;^^2 Voyage of the Novara. 



Let Manila be declared a free port, let the ships of all mer- 

 cantile nations visit unrestrictedly the various harbours of 

 the Archipelago, and Spain will under such relaxations reap 

 far more profit than from her present retrograde colonial 

 policy, which can only result in permanent discontent and 

 impoverishment. A thoroughly unj)rejudiced Spanish states- 

 man might make most valuable observations by a brief visit 

 to the neighbouring colony of Singapore, that marvellous 

 British settlement, which, owing to a commercial policy 

 conceived in the free, liberal spirit that characterizes the 19th 

 century, has sprung up from a nest of pirates into the most 

 flourishing and the wealthiest emporium in the entire Malay 

 Archipelago. The situation of Manila, as also its numerous 

 natural advantages and resources, would soon make it a rival 

 to Singapore. But of what avail are the choicest treasures 

 of nature, if the mind be wanting which can turn them to 

 their proper use, and elicit their real value ? 



The continued bad weather compelled us to pass the night 

 most uncomfortably on board the lorcha ; however, the morn- 

 ing after our departure from Manila we arrived at the 

 village of Los Baiios on the southern shore of the Lagune, 

 where we were most courteously received by Padre Lorenzo, 

 a Tagalese (only the monks being of Spanish blood, whereas 

 among the secular clergy there are numbers of coloured per- 

 sons). The parsonage, formerly an hospital, is an extensive 

 edifice, with covered terraces, from whence the visitor enjoys 

 the most splendid views of the neighbouring hills, as also 



