CHAPTER XLIX
The Voice of the Hunted
As the sun was sinking below the horizon Ibarra stepped into Elias'sbanka at the shore of the lake. The youth looked out of humor.
"Pardon me, sir," said Elias sadly, on seeing him, "that I have beenso bold as to make this appointment. I wanted to talk to you freelyand so I chose this means, for here we won't have any listeners. Wecan return within an hour."
"You're wrong, friend," answered Ibarra with a forced smile. "You'llhave to take me to that town whose belfry we see from here. A mischanceforces me to this."
"A mischance?"
"Yes. On my way here I met the alferez and he forced his company onme. I thought of you and remembered that he knows you, so to get awayfrom him I told him that I was going to that town. I'll have to staythere all day, since he will look for me tomorrow afternoon."
"I appreciate your thoughtfulness, but you might simply have invitedhim to accompany you," answered Elias naturally.
"What about you?"
"He wouldn't have recognized me, since the only time he ever saw mehe wasn't in a position to take careful note of my appearance."
"I'm in bad luck," sighed Ibarra, thinking of Maria Clara. "What didyou have to tell me?"
Elias looked about him. They were already at a distance from theshore, the sun had set, and as in these latitudes there is scarcelyany twilight, the shades were lengthening, bringing into view thebright disk of the full moon.
"Sir," replied Elias gravely, "I am the bearer of the wishes of manyunfortunates."
"Unfortunates? What do you mean?"
In a few words Elias recounted his conversation with the leader of thetulisanes, omitting the latter's doubts and threats. Ibarra listenedattentively and was the first to break the long silence that reignedafter he had finished his story.
"So they want--"
"Radical reforms in the armed forces, in the priesthood, and in theadministration of justice; that is to say, they ask for paternaltreatment from the government."
"Reforms? In what sense?"
"For example, more respect for a man's dignity, more security for theindividual, less force in the armed forces, fewer privileges for thatcorps which so easily abuses what it has."
"Elias," answered the youth, "I don't know who you are, but Isuspect that you are not a man of the people; you think and act sodifferently from others. You will understand me if I tell you that,however imperfect the condition of affairs may be now, it would bemore so if it were changed. I might be able to get the friends thatI have in Madrid to talk, _by paying them_; I might even be able tosee the Captain-General; but neither would the former accomplishanything nor has the latter sufficient power to introduce so manynovelties. Nor would I ever take a single step in that direction,for the reason that, while I fully understand that it is true thatthese corporations have their faults, they are necessary at thistime. They are what is known as a necessary evil."
Greatly surprised, Elias raised his head and looked at him inastonishment. "Do you, then, also believe in a necessary evil,sir?" he asked in a voice that trembled slightly. "Do you believethat in order to do good it is necessary to do evil?"
"No, I believe in it as in a violent remedy that we make use of when wewish to cure a disease. Now then, the country is an organism sufferingfrom a chronic malady, and in order to cure it, the government seesthe necessity of employing such means, harsh and violent if you wish,but useful and necessary."
"He is a bad doctor, sir, who seeks only to destroy or stifle thesymptoms without an effort to examine into the origin of the malady,or, when knowing it, fears to attack it. The Civil Guard has onlythis purpose: the repression of crime by means of terror and force, apurpose that it does not fulfil or accomplishes only incidentally. Youmust take into account the truth that society can be severe withindividuals only when it has provided them with the means necessaryfor their moral perfection. In our country, where there is no society,since there is no unity between the people and the government, thelatter should be indulgent, not only because indulgence is necessarybut also because the individual, abandoned and uncared for by it,has less responsibility, for the very reason that he has received lessguidance. Besides, following out your comparison, the treatment thatis applied to the ills of the country is so destructive that it isfelt only in the sound parts of the organism, whose vitality is thusweakened and made receptive of evil. Would it not be more rational tostrengthen the diseased parts of the organism and lessen the violenceof the remedy a little?"
"To weaken the Civil Guard would be to endanger the security ofthe towns."
