and of whom even the authorities he must trust know very little. If this be true of Shakespeare, it is even truer, of course, of Chaucer. If we really want to know what was strongest in the twelfth century, it is no bad way to ask what remained of it in the fourteenth. When the average reader turns to the "Canterbury Tales," which are still as amusing as Dickens yet as mediæval as Durham Cathedral, what is the very first question to be asked? Why, for instance, are they called Canterbury Tales; and what were the pilgrims doing on the road to Canterbury? They were, of course, taking part in a popular festival like a modern public holiday, though much more genial and leisurely. Nor are we, perhaps, prepared to accept it as a self-evident step in progress that their holidays were derived from saints, while ours are dictated by bankers.

It is almost necessary to say nowadays that a saint means a very good man. The notion of an eminence merely moral, consistent with complete stupidity or unsuccess, is a revolutionary image grown unfamiliar by its very familiarity, and needing, as do so many things of this older society, some almost preposterous modern parallel to give its original freshness and point. If we entered a foreign town and found a pillar like the Nelson Column, we should be surprised to learn that the hero on the top of it had been famous for his politeness and hilarity during a chronic toothache. Rh


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Rh If a procession came down the street with a brass band and a hero on a white horse, we should think it odd to be told that he had been very patient with a half-witted maiden aunt. Yet some such pantomime impossibility is the only measure of the innovation of the Christian idea of a popular and recognized saint. It must especially be realized that while this kind of glory was the highest, it was also in a sense the lowest. The materials of it were almost the same as those of labour and domesticity: it did not need the sword or sceptre, but rather the staff or spade. It was the ambition of poverty. All this must be approximately visualized before we catch a glimpse of the great effects of the story which lay behind the Canterbury Pilgrimage.

The first few lines of Chaucer's poem, to say nothing of thousands in the course of it, make it instantly plain that it was no case of secular revels still linked by a slight ritual to the name of some forgotten god, as may have happened in the pagan decline. Chaucer and his friends did think about St. Thomas, at least more frequently than a clerk at Margate thinks about St. Lubbock. They did definitely believe in the bodily cures wrought for them through St. Thomas, at least as firmly as the most enlightened and progressive modern can believe in those of Mrs. Eddy. Who was St. Thomas, to whose shrine the whole of that society is thus seen in the act of moving; and why was he so important? If there be a streak of sincerity in the claim to teach social and Rh


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Rh history, instead of a string of kings and battles, this is the obvious and open gate by which to approach the figure which disputed England with the first Plantagenet. A real popular history should think more of his popularity even than his policy. And unquestionably thousands of ploughmen, carpenters, cooks, and yeomen, as in the motley crowd of Chaucer, knew a great deal about St. Thomas when they had never even heard of Becket.

It would be easy to detail what followed the Conquest as the feudal tangle that it was, till a prince from Anjou repeated the unifying effort of the Conqueror. It is found equally easy to write of the Red King's hunting instead of his building, which has lasted longer, and which he probably loved much more. It is easy to catalogue the questions he disputed with Anselm—leaving out the question Anselm cared most about, and which he asked with explosive simplicity, as, "Why was God a man?" All this is as simple as saying that a king died of eating lampreys, from which, however, there is little to learn nowadays, unless it be that when a modern monarch perishes of gluttony the newspapers seldom say so. But if we want to know what really happened to England in this dim epoch, I think it can be dimly but truly traced in the story of St. Thomas of Canterbury.

Henry of Anjou, who brought fresh French blood into the monarchy, brought also a refreshment of the idea for which the French have always Rh


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 Ball (A) Lead (A) at 8 fathom and 1 foot, returned at 20; repeated at 8 fathom, returned at 19.

Tried the third time at 10 fathom and 4 foot, return'd at 28.

A fourth Trial, at the same depth, just the same.

A fifth, at 10 fathom, 5 foot, returned in 27.

A sixth Trial, just the same.

A seventh, at 12 fathom, 5 Foot returned in 37.

An eighth Trial, just the same,

Another Day, near the same place.

Note, That the Pendulum was this Day adjusted, and made a little shorter, there having been but 58 vibrations in a Minute, the other day.

Ball (A) Lead (B) at 14 fathom, returned in 32½.

