Directory_and_Chronicle_1891 — Page 783

THE PHILIPPINES-MANILA

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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 are 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 or three minutes, rent the walls of several churches and other buildings, but was not accompanied by subterranean noises, as is usually the case. In 1863, also a very disastrous earthquake occurred, and another fraught with disaster made 1880 memorable in the annals of Manila.

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Persons visiting the Philippines are required to obtain a passport from their own Government, and have it vised 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 time destroyed by earthquakes 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 bo 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 small 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 obtaining 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 revenue from the sale of lottery tickets. A race meeting is held in the spring. There are three daily papers, El Diario de Manila, La Oceania Española, La Voz de Espana, published in the morning, and El Comercio, which appears in the evening. The hot season commences in March and continues until July, when the rains commence and continue to December, during which time the roads and streets get into a very bad condition. The maximum annual rainfall recorded is 114 inches and the minimum 84 inches. The maximum of the thermometer is about 92; a cool sea breeze sets in at night, reducing the heat to an endurable temperature for sleeping. According to the census of 1883 there were residing in Manila 250 foreigners of European origin, 4,189 European Spaniards, 15,157 Chinese, 46,066 Chinese mestizos (or half-breeds), 3,849 Spanish mestizos, and 160,896 pure natives.

In 1880 special dues were imposed on the trade of the port for the construction of a new harbour, mely, 2 per cent. on imports, 1 per cent. on exports, tonnage dues, and a tax on fishingoats. The total sum collected amounts to about $5,000,000.

Tramways run in the principal streets of the city, and a railway to Dagupan is approaching completion. A patent slip has been laid at Cavite, and works constructed for repairs to vessels.