MANILLA. 297 



first occupation. Among the former, we reqtiired a heavy piece of 

 blacksmith-work, to prepare which, we were obliged to send our 

 armourers on shore. The only thing they could procure was a place 

 for a forge ; but coal, and every thing else, we had to supply from 

 the ship. I mention these things to show that those in want of repairs 

 must not calculate upon their being done at Manilla with despatch, 

 if they can be accomplished at all. 



The city government of Manilla was established on the 24th of 

 June, 1571, and the title under which it is designated is, "The cele- 

 brated and for ever royal city of Manilla." In 1595, the charter was 

 confirmed by royal authority ; and all the prerogatives possessed by 

 other cities in the kingdom were conferred upon it in 1638. The 

 members of the city council, by authority of the king, were constituted 

 a council of advisement with the governor and captain-general. The 

 city magistrates were also placed in rank next the judges ; and in 

 1686 the jurisdiction of the city was extended over a radius of five 

 leagues. In 1818, the number of the council were increased and 

 ordered to assume the title of " Excellency." Manilla has been one 

 of the most constantly loyal cities of the Spanish kingdom, and is, in 

 consequence, considered to merit these additional royal favours to its 

 inhabitants. 



In 1834, the Royal Tribunal of Commerce was instituted, to super- 

 sede the old consulate, which had been established since 1772. 

 The Royal Tribunal of Commerce acts under the new commercial 

 code, and possesses the same privileges of arbitration as the old con- 

 sulate. It consists of a prior, two consuls, and four deputies, elected 

 by the profession. The three first exercise consular jurisdiction, the 

 other four superintend the encouragement of commerce. The " Junta 

 de Commercio" (chamber of commerce) was formed in 1835. This 

 junta consists of the Tribunal of Commerce, with four merchants, who 

 are selected by the government, two of whom are removed annually. 

 The prior of the Tribunal presides at the Junta, whose meetings are 

 required to be held twice a month, or oftener if necessary, and 

 upon days in which the Tribunal is not in session. The two courts 

 being under the same influences, and having the same officers, little 

 benefit is to be derived from their double action, and great com- 

 plaints are made of the manner in which business is conducted in 

 them. 



Of all her foreign possessions, the Philippines have cost Spain the 

 vol. v. 75 



