The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1899-06-04
MANILA's GAIETY.
Driving on the Calsada to the Mu-
sic Of a Spanish Band.

In the sixteenth century writes Rosa
lie Kaufman in the ..St Nicholas" d br-
ing a battle with one Of the Philippine
tribes, Magellan, the great Spanish ex-
pfurer, was killed He discovered the
Islands and tried to land, but was pre-
vented by the Indians. A few years
later. Legaspi, Spaniard, was more
fortunate, and, with half a dozen
monks, landed on the island of Luzon
AND rounded the city of Manila. Ma
Mia is built on both sides of the Pasig
River, which is spanned by massive
stone bridges. In the old town, or Ma
mia proper, there are some fine public
buildings, but no shops; consequently
there is a constant stream of people
ana vehicles over the bridges to and
prom Binondo, where all the business IS
carried on In this quarter there are
rows OF shops, kept, for the most part,
by Chinese, though some are owned by
Europeans and Americans They are
llow-framed structures. with heavy
awnings. to the edge of the sidewalk as
protection against the sun; and they
are SO small that one has to stay out
side, and goods are shown over the
counter, which extends across the door,
Islands, an entire family will live in a
hut containing just one room. The
furniture consists of a mat and a
mosquito netting.
But the wealthy people have attrac-
tive ihomes. Many of these are on the
banks of the river. and all have gar
dens filled with luxuriant vines. orna-
mental trees and gorgeous flowers
n
where there are landing places for small
boats. Inc houses are raised several
feet from the ground, on thick blocks
OF stone OF wood, which makes them
cooler and at the same time drier, espe-
cially where the soil is marshy. They
nave no glass windows, because the
light would be too glazing, but sliding
frames with thin shell panes temper the
light and admit plenty of fresh air.
One is struck by the order and cleanli-
ness OF these houses. Even the floors
shine like mirrors, for they are rubbed
twice a day with plantain leaves These
are the dwellings of the mestizos, who
are part Chinese and part Spanish
one OF the favorite amusements Of
the people is driving on the Calsada
During the day this fashionable prom
enade is deserted because the heat is so
intense that only working people ever
venture out between O'Clock in the
morning and 4 in the afternoon But in
the evening all is gaiety and fun on
the Calsada, where a fine band of Span
ish musicians used to play as tbs car
riages, horsemen and pedestrians moved
along, nodding and chatting, and fire.
quenfly hating to listen to the music
Sometimes the ladies stroll about wear
ling gaudy eolors and rich jewels Their
thick black hair hangs loose, and is
made glossy by being smeared with
cocoanut oil On their heads are jew
| eled combs and artificial flowers. Sud-
denly, when the frolic is at its hight,
and just as the sun disappears behind
the hills, the city church bells ring, and
profound silence ensues. 1t is time for
vespers. The men take off their hats;
everybody kneels or bows in a devu-
tional manner, and prays. The bells
ring again; the music starts up, the
procession continues, and the gaiety in
creaseS.