Empire of New Castille

[Namayan]

Interesting development so far. Still questions the natives of Borneo are doing quite well in spite of some setback ,still is there going to be some sort of massive revolution at some point in the future as I would imagine that the rise of nationalism , socialism, reform and self determination later on in the 19th century would certainly increase the desire of independence or at least greater autonomy from the home country especially with a literacy rate far higher than Visayans, I'm just saying that unless if there are already taught of this thoroughly or maybe grant them some autonomy early on I would predict some kind of revolution in the 19th or 20th century . Also how different is Spain ,you mention earlier in this timeline that Spain mostly remains the same but are there any changes Spain as of late or I'm just very dumbfounded .

Borneo authorities educate people into Self-identifying as Filipinos, or Andresian Filipinos. It is not educated Borneons one should worry about . It is the other parts of the empire who does not self identify with the Andresians in Luzon and Cebu. ATL Borneo difference with Luzon will probably like the OTL difference between Britain and Australia or Canada. Instead of sharing the British culture shared by Australia/Canada and Britain, Borneo Filipinos are sharing the Andresian culture with Luzon and Cebu. People of the same culture living on different island, part of the globe or different continent.

Externally, Spain sold Cuba and Puerto rico to the USA. Fernando Po Island sold to Philippines. Less commitments abroad. Spain still go parts of Morocco and Spanish Guinea minus Fernando Po Island.

 

[Namayan]

42. Shimonoseki Campaign (1850-1864)

The Chosu daimyo, Mori Takachika, began to take action to expel all foreigners by ordering his forces to fire without warning on all foreign ships traversing Shimonoseki Strait in June 1863. This is despite the order of the shogunate to deal with foreigners peacefully. Many feudal daimyos were resentful of the open-door policy of the shogunate to foreign trade.

For the past year, several battles occurred between the domain and several foreign navies. Diplomatic negotiations were attempted to open the passage. Months passed Japanese who supported the expulsion of the foreigners destroyed foreign property, homes, churches and shipping.

By August 1864, a multinational squadron steamed to open Shimonoseki Strait consisted of 20 British, French, Dutch and Philippine warships together with marines all under the command of Admiral Kuper of the Royal navy.

After less than a month, the allies destroyed Chosu’s capability to wage war on foreign powers.

A ceasefire is drawn up forcing the reparation of 1 million British Pounds. The Tokugawa Shogunate was unable to pay the indemnity and was forced to open more ports to foreign trade.

Bombardment of Shimonoseki by the Allied Fleet​

The Visayan Hiligaynon Fleet contested the landing of the Imperial navy north west of Panay Island near Boracay island in 1864.

The Visayan Hiligaynon fleet is composed of confiscated 2 wooden fifth rate frigates, 4 old Sloops-of-war, 3 screw sloops and the Visayan Flagship Galleon, first rate. The Visayans plated their Galleon with makeshift armor.

The Imperial battle fleet consisted of ironclads HMS Guam, HMS Palau and led by HMS Cebu’s Sister ship HMS Luzon. Philippine Admiralty appointed as commander of the Imperial fleet is one Guillermo Tejero. The Imperial Navy is stretched with fleets supporting troops in Palawan and Samar. Patrols were also conducted around China and a blockade is being conducted around Mindanao and Visayas. A campaign was also being conducted in Japan. However, Imperial authorities committed their ironclads in Panay due to the threat of the First rate capable of sinking the wooden ships of the Imperial navy.

HMS Guam and HMS Palau are Guam class broadside ironclads. They are shortened version of Cebu Class Ironclads. The Guam class had less armor ranging from 3 to 4.5 inches of wrought iron. The ship class weigh more than 3,600 tons. They have the same range as Cebu class but faster at 14 knots using just the engine. Unlike Cebu class which is full rigged, Guam class ironclads were barque-rigged. The crew complement is more than 200. The ship was originally armed with 16 68-pounders.

HMS Guam​

The battle began with long range gunfire from both fleets. The Imperial fleet focusing first on the screw sloops. The Visayans responded with their own artillery but their return fire either missed or bounced off the Imperial Ironclads. Imperial Ironclads hit all three screw sloops on their engines. One screw sloop eventually floundered due to the damage caused by the Ironclads. The second screw-sloop had damaged engine, sails and masts leaving it dead on the water. The third screw sloop was hit on the engine causing an explosion on the boilers destroying the screw-sloop.

After dealing with the screw sloops, HMS Luzon engaged the Visayan flagship in gunfire. Even with makeshift armor, the Visayan flagship was still taking damage from HMS Luzon’s artillery. But the armor was enough to keep the Visayan flagship fighting and afloat. Unable to destroy nor disable the large Visayan Galleon, Admiral Tejero ordered HMS Luzon to ram the Galleon. After ramming the Visayan flagship, HMS Luzon broke free of the Visayan flagship. The Visayan flagship listed and eventually sank. The sinking of the Visayan flagship and the way it was conducted panicked the remaining Visayan fleet.

The remaining ships of the Visayan fleet try to escape. However, the speed and maneuverability of Guam Ironclads and HMS Luzon were uncanny for their size when both the sail and engine were used.

One of the Visayan Frigates engage artillery fire with HMS Guam but eventually struck colors and surrendered. Unable to escape or win a slugfest with the Imperial navy, the remaining frigate and four Sloops-of-war ran aground.

Gribeauval field artillery used by Napoleon in 1795​

When the Imperial army landed north west of Panay Island near Semirara island in 1864, the Visayans decided to fight the Imperial army interior of Panay at Panay Plains far from Imperial Navy bombardment. The Visayan elite and top brass believe the Imperial army will face them forming a line infantry for volley fire. Visayan scouts counted fewer Imperial Army forces compared to their 16,000 Visayan Panay Army. The leaders believe they can attack, overwhelm the smaller Imperial army and win thru a mass charge of the bayonet.

The Visayans in Panay Island have 12 Gribeauval field artillery pieces. These artillery pieces were roughly the same artillery that Napoleon used in 1795 during the Paris coup. These cannons had an effective firing range of 800 meters with maximum ranges of 1,500 meters. The Visayan local rifles were hand me downs from Luzon and Cebu. When the Imperial army upgrades their rifles, the other islands received the older models. Panay Island stocks are modified Brown Bess muskets with percussion caps. The effective firing range were around 100 meters with a capability of 3 rounds per minute for a trained soldier. Some, especially former members of Imperial army, had the model 1852 Santa Mesa Rifles. Every member of the Visayan army had a rifle. However, very few were trained or drilled with rifles. Even fewer had any experience of an actual battle. Almost all of the soldiers were infantry. Horses were reserved for selected officers. Everyone had uniforms but only the officers had shoes or boots. The officers were mostly landed elite or children of landed elite who are educated but with little to no training in the military. Most of the Visayan Hiligaynon army were farmers with no military training.

The Imperial army that landed numbered 4,000. The army consisted of 400 Cavalry, 400 of the Gurkha regiment along with snipers, engineers, hydrogen gas balloons and supply train. The Imperial army landed with 40 artilleries - a mix of 3-pounder, 12-pounder Whitworth rifled cannons, and 6-pounder c/61 Krupp cast steel cannons.

Philippine Army Artillery Corps with Krupp Artillery​

Philippine representatives noticed Alfred Krupp’s steel canon in the 1851 London Exhibition which led to the army buying several of his canon for testing. Some of these were even used in Sino-Philippine war and tested it against the Chinese. As one of Krupp’s first cannon customers, the Philippines continued testing and buying cannons manufactured from Krupp’s factory in Essen.

When the British adopted the Armstrong gun, Philippines adopted the Whitworth rifled cannon in 1859. Whitworth rifled cannons had maximum ranges between 9,000 to 10,000 meters during testing. Accuracies at 9,500 meters deviate only 20 yards if done with multiple shots, with 1,500-meter multiple shots deviate only within 18 inches. Joseph Whitworth was invited to Philippines to advise on the retooling of industries to license and mass produce his rifled cannons for the local Arsenals in Manila and Cavite.

