The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-06

The city this wall surrounds contains the large, heavy public buildings, all of Spanish architecture of the seventeenth century, which gives the city medieval appearance. The conyents and churches suggest the religious dominance of the religious orders under the former regime. At the time of the American occupation the chief buildings were used for the headquarters of the military government and the artillery, cavalry and infantry barracks. Within the walls are the arch bishops palace, the cathedral the uni- versity and the College of San Juan de Letraw, a medical college and the semi nary and law colleges.
 The avenue of Santa Lucia extends along the beach and terminates in a mon ument to Governor Anda. The Luneta, a crescent-shaped drive and park, extends along the bay shore and is the popular promenade. Every evening, when the weather permits, a military band gives concerts on the Luneta. and here is seen the elite of the city. The Paso de Magel- lans extends along the river under the walls At this point a statue of Magel- Ian commentaries the dscoverer of the Philippines.
 New Manila or Binondo. is the com mercial center. Here are located the main postoffice, the banks, shipping houses and hotels. The commerce of the islands is dominated by the Chinese. They have their chamber of commerce and clearing house. At Che time of the Amer ican occupation the commercial portion of New Manila was a paradise for curio collectors. The rarest of porcelain and old china, the art of making which is lost could be had for a ridiculously small sum.
 The Escolta is the main street of new Manila. The majority of the streets are narrow, but the numerous canals which make of the city miniature Venice, help to a great extent in the transporta- ton of merchandise. Since the Amer ican occupation Manila has had the great est boom in its history Electric lights, telephones, trolley cars, gravity water works system and extensive Improvements of the rivers and harbors are a few of the principle Improvements the Americans have installed.
 The products of Manila are cigars liquors distilled and malD, lumber which consists of teak wood. mahogany, rose wood, ebony. walnut and bamboo. Ma nial twine and rope, ships and boats brick and tile, boots and shoes, clothing and rice The best Panama hats on earth are manufactured here. Manila has a large cotton mill equipped with the most modern machinery; also numerous foun- dries and machine shops In 1902 there were S76 industrial enterprises, the total output of which was valued at S10,000. 900 per year. This was 70 per cent of the islands. Manila handles 80 per cent of the commerce of the archipelago.
 Ships of every nation are seen in the Bay of Manila and consuls of 23 different countries have their residence here.
 The modern Manila is at the present time. notwithstanding its medieval archi- lecture, an American city. Whatever may be the future fate of the Philippines the American people can never cease to feel a profound interest in their chief city. Business enterprises have been established there of a character that will endure, and as long as the islands remain in our possession Manila will be an Amer ican city in its business and social life. as it has been Spanish in the past. The future of Manila and the Philippines may, like an unknown factor in algebra, be represented by x.
 People who have travelled in the islands and in Japan and have made 2 study of