Collections : [University of Michigan Special Collections Research Center]

The Philippine History Small Manuscripts Collection consists of 27 individual manuscripts--each less than 0.25 linear feet--related to the history of the Philippines. The collection includes correspondence, books, diaries, photographs, and microfilm gathered from various sources covering a wide chronological span, from the 17th century through the mid-20th century, with the bulk of the material related to the U.S. occupation of the Philippines from the Spanish-American War (1898) through World War II (1939-1945).

The Philippine History Small Manuscripts Collection consists of 27 small collections (each less than 0.25 linear feet) related to the history of the Philippines. These collections have been compiled over time from various sources. The materials cover a wide span in chronology and content, from 17th century Spanish Jesuit ethnology to mid-20th century photographs of Filipino politicians. The bulk of the material covers the period from the Spanish-American War (1898) through World War II (1939-1945), primarily representing American perspectives and stories. For instance, there are many examples of U.S. soldiers' diaries, recording their military experiences in the Philippines, especially during the Philippine-American War. Of particular note are two collections authored by Emilio Aguinaldo and Manuel Quezon, both Filipino politicians and presidents who played important roles in shaping the history and governance of the Philippines following independence from Spain.

This collection was compiled by Maria C. Lanzar-Carpio for use in researching her doctoral dissertation, "The Anti-Imperialist League" (University of Michigan, 1928). It includes a typescript carbon copy of the dissertation, as well as three letters to Lanzar-Carpio. The bulk of the collection consists of the papers of Erving Winslow (1839-1922), Secretary of the Anti-Imperialist League (Boston, Mass.), and the papers of Herbert Welsh (1851-1941), vice president of the Anti-Imperialist League representing Philadelphia. These include the organization's record books and correspondence with League members, U.S. politicians, and the press.

This collection was compiled by Maria C. Lanzar-Carpio for use in researching her doctoral dissertation, "The Anti-Imperialist League" (University of Michigan, 1928). It includes a typescript carbon copy of the dissertation as well as three letters to Lanzar-Carpio.

A large portion of this collection (765 items) was given to Lanzar-Carpio by Herbert Welsh, activist and vice president of the Anti-Imperialist League representing Philadelphia. This portion consists chiefly of correspondence and documents relating to efforts opposing American imperialism in the Philippines. Materials include records regarding the Anti-Imperialist League's efforts to document American atrocities, especially the cruel use of the "water cure," an inquiry into the death of Private Edward C. Richter, as well as Herbert Welsh's 1903 demand for the publication of General N. A. Mile's report on conditions in the Philippines. Also included is correspondence regarding organizational matters of the League, fundraising, the editorial management of City and State, other causes, and personal affairs. In addition to Welsh's personal collection, interspersed are an undetermined number of transcripts made by Lanzar-Carpio from original documents held elsewhere (cf. her dissertation, p. 9-10 and 269).

Erving Winslow, Secretary of the Anti-Imperialist League, provided Lanzar-Carpio with the organization's Record Books in five volumes, as well as a collection of papers and correspondence (597 items). Correspondence concerns the activities of the Anti-Imperialist League, especially related to Philippine independence, and chiefly includes Erving Winslow's outgoing letters as well as letters to him from members of the League's executive committee, along with letters from members of the U.S. Congress; U.S. and Philippine officials; representatives of public interest groups and the press; and other papers.