A Notable Celebration by E. H. Gates

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 21, 1907

A Notable Celebration

By E. H. Gates

E. H. GATES

TO-DAY is a “high day” here in Manila. Thousands upon thousands of Filipinos in their ‘best attire throng the streets and the beautiful Luneta (public park), to do honor to the memory of Dr. Jose Rizal, who ten years ago to-day was publicly shot on the Luneta at the instigation of the Spanish friars. Dr. Rizal was a Filipino youth of considerable intelligence, who distinguished himself in the Jesuit college in this city. Later he went to Europe and took degrees in medicine and philosophy at the Madrid University, and also studied at Paris and in Germany.

Understanding that Spanish friars in these islands were the chief cause of the ignorance and bondage to Rome of his countrymen, he set himself to the task of securing their expulsion from the country. While still in Europe he wrote two books in which he set forth the sufferings of the Filipinos and the vices and cruelties of the friars.

On his return home he led in a protest against the validity of the title to a large estate claimed by the Dominican friars. This could not be forgiven by the friars, so on a trumped-up charge of sedition and rebellion he was sentenced to be shot; and ten years ago to-day, surrounded by thousands of troops, he was blindfolded and shot in the back, while hundreds of friars smoked their cigars and witnessed with delight the deed of blood. Probably not one of the friars was present to-day to see the general rejoicing. Probably no Filipino has ever received greater honors than Dr. Rizal. Governor-General Smith, also prominent Filipinos, made speeches in honor of the occasion. A fine monument will soon be erected on the spot where Rizal's life-blood was poured out.

The execution of Rizal is another demonstration of the fact that the surest way to bring prosperity to a just cause is to oppose it by force. The shot that ended the life of this man was the signal for the downfall of friar dominion in the Philippines. Within sixteen months from that day, Admiral Dewey's guns battered to ruins the Spanish fleet within sight of the spot, and to-day the circulation of the Bible and the preaching of the gospel are as free here as in America, a thing unknown in the previous history of these islands. After four centuries of darkness and oppression, God set this people free that they might hear the gospel of the kingdom, which must bear its witness in every nation on the earth.

Undoubtedly Rome will again gain control of these islands; but a little respite has been given that the “everlasting gospel” may be heard before the darkness closes down forever. God grant that we may do our part faithfully while the opportunity lasts.

Manila, P. I., Dec. 30, 1906.