First Impressions of Manila explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Public Service and Duty

  Mr. Taft's daily routine—working from eight in the morning, reviewing legislation, meeting with diverse petitioners—exemplifies a dedicated public servant. The chapter contrasts civil moderation with military power as competing approaches to governance.

• Cultural Encounter and Colonialism

  The chapter highlights the clash of American and Filipino cultures: the inefficiency of local labor, the use of Spanish in official dealings, and the Commission's efforts to understand local customs. The editorial in El Progreso reflects Filipino and Spanish perspectives on American rule.

• Family and Domestic Life

  Helen Taft's arrival and her efforts to make a home in Manila, the challenges of managing a household with reluctant servants, and the quiet domestic life of the Tafts at Malate contrast with the political turmoil outside.

• Politics and Governance

  The chapter details the Commission's legislative work, the tension between civil and military authority, and the impact of the U.S. presidential election on Philippine policy. The possibility of Bryan's election threatens to undo the Commission's efforts.

Characters to notice

• William Howard Taft

  President of the Philippine Commission; described as industrious, modest, and democratic; works long hours reviewing legislation and meeting with Filipinos; lives quietly with his family in a chalet at Malate.

• Helen Herron Taft

  Narrator of the chapter; arrives in Manila and describes her new home, the challenges of settling in, and the political situation; hosts dinners to build diverse acquaintances.

• General Arthur MacArthur

  Military governor; works long hours studying maps of the Philippines; represents the military perspective alongside the civil commission.

• General Elwell Otis

  Previous military commander; noted for working more than twelve hours a day.

• Arthur Fergusson

  Mr. Taft's athletic secretary; repeats Taft's words in Spanish with gravity and fidelity.

• General Luke E. Wright

  Member of the Philippine Commission; 'kept house' with Mr. Taft for three months before their wives arrived.

• Cayetano Arellano

  Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; owner of the house the Tafts rented; described as the ablest Filipino, a fine lawyer, and a man of high probity; plans to leave if Bryan is elected.

• William Jennings Bryan

  Presidential candidate; his potential election threatens to upend the Commission's work and could lead to a return to military government.

Key passages

• “The President of the American Civil Commission has broad shoulders, but the weight of a people whom patriotism endows with the strength of a colossus is very great.”

  Mr. Taft bears the heavy responsibility of governing a nation whose patriotic fervor gives it immense strength.

  From the El Progreso editorial, illustrating the perceived burden of Taft's role.

• “We knew that Filipino labour was the most expensive labour in the world; since it took ten men to do one American's work.”

  American observers considered Filipino labor inefficient and costly, requiring many workers to accomplish what one American could.

  Helen Taft's observation on the inefficiency of local labor, reflecting colonial attitudes.

• “He is the ablest Filipino in the islands, by far the best lawyer and a man of the highest probity. He says that much as he is interested in the success and prosperity of his fellow citizens, he knows that they are utterly incapable of self-government and should the guiding hand of the United States be withdrawn, chaos, conscription and corruption would follow inevitably.”

  Chief Justice Arellano is the most capable Filipino, an excellent lawyer and honest man, but he believes his countrymen cannot govern themselves and that without U.S. oversight, disorder and corruption would ensue.

  From Taft's letter to his brother, showing Filipino elite support for continued American rule.