Directory_and_Chronicle_1903 — Page 1256

MANILA

699

The carrying trade in exports for the same period shows that but 1 per cent, of the 825,998,760 worth of merchandise exported was carried in American vessels, British 75 per cent., German 3 per cent., and all others 21 per cent.

MANILA

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is situated on the western side of the island. of Luzon, at the mouth of the river Pasig, which empties itself into the Bay of Manila, and the city is now held by the forces of the United States. War having been declared between the United States and Spain, the fleet of the former on the 1st May,. 1898, sailed into Manila Bay and totally destroyed the Spanish fleet, practically with no loss to the attacking side. Thereafter the city was blockaded until the- 13th August, when, a Military force having arrived, the Americans took possession. after an almost unresisted assault.

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 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 city is practically divided into two parts, the official or walled city being built on the left bank of the Pasig river, while the commercial city is situated on the island of Binondo, which forms the right bank of the same river. 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. Around the walls and the edge of the bay is a fashionable drive lined with almond trees, where the well-to-do inhabitants walk,. Irive, and meet their friends. The architecture of Manila is not imposing, successive arthquakes 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 vening, 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 times destroyed by arthquakes and did not escape in 1863. It has been since rebuilt, but again sustained. onsiderable damage in 1880, when the tower was so much shattered that it had to be ulled down. There are several 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 Observa- ory, admirably managed by the Jesuit Fathers, is well worthy of a visit. There is a good English Club and an American Club. Of the hotels the Hotel de Oriente is the principal.. 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 hief item. The anchorage is distant some three miles from the shore. The river presents scene of great animation, being crowded with native craft interspersed with vessels of foreign build. The hot season commences in March and continues until July. The rains commence in August and continue to December, during which time

he roads and streets get into a very bad condition. The maximum annual rainfall. ecorded is 114 inches and the minimum 84 inches. The maximum of the ther- nometer is about 92; a cool sea breeze sets in at night, reducing the heat to an ndurable 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 hinese, 46,066 Chinese mestizos (or half-breeds), 3,849 Spanish mestizos, and 160,896′ ure natives.

In 1880 special dues were imposed on the trade of the port for the construction of new harbour, namely, 2 per cent. on imports, 1 per cent. on exports, tonnage dues, and tax on fishing boats. Up to the time of the American occupation a large sum had.

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