The Dreyse needle gun was evaluated in 1850. The army had bad evaluations of the gun. Nor can the Sommerda factory provide a surplus for sale due to European demand. The British evaluation of needle gun was also less than stellar which they shared with the Philippines. The model 1852 Santa Mesa rifle ended patterned after the British Brunswick rifle.

Studies continued on a locally built breech loading rifle. Andres and the state poured in money for the development and research of new rifles. Unlike the Philippine Navy, the Army had limited manpower forcing the Army to adapt European technologies, techniques and then improve them. In an event of a war, the whole empire can only muster 15,000 regulars, guards and 130,000 reserves for the army since most of the manpower signed up for the navy or the naval reserve. The Confederate States of America with a lower population than the whole empire ordered an enlistment of 400,000 men with total estimate enlistment numbering 1,000,000. To the Philippines, improving new technology and techniques from Europe and United States is regarded as progressive and innovative. To Western Europe and United States both government and private citizens, Philippines is regarded as a nation of mimes, a nation of parrots – copying Portuguese buildings; French fortifications; British financial institutions, industry and navy; Prussian administration and army; and imitating American weapons.

In 1856, the Philippine engineers improved the United States Sharps rifle. The rifle’s reliability and accuracy were improved by Philippine engineers. The breech loading mechanism was improved and gas leakages from the burning gunpowder charge were also reduced. The local design made the rifle capable of firing metallic cartridges. The improvements gave the rifle effective firing range between 400 meters or more for an ordinary trained soldier while retaining the rate of fire of 8-10 shots per minute. Skilled Snipers could hit targets beyond 1,000 meters. The Sharps rifle was then licensed by the Arsenal for local production, Santa Mesa model 1857, Philippines Sharps.

Santa Mesa model 1861 Carbine (Philippine Henrys)​

In 1861, Philippine engineers acquired multiple Henry repeating rifles and upgraded the design. Philippine Engineers retained the lever action and same mechanics. It was improved by installing a breech loading mechanism with an opening in one of the brass receiver side-plate. The magazine was improved and sealed. This made it easier to reload the rifle while retaining its rate of fire of more than 20 rounds per minute. The rifle was shortened and given a wooden handguard. By 1862, Andres and the army approved the purchase of licensed Henry rifles.

Most of the Luzon army issued rifles by the June 1863 rebellion were Philippine Sharps rifle. Philippine Henry Carbines numbered only 10,000 in June 1863. Cavalry was given priority for the carbines.

 

[Namayan]

43. The Empire Strikes Back (1857-64)

The Philippine Imperial army kept in touch with events in Prussia. The new Prussian prime minister, Otto von Bismark, paved the way for Prussian reforms of Albrecht Graf von Roon and Philippines’ former Prussian advisor Helmuth von Moltke. The army reforms in Prussia through the relationships built between the armies were also being applied in the Philippine army.

After the Sino-Philippine war, the Philippine General Staff still believed it was losing a lot of troops during that said war. An additional army doctrine was tailored specifically for Philippine needs to combine with the adapted Prussian doctrine.

New Philippine army tactics focused on further limiting the loss of manpower using combine arms approach. Philippine army preferring heavy cover either the use of terrain, vegetation or building trenches than forming a line in the open field. If caught in open field, it is better to kneel or lay down than stand in line. The Philippine army was also trained in jungle warfare - from fighting, maneuvers, building defensive positions or traps, to survival since the start of their primary education at 6 years old.

The treatise, New Philippine Tactics, written by Philippine General Jaime Pelaez in 1857 focused in this change of doctrine advocating the skirmish line as the new line of battle and promoting engagement thru the use of cover. The doctrine also called for heavy use of long-range sniping and artillery barrage to avoid loss of manpower.

With the death of British businessman Charles Richardson in September 1862, Britain requested Andres’ aid in the upcoming war with Japan. Drills with the new doctrine were conducted using the new rifles in Luzon. Months of ramped production and logistics were prepared for the upcoming invasion of Japan.

Imperial Infantry at the Battle of Panay​

President Araneta appointed Andres Montinola, one of the family members of the landed Montinola family, as Commander of the Panay army. Andres Montinola was educated in private school by his wealthy family. However, his military education and experience all came from reading Napoleonic warfare books.

The battle began when elements of the Imperial army, who the Visayans believe were a small band of Imperial skirmishers, started sniping Visayan Skirmishers and scouts. General Montinola also believed the main body of the Imperial Army is not far behind. However, the Visayans can barely see the Imperial army’s position including the Imperial skirmishers.

General Andres Montinola formed up his army. The Visayan army marched their men in tightly closed formations, often with soldiers’ elbow-to-elbow in double rank battle lines. The Visayan drummers, fife and bugle started playing Chanson de l’Oignon.

Philippine General staff appointed General Gabriel Enriquez to lead the invasion of Panay. General Enriquez is an avid supporter of Jaime Pelaez’s skirmisher doctrine.

The Imperial cavalry and infantry harassed the approaching Visayan army, trying to disable the artillery or killing their artillerymen. The Imperial Snipers aiming first at the artillery men, followed by Visayan Skirmishers, and finally Visayan officers who they can identify that were once part of the Imperial army.

The Imperial line is very fluid with almost all the infantry and cavalry drilled as skirmishers.

Imperial soldiers were firing multiple volleys before the Visayans can even reload or fire their own volley. Imperial infantry sniper escorts and cavalry started aiming at Visayan soldiers that forced the Visayans to further compress their battle lines. After that, Imperial infantry and cavalry retreats. Seeing the Imperial soldiers were retreating, the Visayans kept moving forward to seal their victory. Sensing their victory, the Visayans start playing La Victoire est a nous, a march taken from the French Opera La caravane du Caire.

Once the Visayans are moving, imperial soldiers reposition themselves under cover far from Visayan range. Then, the imperial soldiers start their sniping the Visayans again. This cycle kept on going until the Visayan Army reached the designated position for the Imperial artillery to engage the Visayan army.

Once in range, the Imperial artillery barrage hit the Visayans from more than 2,000 meters away. Visayan soldiers seeing their friend or neighbor being torn to shreds by the Imperial artillery. The hydrogen balloons brought by the imperial army were used for reconnaissance and as spotters for artillery. The Balloon corps gave flag signal directions to the artillery who can fire blindly. Each signal would indicate adjustments until the artillery hit right on target.

The Visayans cannot even deploy their remaining artillery due to its shorter range. After seeing their fellow Visayans dying from the concentrated artillery barrage with pin point accuracy, General Montinola orders their retreat. The Imperial army kept pressuring and harassing the Visayan army during the Visayan retreat.

Some Visayans at the frontline were caught or surrendered. A lot of the Visayans that routed were killed by Imperial cavalry and infantry.

By the end of the battle, 8,000 Visayans were dead, 2,000 captured, 3,000 missing or have fled and only 3,000 returned safely back to rebel-controlled towns and cities. The Imperial army had no dead and 20 wounded. Visayan dead spread multiple kilometers.

The Visayan Panay authorities refused to fight another pitch battle. They chose to dig trenches and hide behind their garrison artillery and mortars around Iloilo city.

Philippine Imperial Army bombardment of Iloilo city​

Initially, Iloilo City refused to surrender. The Imperial army did not attack nor charge the trenches or the city. Instead, day and night both the trenches and city were bombarded by the Imperial army and Imperial navy. The imperial navy transports disembarked the army’s heavy siege cannons, siege artillery capable of outranging the Visayan garrison artillery in Iloilo. The Visayans tried to fire back with their artillery, Napoleonic era muzzle loading Gribeauval garrison artillery, unable to reach the entrenched Imperial army.

After 2 days and nights of bombardment, Iloilo city surrendered. The Visayan confederacy president Hermenegildo Araneta and his family were captured.

The Visayan Waray Army in Samar Island fared no better. It was massacred thinking it can fight a pitch battle due to superiority of numbers and was led by unqualified officers and leaders.

Each Visayan Island learned after their initial encounter with the Imperial army. Nor there was information being shared by Visayan confederacy outside their island how to deal with the Imperial army. They had to learn it thru experience.