"The security of the towns!" exclaimed Elias bitterly. "It willsoon be fifteen years since the towns have had their Civil Guard,and look: still we have tulisanes, still we hear that they sacktowns, that they infest the highways. Robberies continue and theperpetrators are not hunted down; crime flourishes, and the realcriminal goes scot-free, but not so the peaceful inhabitant of thetown. Ask any honorable citizen if he looks upon this institution asa benefit, a protection on the part of the government, and not as animposition, a despotism whose outrageous acts do more damage thanthe violent deeds of criminals. These latter are indeed serious,but they are rare, and against them one has the right to defendhimself, but against the molestations of legal force he is not evenallowed a protest, and if they are not serious they are neverthelesscontinued and sanctioned. What effect does this institution produceamong our people? It paralyzes communication because all are afraidof being abused on trifling pretexts. It pays more attention toformalities than to the real nature of things, which is the firstsymptom of incapacity. Because one has forgotten his cedula he mustbe manacled and knocked about, regardless of the fact that he may bea decent and respectable citizen. The superiors hold it their firstduty to make people salute them, either willingly or forcibly, evenin the darkness of the night, and their inferiors imitate them bymistreating and robbing the country folk, nor are pretexts lackingto this end. Sanctity of the home does not exist; not long ago inKalamba they entered, by forcing their way through the windows, thehouse of a peaceful inhabitant to whom their chief owed money andfavors. There is no personal security; when they need to have theirbarracks or houses cleaned they go out and arrest any one who does notresist them, in order to make him work the whole day. Do you care tohear more? During these holidays gambling, which is prohibited by law,has gone on while they forcibly broke up the celebrations permitted bythe authorities. You saw what the people thought about these things;what have they got by repressing their anger and hoping for humanjustice? Ah, sir, if that is what you call keeping the peace--"
"I agree with you that there are evils," replied Ibarra, "but letus bear with those evils on account of the benefits that accompanythem. This institution may be imperfect, but, believe me, by the fearthat it inspires it keeps the number of criminals from increasing."
"Say rather that by this fear the number is increased," correctedElias. "Before the creation of this corps almost all the evil-doers,with the exception of a very few, were criminals from hunger. Theyplundered and robbed in order to live, but when their time of wantwas passed, they again left the highways clear. Sufficient to putthem to flight were the poor, but brave cuadrilleros, they who havebeen so calumniated by the writers about our country, who have for aright, death, for duty, fighting, and for reward, jests. Now there aretulisanes who are such for life. A single fault, a crime inhumanlypunished, resistance against the outrages of this power, fear ofatrocious tortures, east them out forever from society and condemnthem to slay or be slain. The terrorism of the Civil Guard closesagainst them the doors of repentance, and as outlaws they fight todefend themselves in the mountains better than the soldiers at whomthey laugh. The result is that we are unable to put an end to the evilthat we have created. Remember what the prudence of the Captain-Generalde la Torre [131] accomplished. The amnesty granted by him to thoseunhappy people has proved that in those mountains there still beat thehearts of men and that they only wait
for pardon. Terrorism is usefulwhen the people are slaves, when the mountains afford no hiding-places,when power places a sentinel behind every tree, and when the body ofthe slave contains nothing more than a stomach and intestines. Butwhen in desperation he fights for his life, feeling his arm strong,his heart throb, his whole being fill with hate, how can terrorismhope to extinguish the flame to which it is only adding fuel?"
"I am perplexed, Elias, to hear you talk thus, and I should almostbelieve that you were right had I not my own convictions. But note thisfact--and don't be offended, for I consider you an exception--lookwho the men are that ask for these reforms" nearly all criminals oron the way to be such!"
"Criminals now, or future criminals; but why are they such? Becausetheir peace has been disturbed, their happiness destroyed, theirdearest affections wounded, and when they have asked justice forprotection, they have become convinced that they can expect it onlyfrom themselves. But you are mistaken, sir, if you think that only thecriminals ask for justice. Go from town to town, from house to house,listen to the secret sighings in the bosoms of the families, and youwill be convinced that the evils which the Civil Guard corrects arethe same as, if not less than, those it causes all the time. Shouldwe decide from this that all the people are criminals? If so, thenwhy defend some from the others, why not destroy them all?"