A second Trial, a little after in the same place, returned in 33. In making of which Trial, the Vibrations were told aloud, and the Lead having been let down by a Line, was found to touch the bottom in just half the time, the Ball staid under water. By a second Trial, the ascending and descending was found to be in equal times. And by a third Trial with another Lead, the very same found, vid. 16½ descending, and 16½ ascending. This Lead and Ball let down without a Line, the Ball returned in 13 vibrations; a sign it went not to the bottom.

A Trial made with a Lead, whose Iron-Crook was fasten'd at the top of it (like that in the Figure 3) succeeded very well, and the Ball returned in 34½: But by reason of the Current, the Experimenters could not perceive, when the Lead touched the bottom. This Lead being let down without a Line, the Ball returned in 32½. The depth of the water was now found by the Ships Lead, to be 14 fathom.

Another Trial was made with a Line, bowing the point of the Lead (like that in the Fig. 4) and the Ball return'd in 34. The same let down without a Line, the Ball return'd in 6 or 7 vibrations; a sign again, it went not to the bottom.

In a Trial with another Lead, the Ball return'd in 34.

Repeated again with the same success. In


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Rh stood: the idea in the Roman Law of something impersonal and omnipresent. It is the thing we smile at even in a small French detective story; when Justice opens a handbag or Justice runs after a cab. Henry II. really produced this impression of being a police force in person; a contemporary priest compared his restless vigilance to the bird and the fish of scripture whose way no man knoweth. Kinghood, however, meant law and not caprice; its ideal at least was a justice cheap and obvious as daylight, an atmosphere which lingers only in popular phrases about the King's English or the King's highway. But though it tended to be egalitarian it did not, of itself, tend to be humanitarian. In modern France, as in ancient Rome, the other name of Justice has sometimes been Terror. The Frenchman especially is always a Revolutionist—and never an Anarchist. Now this effort of kings like Henry II. to rebuild on a plan like that of the Roman Law was not only, of course, crossed and entangled by countless feudal fancies and feelings in themselves as well as others, it was also conditioned by what was the corner-stone of the whole civilization. It had to happen not only with but within the Church. For a Church was to these men rather a world they lived in than a building to which they went. Without the Church the Middle Ages would have had no law, as without the Church the Reformation would have had no Bible. Many priests expounded and embellished the Roman Law, and many priests Rh


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Rh supported Henry II. And yet there was another element in the Church, stored in its first foundations like dynamite, and destined in every age to destroy and renew the world. An idealism akin to impossibilism ran down the ages parallel to all its political compromises. Monasticism itself was the throwing off of innumerable Utopias, without posterity yet with perpetuity. It had, as was proved recurrently after corrupt epochs, a strange secret of getting poor quickly; a mushroom magnificence of destitution. This wind of revolution in the crusading time caught Francis in Assissi and stripped him of his rich garments in the street. The same wind of revolution suddenly smote Thomas Becket, King Henry's brilliant and luxurious Chancellor, and drove him on to an unearthly glory and a bloody end.

Becket was a type of those historic times in which it is really very practical to be impracticable. The quarrel which tore him from his friend's side cannot be appreciated in the light of those legal and constitutional debates which the misfortunes of the seventeenth century have made so much of in more recent history. To convict St. Thomas of illegality and clerical intrigue, when he set the law of the Church against that of the State, is about as adequate as to convict St. Francis of bad heraldry when he said he was the brother of the sun and moon. There may have been heralds stupid enough to say so even in that much more logical age, but it is no sufficient way of dealing with visions or Rh


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Rh with revolutions. St. Thomas of Canterbury was a great visionary and a great revolutionist, but so far as England was concerned his revolution failed and his vision was not fulfilled. We are therefore told in the text-books little more than that he wrangled with the King about certain regulations; the most crucial being whether "criminous clerks" should be punished by the State or the Church. And this was indeed the chief text of the dispute; but to realise it we must reiterate what is hardest for modern England to understand—the nature of the Catholic Church when it was itself a government, and the permanent sense in which it was itself a revolution.

It is always the first fact that escapes notice; and the first fact about the Church was that it created a machinery of pardon where the State could only work with a machinery of punishment. It claimed to be a divine detective who helped the criminal to escape by a plea of guilty. It was, therefore in the very nature of the institution that when it did punish materially it punished more lightly. If any modern man were put back in the Becket quarrel, his sympathies would certainly be torn in two; for if the King's scheme was the more rational, the Archbishop's was the more humane. And despite the horrors that darkened religious disputes long afterwards, this character was certainly in the bulk the historic character of Church government. It is admitted for instance, that things like eviction or the harsh treatment of tenants, was practically unknown Rh