Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1884-1886, 1885-05-23
IN COSTA RIGA.
: COUNTRY WHERE POLITENES9
pERMEATES ALL CLASSES.
Tho Natises Blessed with q Remarkable
Gift of Gab''-Universal Courtesy
and Good Manners The Span
ish Code Of Ethics.


Curtis in Inter Ocean
II anybody supposes that Costa Rica Is
bartarous country, filled with half civilized
creatures, unmannerly and uneducated he
makes a great mistake, but know there is
prevailing impression that it is an out
landish sort Of place. thought so myself,
but have learned the contrary. There are
peculiarities among every pc 5ple, and I've
no doubt when a Costa Rican goes to the
United States he sees things just as odd and
strange we see them here; perhaps he
writes to the newspapers about them, as i
have done. But they are as intelligent, en-
terprising, and cultivated as our own peo-
pie. and can surpass our best society in the
knowledge of language, in grace of deport-
ment, and equal it in musical and other ac-
complishments They have keener percep-
tons than We. and not only have the faculty
of talking in three or four languages, but
are blessed with a remarkable gift OF gab.n
No Costa Rican lady or gentleman is ever
embarrassed; they always know how to dc
and say the proper thing and while their
courtesy and good manners ara said to be
only skin deep, they are the most charming
OF companions, the most generous Of hosts,
and the most polite Of gentlemen. No la
borer ever passes a lady in the street with
out lifting his hat, and he always touches
that always dirty and generally dilapidated
portion of his apparel when a gentleman
passes him. If a lady approaches group
of men digging cellar, repairing the street,
or what not, even though some of them may
be half naked, they always salute her re-
spectfully, and in the rural districts no one
ever meets you without saying, May God
prosper the object of your Journey" or,
May heavon smile upon your errand," or
something i'll Spanish like that.
The same man will swindIe you out of
your eye teeth if he gets chance. and if
you ask him how far it il to the next place
he will undoubtedly tell you falsehooi
lie doesn't care a copper whether you ever
reach the end of your journey, and has no
more regard for your welfare than the flea
in the grass. but he recognizes beautiful
custom, and ays, God be good to YOU" as
If he meant it FOR a blessing.
and tbs poiteneSS permeates all classes
and ca,;es If you enter a store with a lady
every man there will salute you and re-
move his hat out OF respect to her; on the
streets IA, PEOPLE viii stand aside to let yor
pass-ani it Is necessary for them to do 50,
for the sidewalk> are often less than two feet
wide. /. you go into a hotel Office, a barber
shop, restaurant, or an. other public place,
everybody present wiil salute you with
"Baenos Dias," Ut some other friendly vel
ccm..
While there is not particle OF sincerity
about all this; while the object and end OF
life in the Spanish code of ethics is to get
along with y little work and as muck
swindling possible, they are certainly tc
lie praiSei FOR cheating you in the most po
lie and agreeable manner possible. A Span
ish hIshwayma does not swear at you and
command you 20 give him your money your
life; lie makes a profound tow, and place.
his hand upon his heart, assures you thai
be is devoutiy gratitiei that you are looking
SO well, and regrets that he is compelled by
pressing necessities to request that You viii
loan him whatever valuables you have upon
your person. Then thanking you for youi
promptness and courtesy in spsring him the
painful duty of shooting you through the
bead, he will mount Lis horse and ride of
with prayer that the Almighty will pro
tect you from the psrils of your journey