The Philippine Islands are but imperfectly known.Though my visit was a short one, I enjoyed many advantages, fromimmediate and constant intercourse with the various authorities and themost friendly reception by the natives of every class.

The information I sought was invariably communicated with courtesyand readiness; and by this publication something will, I hope, becontributed to the store of useful knowledge.

The mighty “tide of tendency” is giving more and moreimportance to the Oriental world. Its resources, as they become betterknown, will be more rapidly developed. They are promising fields, whichwill encourage and reward adventure; inviting receptacles for thesuperfluities of European wealth, activity, and intelligence, whosestreams will flow back [vi]upon their sources withever-augmenting contributions. Commerce will complete the work in peaceand prosperity, which conquest began in perturbation and peril.Whatever clouds may hang over portions of the globe, there is abrighter dawning, a wider sunrise, over the whole; and the flights oftime, and the explorings of space, are alike helping the“infinite progression” of good.

J. B. [vii]