The Washington times., 1903-05-08
MANILA TREASURES
TO Be PRESERVED
Twentieth Century Club
Champions Movement.
SECRETARY ISSUES 0RDER
Many People of Influence Join to Savs
Works of Much Historic and
Art Value.
SECRETARY ISSUES oRDER

From three-line dispatch in the
newspapers suggesting the razing of
the walls about ancient Manila, there
has sprung movement for the preser-
vation of the historic and art treasures
OF the Philippine Islands that promises
to become national in character. The
champion of the movement is the Twen-
tieth Century Club. which has as men,
bers the wives of men who have lone
things of Importance commercially. po-
litically, or in other ways.
Committees are busy interesting other
societies in the work That the iabors
have borne fruit, is evidenced by a kim
dred spirit which has already spread to
such societies as the Daughters of the
American Revolution, the League of
American Pen Women, the Women OF
the Press Club. Washington women's
Club, Society of Mayfiower Descen-
dants, and other patriotic organiza-
tions.
special committee from the Twen-
tieth Century Club this forenoon. called
on Col. Clarence R. Edwards, chief OF
the Bureau of Insular Affairs. The plans
"
explained in detail Colonel Edwards
decided that the movement was meritor
ious, anu AT once took 1t up with Sec
retary Root, of the War Department
The result was that Secretary Root
today Gent a cable dispatch TO Governor
Taft resembling his order for the re-
rnoval of any part of the Manila wall.
The Secretary's interest makes it GER
tain that the walls will be retained in
all their historic beauty, and the art
treasures of the UsseSd States posses
sions in the Far East will be saved as
one of the curiosities of the world
The members of the Twentieth Cen
tury Club will now continue their work
in an effort TO have the War Depart
| ment Improve the walled city, to the
end thai il will be made healthEuI re-
sors
Mecca for Students
It is impossible 70 picture to one who
has never been in Manila the sensa-
tions of the student of ancient history
or the connoisseur OF rare art and curios
at the mere thought OF demolition of
walls which have stood for four cen
turies, and the destruction of monas-
| teries. churches, and forts teeming with
rare articles which would net fortunes
TO hundred collectors.
But there is another side Of the ques-
ton, which the members of the Twen-
tieth Century Club are presenting in an
attractive manner, and one which they
believe viii appeal to every cultured
! American. who has not been warped by
the worship of commercialism. The pro-
gressive women Interested desire not
only the preservation of the treasures
to which this Government has fallen
heir. but the Improvement of the walled
city, until il will be a resort as much
sought as the historic ruins OF Europe
and the ancient buildings of the more
travelled portions of the Old World.
A Beautiful City.
Army officers and others believe Manila
has more to OFFER in the way of buildings
of beautiful and classic ancient archi-
lecture than any city in the world and
the best argument for preservation is
that practically all of this is situated
within the massive walls surrounding
the old city. The walled portion of Ma
Mia is but a small part of the city as it
stands today. The business portion Of
Manila is north of the River Passig,
while the walled city is to the south and
on the bay. Still further south and east
is the residence part OF Manila The
western boundary of the entire city is
the bay.
1t will be seen from this brief dis
cription, therefore, that there is no need
of the one square mile area occupied by
the walled city. Around the section is a
magnificent drive which affords a view
of one of the few walled cities, and by
far the most picturesque. in existence.
On one side of the boulevard are magnih-
cent glass plots and banana and other
beautiful trees. On the other side is the
wall covered with mosses. orchids and
lichens.
In Original Form.
The gateways to the city remain in
their original form. To enter, it is
necessary to pass through circuitous
passageway, replete with sharp angles
and other means OF preventing sudden
or forcible entrance. The advantage OF
this as a means of defense will be read
lily seen by the reader
On the interior and forming a part of
the wall ar the mouth of the River
Passig is Fort San Diego. Its dungeons
are still in existence. and the UNDER
ground rooms used in toFturing prison
ers intact 1t was there that prisoners
were secured. and the water from the
river turned on gradually. As il rose
slowly the prisoners were given an op-
portunity to reflect. and when it reached
hat chi hon DIV
confess anything desired. That the
method employed in sweating" con-
fessions.
Then there is the monastery which
contains all relics OF historical interest,