221. Causes of the Revolution. The covert exertions and active propaganda of the secret societies, the discontent of some and the ambition of others, had been paving the way, though with the utmost secrecy, for the revolution on 1896. The Katipunan, founded by Andrés Bonifacio, was the focus of the revolutionary tendencies. There was a “ blood compact,” which consisted in signing one’s name with one’s blood in order to inscribe one’s self as a member of the League or Katipunan.
Many caught at the presence of the friars as a pretext. But the abuses and faults charged against them, their despotic theocratic rule, and their vast landholding were merely idle reasons for speaking ill of them. For, first of all, the failings of a few should not be visited upon the majority, which was sound and vigorous in fulfilling its duties. Secondly, there were other classes of society undeniably corrupt, yet no fault was found with them. Thirdly, those who threw the stone were far from being guiltless fo the crimes they imputed to the friars. Fourthly, their estates were honestly acquired, as was acknowledged by two governments as different as the American and the Spanish. Fifthly, the people’s hatred of the friars was a fiction not a reality. Certain writers and some other persons were declaiming it daily in strident tones, and in consequence dislike of the friars was engendered in some districts.
José Burniol, S.J.
A History of the Philippines (June 1912)
Ateneo de Manila
