The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1885-01-21
THE CREo1.Es.


~bete'~~' AHeo VIC Ctst thC Nicfttt =
struck with the difference which ex-
ists between the Creole metropolis
and the other parts of the Union.
The styles of buildings, of no par
ticular architecture, constructed
with view more to comfort than to
appearance, the contrasts everv-
where presented, even in the heart
of the city, where one sees splendid
structure side by side with magnif-
cent cottages, the streets lined with
bitches called cutters, in which the
water stagnates, the great abund-
ance of gardens filed with tropic
trees and fruits, the predominance
of white and green on the houses,
the cosmopolitan aspect of the peo-
pie in the streets. where every na-
ton seems to have its representa-
tive, all strike the visitor as novel,
as having more Of the novel than
even the talent of a Cable can
compass.
/ The contrast presented by the two
portions of the city, the old Creole
town and the newer American por-
ton, is particularly noticeable.
Cross Canal street and you plunge
at once into the old French city,
with its narrow streets, its quaint
houses, many over hundred years
old. It's cathedral and French
market, where the very names of the
streets are eloquent of the past
Go the other way, and you find
yourself in quarter where every
thing is new, fresh and modern, and
where the hustle and activity is
strangely in contrast with the quie-
tude which pervaded the older por-
ton of the city. A strange place,
indeed, where. as has been remark
ed by distinguished visitor, the
river is higher than the city, and
the dead are buried in the air.
Nor is the city alone unique and
sts geHeTis, The people-that Is,
that portion called Creole, and who
are the true Louisianians-display
marked characteristics in appear
ance as well as in customs and man
ners. The word "Creole" is defined
by Webster to mean one born In
America or the West Indies Of Eu-
ropean ancestors. Without discus
sing the definition, woich IS in every
wsv incorrect, 1 apprehend that the
word Creole" has 4 more restricted
and special application. 1t has
been erroneously thought by some
that to constitute a Creole one
snould have tinge of negro blood
in ones veins, while others have
considered the descendants of Span
ish. German and other foreigners az
Creoles. Neither of these supposi-
tions are correct. The Creole prop
er is the descendant from the oTigi-
nal French settlers, who, by inter-
marrying. has preserved the type Of
his ancestors, which, though modi-
fed by time and associations, still
retains IN a great measure their
traits and manners. In general ap-
pearance the Creole Is slight and
of deicate build. He is of medium
height. His complexion il dark
and approaching the olive, with
black hair and eyes, small hands
and feet. Among the women the
ewes are beautiful, being large, lust
rous and very dark. Indolent by
nature. the Creole likes to take life
easy. The warm climate, languoT-
Gus and depressing. the luxurious
manner in which he has been rear
ed. the wealth with which he has
been surrounded. all tend 10 make
him indolent. Not but that be can
be active enough when the occasion
presents itself, as was shown In the
late war, wherein none endured bet
ter the hardships or fought more
valiantly than these same bon Wv
ants. Careful and capable IN busi-
ness, be never allows himself to be
hurried. He does not do business
in the high pressure, lightning ex-
press stvle of the American. who,
in the hurry and hustle of daily
life. finds no time for rest and food,
and who, while be gains wealth,
does so at the expense Of his mind
and health. Tenacious OF ways
and forms, the Creole Is loath to
accept new systems Of business, and
while recognizing their advantages,
still elings 10 the customs of his
sires. He is not as progressive as
the American. and Is slow TO take
hold of new ventures. In manner
he is polite and affable to the high
est degree. Not only is this so in
society, but also in business. He
loves to dress well and is always
neat. generally elegant.
Highly sensitive and punctllious,
the Creole is tenacious to an extreme
in matter of honor. Easily angered,
be is not less quick 10 forgive. His
pride is very great No Spanish hi
ialgo could be prouder or laughter,
and the poorer ne happens to be the
orouder and laughter he carries
himself. Passionate in love, he IS
intense in hate. Naturally brave,
ne is doubly so from tradition and
pride. Hence the difficulty Of en-
irely suppressing the duel, once so
prevalent in Louisiana.
Eminently pleasure loving, wear
Dg life like buttonhOle bouquet,
ne is somewhat inconsistent and
perhaps. vet generous and
lospitable to a fault. Born under
he golden glow of a Southern sun,
cared in land where art and poe:-
y can never die. though they may
,e dormant, there i much Of the
omantic in his life. Life is not
Iltogether that prosaic and hum
lrum thing to which it has been TO
o many. In the midst Of daily life
here is always something which
.ppeals 10 his imagination and
Veaves a radiance Of romance about
Iim. Although highly educated.
peaking French and English with
quail facility, there IS yeta foreign
inge 20 the Creole thought. Musi-
al by nature. there are few Creoles
sho do not sing or play. and well
20 matter how frivolous OF careless
e NAV seem. be = at heart deeply
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