The new North-west., 1888-05-11
HONDURAS SOCIETY.
A LAND CONTAINING NO PRYING
MANEUvERiNG CLASS. y

A Country Where the Best People Live
Simply and Contentedly - Handsome
senoritas-Tho Custom of Chaperons.
President Bogran and His Wife.
Here, at the capital, and, indeed, through
ont all Honduras, the presidents set consti-
tutes the head and front Of society proper.
The coterie Of ''leaders" revolving around
this gallant soldier and well beloved execu-
tive, though small, is eninently aristocratic.
There is, despite the republican form of gov
ernment, much that savors of royalty and
suggests court. As to precedence, the cab.
met officers and their families very natu-
rally follow the president. Without ap-
preaching in the least what is called "a
ladies' man." Gen. Bogran is fitted to shine
in social circles as well as to govern wisely.
An educated, a Travelled man, he is also Of gen
tie birth. That is to say, he not only knows
that he had grandfather, but his great
grandparents are matter of actual
knowledge But then, all Honduranians are
fortunate in this respect. There is no par
venu element in the country. There is no
nouveau richie class to push, pry or other
wise maneuver to "get into society" There
are only those who are socially qualified, and
tho poor-the peasantry, SO to speak, who
are happy enough in their own way.
There is no great wealth in the country,
and in consequence no superb establishments
are kept up. The best people live quite
simply, though servants are kept to as great
an extent as in the United States, if not to
greater. No matter how many children may
be in family each must have its own nurse
or governess. But, on the whole, peace and
comfort appear to be more sought after than
pomp and show There is little thought Of
vi1.s, ovvia1 o.pl c:uacy. Tlto IIu1laulas
girls are too well bred to display envy or
jealousy, even though they-being but hui
man-should at times feel the pangs Of either.
They are all fond enough Of Paris dresses,
but if any one Of them has an especially
sweet thing imported her dear GOO friends
are not going to turn green with despair.
They are far ikclier to admire it in a we'll
bred way, smile tenderly, consider carefully,
and presently interest papa to do his part to-
ward ordering something sweeter for them
selves.
HANDSOME SENORITAS.
Some Of the senoritas arc very handsome.
There is some difference naturally between
the two types; the daughters of Spaniards,
or descendants Of Spaniards, and the great
great -granddaugh of the mighty
Aztec warrior chiefs. A difference chiefly
of externals, of height, complexion, figure.
But all are alike in the gentleness Of bearing,
the quiet dignity that is SO attractive.
The custom of chaperons exists of course,
but less vigorously than in the United States.
1t is hardly necessary FOR mamma or man.
mas representative to 'sglare" upon the young
men, when the girls are so self-protected.
Indeed at the very last ball at the palace
saw young couple quito by themselves all
through supper. They were not as yet be-
trothed, but the love making was most in
teresting and tender little comedy for ono
watching it out of the corner of his eye, so to
speak. The Honduranians-even those fore
most in society-are essentially an innocent
minded people. immortality is hardly known.
There are no scandals: The newspapers are
clean sheets. Perhaps that is one reason.
The young men are steady, as rule. Dissi-
patton is hardly known. The greatest horror
was felt and expressed concerning an Incl
dent of q few nights since, when some one
who had looked too often On the wine when
it was red, created a slight disturbance at
the theatre and was summa;ily elected He
was stranger, however.
The president sets the example of q true
gentleman. He might in some respects be
ikened to the lamcutcd Chester Arthur It
is matter Of regret to many that the lady
of the palace, the Sonora Bogran, is unable
to spend more time at the capital She is
very accomplished woman-speaking five
languages. But she is also most devoted
mother, with several young children, and is
not over strong physically. This charming
woman spends the most Of her time at the
country seat of the family, at Santa Barbara
not far from the shore of !: beautiful lake.
Paul Rochester in New York Home Journal