The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1889-02-06
FROM Ora We TO GAY.
HOW THE WOMEN OF MEXICO NIX
RELIGION AND PLEASURE.

RELIGION AND PLEASURE.
A Strange Medley o. Recreation and De-
votion-- Fascinating Glimpscs of an
Adobe Bali Roon--old and Young En-
joy Themselves Togcther.
The last strains of dying hymn. chanted
In a sort OF jerky monotone, had scarcely
Z ceased vibrating among the pouderous, rough
hewu, web covered beams or the little adobe
church at Grants. N. NJ, writes correspond
ent, when the congregation, principally
women, true TO habitual failing, began an
animated conversation Whether their com
ments related to any particularly impressive
point Of the past service or were devoted TO
coming over interesting bits Of domestic
affairs, Is not known, but 1t surprisestthe
stranger, while waiting few moments at the
entrance Of the church watching the people,
to receive pressing Invitation 20 attend q
''baile" or Mexican dance
! A bale Is, or course, most harmless rec
reation, but 70 ily to the opposite extreme,
with the lights, OF the church yet burning
/ and the priests srtli shroudpd in sacrauaertul
robes. Impressed one as being just a trifie sac
religious
/ VERY SIMPLE BALLROOM
Women 50 lately sitting with uncovered
headS In silent devotion now tripped lightly
through the gloomy streets. moving IN and
out between tho darkened structures, chat
ting and laughing each WITH the other, appar-
entity in the very transports OF merriment,
all seemed incongruoua
Reaching a long, low rooted building,
where small, dingy window emitted flick.
ering, uncertain light, and shrili strains of
music aoated out into the night through an
open door, the casual visitor allowed himself
to be hustled rather uncereinoniously into tho
very midst Of Mexican dance
The dancing apartment consisted of one
long, narrow hall, along either side Of which,
for the accommodation Of indies, several
rough wooden benches were strung out, each
set closely against the wall Upon these sat
women OF oil ages, In all imaginable toilets,
with hands crossed demurely In front Of
them, but intent upon watching the move
ments Of those upon the floor
| A number OF tallow candles stuck into wide,
wooden crosses and suspended at various
places from tho ceiling impaired dim and
almost religious light, that cast weird, pecu-
liar glow upon the dusky occupants OF the
! room. Upon the wall, which had received n
fresh adjournment OF whitewash for tho occa-
sion, arranged In, an odd, fantastic fashion,
were groups OF vari7hued muslins and calicoes
made up with complicated loops, bows and
circles, and neatly pinned together by means
ofgreen cedar boughs. Those simple green
leaves and bright colored muslins combined
in making noticeably pleasing effect, and
i greatly relieved the dull, dead white OF tho
walls
TO assist the passage OF sound two soulful
musicians were accorded seat high above
tho crowd on a mammoth dry goods box,
where they played on violin and guitar.
However, the dancers were favored with adj
ditional sounds. very hollow, however, that
issued from tho depths OF tho resonant dry
goods box, and occasioned by four we'll souled
boots keeping up continual tattoo.
In the event Of such enjoyable occasions tho
Mexican people lof New Mexico, observe very
little or no social distinction, consequently all
classes Of people In all phases Of life mingle
together In tho ball room. The haughtiest
don. surprising himself In sweeping suit Of
breaacloth, goes around in may whirl hand
In hand with q moccasined peon and calico
snvalopad lass
Women Of AL ages and girls not yet in their
teens eagerly await request to be led out
upon tho Hoor, yet upon the face OF those
neglected, and who wait unaslSed for hours
upon the hard wooden benches, have never
noticed an expression that would denote
envy.
The old crone Of 90 accepts an invitation as
promptly as the blushing young damsel of 10,
She perhaps does not feel the Same thrill Of
pleasure as her younger sister, but she GER
tainly brightens up ON 'dance nights and
goes through the regulation moves to the best
of her ability, which, considering her adj
vanced years, Is very considerable. The prin-
i-g.. H.. A.. H.. T.