The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-03-19

especially indebted to DR.. Harris. collector of
the port, Mr.. Curry. Mr.. Williams. DIR. Pendle-
ton Colonel Wicker, Mr.. Oahu, paymasber or
the navy, and our genial landlord.
There one feature OF the conversation OF
Southern gentlemen. though probably mean g
kindly. is excessively annoying TO the women Of
OF winding up sentsnce with COM
pliment No commonplace conversation
OF remark but fattery is brought in
No appreciates delicats turn
occasionally more than I but I confess | am
satiated with this meaningless tafy As there
Is a great deal of small pox in Cuba. it was nee
from that island to the United States. We all
submitted in Key West and some of US are now
quite careful OF our arms. We left for Havana
Friday night, accompanied by several Key
Westers. There was a strong nor'wester blow
ing and rough sea- The passage was one TO
stir mems souls. but all so occupied in
holding fast to berthS, to keep from being
pitched ont. souls were secondary to stomachs.
We reached Havana in the morning. and
the view in the early sunlight as we approached
the city was inspiring. We received by
the American consul and a COMMITTEES, who
brought us first TO Hotel Pasaje, pronounced
Passayha. Ones first thought entering
this handsome structure is of the song II
dreampt that 6welt in marble halls Here it
IS no dream. but pleasing reality. The floors
are all marble of many different kinds and de-
sigma. The one thing lacking in this elegant
structure is an elevator, for, though marble
steps are beautiful, one would forego
The the pleasure sIs. Of climbing even seven
parlor, If it were possible. In my suite of rooms
the ceilings are fifteen feet from the floor. The
bedsteads, a new feature. are of iron, with beau
tlful canopy draperies of figured swiss and lace.
The furniture is largely cane and the effect of
the whole is airy and cool. Service cnnuot be
excelled anywhere. Rates. SIS per day in our
money Spanish paper money is poor stuff A
fYe-dolar green back was exchanged for thirteen
Spanish paper dollars. The size of their bills
increases with the value, hence hundred-dollar
bill covers small table Ten-cent pieces
compare IN size with our old
ten-cent scrip. Breakfast served
at 10 o'clock, after which we took a walk through
the market place. This is almost a solid square
where almost anything imaginable may be
bought. IL is curious place. and we were OBJ
They were especially interested in little Bertha,
our three year-old tourist. Her features were
closely examined. and every article of clothing.
She was followed all through by goOd-natured
mob all gesticulating and talking at once. 1t is
easy to pick up enough Spanish to make oneself
understood
We might as we'll be 10 900 miles from Ameri-
ca. for ANYTHING like home It is very foreign
city and unlike any we have. The houses are
right on the street, with balconies upper
stories over the sidewalk. There are no yards
in front, but closely barred and shattered win
dows in great ugly brick cement-covered. or
stone structures. But enter and behold the
transformation. Elegance everywhere. Beauti-
full opsn courts with luxuriant tropical plants
and ripping fountains, opening UNEXPECTEDLY
from parlors. gorgeous in furnishings Very
often sweet music unseen but in harmony with
the surroundings The stable and all the
iablishment is under one roof. Servants lounge
about the entrance door. The ladies'
dress is similar to our own ex-
cepting hats, which they
veil or graceful arrangement of lace answers
this purpose andis vastly more becoming The
Cuban ladies beautiful in early youth but
soon grow old and ugly. The men, rule,
are fine looking. By driving to the suburbs new
houses with beautiful outdoor gardens may be
seen. We visited on Sunday. which is the same
as other days, some fine parks and public gar
dens. The Salon Troteha is q handsome club
house and theater. There are very interesting
cathedrals containing some of the worlds finest
paintings. The carriages, over 1900 of them,
cumbrous looking phaetons, with the
driver on a high seat in front. These
are drawn by small but tough
ponies. nearly covered by harness.
Our gentlemen were disappointed that the usual
Sunday buil-feht was postponed We had
showers of much needed rain, all day. but drove
nevertheless. We start for the return trip to-
day, by the Olivette. tired but much pleased
crowd The Havana people have won great
regard by their kindness. Messrs. Castro and
Repro, of the Pasaje, were invaluable. while Mr.
Warren gave US his entire time. ! am. also,
under personal obligations to nearly every mem
Der of the Florida Press Association, and all
our entertainers along the line for innumerabie
courteses. The future of Florida Is undouht-
edly great, and large credit will be given to the
tireless workers OF the press.
ALICE BRISTOL BROWN.