ABACA

By HUGO H. MILLER
Bureau of Education

The Philippine Crafstman
August 1912

THE name "hemp" as applied to the fiber of Musa textilis is a misnomer. The chief cordage fiber of the world was formerly that obtained from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa which grows in Europe, the United States, and other temperate regions. Many other fibers have from time to time taken the place of hemp in rope making and have in a general way also been classed as "hemp." Often they have the name of their place of origin prefixed in order to distinguish them from other similar fibers. Such are Mauritius hemp, New Zealand hemp, Sisal hemp, and Manila hemp. The term "hemp" as applied to abaca fiber is not only a misnomer but it is an unfortunate one as far as the foreign viewpoint of our industrial articles is concerned. To those persons to whom the word "hemp" may convey some meaning it brings to mind a coarse gray material of no particular beauty, the chief quality of which is its strength. It will therefore be unfortunate if, in the markets of the world, the beautiful abaca hand bags, the delicate slippers, the fine laces, and such articles made from the fiber of Musa textilis are to be advertised and sold under the name "hemp" or "Manila hemp." There is much in a trade name. The word "hemp" has a definite meaning in the world at large and conjures up no impression of beauty and delicacy. The word "abaca" is not known in foreign markets but it is an unusual and catchy word, one for which many a manufacturer would pay a considerable sum. The title of this article has therefore been limited to "abaca" with the hope that the word will be employed by all when referring to articles made from fiber of Musa textilis.

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Capitana Vicenta

By HAMMON H. BUCK

CERTAIN scientists have advanced the suggestion that a matriarchal form of society formerly existed in the Philippines. The strongest argument in favor of this contention seems to be the Filipina woman's superiority over the man in the financial affairs of the family. The average male American thinks his womenfolk are well treated if he makes them a fixed allowance and pays on his own account the monthly bills for rent, groceries, heat, light, water, etc. Occasionally the lady of the house will have a checking account and settle monthly the ordinary household expenses, but the number and variety of jokes one reads in the funny papers, illustrating woman's inability to keep a record of her income and outlay, illustrate the man's opinion of woman's efficiency in financial matters. In the average Filipino family, however, the woman is supreme in money matters. If the man of the house draws a salary, he is expected to turn it over to his spouse intact or nearly so on the evening of each payday.

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Principle Versus Policy

BY HAMMON H. BUCK
Author of "Capitan Baltazar"

CAPITAN BALTAZAR was fond of repeating the story of the old Spaniard who was crossing a deep ravine on a rotten log. THE SPANIARD AND GOD AND THE DEVIL The Spaniard, according to the tale, was half way across before he realized how precarious was his support. He hesitated. There was no room to turn around and go back, and he reasoned correctly that to proceed would be no more dangerous than to retrace his steps. He thought of death and from thinking of death, although he was not religiously inclined, he recalled his Maker. Instinctively he voiced his thoughts, "El Dios es bueno" (God is good), and stepping carefully, holding his breath, he advanced toward the other side. Another thought struck him. Perhaps the devil would resent his calling on the Lord, and, with a view toward forestalling any act of revenge from the arch fiend he exhaled, "El Demonio no es malo" (The devil is not bad).

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SEVERINO DE LAS ALAS (1851-1918)

A NOTED lawyer and educator, Severino de las Alas, the fourth regular delegate of Cavite to the Malolos Congress, was born on January 8, 1851, in Indang, Cavite, the son of illustrious parents, Eugenio de las Alas and Evarista Mojica.

After finishing his early education in his hometown, de las Alas continued studies in the Letran College in Manila where he obtained a Bachelor in Arts degree. He then transferred to the University of Sto. Tomas where he finished the law course.

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