Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-06-13

turn after long absence, because they are
familiar with them. The changes have
taken place gradually under their observa-
ton. and hence have not attracted any es-
special attention. But everybody VINO has
spent the first year or two after the war In
Manila, before American ideas and methods
were introduced, invariably expresses aston
fshment and qualification when he goes
about and sees what has been done to make
the city habitable.
Surprised at improvements.
Said Mr. Castle: ITO say that l was sur
prised at the improvement in the city but
feebly expresses 1t. A pleasant trip from
Hong Kong brought me to Manila on st.
Patrick's day after an absence of a little
over three years. Proceeding up the Pasig
river, l was struck by the extent of the
harbor improvements, the extension of the
breakwater, and the vista of the mag
nificent harbor back of the same. in which
harbor vessels of practically any size can
swing at anchor In perfect security, mon
soons or typhoons to the contrary notwith-
standing. 1 could not have believed that
such splendid progress could have been
made since the letting of the dredging con-
tract-in such a comparatively short space
Of time. AS we approached the Bnondo
canal l was greeted with view of what
appeared to be city of considerably great
er Importance than the Manila 1 had left
only few short years ago. l soon discoV-
cred that this semblance of expansion pro-
ceded from the fact that the Immensely
thick walls of what Is known as the old
city (Entre Mures) had been cut down In
several places, thus allowing free lngress
and exposing to full view the palaces ana
churches which had hitherto only been VS.
ible after one had penetrated the dark gates
of the walled city. 1 breathe more freely
with the disappearance of those ponderous
and gloomy walls. L sincerely nope 'haI
this good work will only cease when all
traces of the formerly fortified battlements
shall have entirely disappeared
Upon landing l failed to note any
changes in the Plaza Moraga, or the Escol.
ta l noted with regret the absence OF
adequate hotels, but am reliably Informed
that the erection Of a modern hotel is con-
templated in the near future 1t did NOT
take long, however to note the march OF
progress after crossing the Bridge of Spain
the widening of the magnificent avenue
leading to the Luneta, the botanical gar
dens, the fine new edifice Of the Elks the
United States cold storage plant, the equal
of which l do not believe is to be found
anywhere: massive bridge over the
Pasig, relieving the celebrated Bridge of
Spain from the congestion which was IN
variably to be found at that important
crossing morning, noon and night; the
widening and identifying Of the Luneta,
the erection of new band stands, where
Filipinos and Americans alike are still held
captive daily by the music of the various
bands; and last but not least, the beauti-
full Malicon drive, ending in a view of the
newly f1lled-in government land destined
for the docks and warehouses of the future
A Cause for Pride.
'It is not necessary to dwell upon addi-
tional improvements which met my gaze
in every direction AS an American, proud
Of his country and Of his flag, it would
be an act Of ingra titude were l not to add
NV few feeble words Of praise to the gov
eminent of the United States and to the
military and civil government of the Philip
pines for the important work which has
been carried to a successful termination in
the period of three short years.
IT had the honor of an Introduction 10
Major Case, the city engineer of Manila,
are devoted to the Improvement OF the city
and who is by common consent the right
man in the right place.
THE financial question has, l believe,
been satisfactorily disposed of. l am not
sure that the United States government has
guaranteed the redemption of the new
Philippine currency, but If not this should
be done without delay, thereby erectualiy
putting a stop to the juggling of this cur
rency now being INDUCED in by specu-
latOrS.
The Labor Question.
1.-THE labor question, in my opinion Will
right itself, without the introduction of
Chinese coolies. l believe the Filipino will
come to realize that upon his willingness to
1,bor danapdS tho DrOSnerity of his country.