244 VILLAVEUDE. 



It is tlie custom of the Ifugaos to regard as unendurable the slightest 

 bodily punishment. Not only this, but they can hardly endure a word 

 which among the Christians passes almost unnoticed, and it is extremely 

 danger'5us for them even to get to Joking with each other, especially if 

 they are strangers or not related. The Ifugao is, and believes himself, 

 an absolute king, avenging with his ever ready lance the smallest offense 

 not only against his person, but also against his house and his estate. 

 In the intercourse which they must necessarily have with others they are 

 very circumspect and reserved, especially with strangers. I do not mean 

 to say by this that their manners are fine, for they do not even know 

 words and salutations, and comport themselves like wild beasts when they 

 meet each other, but I do mean that in their extreme barbarism they fear 

 to compromise themselves in matters which do not concern them, and 

 they know that if they do not know how to endure, the same thing is 

 true of their fellows. 



For example : Wlaen a military expedition was encamped in one of 

 these mountains, various Ifugaos of influence came down to present 

 themselves to the leader, bringing him presents. It occurred to one of 

 the expeditionary force to play a joke on an old man, pulling out some 

 of the few hairs which he had in his beard. This was enough to make 

 him furious, although he was in the midst of the encampment, and he 

 gave the war cry to the others, although, coming in friendly spirit, they 

 did not carry lances. The result was tremendous confusion. More 

 Ifugaos came up and the forces had to deploy and fire until they drove 

 them away. All this was the result of an unimportant joke. I heard 

 this from a person who saw it. 



On another occasion, in a settlement somewhat removed from Quian- 

 gan, individuals did not wish to pay homage nor to aid in certain public 

 works that were being constnicted. As a result a few soldiers were sent 

 from the fort to compel them to obey, but when they reached the settle- 

 ment they found only an old man; all the rest had fled. It occurred to 

 a soldier to make fun of certain idols, and furthermore to catch a few 

 hens in punishment for their rebellion, whereupon the old man with fire 

 in his eyes, attempted to sheath his dagger in the breast of the soldier, 

 without fear of the rifles and bayonets. Other similar instances might 

 be enumerated, as well as accidents which have occurred on expeditions 

 for insignificant causes of this sort, especially when women were insulted 

 in the smallest degree. I think I have said enough to show that it is not 

 easy to have to do with these Ifugaos without knowing thoroughly their 

 instincts and character, and it can be understood why the missionary 

 priests are almost afraid to have detachment-s of troops in the missions, 

 especially since in other ways, and working witli wisdom, their submission 

 might be brought about gradually. 



