Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1856-02-28

tress of the establishment. Her room was
| not larger than double stall, yet was well
| furnished, her two children finding all the
necessary playroom. She called boy who could
speak English, and we soon made bargain.
While standing there two horse loads Of green
corn stalks came in. The woman promptly
superintendent the weighing and paying
Though little out of her sphere Of action she
seemed really helpmate indeed for any man.
HOW THE MERCHANTS DO BUSINESS.
1t is considered highly improper, for a lady
to set her foot in the streets to enter store,
and shopping and everything else is done in
her carriage. The merchants bring samples of
their wares and make their bargains on the
side walks. The storekeepers do not always
place their name over the door as we do, but
instead, they use some fancy designation. such
as the gem of the Sea; Beauty; the Stars
America, and every conceivable name which
they think will please the fancy. They always
make allowances for being beaten down about
twothirds in their price, a thing worth remem-
bering If a visit is made there.
THE ARCHITECTURE OF CUBA.
The architecture of Cuba is very peculiar.
The houses are sixty or eighty feet square, and
generally two stories high, of soft cut stone
or concrete, with tile or fat roof In lieu Of
windows they use circular grating of round
iron about four to six inches apart and eight or
ten feet high, with shutters inside. They have
no glass. They have but one entrance, through
an upright double door in the centre, through
which all must enter, inmates Of the house
and horses and carriage, into the square.
Around this are situated the Kitchen aud
apartments for servants and horses. The next
OF he and nod
rooms. They have no cellars. Houses and
streets of all Spanish towns are said to be
alike.
THE BONES OF COLUMBUS,
The Cathedral at Havana is one of the most
striking buildings | ever saw though its chief
interest consists in the fact that it contains the
bones of Columbus. On marble slab is the
bust of the great discoverer and here also are
the chains with which an ungrateful monarch
loaded him to whom he owed so much.
HOSPITALITY.
In one thing, however, too much cannot be
said in their favor, and that is their nnbounded
hospitality. One is sure of welcome wher-
ever he goes still, if your host or hostess press
you to accept their horses and houses as your
own, be careful and not understand them
literally. 1t is point of Castilian etiquette
never to allow any one to express admiration
Of anything without offering it as present,
though it is nothing but compliment.
POPULATION.
The population of Cuba consists of about
one hundred thousand Castillians, two hundred
thousand Creoles, one hundred thousand free
negroes and six hundred thousand slaves. The
Castillian despises the Creole, the Creole hates
the Spaniard, the free negro hates them both,
and the slave hates them all. believe this
will give as good an idea of the state of feeling
toward each other as whole volume would.
THE SPOT WHERE cRITTENDEN WAS SHOT
EsTRAMPEs GARRoTED.
| saw the spot where Crittenden and his
comrades were shot, and / also saw Estrampes
garroted, besides paying him visit in prison
When saw him he was in the chapel of the
prison, where all condemned prisoners are
obliged to pass the day before execution. He
had on no manacles of any kind, and received
me with great courtesy, offering me a cigar
which lighted at the one which he was smok
ing. He then gave me a long one as me-
mento Of him, which / shall preserve. He
had tall, manly figure, was easy and grace
full and be met his death with dignity He
shook my hand at parting with much emotion,
and dropping tear as he spoke, thanked me
for my visit Of sympathy. He said it was hard
for ene to die so young, but that he should en-
deavor to meet his death as became a man.
The next day | witnessed his death, and his
last words we're, Death to tyrants live lib
ertyi live Cuba" The instrument of his death
is termed the garrotte and it consists Of an up
right post and an iron collar fitting the neck,
which is suddenly contracted with screw, and
dislocation is instantaneous 1t is more mer-
ciful than hanging, though more shocking to
the feelings.
LEAVING CURA.
Much as one finds to dislike in Cuba, there
is an indescribable charm about the whole
island that causes US to leave it with regret
A residence there seems to pass away like
dream in some fairy land, and the awakening
to reality is often rough and unpleasant. For
many months after, everything comes up again
in night Visions and were it not that man has
stamped his own deteriorating seal upon one
of the fairest works Of Heaven, Cuba would be
perfect paradise.
NJ John Ii. Cough will give Lecture on
Temperance in the new BAPTIST CHURCH, on 18th
street this Thursday evening, 10 commence al
= - ts.lu an Eri1 piohf in he