Simoun pressures Quiroga to allow him to smuggle a large number of firearms and ammunition into the province, disguised within ceramic jars and hollow furniture. Quiroga is terrified; he is a businessman playing a delicate political game with the Spanish friars (specifically Padre Sibyla and Padre Camorra). He needs their permission to get his consulship, but Simoun threatens to withdraw his financial support for that same consulship.
(Grabs Quiroga by the collar suddenly) You fool. You think the Spanish will give you a Consulship? They use you like a mule. They take your money, eat your food, and sleep with your servants. I am offering you a country. A free Philippines. And you say "Consulship"? El Filibusterismo Script Kabanata 17
The central character of this chapter is , a wealthy Chinese merchant hoping to become the Spanish Consul for China in Manila. He hosts Simoun in his warehouse, which is filled with porcelain, silks, and trinkets. However, under the guise of buying goods, Simoun hides a secret agenda. Simoun pressures Quiroga to allow him to smuggle