St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1886-10-23
PRlNCELY DONNA COUSINA.

cSlNtN" -,
Une OF the Richest and Most Remarkable
Women in the World.
Chill, that far-aWay corner of the
world, SO remote in our imaginin es
from great centers of civilization, is the
home Of a most remarkable woman.
Donna Isadors Cousino, of Santiago,
at the death of her husband received
absolute control Of his immense posses
sions; she is now the owner of mines,
parks. ships, plantations. manufac-
tories and magnificent buildings, both
public and private. With queenly
heart and liberal hand she has to thou
sands dwelling in that ocean-frinoed
realm opened doors of industry I'M
equaied almost in number and variety;
"a genuine, happy, hearty foster
mother, is she to the people under her
charge"
Every house in the town of Lota il
owned by her, and its 6.000 or 1000 in
habitants are dependent on her for sup
port; in the two towns of Lota and
Coroncl she pays out monthly as wages
from 800, 900 to $4,000 most of this
sum returning through the supply
stores, where every thing in the line Of
food is kept ready for her own people.
The only coal mines in South Ameri-
ca are reckoned among her riches, as
surfing her of a revenue of $50, 900 per
month; also may be mentioned copper
and silver smelting-works of great
value, and feet of eight iron steam
ships.
"Macul,H one of her plantations,
stretches from the boundary of the City
of Santiago far into the Cordilleras; in
the valleys are her fields of grain, or.
ohards, and vineyards. and tlocks of
sheep and herds of cattle range over
her pleasant foothills. More than
four hundred men are hero employed.
Mime. Cousino, it is SAID, is given to
costly eXtravagances; her erection of
palatial residence at Lota may per-
chance be SO regarded. Let it not be
forgotten that in house costing one
million dollars opportunities for hon
est, well-paid labor may enrich hun
dreds of other homes, and that all
grades of handicraft, from lowest and
humblest to architect, sculptor, artist,
and artificers of every style of cunning
workmanship, are called into requisi-
ton
This prince-like home-place is within
a park of two hundred and fifty acres,
upon which already has been expended
nearly one million dollars. Scores of
laborers have here constant employ
ment, and, for that matter, it will re-
quire a small host to keep such grounds
in royal trim. Extravagances, indeedt
What chances are given for both men
and women to earn an honest living,
and under the fostering care of so wise
a benefactress to rise to higher planes
should special genius or talent be de-
veloped! And for such happy outlook
by the young people, youths and maid
ems, she is ever ready with helping
hand, which they well know means the
best instruction, and all expenses paid. |
Nine. Cousino is regarded as one of
the richest women in the world, and as
well ''queen of fnanciers," exhibiting
great foresight, breadth of purpose and
ability as a manager of af- |
fairs, with skill and tact beyond that |
of most business men in controlling,
directing and h armonizing the many |
branches of business ald trade in |!
which she is interested, thoroughly |
mastering every detail. Her superin- !
bendents are trained for their special |
of oversight; they have
the confidence of their head are |
well paid and are devoted to her SER
vice.
1t is mentioned that "while the
United States fleet was at Valparaiso
Admiral Upton AMI about twenty of
his officers accepted an invitation from
Nine. Cousino and were regally enter
sained. They were made at home in
elegant mansions, rode in her car
riages and were not allowed to spend
money of their own; she quietly fore
stalled all such intention on their part
W sending to all shops and restaurants
hat orders received from American Of
icers should be charged to her &C
count" This exceeds most royal
,ourtesies on record.
We are told that the ancestry of
dme. Cousino and also of her husband
IAN be traced back to the Conquest
7asper's BagGr.