Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1905-03-31
SOCIAL LIFE IN MANILA.
During "Heated Term" It Is Dull, But
Gay and Lively the Other
Nine Months.

dent in the Philippine islands differs
greatly in many respects from that OF
the same class of people at home.
In everything, and everywhere, the
military takes first place. The wives
and daughters of generals, colonies,
and even lieutenants, are, generally
speaking, the arbiters OF social des-
approval, he may as well abandon his
social aspirations. He may have fire.
quent invitations to Mrs. Governors"
dinners and to Mrs. Commissioner
teas, but if his name does not appear
among those whose presence is de-
sired at Mrs. Generals reception" he
will be compelled to admit that his So
cial success is far from complete.
During the three months of April,
May and June-known as the heat
ed term"-social life in Manila is ex-
tremely dull, says writer in the Los
Angeles Times. 1t is far too hot for
dances and other formal affairs, even
If there was anyone at home to take
part, and during this season everyone
who can possibly leave the city makes
pilgrimage to Japan, or at least to
the mountains of Benguet. Baguio, in
Benguet, is already virtually the
summer capital, as the governor, COM
missioners and every other official
who can do So spends the greater part
of the hot season there.
The climate of Baguio is very de-
| lightful at all times except during Sc
we're rainy seasons The cool and brac-
ing air can hardly be accounted for by
the attitude alone, although this is con-
siderable. It's only drawback is its mac
feasibility. 1t is reached by difficult
trail over which the traveller is carried
in a chair on the shoulders of Igrotte
bearers. Millions of dollars have been
spent in so-far unsuccessful effort to
complete highway from the coast TO
this Mecca of all Americans exiled by
choice or military command to these far
away islands. When this road is COM
pleted, if it ever is, TIE government will
use every effort to secure an electric
line through from Manila and, when
this has been accomplished, Baguio will
become the summer capital, and be to
Manila what Delhi is to Bombay.
During the remaining nine months
of the year, the social life of Manila is
gay and lively. 1t is, in fact, too siren
uous for the climate. Dinners, dances
and teas follow each other in quick sue
cession. Launch parties on the river
and the bay alternate, with dinners on
the steamers and men-of-war, and he
who has been accepted by Manila So
ciety has no reason to complain of insult
ficient entertainment
| Everyone drives in Manila If one
can afford pair-and the native pom
les are not expensive-he drives a
neat victoria of diminutive proper
lions to conform to the size of his ami.
mails. If he is limited to a single
pony, he uses a "calisea." This is a
small two-wheeled carriage much like
dog cart. 1t is provided with a
small seat behind which is always occu-
pied by a native footman
The city and suburbs afford many
bea siful drives, but the chief pleas
ure in owning carriage is to drive
to the band concerts on the Luneta
This is beautiful park, or large
grass plot overlooking the bay, laid out
| with nj u nj
stands. 1t is entirely devoid of trees
but very pretty, nevertheless, and is
reached from the city by beautiful wide
drives along the seashore, lined with
aoacias.
Here the military bands play every
fair evening-and in Manila that means
almost every evening. Everybody ant
his wife may be found at these concert;
sitting in their victorias or leaving
these in charge of native servants anG
strolling about the park. The sumptu
Gus carriage of the wealthy Filipino
stands between those of the American
army officer and the government clerl
struggling to keep up appearances or
500 month. There is the elaborate
carriage of the governor, with his liv
cried servants, and beside it is the rick
ETY., dilapidated "caratela" of the pool
native The wealthy Chinaman, in hi
gorgeous pajamas of peacock blue is fol
lowed by red-fezzed Turk or turbanet
East Indian. "A group of American sol
, diers, clad in khaki, salutes a numbe
of British tars in white sailor toys
Dark-eyed, black-haired Spanish senior
, itas cast languishing glances at Uncl
I Sans dapper lieutenants to the ap
parent displeasure of the matronly col
onels wife strolling along with tn
beauty who as evidently comes from tn
q land of liberty as do the Stars an,
, Stripes flying over yonder band stand.