Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-03-09

this bark does contain such wonderful
properties I would like to see the American
ladies of Manila investigate the matter for
the benefit of their sisters at home
The writer was onfthe beach near Manila
when Admiral Dewey was Shelling Fort
Malate. previous "a the assault by the
troops. I was aston1shed at the lack Of in
terest taken by the natives. We were wild
with excitement but the natives looked on
unconcerned. ThereSTere several thousands
of them living in th6 vicinity. but very few
were interested enough to walk few yards
to the beach. Many of them had their
backs turned from the fray.
I would consider the FiApinos as fanatics
on religion, as they 81 attend church, many
of them daily. Sundays the streets are
packed with church.goers. I do not think
they grasp the true ideS of religion, but
they must be given credit for their efforts.
1 could not understand how any spiritual
benefit could be derived from the teachings
of the Philippine friars. These priests, with
few exceptions, had the most cruel express
sions I have ever beheld on the face of
man. Their hard faces did not portray any
evidence Of intellect, as they moped along
with downcast look. They reminded me of
expedition landed in Cavite, Aguinaldo had
a large number of priests confined in the
dungeons there, and when crowded out of
the city he took them with him. have
often wondered what their fate has been.
The large cathedrals of Manila are open
day and night, and always packed with
natives paying their devotions.
Morality of the People.
I regard the Filipnos a very moral peo-
pie when it Is considered what a hard road
they have had to travel. A faithless wife
Is seldom heard of, and 1 was told such
faithlessness was punishable by death. They
have some sort of secret society which acts
on such cases.
Marriages with Americans Is not counte-
l;,xsy,
have taken the step have been ostracised by
their people The first American soldier to
take unto himself native wife was a
hospital corps man, stationed at Cavite. He
or she made an unwises selection, as the
alliance proved to be total failure and
they soon separated.
When native women deviate from the
straight path they are considered as dead
by their people. When they appear on the
streets with painted faces they are jeered
and ridiculed by the populace, like the
witches of olden times.
Styles do not worry the native bellies, as
their costumes have the same cut today
that was in vogue hundred years ago. /
not believe will last many years under
American rule, as Manila now contains
several hundred well-dressed ladies from
America and the natives will become dis
satisfied with their flowing garments and
copy after their white sisters.
The Spanish ladies of Manila always ap-
peared to me to be over-dressed and very
awkward in their carriage when walking,
which they rarely INDUCED in, however
Their favorite pastime is carriage riding
or the Luneta after shutdown. They always
go bareheaded or with a lace mantilla over
their raven locks. They greet the occu-
pants of the passing carriages with proud
and naughty stare.
The native women are the most graceful
walkers that have ever seen. They carry
their heads as proud as any queen. This
grace is inherited and practiced from baby
hood 1t is an interesting sight to see a
mother going to church accompanied by
several little girls, all dressed alike, and
walking in the same step and with the
same graceful carriage. They wear no
tight shoes and many none at ALL This
peculiar gait has been largely acquired by
carrying weights on their heads, at which
they are exceptionally adept. They can
carry immense loads upon their heads. 1t
is a common sight of Manila to see ma
tive milk woman rushing down the street
with a beer bottle full of milk balanced on
her head. III