The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1900-08-27
A WEDDING IN MANILA.
Many Churches Supported by Geyout
FfiipInos.

Many Churches Supported by DeyOut
Ffiipinos.
Following are some extracts from a let
ter recently received from the capital OF
the Philippines:
Though hundreds OF Roman Catholic
priests betook themselves to Spain when
the Americans came into this city, the
church seems to be carrying on its func-
lions in Manila, if not in the provinces.
the same as formerly. Without question,
the ,Jesuits stand for what is best in the
Church in the Philippines During the
last century they were expelled from the
islands. owing TO the jealousy Of the 9TH
er orders, and were allowed to return on
the condition that they should confine their
work TO teaching; this they have done,
and so we'll that it is a matter for regret
that they are not able to turn some of
their energy into parochial WORK. Their
college for men and boys il Manila is the
best educational institution III the islands.
and is always well attended The curicu-
lum is comprehensive, not in name alone.
for the fathers are of scholarship and
ability and able 20 teach all branches OF
learning. Their observatory in Manila is
well known in the East. and it often hap
pens that lives are saved and damage is
averted by their forecasts OF typhoons,
which cabe6 to the other islands and
even to Hong kong.
Their large and beautiful church con-
nected with their college in the walled
city Is well worth visit The services
there are well attended by a good class OF
people. and in connection with the misc
al o'clock is preached an excellent ser
mon by one Of the padres The massive
pillars, roof, and high altar are Of wood
instead OF stone, aud these are beautifully
carved by native Fiiipinos, who, however
learned the craft in Europe. The pictures
which adoTn one side of the interior are
by native artists, too, but they do not eX-
eel in the art
THE Jesuit Church is not the only one
that is well attended on Sundays and 'fes-
tas The average citizen of Manila is pi-
Gus and deyout according to the regulations
of the church.
There are a large number of churches
in Manila, perhaps mere in proportion to
the population than in New York city In
old Manila alone there are five distinct
orders of PADRES the San Augustine, rich
ard powerful. and. accordingly disliked:
he Recoliete, Capuchins, DcminIeans. and
Jesuits. All these orders have their
churches, which were more beautiful be-
fore the war than they are now, some OF
them being used for barracks for both
Spanish and American troops when the
Americans first entered the city.
THE other morning the writer had the
privilege Of attending wedding in the
church at San Domingo Il was a genuine
Filipino alliance. the bride being a sweet
little Spanish girl, or rather a Philippine
SP2niard, and The groom a -mestize' the
only son Of 4 Spanish father, who IS dead
and a native mother who possessed coasid-
cradle wealth. He had been educa ted in
Hongkorg in q college there attended by
talk English fuEntly- The ceremony was
scheduled fer q ~. and the poor little
bride, who was being married from cor
vent school IL Manila, being an orphan
was obliged TO begin TO dress for the eere-
nony at o'clock There does not seem
10 be much inspiration even for a we'd
ding al that early hour still d large part Cf
The inmates of the convent had gathered
10 witness the toilet and lend a helping
hand The wedding gown was OF corded
white silk and TO this was added the veil
and orange blossoms worn the world over
Her hair was carefully erected in 4 high
pompadour, and a large amount OF powder
was applied 10 her face. according to Span
ish custm.
The guests who were gathered il the
church were almost Ill relatives and
'nlestiZes, the Filipino costume pTedom-
mating On occasions OF this sort no If
ference is made in the style o. the dress
but 1t is OF richer material In the sac-is-
ty the priest awaited the bridal party.
and on one side of him stood an acoIyte
holding Z crHcifx, and on the otnsr. che
with a candle. The ceremony over. all
followed the priest, the two -oIytes and
the bride and bridegroom into the chapel
for mass The newly married couple knelt
before the altar. each holding a candle
and at their left further hack knelt the
bridegroom's mother i long veil Of 'pera
cloth was dTaped over the brides head
and at ore end brought over the bride
groom's shoulder; over this, around their
shoulders, was laid gold chain. L vas
removed before the mass was e1dsd and
they arose.
The whole party adjourned to the house
OF the bridegroom mother, where The
bride was to live and here q wedding
breakfast was laid out on a long table.
All the women were seated and a few o.
the men, the happy pair having a place
in the middle of one side of the table. The
repast consisted OF various kinds of cold
meats, wine. cakes, ard chocolate with
tGothpicks between each course. The less
said of Spanish or Filipino table manners
the better. Most Of the guests were hun
cry. and attended conscientiousIy to tie
business in hand without paying much at
tention to the dear little bride or her hus-
band neither Of whom had much appetite
TIE kospit2ble mother walked about the
table personally to direct the 'nuchac1ez'
in filling the wants of her guests, and
smoking the while a huge cigar.
Soon after the breakfast was finished
and it did not lake long. for there were no
toasts and little general c0nyersation-the
guests took their departure. bzing escorted
to their carriages by the men. Sometin es
though not often wedding journey is IL
dulged IN, but II is always to Bongkong
or Japan. never IN the provinces, because
the accommodations are not comfortable
there