Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-05-03

except in snowy parades, followed by nights
of convivial rejoicing and the usual resultant
big heads When that Kind of thing be-
came an old story, some of the good people
determined to redeem their city from the
imputation of being behind the times at any
cost.
The Insurance Men Paid the Fiddler.
An insurance agent was encouraged to
visit Conception, and he succeeded in issu-
ing number Of policies-for about double
the value of the property insured. A night
or two atterward there was rousing blaze
not any trifIng, second-class affair, but a
genuine confagration, in which coal oil and
other combustibles caused the flames to leap
and dance right merrily.
The citizens we're in ecstasies. Everybody
turned out to see the fun. Church bells
rang jubilantly. The new engine was dragged
through the streets in triumph, and even
the bomberos managed to arrive in time, to
be 'in at the DEATH One by one they came
sauntering up, some on foot, others In car
risges, all having tarried to dress up for the
occasion in their brand new uniforms. In
short, it was an eminently satisfactory per-
formance-for everybody but the Insurance
company. The owners OF the burned build
ings came out some thousands of dollars
ahead, for the alleged damages had to be
paid, because the insurance business was
yet in its infancy In Chile, and the COM
pany knew that refusal would be DEATH
blow to their hopes of future prosperity"
It used to be the fashion in Valparaiso to
set fire to ones own property in order to OBJ
tain the insurance on it; but the authorities
were compelled to put q stop to proceedings
so dangerous to the entire community in
mary manner peculiar to Chile-by throw
ing into prison any unfortunate man whose
house took FIRE, and sometimes his nearest
neighbors were incarcerated to keep him
company, all being retained in durance vile
until it was proved to the satisfaction of
everybody just how the fire originated.
Mantas for PenItent Women.
Another novelty. seen nowhere but in
Chile, is the wearing of white mantas and
white dresses by penitentss, or women who
have committed some sin, for which they
desire to atone by thus advertising the fact.
The black manta, or shawl, with which the
women OF Peru and Bolivia universally
cover the head and shoulders, is also used
here, though most ladies Of the aristocracy
have discarded it except for church-going,
on other occasions sporting the finest French
millinery. But If going to Mass, manta
you must wear, for DO other style of head
gear is permitted inside q Chilean .sanctu-
ary.
In this connection ] am reminded of the
recent experience OF Philadelphia couple,
who are making wedding Journey around
the world and took in South America on
the way. The bride, who Is one OF the
sweetest and dsintiest little women I ever
met, told me, with blush of modification,
how they were actually turned out of
Santiago church. There was grand Mass
for some religious fiesta; and, being in utter
ignorance OF local customs. the lady wore
her travelling bonnet-a modest touue of
black chip. She says that the moment they
entered the door, woman came hurriedly
forward and whispered something in an
angry tone-in Spanish, Of which language
our friends do not understand word. As
they passed along the aisle, another woman
stepped up to stay their progress; then
another and another, each gesticulating
more vehemently than her predecessors, but
whispering the same words. Considerably
astonished, but knowing no cause Tor dis
may and feeling sustained by conscious
rectitude, the young Philadelphiaps bowed
serenely to those who accosted them, and
having chosen retired spot behind pillar,
prepared with due reverence to enjoy the
ceremonies. But black-gowued priest
strobe down from the altar, took my lady by
the arm aud politely walked her out. roi-
lowed. Of course, by the now wrathful hus.
band; and not until they met an English
speaking acquaintance did they learn the
e. use OF their ejection-all Oh account Of
that modest little toque!
FANNIE B. WARD.