246 The Tinguian 



bands of armed robbers who, posing as Filipino troops, looted a num- 

 ber of Tinguian villages. In several localities the tribesmen retaliated 

 by levying tribute on the Christianized villages, and in some instances 

 took a toll of heads to square accounts. At this juncture the Americans 

 appeared in Abra, and the considerate treatment of the pagans by the 

 soldiers soon won for them a friendly reception. Later, as the result 

 of the efforts of Commissioner Worcester, the Tinguian villages were 

 made independent of Ilocano control, and the people were given the 

 full right to conduct their own affairs, so long as they did not disturb 

 the peace and welfare of the province. 



Under American - rule the Tinguian have proved themselves to be 

 quiet, peaceable citizens ; a few minor disturbances have occurred, 

 but none of sufficient importance to necessitate the presence of troops 

 in their district. They have received less attention from the Govern- 

 ment than most of the pagan tribes, but, even so, a measure of prog- 

 ress is discernible. They still stoutly resist the advances of the mis- 

 sionaries, but the few schools which have been opened for their chil- 

 dren have always been crowded to overflowing; trade relations are 

 much freer and more friendly than a decade ago ; and with the removal 

 of unequal taxes and labor requirements, the feelings of hostility 

 towards "the Christians" are rapidly vanishing. It now seems 

 probable that within one or two generations the Tinguian will again 

 merge with the Ilocano. 



