Directory_and_Chronicle_1892 — Page 855

THE PHILIPPINES-MANILA

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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 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 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 safely under such circumstances, and, although large, possess few pretensions to architectural beauty. The city proper within the walls is small and contains a scanty population, but the larger Government buildings and religious institutions are grouped there. The suburbs, of which Binondo ranks first in order of importance, are the centres of trade and in- dustry. The Escolta, the main business street, traverses this suburb, and in it most of the European stores and bazaars are to be found. The Rozario, another broad thoroughfare in Binondo, is occupied chiefly by Chinese shops, and is a busy quarter. San Miguel is the aristocratic suburb, being the seat of the residences of the wealthy merchants and other residents. The architecture of Manila is not imposing, successive earthquakes having wrought much damage, and the city has an old world aspect tem- pered by its tropical surroundings. The streets present the greatest animation in the evening, when the cigar factories are closed and the carriages of the upper clases are out for the customary promenade. 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 be pulled down. There are three theatres, but none worthy of the place. The opera is well supported in Manila. A statue of Charles IV. stands in the centre of the Palacio Square, and one of Isabella II. opposite to the Variedades Theatre. The Observatory, admirably managed by the Jesuit Fathers, is well worthy of a visit. There is a good English Club. Of the hotels the Hotel de Oriente is the principal and only well appointed one. The city and its suburbs contain a population of 300,000 and are the seat of a con- siderable 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. 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

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