There are many drives and promenades in the city of Manila. The
principal one, and the most celebrated, is the Luneta, which is by
the old sea-wall. Here in the cool summer evening is stationed the
Governor's fine military band, and all Manila comes out to see and to
be seen. Thousands of people, natives and foreigners, pair in careless
promenade. Here comes a group of English Jack Tars, from some British
Man-of-War in the harbor. The sailors are flirting vigorously with a
number of bewitching mestiza-girls, just behind. These olive-cheeked
damsels, whose long raven hair, red lips, and pearly teeth are
cunningly displayed in daring coquetry, are all laughing merrily,
smoking betimes a dainty cigarette. Here comes a whole native-family,
trooping along with almost stolid demeanor, yet listening keenly to
the stirring music. And then follow Chinamen, in their national dress,
Englishmen in white drill, and Spaniards in European costume,--all
walking with the leisurely manner of the tropics, as if to the climate
born. And so thousands pass by, bowing and smiling, with never one
careworn face in the vast throng.
Here, too, were enacted some of the most horrible tragedies in the
recent rebellion. Hundreds of native prisoners were here executed. And
such an execution was made occasion of great rejoicing. The fashionable
Spanish element, men and women, was not wanting to witness it; and
while the band discoursed a lively air, the poor fellows were made
to stand on the sea-wall, facing the sea; at a given signal the
firing-squad discharged a volley, and they fell dead or mortally
wounded, while the onlookers cheered for tyranny and Spain.
Though Manila lies very low, it is by no means unhealthy. It is a
pleasant city to live in, but not nearly so pleasant as it might
be made to be. The climate is thus described by an old Spanish
proverb: "Six months of dust; six months of mud; six months of
everything." The spring months are December, January, and February;
the climate then is most agreeable. In March, April, and May the heat
is very oppressive. In June, July, August, and September occur heavy
rains. October and November are either wet or dry. The population
of Manila is not far from 300,000, of which 70 per cent. are pure
natives, 15 per cent. Chinese, 14 per cent. mestizo Chinos, and one
per cent. Europeans and Creoles.
OTHER IMPORTANT CITIES AND TOWNS.
Iloilo, Capital of the Province of Panay.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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