The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-11-03

1nttftBtIuX ACCOUNT Manncr1
toms of this Singular Body-i"genious Me-
thods Of RObbery-SanguinsryC Conflicts
Bull Fights, &c.
Translated from the Augsburg Gazette July 3ll
The Mexican cities possess their numerous very
peculiar prol etary, rs we'll as Naples and Seville.
The renowned Lazzaroni have, perhaps, more prac-
tice in entiDg maccaron, but they scarcely repre-,
sent their profession as worthiy Ss the Leperos OF
the west (aiso called Pelados) 70 belong TO this
class in Europe is very hard fate; but In Mexico
it is followed from preference and inclinstion NO
force Of circumstances restraints he Tree ana brilliant
developments Of talent 1t quite natural that, in
land whore the population is 81 much inferior to
the extent of territory. powerful arms are much
needed. Those who will work, can find it, aud
who seeks land, can possess 1t. He VINO cutivates
mother earth with little care, is rihly endowed by
her. Therefore, in Mexico, a proetary need not
exist; it 10 not necessary evil Good public
schools and strict police. could long since have
done away with this; but it would be pity, for an
honorable part Of society would be wanting and the
reading public would be deprived of TINS sketch,
which would certainly be regretted.
:, The Leperos,, q permit myself to remark; that
their name is derived from h0rd-leper aud does
not designate the whole class Of proetsry are the
proletary in the most confined sense of the word
They principally epcureans and avoid the disa
greesbleness OF toll as niue rs possible, and seize
enjoyment whenever it offers The possession of
house and lot produces care and guard trunk aud
boxes is Inconvenience therefore they do not trouble
themselves with it. Il make my business out Of
nothing" is literally the motto Of the Lepero All
that hangs on and around him is not worth three
cents and yet he is the best nstured creature in the
world, being always disposed TO play and sing At
night he seldom knows whore to lay his body, nor
how to fiji his empty stomach in the morning
shirt is article of luxury. but desirable as re-
serve, to be pledged or gambleo away, according
to circumstances. When lucky, ne buys a
shirt spd tr0wsers, from Mana His principal
property consists Of fr0gada. the so called Mexi
can blanket, his protector against wind and
weather, and shields against blow and thrust 1t is
his bed and for the night, aud gala dress for
church md marxet The l,.npra throy hig IN
Virifs around him, with as much pathOs once old
Cicero or Pompey and if he falls under the knife
Of an irrtated adversary, he does u with as much
dignity as tho great Caesar, on the ldes OF March,
and aympathizing comrades wrap him in his purple
mantle, tying rope around him, like bale of
merchandise. Thus be travels to his grave.
Shoes the Lepero does not wear, partly because
he hasnone, and partly because they con6ne his
freedom, especially when he wants to escape. An
old straw hat protects him from the sun, and he
wears q braided pair of suspenders and a rope, to
prove TO the police his capacity of porter. He
wears rosary, with cross or scapulary attached,
on bis naked breast, evidences of his devoutness
and he also goes to mass, when no urgent business
interferes. The Spectators in the contents of
others pockets never fail to attend the great reli
gous fetes, and are said to do good business.
!. They are conspicuous frem their signs Of devotion
and repentance, but nothing escapes their falcon
eye, although they seem to have their looks fixed
immovably on their prayer books in the left hand;
but the arm 10 false, and the hand holding the
prayer book contains sklful coun serieit in wax,
while under the mantle their hands operate freely
~ the best escGM0teMr
The married lepero has generally little room in
the suburbs where he passes the night; but the
married abandons himself to chance If his bust
ness has been profitable or If ne is fortunate ut
play in the evening, he remains in one of the many
drinking shops; if unfor tunste, he sleeps under the
Of the church, or in one of the less frequented
halls, whore he is secure from the police If he has
to quarter under the bright stars he generally finds
company to keep him warm, for the nj hts are cold
In thA mOrniuO after having chadh m salf
rubbed his eyes walks to the pmquera the BRAN
sdy shop. Having the means he takes breakfast;
if not he depends on his wit 60 induce more fortu
nate drinker to treat him. Perhaps he has knife,
or handkerchief to pawn In order to get rid Of his
sobriety. The second want is segar, and thread
like ragsmuf6ns, tightly wrapped in their blankets,
stand celebrating where to direct their expedition.
;, Whoever has passed, in the dawn Of morning,
through the suburbs of Puebla, Mexico, GueretarO,
or Tolesca, has seen these groups of men wrapped
mp to their eyes, in serious elaboration. Others
stone, mOveess as statue. The last have already
their occupation, and like alderman, are not in
need Of counsel Many take part as beggars
at the church doors, fegning disease and endeavor
ing by d0leful lamentation to excite the compassion
of those attending church. Others have made .
contract with some blind one, for whom they call in
the morning, to walk through the streets. Others.
again, lying near the cafes and stores, to collect
the pieces Of segars thrown away by the smokers,
which they dry, and metamorphose into ''eiga-
yitos," which, afterwards, they sell in the street
very cheap, the sale Of tobacco being monopoly
by the government. The great number Of pickpock-
cts stationed ct the Market the churches courts,
and, In fact, every place where owd of people
offers them chance Of booty. They are skilful.
spoil to tho ssbaratIlo" (frippery msrkst1, which
Is conducted by friends and colleagues
Ono claw Of Leperos is clothed better than the
before mentioned. They wear shoes. and even
jacket, but they are not an iota better than the
Others There are the numerous colporteurs, who
sell on commission all kinds of stuffs, handker-
chiefs, hats, shoes, boots, spurs, ETC. They insert
themselves, by way of preference. into the hotels
and rooms for travellers, and while praising their
merchandise, steal whatever comes under their
hands, and are the helpmates of the robbers, whom
they inform of the departure, means. and route Of
the travellers
The best kind of proletary seeks work, by
going where public works buildings are
IN the course OF erection, to serve day
laborers. These people have, in comparison to the
others, much hon'bria de bien, or morality. They
say Of themselves, "Thank Cod until now our oon-
dpct has been bameess; whether it will remain SO,
who can tell g With these principles, they often
tho 60
comrades to play and debauchery, work themselves
into snug farm or store. He who has once reached
the grade Of agador, (water carrier,) stands upon
trance to the interior Of houses, and he must be an
orderly man, and of fine manners, to obtain the
we'll wishes of the kitchen maids. With the humor
# the cook, and the petulance Of the chamber
maids, this 10 no easy task He must not call too
'arly-coming top late, he meets with quantity
# reproaches, and has to steer according to the
Wind, Like skilful navigator For instance, ct is
asy to talk, Donna Crispina," says he; s'the well
vas so crowded with my comrades that no one
ould come near to it; yet no one would draw water,
or oil wanted to listen first to the story that old
Villain had witnessed himself. / did not listen to
he end, but filed quickly my pitchers, and hurried
ither, so you might not scold me-" "Ah tell the
tory" cried all the girls; but the cook, who in q
urry had placed kettle with water on the fire, to
oil the chocolate for the master Of the house. can.
OF govern her i'll humor, and Grossly objects say
%, 81 need water in my kitchen, but no stories''
he quick witted agIador takes care not to answer
the same terms, and replies, Gas you wish
hall fetch water, and be silent" A practical
sychologue, he throws the jars over his shoulders,
idulging in the comforting thought that the anger
the good donna is not as strong as her curiosity,
nd In this the artful aguador is not mistaken: Ac
acntaly, the cook prevents his departure, with the