River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1916-05-18
n ANILA is a city of beautiful
" homes and extremely pictur-
esque surroundings, the col

Nh homes and extremely pictur-
esque surroundings, the col
orful Orient blended with
e practical convenience Of the Occi-
mt, according to writer in the New
0rk Sun.
In the early days, from 1900 to 1903,
--ere was great diff culty in finding
table homes for civilians and quar-
rs for officers of the army. At pres
t in and about the city there are
any attractive dwellings, rearranged
,anish houses and thoroughly up-to-
tie bungalows. Possibly one might
.ticize the intimate way in which
me of the pretty concrete bungalows
huddled, two or three together, on
plot of land which, in Singapore or
lombo, would be considered made
ate for the grounds of one home.
tide, however, the tiny house is
ninously fresh and clean. If you are
American, the condensed con-
aience of it all may compensate to
legree for the restricted lawn. 1t is
spirit of practically moved
aight over to the Philippines from
) United States, which builds two
uses where one should be.
Comparatively few Americans have
lit homes of their own. Mostly they
re lived in the old Spanish houses,
lIch are exceedingly commodious
d picturesque, but often rather
imitive as regards sanitary arrange
ents. They are solidly constructed
keep out the heat Of the sun and
so the typhoOns..
The sliding windows with their
any small panes of opalescent oys-
# shell can enclose the house COM
.etely against ravaging wind and
lin. There is invariably a stone
aved courtyard where, before the
avs of automobiles, the carriages
ere kept. The family occupied the
pper story, while the servants quar-
ars were on the ground floor. These
ere never more than two stories be-
:ause of possible earthquakes. AS a
ule, the stable was underneath, or
lear the kitchen, and the horses were
brought around from the back and
larnessed to the carriage in the front
courtyard.
The iron barred windows Of Spanish
lines are seen always in Manila, even
n the modern bungalows. They af-
ord excellent protection against ma
auders, both animal and human.
Typical High Glass Dwelling.
The inner entrance, paved with
blocks of stone, leads by the tiled
steps and hallway on the ground floor.
Beyond are the servants quarters and
Kitchen. To the left before entering
he dining room is the room of the
No. 1 boy or major-domo, who super
Intends the household and must be al
ways on hand. In typical dwelling
# the better class the condor, or
lining room, has a tiled floor, barred
windows and furniture of the beauti'
ul native hard wood, nara, which
resembles mahogany. The table
which seats twelve persons, is Of one
,iece of nara.
The walls of the stairway are deco
'ated with very old temple hangings
md Moro scarfs, intricately woven by
land and wildly colored. Frequently
he stairway leads directly into the
arge middle sala, which is comblna
ion of hall and drawing room. Walls
md ceiling are covered with cloth
which is painted or frescoed. In the
sala illustrated the frescoing is in soft
pink.
The chairs, of woven sea grass and
bamboo, are painted white and uphol
stored in pink lowered chintz. Odd
shaped pieces of blackwood and nara
furniture are all about, and ancient
and curious embroideries, prints and
brasses adorn walls and tables. Al
the rooms are wonderfully ample and
airy. Floors, doors, blinds and al
woodwork finishings are of exquisite
native timber.
opens on a veranda which faces the
sea. Here one has superb view o.
outgoing and incoming ships in the
natural harbor, guarded on either side
by mountainous Mariveles and Core
gidor. Around the rooms, which are
on the weather side of the house, run:
a galeria, or small corridor, perhap.
four feet wide. In time of severes
typhoons it can be entirely enclosed
SO as to shelter the rooms in case the
sliding windows are not sufficient pro
lection.