The Visayans would eventually change tactics, either they retreated to their towns creating trench works, or they went to the mountains.

Visayan Warays kill Imperial soldiers while eating breakfast​

In the town of Balangiga, during the first month of Imperial army’s occupation, relationship between imperials and townspeople were friendly. However, tensions rose between Imperial Andresians and local Visayan Warays from Samar due to cultural differences. This culminated in a surprise attack while Imperial soldiers were eating at the mess area. This started with the church bells of Balangiga ringing and local Waray militia attacking the unprepared Imperial troops.

50 Imperial soldiers were dead, 30 wounded. 20 rebels were dead, 20 were wounded. The rebels escaped carrying 100 rifles. It was one of the deadliest Visayan Confederacy battles for the Imperial Army.

The Imperial Army retaliated by marching across Samar taking adults who refuse to swear back allegiance to the emperor and the empire, on every village, from ages 14 or above and killing them.

Both the Visayans and imperials had mutual dislike for each other. The Visayans believing in their god given right to be free. Individual rights, family are viewed more valuable than the state. They view these people from Luzon as people who lost their empathy and were too strict. The Imperial soldiers were viewed as cowardly since the Imperial army refused to fight them in a line formation or face them thru bayonet charge. Ordinary Visayans believe once they receive independence, their lives will improve since it was the Imperials who were the cause of the sufferings of the ordinary Visayans.

Most of the Imperial soldiers who never visited Visayas expected all Visayans to be like citizens from Luzon or Cebu. They were shocked that not only these Visayans barely speak nor read Spanish but do not know the Philippine National Anthem even by hymn. Imperial soldiers noted that their fellow Gurkhas in the Gurkha regiment are more Filipino than these Visayans. The physical state of Visayans were also different. They have the same skin color but Imperial Luzon male height averaged 166 centimeters, the average Visayan male, 150 centimeters. Cebu males, due to heavy coal intensity within their island, average 164 centimeters. The Imperials value civic duty and would do what is necessary for the state even at the expense of individual rights. The Imperial soldiers quickly changed their view of Visayans from fellow Filipinos to barbarians that need to be civilized.

The Visayan leaders, the landed elite, were easy to convince and pacify. The landed elite refused to fight guerilla warfare preferring to surrender than escape to the mountains.

The ordinary Visayans were not easy to pacify and required more campaigns in the jungles and mountains.

Simultaneous with the attack on Panay Island, Palawan also fell back to Imperial control. Sultanate of Sulu was the first Moro Sultanate to fall under the empire. Sultan Jamal ul-Azam of Sulu was captured. Imperial navy blockaded all the routes to Dutch Indies. A blockade was setup up making sure no ship was able to trade with the remaining islands under Visayan Confederacy and Alejandro. Leyte Gulf was blocked by the Imperial Navy as well as Sulu Sea. The Imperial Navy also patrolled Southern Mindanao and started landing the Imperial Army at the coastal areas controlled by the Carolians. Dutch ships refused to challenge the Philippine blockade not attempting to use their neutrality nor risk a war with Manila.

 

[Simeon]

Now, the war of Philippine Succession comes to a close, and man, what a cruel clusterfuck; while the Andresano culture and economic regime are both set to dominate the archipelago, and even beyond at Borneo and Celebes Sea, the Visayan people will only make a distinction between themselves and the metropole forever. Hiligaynon, Waray, and some Cebuano may be preserved to some degree, but at what cost? Howling Jake happened all over again at Samar, after all.

By that, what is the status of the Cebuano languages outside of Cebu? What about of the language make-up in Eastern Negros, Western Samar, and Northern Mindanao?

Also, what will happen to the Novalistas at Cebu?

 

[Namayan]

Now, the war of Philippine Succession comes to a close, and man, what a cruel clusterfuck; while the Andresano culture and economic regime are both set to dominate the archipelago, and even beyond at Borneo and Celebes Sea, the Visayan people will only make a distinction between themselves and the metropole forever. Hiligaynon, Waray, and some Cebuano may be preserved to some degree, but at what cost? Howling Jake happened all over again at Samar, after all.

By that, what is the status of the Cebuano languages outside of Cebu? What about of the language make-up in Eastern Negros, Western Samar, and Northern Mindanao?

Also, what will happen to the Novalistas at Cebu?

It is really the balance I wanted to make on this timeline. ATL Philippines gain material and technological superiority at expense of losing the soul (OTL Philippine culture) at least in certain islands.

The local languages still exist except languages that derive from Luzon languages and Cebuano which are slowly dying. Like Bisaya/Binisaya that came from Cebuano will be replaced by Andresians.

Luzon, Bohol and Cebu are majority Andresian. The Andreasians will be attached to the empire regardless of what island they live in. So even if one rebels, let us say from Cebu, that rebel would claim the whole empire rather decouple from the empire much like if one wants to be Emperor China, he wants all of the empire not separate from it. Or if one claims to be the Roman emperor, one claims the whole thing.

I plan to let Ilonggo/Hiligaynon and Waray be the leaders of OTL Philippine culture and language being the only dominant Old Malay language/culture left with significant population within the islands. OTL Philippine culture have developed some sort of Nationalism (in 1860s) thru the Visayan confederacy but they are not unified, with Warays wanting independence for their islands separately from the Hiligaynon/Ilonggo. Everyone who became part of the Visayan confederacy, have their own national identity like Masbateño, etc.

The Moros still exists with their own nationalism but still not unified, separated by different Sultantes, interests. There is also Brunei which is part of the Classical Malay language/culture. The Dayaks and Carolians/Lumads have a less developed culture(in terms of nationalism) and smaller population.

I also have a cultural and language update after the multiple wars in the 1860s have been settled, since it has been 20 years within the timeline since I last updated that.

 

[Metempsychosis]

TBH, I really doubt the strength of Spanish as a unifying factor in the Philippines as a whole. The friars preserved and encouraged the native languages to an extent unseen in Latin America, save Paraguay with its Guarani. The Philippines is not Latin America, despite the cultural affinity. We didn't die to the Columbian exchange, and two generations of even the most oppressive totalitarian dictatorship is not enough to crush a language from the inside.

That said, I concede the examples of Gaelic in Ireland and Breton in France. But those required a prestigious internal standard that crushed all other dialects. I can see you're trying to echo something of that nature, but it hasn't come across that well.

 

[Namayan]

TBH, I really doubt the strength of Spanish as a unifying factor in the Philippines as a whole. The friars preserved and encouraged the native languages to an extent unseen in Latin America, save Paraguay with its Guarani. The Philippines is not Latin America, despite the cultural affinity. We didn't die to the Columbian exchange, and two generations of even the most oppressive totalitarian dictatorship is not enough to crush a language from the inside.

That said, I concede the examples of Gaelic in Ireland and Breton in France. But those required a prestigious internal standard that crushed all other dialects. I can see you're trying to echo something of that nature, but it hasn't come across that well.

Spain in the Philippines failed due to lack of public education accessible to majority of population. In my timeline, this is true in the Visayas. Not so much in Andreasian areas.

Public education with equal access on a timely manner is the main reason for languages. In OTL 19th century Spanish Philippines, Spain failed to provide this public education for the majority of the populace including the poor. Spain also started late in Public education in the Philippines en masse and was only decreed in OTL 1863 by Isabell II. And public education was not forced nor Spain's public education funding poured in Philippines. Spain's own homeland does not have ideal literacy rates during this time around 20% during this time in OTL. So in a way, Spain is not the ideal nation to spread Spanish inside the Philippines when they themselves have a hard time making everyone literate in their own lands.

My timeline public education started right after independence in 1823. And schooling in ATL Andresian Philippines isn't optional. It is forced or parents get penalized or thrown into labor camps. Not unlike Spain's during 1863 public education or even Philippines today wherein farmers purposely not send their children to schools. If everyone is required to do military drills at age 6 at public school, one must learn Spanish. And the only way locals get to practice local language is if children go home in 1820s to 1830s. By second generation, both middle age parents(former children) and children will be speaking Spanish both highly educate in public school. The local languages will not have any use to them by that time except maybe the memory of the middle age parent. They can teach them orally, but they will have difficulty due to lack of practice every day nor have written vocabulary/books that they can use that the government will provide and fund.

