The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-11-18

SOCIAL. ETIQUETTE IN MExyco--HOw THE
YOUNG PEOPLE CONDUCT THEMSELVES.
[Chihuahua Correspondence of the Chicago LATER
ocean,
In the centre of the town Is the Plaza
Major, which Is an open plat Of ground Of
about the same size as one Of the squares
OF Chicago. 1t Is one Of Cbihuahua's most
attractive places, being filed with flowers
and surrounded by q fine walk, lined
with seats, where both natives and
foreigners gather twice week and
listen to the excellent music Of the
military band. Music Is given every
Thursday and Sunday evening from 8 un-
til 10 O'Clock, and these are called music
nights. Sunday evening Is the principal
music night OF the week, and then the
town can be seen at its best. 1t Is then a
very interesting place, being filled with
gayly-dressed ladies and gentlemen of all
ages, nationalities, and countries, who
make this the pleasure evening OF the
week. There is none Of the loud talking
and laughter so common In the United
States, all being quiet and subdued, and
all seeming to be enjoying themselves.
IL IL certainly very pretty sight
TO see the brilliantly dressed Ia
dies and gentlemen walking among
the flowers, keeping step to the
music Of fine orchestra, and all in the
cool and invigorating air so common to
this climate. According to the custom OF
the country, the ladies, both young and
old, promenade the plaza by walking
round and round, always going from right
to left. while the gentlemen all walk from
left 10 right, thus meeting each other twice
in, onfnr md tho f,1aza This
tom dates back to "time immemorial,' and
Is a part OF the etiquette OF the country.
There Is probably no country In the world
where etiquette is more strictly observed
than in Mexico, and the following are
some OF its peculiarities: The win
dows OF all residences In northern, and |
might say in all, Mexico are barred with
an iron or wooden grating, projecting
few inches toward the sidewalk and form
ing sort Of balcony. The object OF this
is to separate all gentlemen not properly
introduced and vouched for from meeting
the ladies Of the house. No gentleman Is
allowed TO call upon a lady until after he
has been regularly introduced by some in
innate friend or relative OF the family, who
becomes responsible for the visitors con-
duct. This is never done until his charac-
ter, personal habits, and the standing OF
his family are known. II the introduce
ton and standing OF the party are satistac-
tory he Is then permitted to call upon the
lady OF the house, and she can receive b IN
only IN the presence OF some member OF
the family or trusted friend, who Is en-
pected not to leave the room while the call
er is present. Ii the caller Is young man
and he calls upon a young lady, then her
mother or some lady friend of the family is
always present, and she does most Of the
entertaining. When the young man
calls three or four times it is
presumed that he knows what he
wants, and it is therefore expected that
be will at once seek the hand OF the
lady in marriage. but if he fails to declare
his intentions, then the father or the oldest
son. ii liying-if not, then the uncle or
some other member OF the family-invites
the gentlemen to come forward and state
the object OF his visits, or discontinue them.
The young lady is never allowed to ride
or drive alone with gentleman; neither
is she allowed 10 walk upon the street,
visit any friend. nor to attend a public
ball. except she is accompanied by
some member OF the family or a
u uSltu tNuN &tUIlt-
man nor lady is expected to either
converse or promenade the street
or plaza, or to exchange any but the com.
monest courtesies. After being introduced
the gentleman is always expected to re-
cognize the lady first. and il ne fails to do
that soon after his introduction it is under |
stood that he desires to cut her acquaint- |
ance. At n public ball, or il at dinner at |
the house OF friend, then both ladies and |
gentlemen may dance and converse at pleas |
ure, for then they are in the presence of |
mutual friends. Ii the gentleman desires !
to form the acquaintance OF lady, or has |
not been properly introduced and vouched |
for, then he can only admire her at a dis
tance, send biiLetS dOur, or at best talk to |
her through the bars OF her window,
which is only large enough to admit the
hand and arm. 1t is common sight to
see young MeXicans standing before the
OF the houses with one hand on
he window-bars and the other holding the
Inevitable cigarette, laughing and chatting
Is ii he were the most privileged Of WOO