Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1879-10-16
The BasHHA.

The Basques. says New York paper.
are IN many respects the most peculiar
people dwelling in civilization, 0fwhich
tney really form no part. For centuries
they have undergone very little change.
being scarcely affected by revolutions or
progress Of any kind. They number
about 1000, I30, 900 being citizens of
France, but the bulk and the most dis
tinctlve Of them occupying the Basque
provinces In Spain--Biscay. Guipuzcos
and Alava. There Is no record of their
ever having been subdued. Carthagini-
ans, Romans, Gotbs. Saracens. French.
men, or Spaniards have never efTaeed
thei. marked traits. corrupted the purity
OF their race, or even modified their time
honored customs. They are Of medium
size. compact Of frame. singularly vigor-
Gus and agile. having light-gray eyes,
black hhlr, and comp e1i0ns darker than
the Spaniards. Simple in manners and
character, they are proud and impetu-
ous. determined and fiery patriots, and
merry, social and hospitable withal.
Inc women ARE comely and strong, cap
able OF, and often doing, masculine work
are notable for vivaIfty. suppleness and
grace, and wear gay head-dresses over
thclr Yariously braided and twisted
locks. Both EeIcs are exceedingly fond
oi games, festivals, music and dancing.
Inc national costume il a red jacket,
iong breaches, red sash, square -knottcd
orhYat, hempen shoes and pointed cap.
Their manners are patriarchal, and their
habits also. While the sexes mingls
without restraint. they are very moral.
ana marriage vows are religiously kept.
Their soil Is fertile, and the Basques are
so industrious that they produce good
crops generally, notwithstanding their
primitive agriculture. They are. prac-
tcaily, democrats. the condition Of all
beng very nearly equal, as the nobility.
who derived their origin mainly from
the Moors, are very few. They have
very few towns or villages. their habita-
tions beir.g scattered over most of III.
heights OF the three provinces. Politi-
caily, they are divided into districts.
each OF which chooses AN alcalde. who
is both civi snd military officer, and
member Of the Junta meeting annually
IN some one Of the towns 10 deliberate
upon public affairs. The alcaldcs are
always men of age and experience. and
fathers OF families. The Basques' rights
are protected by written constitutions
NurT0S,) granted them by ancient Span.
ish kings. They are Roman Catholics:
have treat reverence for pricsts and
monks, and are inclined 10 superstition.
They are supposed 10 be the last remnan,
Of the old Ibcrnians. and have ever pre-
served an exalted reputation for courage
among their native mountains. They
were the Cantabri of the Romans, who
admired them for their sturdy defence Of
liberty, and are alluded IN by Horace ~
people very hard To teach 10 bczr the
yoke. Centuries Later. they fell. in the
renowned dcdlcs Of Ronccvallcs. upon
Cbarlcmagne and his arrny when return
ing 10 France, slew his bravcst palladins.
and compelled him 20 fy for his life.
Euscaldunac is the name the Basques
give themselves. and their country they
call EuscAleria. They are prouder even
lhan the Spaniards. and the mere fact OF
being born in their district secures The
privileges Of universal nobility.