[49] Nipa.--Nipa fructificans.--Nipa is a small palm which grows in salt water. From it the natives make a species of wine and vinegar, whilst its leaves serve to thatch their houses. It is one of the plants of most utility to the indian.
[50] The reason for Rizal's deportation is set forth clearly in the decree of Deportation which is given entire in Appendix.
[51] As a sample of these statements I will quote the following document, which is one of a number copied from a book of decrees received by the Revolutionary authorities of the pueblo of Mendez Nuñez, province of Cavite,
"In the urgent letter received to-day from the General (Aguinaldo) concrete notice is given that to-day there have anchored the warships proceeding from Japan to our assistance, and it is said, that they are now just on the other side of the island of Corregidor...."
This document is dated 11th September 1896, and is signed by El capitan comandante, Crisòstomo Riel.
[52] What a fine president he would have made for the Federal Party! Castañeda was worthy of an office in the Ayuntamiento with a sign over the door--Hon. Juan Castañeda, Native Commissioner.
[53] Ambrosio Flores: (bro. musa) was the Gr. Pres. of the Gr. Cons. Reg. of the Philippines. (See note 23)--Moises Salvador stated of him in his declaration (fols. 1,138-1,143), in reply to a question as to the manner in which Flores was affiliated to filibusterism, that "by reason of his high position in freemasonry, he aided the ends of the filibusters, making propaganda among those affiliated to the lodges." He stated, at the same time that Flores, in no concept, formed part of the Liga or Compromisarios. It was Ambrosio Flores who, at the opportune moment let fall the masonic sledge hammer upon the back of Pedro Serrano, charging him with being a traitor (see note 12) to the cause.
[54] I have frequently quoted the "Memoria" of Isabelo de los Reyes, because I consider that whilst in it he exaggerates and lies considerably, there are yet points upon which what he says has all the probability of the truth, in as much as when he finds it pays to tell the truth he tells it. In this particular point, however, it is "according to what is said."
[55] How much this reminds me of the story of the little boy who went to the grocer's and asked for 10 cents worth of molasses. The shop-keeper measured out the molasses into the jug and asked the little boy for the dime, receiving the reply: "its at the bottom of the jug." And that's just where the other little boy's money would have been.