The Richmond palladium. (Richmond, Ind.) 1906-1907, 1906-11-12

the azotea--and are reached by a covered
passageway. The walls of the lower
floor are OF heavy stone, with barred
apertures and massive door, having a
prisonlike appearance. Since the great
earthquake of 1880 the use of stone in
the upper structures has, for the sake of
public safety, been forbidden. Now the
second stories are constructed of wood,
often with a roof of corrugated iron. The
entire outer wall Is fitted with sliding
windows, glazed with opaque oyster shell.
which, whilst admitting a subdued light,
obstructs the rays OF the sun to a greater
extent than would glass.
Old Manila never had any kind Of sewer
age system. The private arrangements
of residences were fearfuIly unsanitary.
The drainage of houses was carried into
the river or moat, and not little of II
escaped by way OF the streets. All this
Is being rectified as rapidly as possible
and the walled city may become in time
tolerably healthful, if not a pleasant.
place In which to live.
The Cathedral and palace face on what
was the public square The former dates
from 1850. when the great earthquake
destroyed its predecessor. Until recently
the ruins lay in juxta position to the
habitual procrastination of the Spaniard
The Cathedral. like most large buiIalngs
liable to the effect of seismic forces, Il
fat and devoid of upper structures. II
derives, nevertheless, a certain beauty
and granduer from its noble proportions
and simple lines. The foundations were
laid at the time of the creation of the
archiepiscopate, In 1895, but several edi-
Gees have occupied the site since then.
In the days, and they extended over the
greater period of Spanish rule, when the
church overshadowed the civil authority
In the islands, the Cathedral represented
the political and social power of the col
ony. 1t was the starting point of almost
tally religious professions designed to
impress the proletariat. Saints days were
more numerous than work days In old
Manila, and the lower classes delighted
In the cheap amusement that wound up
ut night with a gorgeous display. Hun
ireds of men. women and children, bear
Ing lighted candles. paced IN single file
down either side OF the street. whilst
hands OF music came down the center.
preceding groups of priests escorting
images of the Virgin Mary and the saints.
borne upon the shoulders of devotees
Many OF these images were adorned with
gems of priceless value, else the guard of
soldiers with fixed hayonets was designed
"a convey false impression The course
II the parade was marked by the ex-
,losion of bombs aud rockets at frequent
The palace of the governors general has
occupied the same spot, in successive
since the earliest days OF the
,ity. The present structure. large and
building with spacious apart
nents. dates from 1868. when earthquake
destroyed the previous building. a fine,
broad stairway gives access TO the second
ioor. on which, after the custom of the
country. are all the living and reception
ooms- splendid ball. 100 feet In length
Ind half rs broad with lofty ceiling !
md parquetry floor. has been the scene
Il many stately functions. The walls
re hung with life-size paintings OF former |
governors general and other Spanish /
celebrities. The council chamber looks |
ut upon the square. and many an anx- [
Gus "a theriug has watched the excited !
mob from its windows. The room is fur 1
'lshed with 2 large, beautifully carved /
able and heavy chairs bearing the royal /
rms
In the angle of the city walls. which /