No location like that of Manila could have been selected by the
conquistadors of the island of Luzon for fortifying themselves
and founding the capital of an infant colony. [Its position is
described, with mention of its earlier fortifications; but these
were only suitable for the defense of its inhabitants against
piratical attacks. Its present condition is a dangerous one, for its
fortifications are unable to withstand a siege by European troops;
it has no bomb-proof magazine, and hostile batteries across the Pasig
River could easily reduce the city to ashes. Manila is not suitable for
a military center, and the efforts of the government ought to be bent
toward the fortification of Cavite, which would render that place a
first-class fortress; its advantages for this are enumerated in detail,
and the measures which should be taken to render it impregnable.] The
feeble fortifications of Manila and its citadel may be preserved for
the present, in order to shelter the government and the property of
the Spaniards from a sedition; but in case of war and the landing of
an enemy let them be abandoned and destroyed, in order to proceed
for safety to the impregnable point of Cavite. In this manner will
be laid the foundation for the perpetual security of the [Spanish]
government in those islands, and for their preservation against all
enemies, whether within or without.