The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1886-08-19

less sky, as though the water was can
vass, and giant master painter had
planned and painted the whole grand
scene.
The immutable laws of God create SUBJ
lime works of sculpture sublime paint
ings. Stand afar from Smoking Noun
tain and the Woman in White. Stand in
their shadows, when the sun is sinking be-
hind their lofty submits. The one rises
grim bold rugged-misforme mis-
shapen-chaotic. 1t may be, perchance,
once on a time, that ne was linked with
the snow-white and pure Iztaccihuatl; and
charmed the eye as he nobly lowered the
two one. But his rude, tumultuous yio-
lence severed from his side, neyermore to
return, the Woman in White, who was once
part of his soulless self. His mutterinps
were heard for time but the tabled an
guish that once found vent, is no longer
heard-his grief for his once loved Iztac-
cihuatl - is hushed. Men suffer and are
silent - mountains are silent but suffer
not Men and mountains may never
grieve, because they may be alike soul
less. Contrasting with the dark gloomy
cone that seems to scowl on the scene,
ever ready to break with angry thunders
and startle the sleeping world, clearly out
lined against the sky is the Woman in
White, at rest upon her couch in the peace
full sleep of the just or the dead. Her
face is upturned to Heaven - white =
cold - beautiful looking INTO the Great
Unknown depths of the sky - smiling in
her hopes of the Great Hereafter - un.
mindful of the Grim Misshapen Cone that
towers from afar.
Again, speaking of the "Mexicans in
their Homes" she begins beautiful chap
ter:
Having been so often the recipient of
the hospitalities peculiar to the Mexicans,
l deem 1T a privilege to be able to relate
the beauties and graces of their lives.
I'm taking this liberty, it is with rev.
erence and emotion, for shall enter into
the homes of my dearest and best Mex
lean friends. But not with wanton hand
and malicious pen to lay bare their sacred
alters; nor yet with the serpant-like cum
ming of guest who enters home, and
receives the confidence due a trusted
friend, and then proceeds to unlock doors,
unbar easements, and proclaim to the
world the weaknesses and misfortunes
of that home, without relating its virtues.
In this, it is my hope, that even the words
OF woman will not be amiss in the So
luton of the great social and domestic
problem now pending between the peo-
pie of the two republics.
The Mexic ms are, by nature, close OBJ.
servers of human physiognomy, and very
shy, yet sharp, critics of the bearing OF
strangers. In this they have become pro-
ficient, by reason of their extreme isola.
ton. 1t does not follow that they criti-
else adversely, but certainly they are going
tow Ugh your lightest syllable in their own
balances. Without having been told this,
l felt it instinctively the first time l was
the bearer of letters to Mexican families.
Knowing my own responsibility in the
matter, however, instead of regarding them
with distrust and wondering if they were
distrustful of me, kept stricter guard
over myself than ever before. If | spoke
to them or they to me, made it rule to
look them unainchingly in the eye. In
every profession of friendship they made
to me, gave an adequate return, If |
made promise, however trifling, l was
careful not to fail in it. 1t was pleasure
to notice very soon, that their distrust
OF me, being stranger, was soon
displaced by tender and enduring regard
The better classes of Mexican society.
comprehend thoroughly any faultiness In
their own social organizations. And in
their unfortunate political condition,
they also recognize readily every defect,
but for a stranger to rebuke them in a
taunting spirit, or call attention to it
openly, the swift retribution follows of a
frigid reserve from which there Is no ap-
peal.
A sensitive, proud people are they; but
they are also brave and patriotic, and by
exercising kindly and conciliatory
spirit in ones intercourse with them, they
are easily won and prove valuable friends.
BY manifesting disposition to mingle
unreservedly in their ranks, and give them
due respect for their customs and preju-
dices, no people are more delightful to
meet on social terms-none more ready
to serve the stranger, from whatever
country, than the Mexicans.
With this foretaste OF what is to be, the
public will anxiously await the first issue
of this valuable work. Success to the
authoress, and may her labors soon be
successfully completed.