Even in OTL Mexico Spanish as the main language did not happen for the majority until public education spread. Mexico had majority local languages until Mexico had public education spread. And this happened decades after their independence.

Even in the United States, there was a time migrants were Italians and Germans who do not speak English or can barely speak English. However, Public education of the United States is very developed. In the end, the children of the migrants will end speaking English and will have more affinity to the United States than Germany or Italy.

So in away the way for local languages to survive in the Philippines is to have incompetent or mismanaged or even late start of public education, which Spain did so in OTL and in my timeline corruption by the landed elites also resulted for the Visayans to lack Spanish speakers. That means the government in Manila will have to mismanage education funds and make the wrong decisions decades after 1823.

 

[Metempsychosis]

The thing is, I am really not sure if there were enough teachers of Spanish to establish an effective public education system in Spanish in these isles during the first decades in the first place. Tagalog really does seem far more likely, even then. It's the language of the principalia who were far more numerous than the Creoles, and of the capital Manila, much more than Chavacano, let alone actual Spanish.

 

[Namayan]

The thing is, I am really not sure if there were enough teachers of Spanish to establish an effective public education system in Spanish in these isles during the first decades in the first place. Tagalog really does seem far more likely, even then. It's the language of the principalia who were far more numerous than the Creoles, and of the capital Manila, much more than Chavacano, let alone actual Spanish.

Importation of teachers regardless of educational background as long as they can teach basic Spanish in writing and words. And these teachers dont have to be coming from Spain. They can be an Englishman or Portuguese who know basic Spanish. That is why Varela's initial expedition was very important in my timeline (I believe that is chapter 2 Voyage of Count Varela) since importation of many things continued after 1823. Which is why restarting the shipping would be very important. One can import talent and resources to jumpstart everything, both natural resources and manpower resources. Like in Natural resources, iron, gold and silver mines in the Philippines were initially under developed. Spanish Americas would be important during the early stages by importing and trading in their behalf. With regards to teachers, Philippines have to pay a higher price for teachers than South Americas or European schools at least during the 1820s. But it will still be doable as long as you got a merchant fleet, coin and pass the information of the demand in Europe and the Americas. Coin can do it thru loans which the British can provide during 1820s or whatever the Philippines can earn on their initial runs on the restarted Galleon trade.

Besides, they are not going to learn nor analyze Don Quixote. More on Military commands, geography, basic arithmetic, imperial laws, civic duty, etc.

Tagalog is less developed in 1823 than it was in 1880s, 1890s or 1930s OTL. Several literary Tagalog works like Florante and Laura did not appear until 1838. While the first Tagalog newspaper did not appear until OTL 1880s. if the POD had a 1930s environment, I would have chosen Tagalog, but 1823, Tagalog is less developed than OTL 1890s or 1930s.

Another issue with lack of unified language is military campaigns. In OTL, when Macarthur called on the reserve during WW2, the Filipino ROTCs dont have a unified language, some can understand English, others only Tagalog, Ilocano, Bicolano. It is going to be a problem militarily and reduced the manpower since you can only issue commands to a certain group of population.

 

[Namayan]

44. Alfred Travels (1864)

Constantinople, circa 1864​

The Philippine delegation was accompanied by a British steam frigate, a French steam frigate and the Philippine naval fleet escorting Alfred. Napoleon II wanted his daughter represented in Alfred’s court with the presence of French diplomats. The French steam frigate was already assigned to Cochinchina and was ordered to accompany Alfred until he reaches Borneo.

The next stop after Rome was Constantinople.

In Constantinople, Emperor Alfred met Sultan Abdulaziz to request the sultan as Caliph to write letters to the Moro Sultanates. [1]

Emperor Andres had appointed several Andresian educated, local loyal Muslims from Luzon to a committee. He trusted Muslim Andresians more than those who have very friendly relations with Catholic Church due to his bad history with the Church, much like he trusted Gurkha Hindus than relying on Catholic guards. He organized and took care of Andresian Muslims in such a way to assure their loyalty. One of the powers of his Islamic committee was to appoint Imams in Luzon which swears their allegiance to Emperor Andres. All of the sultanates will now come under the Islamic Committee’s oversight including appointment of Imams in their respective sultanates which includes swearing allegiance to the emperor.

Besides being the protector of Muslims in Luzon, the diplomats emphasized that the Emperor of the Philippines is also the protector of Islamic Aceh, one of the Ottoman protectorates.

In return for their allegiance, the Moro Sultanates will remain as Sultans but will function like a hereditary governor managing their realm. Each sultanate will gain a representative in Parliament. Basilan will be returned to Sultanate of Sulu, part of land north of Lanao Lake to the Lanao Sultanates. Sulu Northern Borneo will be transferred to the provinces of Borneo.

Inside the sultanates, crimes committed by Muslims inside the Sultanates will be judge by system based on Sultanate’s local law. Non-Muslim living or visiting inside the Sultanates, Philippine Imperial law will be applied to them. Incompatible sultanate laws with Imperial law like slavery were banned even in sultanate territories.

The Philippine delegation sent the fastest steamer of the fleet ahead of the delegation to send the letter of the Caliph to the sultanates.

Ottoman Sultan Abdulaziz​

After Constantinople, the Philippine delegation stopped in Malta. Then, the fleet passed by Gibraltar and the garrison gave a salute for Alfred’s passing ship. The fleet stopped at Cape Verde to refuel, then proceed to the first Philippine territory, Fernando Po Island, in West Africa.

Alfred was welcomed by local authorities including school children. The children gave their emperor a gift, a garland of Jasminum sambac. These garlands were usually used to adorn religious images or for bestowing honor to the necks of living persons. Alfred noted the garland had strong scent of sweet Jasmine.

The children prepared a presentation to their emperor. They started singing the National Anthem with hands placed on top of their heart:

Firmly I pledge
My loyalty to thee,
Land of my forefathers
Forever brimming with glory,
A land of beauty!
Home of the courageous,
Pearl of the Orient.
The might of enemy ships,
Threatens us in vain.
It is a hopeless quest.
Turn away from deceit,
and sweet delusions.
For the trumpets of war,
will call our soldiers soon!
Across the fatherland
A victory song will ring
And across the fatherland
Our song will resonate
A time of joy and pride
Our beloved fatherland…[2]​

The National Anthem was written by Count Varela before leaving for London. It explains the beauty of the Philippines and to encourage loyalty to newly born nation to defend from a potential Spanish reconquest.

Emperor Alfred spent a week visiting areas around his first imperial territory talking with local citizens and local authorities.

garland of Jasminum sambac / Sampaguita Garland​

The fleet then stop at Simon’s Town at Cape Colony. It is the second visit of Alfred to the colony but first as a foreign monarch.

The fleet arrived in Mayotte receiving the same honor given by local authorities to Alfred. Alfred spent another week discussing with local authorities and citizens of any help Alfred can give to the island.

Local Mayotte authorities, just like Fernando Po authorities, requested increased in funding particularly building a local railway. Philippines already improved the local ports, installed macadamized roads, while provided for public education. Both islands were small requiring a smaller a budget for the railways compared to the larger islands within the empire. They also made many requests as this kind of opportunity may only happen once in their lifetime especially since the Philippine telegraph lines have not reached Mayotte much less Fernando Po Island.

After finishing his rounds in Mayotte, Alfred and his fleet went north towards Arabia. Emperor Alfred was welcomed by the Mahra Sultan, Sultan of Qishn and Socotra, to discuss the sale of Socotra to the Philippines. Both the Sultan and Emperor agreed on the sale and price. Philippine diplomats were left to finalize the deal of the island.

The Fleet stopped at Bombay to resupply and refuel, sail for Colombo, Singapore then arrived in Kuching.

