for years in this
way, and if they had been summarily evicted, or prosecuted by a forest
bureau, necessity would have driven them into brigandage. High wages,
government service, and public works are no remedy; on the contrary,
if the people are thereby attracted to the towns, what will become of
the true source of Philippine wealth, which is agriculture? Even in
industrial England the cry of "Back to the soil" has been lately raised
by an eminent Englishman known by name to every educated American.

CHAPTER XXVIII

Modern Manila

Commanding the entrance to Manila Bay there is the Island of
Corregidor, situated 27 miles south-west of the city, towards which
the traveller glances in vain, expecting to descry something of a
modern fortress, bristling with artillery of the latest type which,
if there, might hold the only channels leading to the capital against
a hostile fleet. The anchorage for steamers is still half a mile to a
mile and a half away from the Pasig River, but the new artificial port,
commenced by the Spaniards, is being actively brought to completion
by the Americans, so that the day may come when the ocean traveller
will be able to walk from the steamer down a gangway to a quay and
land on the south, or Walled City, side of the capital.

In the city and beautiful suburbs of Manila many changes and some
improvements have been effected since 1898. After cleansing the
city to a certain extent, embellishment was commenced, and lastly,
works of general public utility were undertaken. Public spaces were
laid out as lawns with walks around them; the old botanical-gardens
enclosure was removed and the site converted into a delightful
promenade; the Luneta Esplanade,--the joy of the Manila elite who
seek the sea-breezes on foot or driving--was reformed, the field of
Bagumbayan, which recalls so many sad historical reminiscences since
1872, was drained; breaches were made in the city walls to facilitate
the entry of American vehicles; new thoroughfares were opened; an iron
bridge, commenced by the Spaniards, was completed; a new Town Hall, a
splendidly-equipped Government Laboratory, a Government Civil Hospital,
and a Government Printing Office were built; an immense ice-factory
was erected on the south side of the river to meet the American
demand for that luxury [232]; also a large refrigerated-meat store,
chiefly for army supply, was constructed, meat, poultry, vegetables,
and other foodstuffs having