"Some error exists here which I do not see just now some fallacy in thetheory to invalidate the practise, for in Spain, the mother country,this corps is displaying, and has ever displayed, great usefulness."
"I don't doubt it. Perhaps there, it is better organized, the menof better grade, perhaps also Spain needs it while the Philippinesdoes not. Our customs, our mode of life, which are always invokedwhen there is a desire to deny us some right, are entirely overlookedwhen the desire is to impose something upon us. And tell me, sir, whyhave not the other nations, which from their nearness to Spain must bemore like her than the Philippines is, adopted this institution? Is itbecause of this that they still have fewer robberies on their railwaytrains, fewer riots, fewer murders, and fewer assassinations in theirgreat capitals?"
Ibarra bowed his head in deep thought, raising it after a fewmoments to reply: "This question, my friend, calls for seriousstudy. If my inquiries convince me that these complaints are wellfounded I will write to my friends in Madrid, since we have norepresentatives. Meanwhile, believe me that the government needs acorps with strength enough to make itself respected and to enforceits authority."
"Yes, sir, when the government is at war with the country. But forthe welfare of the government itself we must not have the people thinkthat they are in opposition to authority. Rather, if such were true,if we prefer force to prestige, we ought to take care to whom we grantthis unlimited power, this authority. So much power in the handsof men, ignorant men filled with passions, without moral training,of untried principles, is a weapon in the hands of a madman in adefenseless multitude. I concede and wish to believe with you thatthe government needs this weapon, but then let it choose this weaponcarefully, let it select the most worthy instruments, and since itprefers to take upon itself authority, rather than have the peoplegrant it, at least let it be seen that it knows how to exercise it."
Elias spoke passionately, enthusiastically, in vibrating tones; hiseyes flashed. A solemn pause followed. The banka, unimpelled by thepaddle, seemed to stand still on the water. The moon shone majesticallyin a sapphire sky and a few lights glimmered on the distant shore.
"What more do they ask for?" inquired Ibarra.
"Reform in the priesthood," answered Elias in a sad and discouragedtone. "These unfortunates ask for more protection against--"
"Against the religious orders?"
"Against their oppressors, sir."
"Has the Philippines forgotten what she owes to those orders? Has sheforgotten the immense debt of gratitude that is due from her to thosewho snatched her from error to give her the true faith, to those whohave protected her against the tyrannical acts of the civil power? Thisis the evil result of not knowing the history of our native land!"
The surprised Elias could hardly credit what he heard. "Sir," hereplied in a grave tone, "you accuse these people of ingratitude;let me, one of the people who suffer, defend them. Favors rendered,in order to have any claims to recognition, must be disinterested. Letus pass over its missionary work, the much-invoked Christian charity;let us brush history aside and not ask what Spain has done with theJewish people, who gave all Europe a Book, a Religion, and a God;what she has done with the Arabic people, who gave her culture,who were tolerant with her religious beliefs, and who awoke herlethargic national spirit, so nearly destroyed during the Roman andGothic dominations. You say that she snatched us from error and gaveus the true faith: do you call faith these outward forms, do youcall religion this traffic in girdles and scapularies, truth thesemiracles and wonderful tales that we hear daily? Is this the law ofJesus Christ? For this it was hardly necessary that a God should allowHimself to be crucified or that we should be obliged to show eternalgratitude. Superstition existed long before--it was only necessaryto systematize it and raise the price of its merchandise!
"You will tell me that however imperfect our religion may be atpresent, it is preferable to what we had before. I believe that, too,and would agree with you in saying so, but the cost is too great,since for it we have given up our nationality, our independence. Forit we have given over to its priests our best towns, our fields, andstill give up our savings by the purchase of religious objects. Anarticle of foreign manufacture has been introduced among us, we havepaid well for it, and we are even.
