Directory_and_Chronicle_1889 — Page 609

THE PHILIPPINES-MANILA.

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and terrific storms are of frequent occurrence. The islands are also the centre of great volcanic action. “The destructive ravages and changes produced by earth. quakes," says Sir John Bowring, writing in 1859, "are nowhere more remark- able than in the Philippines. They have overturned mountains, they have filled up valleys, they have desolated extensive plains; they have opened passages from the sea into the interior, and from the lake into the sea. There are many tradi- tional stories of these territorial revo'utions, but of late disasters the records are trustworthy. That of 1796 was sadly calamitous. In 1824 many churches in Manila were destroyed, together with the principal bridge, the barracks, great numbers of private houses; and a chasm opened of nearly four miles in length. The inhabitants all fled into the fields, and six vessels in the port were wrecked. The number of victims was never ascertained. In 1828, during another earthquake, the vibration of the lamps was found to describe an arc of four and a half feet; the huge corner stones of the principal gate of the city were displaced; the great bells were set ringing. It lasted between two and three minutes, rent the walls of several churches and other buildings, but was not accompanied by subterranean noises, as is usually the In 1863 also a very disastrous earthquake occurred, and another fraught with disaster made 1880 memorable in the annals of Manila.

case."

Persons visiting the Philippines are required to obtain a passport from their own Government, and have it viséd at the Spanish Consulate at the port of embarkation,

MANILA.

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is situated in the island of Luzon, at the mouth of the river Pasig, which empties itself into the Bay of Manila. The city was founded in 1571. In 1645 it was almost entirely destroyed by an earthquake, in which upwards of three hundred lives were lost. In 1863 a great part of the city was again destroyed from the same cause, and in July, 1880, another terrible upheaval again made wreck of a great portion of it. The inhabitants are naturally in constant fear of these visitations. The dwelling-houses, are built with especial reference to safety under such circumstances, and, although large, possess few pretensions to architectural beauty. The streets, also are narrow and but small attention has been devoted to securing shade by the growth of trees. There are several ancient churches which are worthy of notice. The cathedral, founded originally in 1578, has been several times destroyed by earthquake and did not escape in 1863. It has been since rebuilt, but again sustained considerable damage in 1880, when the tower was so much shattered that it had to be pulled down. The city and its suburbs contain a population of over 200,000 and are the seat of a considerable and yearly increasing commerce. The principal articles of export are hemp, sugar, tobacco, cigars, coffee, and indigo, while of the imports cotton goods form the chief item. Only a smalĺ portion of the present city is enclosed within the walls. The anchorage is distant some three miles from the shore. The river presents a scene of great animation being crowded with native craft interspersed with vessels of foreign build. The passport system is in force and no one can enter or leave without previously obtain- ing a pass. Before landing passengers are obliged to pull alongside a Custom-house guard boat stationed near the landing place to prevent smuggling. The garrison of Manila consists of one European and several native regiments. The police of the city is also under military discipline and is composed of natives. A very low average of crime is said to exist, but the native classes are much addicted to gambling, an offence punishable by law, although the Government reaps a large portion of its re-