The arrival of Emperor Alfred in Kuching, with a population 50,000 people fueled by migration from Luzon and China, was received with great enthusiasm. Alfred was the first emperor to visit Kuching. Past requests of Borneo citizens for a royal visit from either Andres and Mariano or any of their family members were disregarded.

Luzon Colonists, Chinese, Dayaks, Malays, Mestizos, the local authorities, clergy had gone considerable trouble the past few months to ensure that everything was perfect for their most honored guest.

The people flocked the docks upon the fleet’s arrival and it took hours just to clear a path.

Alfred rode into the city on horseback, escorted by his Gurkha guards, through the streets of Kuching flooded with people shouting his name, saluting.

There was forest of Philippine flags, masses of sampaguitas, ringing of church bells and parties for days. Papel Picado/perforated paper hang over the streets of Kuching. A day after Alfred’s arrival, there were culture of parades in the streets presenting in front of their monarch. There was a parade of dancers wearing bright costumes and festive masks trooping through Kuching town center. There was frenzied dancing and loud music. The parade of different cultures, ranging from Chinese Filipino, Luzon migrants and Filipino Dayaks were very passionate and full of color.

Ordinary Borneans cooked plenty of hearty food and open their doors to visitors. People, adults and children, participated games during the day and watched fireworks by night. The ordinary Borneans who could not afford to buy immense amount of food nor have enough coin to contribute to their village celebrations loaned money just to participate the festivities.

Each prominent family, from Luzon migrants, Chinese businessmen to assimilated pagan Dayaks and Malay Muslims lucky enough to get an audience with Alfred during one of the luncheons or dinners eagerly presented their daughters to their blue-eyed sovereign.

Colors that Alfred would have seen in the Kuching Festival​

The Borneo clergy who came to swear allegiance to Alfred sang a song of praise that the emperor will never forget:

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; Alleluia!
For His Mercy endures forever; Alleluia!
Give thanks to the God of gods; Alleluia!
For His Mercy endures forever; Alleluia!
Give thanks to the Lord of lords; Alleluia!
For His Mercy endures forever; Alleluia!

To Him alone does great wonders; Alleluia!
For His Mercy endures forever; Alleluia!
To Him who by wisdom made the heavens; Alleluia!
For His Mercy endures forever; Alleluia!
To Him who laid out the earth above the waters; Alleluia!
For His Mercy endures forever; Alleluia!

Melody heard by Alfred roughly the same as what Borneo Clergy sang but in Spanish [3]​

Alfred was surprised by the singing of the priests and how the music was played. The beat of the song was very different with priests singing at a lower tone. He has not heard this version of song in Catholic churches within the British empire or even in Papal Rome, although he understood the Spanish words which came from the bible, Book of Psalms. Had not the priests worn their cassock, he would have thought it was the British army or the Philippine army singing during a march for battle.

The local Catholics during Andres reign had to adapt to convince anti-clerical Andresians to attend Church service. The tune was adapted by the local clergy from the Byzantine Psalm chant. It was modified by Philippine priests to sound even more as a war song to appeal to Andresians.

[1] Happened in OTL when USA Requested to the Ottomans to write to the Sultanate of Sulu to submit to American rule
[2] ATL Philippine National Anthem is based on the song in a Movie of Jackie Chan, Dragon Blade, entitled, Light of Rome. Lyrics were slightly edited; music should be roughly the same.
[3] Based on Psalm 135 by Farya Faraji

 

[Slime_blob]

By the end of the battle, 8,000 Visayans were dead, 2,000 captured, 3,000 missing or have fled and only 3,000 returned safely back to rebel-controlled towns and cities. The Imperial army had no dead and 20 wounded. Visayan dead spread multiple kilometers.

This seems like ummm very unlikely, Its ratio is 1:650

 

[Namayan]

This seems like ummm very unlikely, Its ratio is 1:650

likely considering the difference in doctrine and weaponry. then a rout.

Visayans were fighting napoleonic linear formation in open area vs an opponent with superior doctrine and range who refuse to fight in open space and linear formation. And their idea winning is a bayonet charge or momentum.

training and range of weapons is massive. ordinance of the empire average can hit you at 400 meters we can even lower it at 200 meters if you want averaging 8-10 shots a minute. The visayans have muskets at best can hit at 100 meters assuming you are a trained soldier and can reload at 2-3 shots per minute. And training difference is massive. The artillery difference is even massive and recon. balloons that can spot and artillery that can hit 9kms vs napoleonic artillery at 1 kilometer. and assuming the visayans can deploy artillery before imperials retreat since the carriage would be heavier.

OTL USa in the 1890s and Philippine forces were closer in doctrine since both had idea of trench warfare by that time and weaponry tech roughly equal. main difference was trained soldiers and officers.

Visayans needed close combat which happened in Balingiga which favored casualties in favor of the Visayans

 

[Slime_blob]

likely considering the difference in doctrine and weaponry. then a rout.

Visayans were fighting napoleonic linear formation in open area vs an opponent with superior doctrine and range who refuse to fight in open space and linear formation. And their idea winning is a bayonet charge or momentum.

training and range of weapons is massive. ordinance of the empire average can hit you at 400 meters we can even lower it at 200 meters if you want averaging 8-10 shots a minute. The visayans have muskets at best can hit at 100 meters assuming you are a trained soldier and can reload at 2-3 shots per minute. And training difference is massive. The artillery difference is even massive and recon. balloons that can spot and artillery that can hit 9kms vs napoleonic artillery at 1 kilometer. and assuming the visayans can deploy artillery before imperials retreat since the carriage would be heavier.

OTL USa in the 1890s and Philippine forces were closer in doctrine since both had idea of trench warfare by that time and weaponry tech roughly equal. main difference was trained soldiers and officers.

Visayans needed close combat which happened in Balingiga which favored casualties in favor of the Visayans

Umm I see, still If I understand rifled muskets are very much effective if used in tight formations like how they did it in the ACW, what I am wondering is how a huge volleys of rifled muskets can't hit more Imperial soldiers. at least a couple hundred like in the European wars especially the Austro Prussian war. And knowing that the Artillery range is shorter, wouldnt it be more viable if they placed the Visayan artillery nearer the front lines to support the visayan infantry and cav more to help them against Imperial Infantry and Cavalry.

Can you describe the Visayan army and describe it like: its like the CSA's army , I use the CSA as I mainly imagine it like that

 

[Namayan]

Umm I see, still If I understand rifled muskets are very much effective if used in tight formations like how they did it in the ACW, what I am wondering is how a huge volleys of rifled muskets can't hit more Imperial soldiers. at least a couple hundred like in the European wars especially the Austro Prussian war. And knowing that the Artillery range is shorter, wouldnt it be more viable if they placed the Visayan artillery nearer the front lines to support the visayan infantry and cav more to help them against Imperial Infantry and Cavalry.

Can you describe the Visayan army and describe it like: its like the CSA's army , I use the CSA as I mainly imagine it like that

I did described the Visayans soldiers during the battle and before the battle both their doctrine and the way battle happened.

The Union army had 1861 springfield rifled musket. Like I Said during the update, The most advance Visayan Rifle was model 1852 Santa Mesa, based on the Brunswick rifle. Most were modified Brown bess muskets.

The way I described the training and weaponry of the Visayans in ATL were not at par with Austrians, Prussians, CSA or the Union army. All of these countries you mentioned had a lot of professionals within their ranks. The French in OTL 1871 is the closest in doctrine to the Visayans with their elan but training nor weaponry is not at par with the French. The Visayans did not have Minie rifles which is the 1861 Springfield rifled musket is based upon.

The Imperials skirmished the Visayans while moving, retreated(feigned retreat) while in cover. Assuming we tried what you wanted, The Visayan artillery can deploy to engage any member of the imperial army who is hiding nor can they accurately target them. But the first target of the Imperial army snipers were artillerymen, Visayan skirmishers. Of course I could let the Imperial artillery hit their artillery long ranges at 9kms but that would be not fair at all nor a nice story to tell. Based on my update on the weapons, the Imperials had Whitworth artillery and cast steel Krupp Artillery like the OTL Prussians. With regards to Visayan Cavalry, I did describe that almost all their horses are strictly for officers. The way I describe Battle of Panay is the clash of two era of fighting styles. Visayans with their napoleonic era doctrine, and Napoleonic era weapons vs Imperial army with their 1860s weaponry and new doctrine.

