On this day, October 7, 1846, Spanish Governor-General Narciso Claveria issued a decree against vagrants, asking provincial authorities to have idlers rounded up and, after questioning, to employ them in public works for a month and then send them back to their hometowns.
Claveria, who became the Philippines’ governor-general from July 16, 1844, until December 26, 1849, was also known for adapting Spanish surnames among the natives.
Claveria corrected the Philippine calendar, made reforms in the office of the alcalde-mayor, and founded a casino, the “Sociedad de Recreo” (Recreation Association). A number of papers were founded within his term, among them were the La Esperanza and Diario de Manila.
During his term, a military library was established and, the first steam war vessels were bought from London.
He earned the titles of count of Manila, viscount of Claveria, and the cross of San Fernando.
He personally asked the King for his retirement and later returned to Spain.
Source: Philippines News Agency archives
(Filed by Jr Amigo/ai/mnm)