278 MANILLA. 



all intent upon their several occupations. The artisans in Manilla 

 are almost wholly Chinese ; and all trades are local, so that in each 

 quarter of the Binondo suburb the privilege of exclusive occupancy- 

 is claimed by some particular kinds of shops. In passing up the 

 Escolta (which is the longest and main street in this district), the 

 cabinet-makers, seen busily at work in their shops, are first met 

 with; next to these come the tinkers and blacksmiths; then the shoe- 

 makers, clothiers, fishmongers, haberdashers, &c. These are flanked 

 by outdoor occupations ; and in each quarter are numerous cooks, 

 frying cakes, stewing, &c, in movable kitchens ; while here and there 

 are to be seen betel-nut sellers, either moving about to obtain cus- 

 tomers, or taking a stand in some great thoroughfare. The moving 

 throng, composed of carriers, waiters, messengers, &c, pass quietly 

 and without any noise : they are generally seen with the Chinese um- 

 brella, painted of many colours, screening themselves from the sun. 

 The whole population wear slippers, and move along with a slip- 

 shod gait. 



The Chinese are apparently far more numerous than the Malays, 

 and the two races differ as much in character as in appearance: one 

 is all activity, while the other is disposed to avoid all exertion. They 

 preserve their distinctive character throughout, mixing but very little 

 with each other, and are removed as far as possible in their civilities ; 

 the former, from their industry and perseverance, have almost mono- 

 polized all the lucrative employments among the lower orders, except- 

 ing the selling of fish and betel-nut, and articles manufactured in the 

 provinces. 



On shore, we were kindly received by Mr. Moore, who at once 

 made us feel at home. The change of feeling that takes place in a 

 transfer from shipboard in a hot climate, after a long cruise, to spa- 

 cious and airy apartments, surrounded by every luxury that kind 

 attentions can give, can be scarcely imagined by those who have not 

 experienced it. 



As we needed some repairs and supplies, to attend to these was my 

 first occupation. Among the former, we required 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- 