"If you mean the protection that they afforded us against the_encomenderos_, [132] I might answer that through them we fell underthe power of the _encomenderos_. But no, I realize that a true faithand a sincere love for humanity guided the first missionaries to ourshores; I realize the debt of gratitude we owe to those noble hearts;I know that at that time Spain abounded in heroes of all kinds, inreligious as well as in political affairs, in civil and in militarylife. But because the forefathers were virtuous, should we consentto the abuses of their degenerate descendants? Because they haverendered us great service, should we be to blame for preventing themfrom doing us wrong? The country does not ask for their expulsion butonly for reforms required by the changed circumstances and new needs."
"I love our native land as well as you can, Elias; I understandsomething of what it desires, and I have listened with attention toall you have said. But, after all, my friend, I believe that we arelooking at things through rather impassioned eyes. Here, less thanin other parts, do I see the necessity for reforms."
"Is it possible, sir," asked Elias, extending his arms in a gestureof despair, "that you do not see the necessity for reforms, you,after the misfortunes of your family?"
"Ah, I forget myself and my own troubles in the presence of thesecurity of the Philippines, in the presence of the interests ofSpain!" interrupted Ibarra warmly. "To preserve the Philippines itis meet that the friars continue as they are. On the union with Spaindepends the welfare of our country."
When Ibarra had ceased Elias still sat in an attitude of attentionwith a sad countenance and eyes that had lost their luster. "Themissionaries conquered the country, it is true," he replied, "but doyou believe that by the friars the Philippines will be preserved?"
"Yes, by them alone. Such is the belief of all who have written aboutthe country."
"Oh!" exclaimed Elias dejectedly, throwing the paddle clown in thebanka, "I did not believe that you would have so poor an idea ofthe government and of the country. Why don't you condemn both? Whatwould you say of the members of a family that dwells in peace onlythrough the intervention of an outsider: a country that is obedientbecause it is deceived; a government that commands be, cause it availsitself of fraud, a government that does not know how to make itselfloved or respected for its own sake? Pardon me, sir, but I believethat our government is stupid and is working its own ruin when itrejoices that such is the b
elief. I thank you for your kindness,where do you wish me to take you now?"
"No," replied Ibarra, "let us talk; it is necessary to see who isright on such an important subject."
"Pardon me, sir," replied Elias, shaking his head, "but I haven't theeloquence to convince you. Even though I have had some education I amstill an Indian, my way of life seems to you a precarious one, and mywords will always seem to you suspicious. Those who have given voiceto the opposite opinion are Spaniards, and as such, even though theymay speak idly and foolishly, their tones, their titles, and theirorigin make their words sacred and give them such authority that Ihave desisted forever from arguing against them. Moreover, when Isee that you, who love your country, you, whose father sleeps beneaththese quiet waters, you, who have seen yourself attacked, insulted,and persecuted, hold such opinions in spite of all these things, andin spite of your knowledge, I begin to doubt my own convictions andto admit the possibility that the people may be mistaken. I'll haveto tell those unfortunates who have put their trust in men that theymust place it in God and their own strength. Again I thank you--tellme where I shall take you."
"Elias, your bitter words touch my heart and make me also doubt. Whatdo you want? I was not brought up among the people, so I am perhapsignorant of their needs. I spent my childhood in the Jesuit college,I grew up in Europe, I have been molded by books, learning only whatmen have been able to bring to light. What remains among the shadows,what the writers do not tell, that I am ignorant of. Yet I love ourcountry as you do, not only because it is the duty of every man tolove the country to which he owes his existence and to which he willno doubt owe his final rest, not only because my father so taughtme, but also because my mother was an Indian, because my fondestrecollections cluster around my country, and I love it also becauseto it I owe and shall ever owe my happiness!"
"And I, because to it I owe my misfortunes," muttered Elias.
"Yes, my friend, I know that you suffer, that you are unfortunate,and that those facts make you look into the future darkly andinfluence your way of thinking, so I am somewhat forearmed againstyour complaints. If I could understand your motives, something ofyour past--"
"My misfortunes had another source. If I thought that the story ofthem would be of any use, I would relate it to you, since, apart fromthe fact that I make no secret of it, it is quite well known to many."
"Perhaps on hearing it I might correct my opinions. You know that I donot trust much to theories, preferring rather to be guided by facts."
Elias remained thoughtful for a few moments. "If that is the case,sir, I will tell you my story briefly."