Theoretically if the Imperial army presented their bodies in open, there were be a lot of casualties in the Imperial army, but there would be lot more dead among the Visayans than 8,000. The Imperials had Philippine Henrys which is ATL repeating rifle roughly equivalent to an OTL 1866 Winchester repeating rifle. That is 28 rounds per minute vs 2 rounds per minute for a trained soldier. Less for than 2 for the ordinary Visayan soldiers. But the Imperial doctrine requires to preserve manpower so that scenario never happened.

 

[Slime_blob]

I did described the Visayans soldiers during the battle and before the battle both their doctrine and the way battle happened.

The Union army had 1861 springfield rifled musket. Like I Said during the update, The most advance Visayan Rifle was model 1852 Santa Mesa, based on the Brunswick rifle. Most were modified Brown bess muskets.

The way I described the training and weaponry of the Visayans in ATL were not at par with Austrians, Prussians, CSA or the Union army. All of these countries you mentioned had a lot of professionals within their ranks. The French in OTL 1871 is the closest in doctrine to the Visayans with their elan but training nor weaponry is not at par with the French. The Visayans did not have Minie rifles which is the 1861 Springfield rifled musket is based upon.

The Imperials skirmished the Visayans while moving, retreated(feigned retreat) while in cover. Assuming we tried what you wanted, The Visayan artillery can deploy to engage any member of the imperial army who is hiding nor can they accurately target them. But the first target of the Imperial army snipers were artillerymen, Visayan skirmishers. Of course I could let the Imperial artillery hit their artillery long ranges at 9kms but that would be not fair at all nor a nice story to tell. Based on my update on the weapons, the Imperials had Whitworth artillery and cast steel Krupp Artillery like the OTL Prussians. With regards to Visayan Cavalry, I did describe that almost all their horses are strictly for officers. The way I describe Battle of Panay is the clash of two era of fighting styles. Visayans with their napoleonic era doctrine, and Napoleonic era weapons vs Imperial army with their 1860s weaponry and new doctrine.

Theoretically if the Imperial army presented their bodies in open, there were be a lot of casualties in the Imperial army, but there would be lot more dead among the Visayans than 8,000. The Imperials had Philippine Henrys which is ATL repeating rifle roughly equivalent to an OTL 1866 Winchester repeating rifle. That is 28 rounds per minute vs 2 rounds per minute for a trained soldier. Less for than 2 for the ordinary Visayan soldiers. But the Imperial doctrine requires to preserve manpower so that scenario never happened.

I see, the reason why I kinda described it like the confederates, more like the Mexican Army during the MA war is because of its rank and file as most of them are mainly from the peasantry, and the description is more like a ragtag army of Visayans. So technically the Visayan army is a ragtag conscript army with ranks being bought, and that is also poorly trained

 

[Namayan]

45. Visayan Proscriptions (1864)

The captured Visayan elites, former and current governor, mayors, and their families were sent to Manila. The Imperial Judges found guilty the Visayan elites with more than 40 years of corruption, stealing from the state, mismanagement. The former Confederacy President Araneta called the Imperial court in Manila a Kangaroo court and lacked compassion.

All properties of the Visayan elites who supported the rebellion were stripped of their title, rank, assets, company shares, coin and property. Even the property, assets, coin, shares of their children that can be traced as acquired due to corruption of their families who pocketed imperial coffers were also confiscated.

Part of the lands confiscated were offered to Visayan peasants still fighting the Imperial army. Ordinary Visayans will receive land in exchange for surrendering and allegiance to the empire. A large part was confiscated by the state to fund the rebuild and compensate the cost of Imperial forces campaigns. Any remaining coin, asset and property will be transferred to the Crown estate of Alfred.

The current and former, governors including the former president of the Confederacy were sent to prison waiting for their Emperor’s decision either be sent to Labor Camps, decapitation or pardon. The family members who were not part of the corruption and mismanagement were freed. However, most of them now have no property nor wealth to go back to. Those who had no skill nor trade had no choice but to live in the streets. They were quickly rounded up by the Imperial police who either sent them to social workhouses, prison labor camps or orphanage if minor.

The Imperial military was very harsh on Visayan professional soldiers who were once part of the Imperial military. They were all tried in military court in haste and then executed. The Imperial civilian courts barely sentence people to death and if they did, they usually execute criminals through decapitation. The Imperial military who wanted to send a message to their own ranks on what awaits them if they commit rebellion and oath breaking. During execution, the rebels were tied back against the muzzle of the artillery. Once secured, the artillery is fired without a shell. This scattered the remains of the body of the executed into several directions.

***

Once the news of the naval defeat against Spain in South America reached Manila, it also reached Alejandro in Cebu and Emperor Alfred and his entourage in Kuching thru the installed telegraph lines.

The imperial forces have been avoiding Alejandro and have been focusing on weaker rebels and enemies. Alejandro had more professional soldiers loyal among his ranks than Visayans despite the lower population of Cebu compared to the rest of Visayas. He also had the manufacturing capability to produce modern ships and weapons. Alejandro had captured Cebu squadron having most of the modern gunboats of the empire meant to patrol Sulu Sea and Visayas.

He also built several monitors, low draft ironclads that are armed with turreted 10-inch cast iron rifled muzzle loading cannon designed by Cebu Engineers. These monitors have two barrels of artillery that are in a single turret, using Captain Cowper Coles patented turreted design. They are slow and have short range meant for defense.

An early confrontation in Cebu waters will be too bloody according to Loyalist estimates. It was better to choke the resources of Alejandro. The Loyalists focused on blockading Alejandro hoping to prevent any trade with Alejandro limiting the resources of Alejandro to whatever he can mine from Cebu or Surigao. The Loyalists were also in contact with Duke Diego and his loyalists, provided weapons and inserted specialists in Cebu to destroy factories and disable ships, disrupt transportation.

The arrival of Alfred in Kuching was received with gloom by Alejandro. Reports that a fleet of several British and French warships bringing in thousands of troops that came to help Alfred. That Alfred promised to marry Napoleon II’s daughter. The pope also gave Alfred the power on the local Catholic church. In reality, there was only one British steam frigate and one French Steam frigate with few sailors and soldiers that arrived in Kuching with Alfred. The British frigate was to escort Alfred and to continue its deployment to Hong Kong. The French frigate accompanied Alfred and continued to its assignment in Cochinchina.

The next day news arrived in Cebu of an imperial amnesty to any supporter of Alejandro on the condition that they swear their allegiance to Alfred. A reward was also given to anyone who will assist on Alejandro’s capture.

All the actions of the government were done in the name of Alfred during Alfred’s journey from London executed by Prime Minister Ferron. Ferron even authorize the invasion of Mindanao and occupation of Carolian territories. Alfred’s arrival in Philippine controlled territory connected to Manila through telegraph now required Alfred’s approval.

Andres’ reign was viewed by Europe as an oppressive and tyrannical regime. When Andres died and Alfred crowned as Emperor, European nations sigh in relief. The British monarchy and parliament believe Alfred will tame the previous excesses of Andres’ regime and spread British sense into the barbaric Philippine government.

Instead of killing everyone who opposed him like his predecessor, Alfred signs the amnesty for military members under Alejandro hoping to end the war faster. A large bounty was announced on the capture of Alejandro.

When the news of the imperial amnesty and bounty reached Alejandro, he feared for his life. He immediately packed and smuggled himself out of Cebu paying the blockade runner handsomely.

He was seen by Philippine traders in Dutch Java with the former Bishop of Cebu a month later and in Spain several months later.

The imperial pardon had conditions. The military who fought for Alejandro will be deployed in Mindanao as front line against the remaining Moro rebels and protect settlers from the Carolians. They also must permanently settle in Mindanao.

