f the general wishes of the neighbours. There is a law (similar
in spirit to the proposed Option Law in England) compelling the
intending "saloon" keeper to advertise in several papers for several
days his intention to open such a place, so that the public may have
an opportunity of opposing that intention if they desire to do so.

The American advent has abolished the peaceful solitude of the
Walled City where, in Spanish days, dwelt the friar in secluded
sanctity--where dignitaries and officials were separated by a river
from the bubbling world of money-makers. An avalanche of drinking-bars,
toilet-saloons, restaurants, livery stables, and other catering
concerns has invaded the ancient abodes of men who made Philippine
history. The very names of the city streets remind one of so many
episodes in the Islands' progress towards civilization that to-day
one is led to pause in pensive silence before the escutcheon above the
door of what was once a noble residence, to read below a wall-placard,
"Horses and buggies for hire. The best turn-out in the city. Telephone
No. ----." This levelling spirit is gradually converting the historic
Walled City into a busy retail trading-centre. For a long time the
question of demolishing the city walls has been debated. Surely those
who advocate the destruction of this fine historical monument cannot
be of that class of Americans whose delight is to travel thousands
of miles, at great expense, only to glance at antiquities not more
interesting, in the possession of others, and who would fain transport
Shakespeare's house bodily to American soil. The moat surrounding the
Walled City is already being filled up, but posterity will be grateful
for the preservation of those ancient bulwarks--landmarks of a decadent
but once glorious civilization. Most of the Spanish feast-days have
been abolished, including the St. Andrew's day (_vide_ Li-ma-hong,
p. 50), and the following have been officially substituted, viz.:--

New Year's Day January 1
Washington's birthday February 22
Holy Thursday -- --
Good Friday -- --
Decoration Day May 31
Independence Day July 4
Occupation Day August 13
Thanksgiving Day November 24
Christmas Day December 25
Rizal Day