Directory_and_Chronicle_1908 — Page 1488

MANILA

1347

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 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 Pasi griver, 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 Rosario, another broad thoroughfare in Binondo, is occupied chiefly by Chinese shops, and is a busy quarter. San Miguel, Ermita and Malate are the aristocratic suburbs, 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, drive, and meet their friends. The architecture of Manila is not imposing, successive earthquakes having wrought much damage, and the city has an old-world aspect, tempered by its tropical surroundings. The streets present the greatest animation in the evening when the government offices, business houses and cigar factories are closed and the carriages of the upper classes 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 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 several theatres, but none worthy of the place. The opera is well supported in Manila. There are many statues and monuments erected in Manila. A statue of Charles IV. stands in the centre of the Palacio Square, one of Isabella II. in the Plaza of Isabella II, Malate, one to Legaspi and Urdaneta, the discoverers of Manila, on the Luneta, one to Mahallanes (Magellan) the discoverer of the Inlands, on Plaza de Magallanes. The Observatory, admirably managed by the Jesuit Fathers, is well worthy of a visit. There is a good English Club and several American Clubs. Of the hotels the Metropole is the principal, but there is a dearth of good hotels, though plans have been prepared for building a colossal hotel to take the place of the Hotel Oriente which was sold in 1993 to the Philippine Government for offices. 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 hot season commences in March and continues until July. The rains commence in August 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 ther- mometer is about 92; a cool sea breeze sets in at night, reducing the heat to an endurable temperature for sleeping. Improvements effected in the sanitation of the city since the American occupation have had the satisfactory result of reducing the death rate from 61 per mille in 1902 to 29 per mille for the years 1906-7.

In 1880 special dues were imposed on the trade of the port for the construction of a new harbour, namely, 2 per cent. on imports, 1 per cent. on exports, tonnage dues, and a tax on fishing boats. Up to the time of the American occupation a large sum had been collected, but comparatively little progress had been made with the works. In 1900 a sum of one million gold dollars was voted for the work.

Electric Tramways run in the principal streets of the city, and a railway to Dagupan was opened to traffic throughout its entire length, 123 miles, on the 23r November, 1892. The same company has also opened and is now working several branch lines. Tenders for the construction of other lines have been invited by the U.S. Government. There is also an electric railroad to Malabon; and electric lights have been placed in the public squares and walks, in business houses, and in the principal streets. Under American control, the roads and the sanitation of the city have been vastly improved. There are a marine arsenal, a patent slip at Cavite, on the opposite side of the Bay, and a marine railway on the Manila side.

The city and its suburbs receive their drinking water by pipes leading from Santolan, on the river Pasig. The water is carried to fountains, distributed in con- venient places through the 'streets, and laid on to almost every house, both domestic and business. The telephone system extends throughout the city and out as far as Malabon.

Digitized by oog e