His Works. part ll

This speech was delivered at a banquet given by the Filipinos of Madrid in Honor of the Minister of Colonies Mr. Fernando de León y Castillo who signed on 25 June 1881 the royal decree providing for the abolition of the tobacco monopoly. The Filipinos rejoiced because they had long suffered under the oppressive monopoly. Under the monopoly, the government compelled the natives to cultivate a fixed number of tobacco plants and punished them severely if their harvests were unsatisfactory.

All of his works found posted in this blog was copied from the book stated in an earlier post, Graciano Lopez-Jaena: Speeches, Articles and Letters.

The Abolition of the Tobacco Monopoly
An Excerpt (last three paragraphs of the speech)

Now, then, that she has received a new and immense benefit from this solicitous mother with the abolition of the tobacco monopoly initiated by the Minister of Colonies, who presides over this modest banquet, and sanctioned by the King, the dawn of a new future is described under a heaven of hopes. And there is no doubt that when finally the time comes to be on the road of opportunities, when the barriers that oppress the spirit of the country, which are making difficult her progress, are broken, Philippine society would become more vigorous. When freedom and the promotion of the arts reach the level of those in Metropolis and offer new sources of prosperity and wide horizon to labor, there is no doubt, I repeat, that the rich province, justly called the beautiful Pearl of the Orient, will be a fecund and an inxhaustible emporium of riches for Spain. (Very good, applause)

This small Filipino colony residing in this city, assembled now at a fraternal banquet, full of the most respectful affection for its sovereign and for its worthy Minister, informs the whole world of its eternal gratitude for the lifting of the monopoly on tobacco.

And lastly, gentleman, in these moments of madness, of vertigo for the ideas of progress in those Islands, since we cannot toast the dead, let us not forget them, let us dedicate to them an eternal remembrance, let us shed a tear which, falling on the tombs of Legazpi, Magellan and many others, will penetrate into the bottom of those tombs and serve as a palpable proof of our sincere and enduring gratitude. (Deafening applause. Congratulations to the orator)