The dusky goldenness of his skin was enhanced by his rainbow-hued Into the midst of this crowd walked a stately, graceful youth. Distant cries of a mina-bird floated to this strained audience the river, muttering its plaints to the listening rushes, sounded like a cataract in their Like a soft wind caressing the palm-trees, a murmur rustled through theĬhildren scrambled away from restraining parents to get a better view dogs, filled with uneasiness by this strange silence, The grass flaps, forming the door of the hut, moved. ![]() ![]() Throng, seeming to bear witness against mankind men might force a tiny clearing in its very heart after years of struggleĪnd work, but the virgin forest sang on, undisturbed, watchful. On all sides the silent jungle closed in around the brilliant Waiting, and a hut, much bedecked with gaudy trappings and greens. There was a rustle of expectancy among the onlookers their interest was divided between the two solitary figures, silently Within the hollow square stood Dato (chief) Kali Pandapatan and old Pandita (priest)Īsin. The tribe was assembled for the ceremony. His prowess and bravery are the boast of his people, and the name of Piang is known from one end of Mindanao to the other. Piang, the chosen of Allah, dwells among them haughtily the boy accepts their homageĪs his due, for he is destined to become their ruler some day. Far up in the hills dwells this powerfulĬlan, arrogant and superior in its power. One of the most powerful tribes of Moroland is ruled by Dato (chief) Kali Pandapatan. Food, clothing, shelter are his birthright. Mother Jungle hurls a livelihood at his feet. Perpetual warfare is the pastime of the Moro it is his sport, his vocation and the For three centuries Spain struggled to subjugate this fierce people, with little or no success, and she turned them In the warm Celebes Sea, four hundred miles south of Manila, lies the romantic, semi-mysterious island of Mindanao, home of Nicholas,” “What To Do,” and “Boys’ World,” andĪre reprinted through the courtesy of the editors. Some of the stories in this volume appeared in the juvenile magazines, “St. Latitudes, juggling lakes and mountains to the envy of Atlas, in order to serve the picturesque and romantic purposes of Piang. People than any Christian who has ever attempted to bring them to the true light.Īnticipating carping criticisms from geographic purists, the author is ready to admit taking liberties with longitudes and Finley, United States Army, who during his term as civil governor of the Moro provinces, did more to help a down-trodden But most of all I am indebted to that great and wise man, Colonel Their books authentic and true chronicles of the Malay people. Robinson and Foreman have given me much material, and I find ![]() Indeed some of Piang’sĪdventures are actual incidents of Dean Worcester’s travels. Worcester for statistics and a great deal of information on the origin and development of the Moro. Many of our military heros of other days share the honors with Piang their exploits and privations are a romance in themselves,Īnd among these pages the army and navy will recognize stories that have long since become history. To idealize the Moro, weaving around him, not the “might have beens,” but the “might be’s.” Hence, “The Adventures of Piang.” I was so successful that gradually I began I found myself taking up his cause, and was repaid by intense interest wherever I launched forth on my pet subject. Of the Moro in contrast to the other tribes of the archipelago, by his unfortunate treatment and his possibilities for development, Group, each harboring its distinct tribe, each with its own dialect and religion, was entirely unknown. That there are several thousand little islands in the Philippine The general impression seemed to be that Manila wasĪ delightful Spanish city, and that Manila was the Philippines. Ignorant of, but entirely indifferent to our colonies across the seas. When I returned from my life among the natives of the lower Philippines, I was appalled to find that America was not only Dato Kali Pandapatan is a real Moro chief.
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