Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-06-27
sunpowder suggests TO the stranger that bonn

gunpowder suggests TO the stranger that bonn
bardment Is In progress. There is a general
IVcrry making. Images of saints are carried
through the streets on the shoulders Of men
followed By masked company with lanterns
If it be night time. amusing the crowds looking
Oh with wild antics During these occasions
work is suspended, even the newspapers are
not published, and for good reason, no one
will work at such times, which are looked upon
as natural holidays.
RAGE For cocx yIaHrINa.
There IL one Amusement to which, al over
the count try, Sunday is devoted by its fol-
lowers. II is cock fighting, the cock pits Oh
America for many years and attracting there
men who bring birds from all localities from
Mexico to the lsthmus. We devoted a Sunday
some time since to looking on at this amuse-
ment. The patio of house near the center of
the city was the scene of the conflict space
ten feet square had been fenced in, the ground
being bare Of any growth. One by one the
''sportsmen" filed in with fighting cocks under
their arms. They were absorbed in endeavors
to divine the condition of the ROSTERS that
were to contest for honors in the ring. They
examined thom critically, throwing one rooster
into tine face of another to the state of their
tempers or TO endeavor to bring them to a
lighting humor. Standing about in groups
they began arranging bets, and when
nnally couple of birds had been
but one person, who seemed to be the referee
being allowed to remain with them. Seats had
been placed about the Enclosure for the specta-
tors, but the excitement which the contest
created was too stirring to allow them to be
seated and so they stood about eagerly leaning
over the fence and urging on the,roosters. The
later we're allowed to peck each other several
times to show that they were game when spurs
were produced an inch and a half long. ground
pointed and sharp, and fastened to the right
feet, pointed conveniently for giving a death
blow After these elaborate proceedings they
were again placed before each other and the
result watched, for by this time nearly every
one present had staked money on the victory
Of one or the other. The birds eyed each other
Tor moment and then one Of them catching
sight OF grain OF corn on the ground wheeled
to PICK II up.
THE ROOSTER WASN'T aAMK.
That was enough and any one could have
oouSht that rooster very cheaply. He wasn't
game and 80 his hackers lost. Another pair
were soon matched and it was surprising to
see the skill with which the steel blade was
lifted by one of the fighters and buried in the
neck OF Its antagonist. Then a murmur Of ap-
prevail went up and again the defeated rooster
was carried OF. but this time not in disgrace.
II had proven game and rushed at its opponent
untI the loss of blood was too great for il to
longer stand up. The cut was examined, and
being pronounced durable. the wounded bird
was taken away to be nursed until in condition
to go In the pit again. A bird that has shown
gameness will bring a good price after q
hight, though badly wounded, and one that has
won number of victories is bid off easily for Q
good sum. When . couple of hours had been
e exhausted and no more matches could be made
up, the cocks were again taken under the arms
OF their owners and the pit was deserted until
the following Sunday.
Horse racing is favorite amusement at some
places on Sunday during the afternoon and
some very reckless riding will be seen at such
times One rider Is given the lead and pursued
by another, who endeayors to overtako him,
aud, throwing his arm about his body, the
effort Is TO lift him from his saddle az the
horses rush forward. SO that the blanket. lying
loosely on the animals back. drops to the road.
All IN all Sunday here is the gala day Of the
week. when amusements are of the greatest
variety. eek.