Wheeling times and advertiser. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1839-1849, 1845-12-31
CHARACTER oFTHE CHII.IANs.

Lieut.. WiLkEs,in his History of the Explor-
ing Expedition says-sThe predominant trait
OF the Cliiiians, when compared with other
South Americans, is their love of country aud
attachment To their homes. This feeling is
common TO all classes. There is also great
feeling OF independence and equality. Pub
Tic opinion has weight in directing the affairs
OF state. The people are fond of agricultural
pursuits. and the lower orders much better
disposed towards foreigners than in other
parts. Schools AMI colleges have been cstab-
lishcd, and a desire to extend the benefits of
educatlsn throughout the population is cvinc-
Ell. his has been If late one of the constant
aims oil the government. y
The Chillans are extremely fond of the
dance called samacueCa. This NAV be called
the national dance, and is ian vogue among the
common people. 1t is usually performed at
the chingano, which is Kind OF amphithea-
Ire, surrounded by apartments where refresh
ments, including strong drinks, are sold, aud
Is generally well filled by both sexes. The
dance Is performed on u kind Of stage. under
an open shed. TIN music is "a mixture oi
Spanish and Indian, aud is performed alto
gether by females, on AN old fashioned long
and harrow harp, one end of which rests OH
the lap oil tn, performer, and the other on
the stage. ten feet oil. A second girl is seen
merrlly beating time on the sounding board
oil The instrument. On the right is another
strutnming the common chords of d wire
string guitar or kitty, making, at every yibra.
ton oil the right hand, a full sweep across al
the strings and varying the chords. In addi.
ton TO this, they sang u national love song,
IN Spanish, at the top of their voices, one sing.
ing u kind OF alto; the whole producing u We.
ry strange combination of sounds. The dance
Is performed by a young man and woman;
the former is gaudily decked in a light scarlc,
Jacket, embroidered with gold lace, white
pantaloons, red sash and pumps with a tiny
red cap; whilst that of his partner consist OF
a CANDY painted muslin dress, quite short and
stifiy starched, not a little aided by an ample
pair oil hips; thrown over all is a rich colour.
ed French shawl; these, with well fitted silk
stockings, complete her attire. These las
are IN truth Characteristic Of the CHILEAN wo
men oi all classes, and they take no pains t.
conceal them. One not unfrequenily sees the
extravaganza of silk stockings in the washer
women at their tubs, and even with theil
hands i'll the suds. The dress in general fit.
neatly. and nature is not distorted by tigh'
lacing. or the wearing of costets. Nothing
is worn on the head, and the hair, parted and
equally divided tom the forehead back to the
neck, hangs down into two long plaits or
each shoulder to the waist. The STYLE Of dane.
ing is somewhat like a fandango. The cou.
pie begin by facing each other and flirting
handkerchief over each others heads, then
approaching, slowly retreating again, then
quickly shooting of to one side, passing un.
der arm without touching, with great agility
rattling and beating time with c~astinets.-
Their movements are quite graceful, those Of
their feet pretty, and withal quite amorous;
the gestures may by readily understood, no,
only by the native audience, but by foreign.
ers. ! cannot say much for its moral tenden.
cy."