On April 30, 1901, representatives from different towns of the province of Sorsogon showed up for a meeting with the Americans, including Commissioners Worcester, Ide and Moses. The meeting was called to order at 1035 with documented representatives from Bulan (Esteban Nicolas, president), Donsol (Rodrigo Abitra), Santa Magdalena (Isidro Gallanosa, president), Barcelona (Domingo Espigol, president) and Sorsogon (Leon Paras, acting president); other town representatives attended but didn’t submit their roster.

Dring this meeting, Senor Leon Paras of Sorsogon asked for the same salaries as Albay. However, the Americans told him that Sorsogon has only 100,000 population compared to 200,000 of Albay. A list of salaries paid by the Commission in other provinces was given to him; in turn, he saked that same salaries be paid in Sorsogon as were pain in Tayabaz, e.g. Governor, US$1,600; Secretary, US$1,100; Treasurer, US$2,200; Supervisor, US$1,800; Fiscal, US$1,350.

Commissioner Worcester in Kalinga, with 4 rebel chiefs. The picture comes from the collection of University of Michigan.

Senor Juan Maron of Bulan wanted the capital transferred from Sorsogon to Casiguran. Apparently, no provincial buildings on both towns. Maron claimed that Casiguran was more healthy and had a better port; population was about 9,000; that of Sorsogon was 12,000. After some discussion, the question of the location of the capital was submitted to a vote of the presidentes. The ballot resulted to a tie in favor of Sorsogon and Casiguran. The commission decided that it would consult Colonel Howe. Eventually, in the afternoon session, the said colonel decided in favor of Sorsogon. This is because the province has it as the current capital and it seems has also a better harbor than Casiguran. Furthermore, the commission felt that it should not interfere with the status quo, where the people seemed evenly decided. If the people desired a change after the government was established, it could be submitted to a popular vote.

*Taken from the report of the Philippine Commission, p185, Annual Reports of the War Department, Volume 1, Part 9