When Duke Diego and the loyalists captured Cebu City, all former non-military supporters of Alejandro cheered Duke Diego and the loyalist’s forces. Those that were known non-military supporters of Alejandro were summoned by Duke Diego. Some kneeled and kissed Duke Diego’s hand, some begged for their lives, some blamed they were under duress and threat of life by Alejandro. Others were hoping for Duke Diego’s sponsorship and good word to the Imperial judges and Emperor Alfred.

Alejandro’s property, shares was confiscated and given to Duke Diego, approved by Alfred. All supporters of Alejandro were tried and found guilty of treason. Their property and assets were confiscated. The confiscated assets will be used to pay for the Imperial campaign in the rebellion and distributed between the state and Crown estate of Alfred.

Manobo tribe

Carolian controlled Mindanao was neglected by the empire since independence. Emperor Andres refuse to invade further inland beyond Surigao thinking it is a waste money nor have any known abundant resources. After Andres’ death and the continued attack of Carolian tribes to Cebuano settlers during the rebellion, this gave Prime Minister Ferron the excuse to invade Mindanao.

The Philippine Navy landed Philippine army reserves at river what the Carolian tribe of Manobos call Davohoho. Army reserves were also landed in places where Villabos in 1543 interacted with the indigenous called Munato. When the army reserves landed, instead they discovered indigenous native tribe called Blaan.

The pardon members of military pushed south from Northern Mindanao following the Cebuano settlers. In Southern Mindanao, people from Luzon and Visayas who refuse to be under strict Andresian governance were the first settlers that followed the Imperial military. Andresian settlers from Luzon and Cebu centered in Surigao where there are developed mines and industries are more mature compared to the rest of Mindanao.

The superior firepower of the Empire forced the tribes to retreat. Rifles sold to them by the empire were old muskets that are only effective below 100 meters. Imperial forces brought in long range rifles, horses and repeating carbines that are lighter to carry. Imperial soldiers are better trained, drilled regularly than settlers. It takes an imperial soldier fewer shots to kill a Carolian with a musket. The tribes of the Pagan Carolians retreated to the mountains and deeper inside Mindanao jungles.

A temporary military government was setup in Carolian Mindanao headed by General Wenceslao Langit.

 

[Namayan]

46. Warmonger (1865)

Philippine Prime Minister Elias Ferron pushed for the signing of declaration of war to Alfred. Ferron reminds Philippine commitments protecting the Andean Union and freedom of trade in South America. However, declaring war meant a possibility of dragging France to war. French interference would give a reason to cancel the betrothal with Marie Sophie.

The betrothal was disliked by Alfred forced on him by Napoleon II. Prime Minister Ferron wants to trigger Alfred’s emotions, hoping to get Alfred to sign a declaration of war.

Ferron also reports Spain’s refusal to hand over Alejandro to Philippine authorities.

Members of Parliament who mostly come from Philippine Conservative Party visited Kuching to request the declaration of war now that the Rebellion and commitments in Japan are over. These people are all supporters of continued military expansion of the Philippines and were all appointed or voted during Andres’ reign. They lobby to Alfred the declaration of war to Spain.

The military is very supportive of the war. The military always gets a massive increase in budget in every war. Continuing the war will continue their “unlimited” spending.

Private industrialists and Imperial Arsenals were also in favor of war. War further increases their revenue and sale to the government. Extending the War spending, favors local arms manufacturers both private, government owned manufactories and those that provide service and materials to these manufacturers.

Bank of Luzon and the Civil service limits the manufactured weapon imports not wanting the repeat of the massive foreign debts incurred by Andres early during his reign. Bank Luzon instead issues local bonds sold to the local populace to fund the war.

Alfred met with the Chief of Staff of the Philippine General Staff Bayani Magat and Lord High Admiral Macario Dalogdog of the Philippine Admiralty to present the military’s recommendation and plans against Spain.

Prime Minister Ferron was expelled by Alfred from the room during the discussion between the Emperor, Chief of Staff and Lord High Admiral with some of Alfred’s advisors. As two Gurkhas stand guard, Ferron kept walking back and forth intensely in front of the door of the room where the military were giving their recommendations to Alfred. Ferron feared Alfred’s advisors were too British, that will favor status quo, may derail his plans for war with Spain.

When the Chief of Staff, Lord High Admiral and Alfred’s advisors left the room, the Chief of Staff looked at Ferron shaking his head.

Prime Minister Ferron was then called inside by Alfred and asked to sit down. Alfred is silent, continued reviewing the recommendations of the military and civil service. Ferron sweating not knowing the decision made by Alfred.

Ferron starts the conversation by recommending to Alfred that it is time to go to Manila and decide the issue with the Visayan elites in Imperial prisons and accept the oath of loyalty of all the Moro Sultans captured. However, Alfred had other plans. He ordered a visit to Panay Island wishing to see the center of the rebellion, how ordinary citizens are faring in the island.

 

[Namayan]

47. Lost in Paradise (1865)

Fort San Pedro, Iloilo decimated by the Imperial Navy​

Alfred and his entourage were rowed by sailors to the breakwater, a putrid smell rising from the waters of Iloilo strait. Alfred brought in a sizeable retinue in Asia to organize his empire the way he wanted. These are people who he trusted and of mostly British in origin.

The military greeted Alfred’s arrival with cannon salute.

Alfred’s arrival in Iloilo city has a totally different atmosphere compared to his arrival in Kuching. Iloilo city was in ruins, masses of people were not lining up to greet him.

A delegation of the new local officials greeted the Imperial retinue as they disembarked and presented Alfred with a Key to the city in a silver platter. The reception was chilling due to the absence of masses of people.

Alfred’s entourage climbed into carriages and traveled through the empty streets under military escort. They passed through a few arches erected to celebrate his arrival, streets devoid of people.

Alfred’s entourage continued outside of Iloilo city. The imperial entourage journey continues in heavily rutted and muddy trails.

Prime Minister Ferron, who is used to well-built and pristine Imperial roads, cursed the Ilonggos on their badly made, barely maintained rugged dirt roads. Potholes were common that made the journey very bumpy and forced the entourage to stop from time to time.

Buslugan Falls, Panay Island​

Lush mountains, rivers, ravines and waterfalls astonished Alfred’s visit in Panay Island. He got a view of rural Panay comprised of people living in poverty. These people had few possessions and lived a simple life.

Rather than talking to local officials, Alfred scoured rural Panay talking with ordinary townsfolk. The local townsfolk disliked the idea of talking to the person who represent the cause of their suffering. However, Alfred’s entourage brought food, medicine and doctors. Hiligaynon translators were brought in due to lack of Spanish fluency of the locals.

The rebellion caused severe disruption of food supplies. Imports from outside the empire and Luzon were disrupted. Farmers left their farms to join their respective militia. Thus, leaving fewer people that farm and provide for the food within their island. People are hungry all over the former Visayan Confederacy, from the northern most island of Mindoro to Northern Mindanao.

The deaths after the rebellion caused more people dying due to hunger and sickness. Material devastation was common - a lot of farms in disrepair, most of the livestock depleted. More than half a million Visayans died after the rebellion. Visayan per capita, outside Cebu and Bohol, dropped by more than 40%.

After his tour of Panay, Alfred visited Cebu and was welcomed by the locals with the same vigor as Kuching. The emperor met with Duke Diego and the loyalists of Cebu rewarding all of them with medals. Alfred was toured in the coal mines, factories and shipyards in Cebu. He inquired the needs of the employees of the companies and ordinary citizens of Cebu while the imperial secretary wrote every detail of the discussion with the emperor.

The retinue of Alfred is more relaxed in Cebu. Cebu’s locals are more welcoming, have well maintained imperial roads, City steam trams and all the comforts of urban Europe. Cebu even has more railroads per square kilometer than the island of Britain. Around 500 kilometers of railroads for the area of more than 4,400 square kilometers compared to Britain’s more than 15,000 kilometers of railroad for an area of more than 200,000 square kilometers. Even Alfred’s British advisors prefer the smog infested island of Cebu where comfortable lodgings are available. Panay seemed more of a place to escape reality compared to hustle and bustle of Cebu.

