Manila

Manila, or Manilla, the capital of the Philippine Islands, stands at the back of a bay in the south-west of the island of Luzon. The river Pasig divides it in two parts, the southern consisting of the old town, founded by Legaspi in 1571, whilst on the northern bank is the trading and fashionable part of the city. The cathedral and archbishop's palace, as well as the university, observatory, and arsenal, are in the Plaza de Manila, or old city. The harbour is unsafe during the monsoons, and large vessels have to shelter in the naval port of Cavite. The climate generally is very hot, but not unhealthy, and, besides the monsoons, there are not ' unfrequently terrible earthquakes and hurricanes. For this reason the houses are generally built of wood. No glass is used, and the streets are lighted by kerosene oil lamps. The greater part of the population consists of the native Tagals; but, besides the Spaniards, there are many Chinese and Europeans. The trade, which is largely in British hands, has rapidly increased since the expiration of the privileges of the Royal Philippine Company in 1834.

Manila hemp, sugar, coffee, and cigars are the chief exports, women being chiefly employed in making the last-named. Railways have only been opened in Luzon during recent years.