MANILLA. 
241 
A frame-work, furnished with a number of iron collars at the height 
of the neck of a man of ordinary stature, when sitting, is placed in 
the most public square in the suburbs, having in its front a number 
of stools of variable elevation, like the music stools of this coun- 
try, to raise or depress the culprit. When the unfortunate 
wretch is brought to the requisite height, the collar, always much 
too small, is put round his neck, and by a screw behind is tightened 
with sudden violence. The execution usually takes place in the morn- 
ing soon after sun-rise, but the bodies are not removed till sun-set. 
In accepting the invitation of the Governor to dinner, the Em- 
bassy had an opportunity of seeing many of the most respectable 
of the colonists, and found that the stateliness usually attached to the 
Spanish character, entered in no degree into their polite standard 
of manners. We sat down at two o’clock to a sumptuous board, 
of which the Olla podrida was not the least attractive ornament. 
Mirth arid temperance presided, although sometimes chequered 
with clamour. Two of the party, an Andalusian and Gallician, 
asserted their respective superiority in the art of salad-making, and 
in their loud appeals to the company seemed to use more ear- 
nestness than the occasion merited. One of these gentlemen was 
master of the ceremonies wherever he appeared, and seemed well 
adapted for managing the gay frivolities of life. He was grand 
carver at the Governor’s table, and chief beau at the ball ; and 
whether eating, drinking, or dancing, was pre-eminent in action. 
In the discharge of the duties of his official situation, all Manilla 
said that he equally excelled ; and that he was behind no one in 
hospitality to strangers all the Embassy can testify. 
Shortly after dinner the party adjourned to another room, and 
partook of coffee, tea, and cigars. About five, in conformity with 
general custom, they drove out in carriages upon a broad road that 
winds round the city. Soon after sun-set they returned to the Go- 
vernor’s, and were now joined by his two daughters and other ladies, 
all dressed in the European style. The evening concluded with 
music and dancing. 