 

[Namayan]

48. Great Military Parade of Manila (1865)

Friar Rock Fort​

Alfred’s entourage returned to Manila after the visit in Cebu. When the fleet entered Manila Bay, Alfred could see from the starboard of the royal yacht, Friar Rock Fort. At the Port side, one could see Corregidor and Caballo island fortifications.

Friar Rock Fort is one of the fortifications made during Andres’ reign for the defense of Manila against perceived Spanish reconquest. It is a polygonal fort based on Marc Rene, marquis de Montalembert’s system. It is situated in El Fraile Island.

Once the royal yacht enters Port of Manila, Alfred is greeted by thousands of imperial citizens. Not to be outshined by Cebu or Kuching, Manila made a more grandiose welcome. It was a weeklong fiesta and military parades with free food and games for the public. Dinners were held to meet Manila’s elite.

The Moro sultans and their families swore allegiance to Alfred as their sovereign. The Visayan elites who were found guilty of pocketing state money were ordered to serve as forced labor for the rest of their lives.

Ferron who had prepared Alfred’s arrival, made sure that Alfred saw the regular burning of Spanish flags during the parades. Ferron gathered people raising Philippine flags while burning Spanish flags, cursing Spain.

Even during dinners, Manila’s elite were mumbling of Philippine navy’s humiliation with Spain, how the empire was losing trade and coin. Some even approached the emperor and asks him on how he will respond to the recent Spanish aggression.

1865 Military Parade at Paseo De Luneta​

Military parades were held on the emperor’s honor at Paseo de Luneta. The Philippine Imperial army marched with Imperial Marching Band. Behind the marching band were a column of goose-stepping soldiers marching down Paseo de Luneta. Some of the music played by the Imperial Marching Band were Hohenfriedberger Marsch composed during Frederick Great’s reign, Pariser Einzugsmarsch composed by Johann Heinrich Walch, Yorckscher Marsch composed by Ludwig van Beethoven, the British Grenadiers composed in the 17th century, Highland Laddie originating from a Scottish folk tune, and Ca Ira adopted from the British 14th regiment of Foot (Yorkshire regiment).

After the weeklong parade, parties and celebration, Prime Minister Ferron was summoned by Alfred. Alfred hands him the declaration of war to Spain. Ferron bows and leaves the presence of the emperor. Once in the hallway of Alfred’s new palace in Intramuros, Ferron grins.

Hallway at the Imperial Palace in Intramuros Palace Complex​

As Alfred is toured around the city, Alfred notices Manila just like Cebu and Kuching lacks the fouler smell of London or any British or European city. The roads of Manila, Cebu and Kuching were immaculately clean.

London, a metropolis of more than 2 million people, is known for its foul smell.

Manila, with a population of half a million people, differs from London. Much like her East Asian neighbors, Manila collects her human wastes. Even at the time when Philippines embraces European technology and administration, Eastern Asia exported their way of life and embraced by Philippine Imperial culture. Imperial culture use human waste as the main source of fertilizers for farms.

Ordinary British citizens will disregard the muck in the streets of London or throw it in River Thames but an enterprising Filipino will fight for the right to collect human waste. Judicial courts in the Philippines are constantly hounded by locals vying and filing cases on who has the right to collect human waste. These compost merchants in Manila gathers human waste, night soil, treats them and sells them to farmers.

Urine collection is also in demand but does not get a higher market price than night soil. Fermented Urine was used to wash cloth and clothing or remove rust from iron.

Even public toilets by government outside the cities, human waste is being fought over who has the right to collect the waste.

Andres’ reign-built sewer and privies/toilet system helped further on this. The public works for sewers fueled the local businesses for compost and urine collectors. These businesses were then taxed by the Philippine government.

Regulations were imposed regarding the maintenance of public roads and infractions were reported to Imperial administrators. Streets had to be cleared and then sprayed with water. Imperial administration did not stop in streets. Waterways, bridges and gutters were regularly repaired, maintained and cleared by the Imperial administration.

Andres even hired retired old men and women who pose as volunteer neighborhood cleaners. But these retired folk were part of his Emperor’s eyes, which now reported to Alfred. Even with their job as informants, they constantly cleaned the neighborhood which gave them a reason to see anything out of the ordinary.

Manila and Philippine Imperial cities like Kuching or Cebu did not have the horrendous problems of sewerage contamination, overflowing latrines, stinking street gutters.

However, in places where imperial culture is rejected or not adapted, urine and fecal collection is less than ideal with fewer centralized collection centers and toilets. Toilets and local cesspits were always near the rivers and water sources of towns. Local administrators do not regularly clean nor maintain the streets, sewers and leave animal waste in the streets. Some citizens can even be seen defecating and urinating in public.

Iloilo city and other Visayan Confederacy towns or cities wherein the leaders or European migrants of the old or local principalia that sees waste collection as taboo. Although local pozo negros/ cesspits existed as practiced by the former Spanish colonizers, Rubbish was left in streets and creeks with limited organized collection. Outside strict Imperial towns and cities, Cholera was a common occurrence.

Indigenous Filipinos who were not under any hacienda or encomienda had better sanitation in rural areas. They use compost as fertilizers since ancient times and still adapted composting but was limited individually among their farms with no organize nor mass collection system like the empire.

 

[Namayan]

49. Burning of Valparaiso (1843-1866)

After decades of instability, Spain had the navy, money and troops to impose their will into weaker nations. Spain started 1843 with their decada moreda in which Moderate party advocates of conservative liberalism held power, followed by Bienio progresista in 1854, led by the Progressive party advocates of radical liberalism.

By 1856, Leopoldo O’Donnell led another coup which ended bienio progresista. The war with Morocco in 1859 to 1860 sharpened and retooled the Spanish navy and army ending with Spain victorious with the recognition of Ceuta and Melilla as Spanish possessions plus war reparations in favor of Spain.

The perceive weaker South Americas and distracted protectors of South America emboldened the Spanish admirals to be aggressive in their stance against South American dishonor against Spain.

Bombardment of Valparaiso, Chile by the Spanish Fleet

Spanish ships arrived in Valparaiso, Chile requesting for coaling. Chile refused justifying that war supply could not be sold to a belligerent nation. Spain viewed coal embargo as proof that Chile was not a neutral nation.

The Spanish Admiral of the fleet demanded for the Spanish flag to be given a 21-gun salute. He deliberately presented his demand on the day before Chilean National Day. Under the circumstances, the Chileans refused, and war was declared a week later.

Spain tried to blockaded Valparaiso causing disruption of trade. Merchant ships from the United States, Philippines and Britain were present issued their formal protest on the Spanish blockade. Chile barred Spanish ships from ports.

A Chilean navy steam corvette engaged the Spanish navy schooner near coastal town of Papudo thru surprise in November 1865. The Chilean’s raised a British Flag and maneuvered close the Spanish schooner and incapacitated the crew. The battle ended with the Spanish schooner captured along with her screw.

The Andean union declared its solidarity with Chile. In December 1865, Chile and Andean Union ratified their alliance.

In February 1866, the Spanish Admiral Nuñez sent his two screw frigates to deal with the allied fleet which had taken refuge at Abtao. The battle with little success due to the shallow channel and the Chileans building some military fortifications. After several long-range duels between the two fleets, the Spanish withdrew. Superior gunnery of the Spanish killed more allied sailors.

Spain then ordered the bombardment of Valparaiso on March 1866. Attempts were made to mediate between Spain and Chile. US Navy ships and British Royal Navy ships were present tried to negotiate with Spain and failed. British merchants requested the Royal Navy to interfere. However, the British diplomat in Valparaiso was more concerned more of the Spanish civilians in Chile than British merchants in Chile preventing the Royal Navy from provoking the Spanish. The U.S Navy tried to intimidate the Spanish to backdown but failed.

The bombardment commenced shelling and burning the town of Valparaiso at 9 am in March 31, 1866. Property owned by British Nationals were damaged. After three hours of bombardment, Chile’s merchant fleet was destroyed, public and private property worth millions of British pounds destroyed.

At 12 noon, the Spanish fleet spotted ships near the horizon…