Days of the Empire explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Cultural Encounter and Colonialism

  The chapter highlights the complex interactions between Americans and Filipinos, including the Commission's friendly handshakes and the military's disdain, as well as the use of interpreters and the celebration of Washington's Birthday.

• Politics and Governance

  The struggle between military and civil authorities over the pace of self-government, the establishment of provincial governments, and the impact of McKinley's reelection on U.S. policy.

• Family and Domestic Life

  The Taft family's attempt to maintain Christmas traditions in the tropics, the anticipation of a box from Cincinnati, and the children's efforts to imagine a cold holiday.

• Adaptation to Change

  The Tafts and the Commission adapt to the uncertainty of early rule, eventually settling into a routine of civic work and social engagement despite the heat and instability.

Characters to notice

• William Howard Taft

  Leads the Civil Commission in establishing provincial governments, reads and explains the Provincial Code, and engages in friendly diplomacy with Filipinos.

• Helen Herron Taft

  Describes the suspense of early life in Manila, the disappointment of the missing Christmas box, and participates in the Bataan visit.

• General Arthur MacArthur

  Gives a reception at Malacañan, initially opposes civil government but later admits the Commission's work has positive effects.

• General Luke E. Wright

  Delivers the American speech at the Washington's Birthday celebration, appealing for peaceful cooperation.

• Arthur Fergusson

  Serves as Secretary-interpreter, translating speeches with poetic fervor into Spanish.

• Maria Herron

  Aunt Maria shares in the excitement over the expected Christmas box from Cincinnati.

• William McKinley

  His reelection in 1900 solidifies American presence in the Philippines; communicates intention to install civil Governor.

• Elihu Root

  Receives Taft's humorous letter about native hospitality; communicates McKinley's plan to abolish military governorship.

Key passages

• “The “Christmas spirit” does not thrive in a temperature of eighty-odd degrees, and I think I would have taken little interest in preparations for the holidays had not my children been there to remind me that Christmas is Christmas no matter what the thermometer may say about it.”

  The heat made it hard to feel festive, but the children insisted on celebrating Christmas regardless of the weather.

  Illustrates the challenge of maintaining cultural traditions in a tropical climate.

• “Never was Washington’s birthday so celebrated, and it marked a new era of mutual toleration which was to grow into sympathetic understanding disturbed only by the agitation of the few whose aspirations were in no way in those days shared or condoned by the many.”

  The Washington's Birthday celebration was unprecedented and signaled a period of growing goodwill between Americans and Filipinos, despite opposition from a minority.

  Highlights the symbolic importance of the event in fostering cooperation.

• “That the Army officers did not approve of our cordiality toward the Filipinos can hardly be wondered at. They had been subjected to the risks of a campaign of ambush and assassination for many months, and even then they were trying to bring in a band of about one hundred and fifty insurrectos, with as many rifles, who were hiding in the Meriveles Mountains and preying upon the people; so, it was natural for them to think that a policy of disdain and severity was the only one suited to the apparent unreliability and deceitfulness of the native.”

  The military's harsh view of Filipinos was understandable given their recent combat experience, but the Commission's friendly approach proved effective.

  Explains the tension between military and civil approaches to governance.