Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1891-10-28

ton holiday. but this year it was post
poned several weeks owing to the death
OF cabinet { fiji GER. The scene of festiy-
lily, rsplete with novelty and interest to
"a nor'herner," was on this particular
occasion, ia Adnana," or custom house
large, though one story brick building of
modern architecture. 1t contains several
large halls, an inner court and govern
ment apartments. The bale is a very
exclusive affair. none but the upper class
OF Mexicans and few prominent Ameri>
cans OF Ell Paso are invited; and in spite
OF the TACT that 1t is national celebration,
ned IN government building-built by
the poor as well as the rich, still the com
moaalty are mutely satisfied if allowed
TO gaze at the merry dancers through the
bars of large iron fence, or stand at the
outer gates and watch their naughty
brethren pass in and out. Having made
bis way through the gazing multitude
the visitor soon encounters a number Of
truly grim visaged" soldiers standing
guard at the inuer gates. Feeling quite
relieved that all you must d. is pass
on" you do so until greeted by the
'bastonero," that is manager, who takes
your invitation and bows you into the
presence OF some member of the recep-
ton committee. who in turn goes through
all possible ceremony, as well as several
Spanish expressions, evidently of wel>
come.
The costumes worn by both sexes are
such as might be seen at any brilliant
dancing assembly n New York or Chi
caso. With naturally few exceptions,
the men are fairly handsome. They
have dark, swapping and expressive eyes,
Jet black hair and an average complexion,
By 10 means as repugnant as the term
most expressive of it. viz: pale. copper
color. They are polite, versatile and
obst quious. The women of this class
are not without a goodly share of beauty,
| though some possess a high degree of
homeiness. The more gorgeous her
costume and the more precious Jewels
she wears, the homelier does the .'senor>
| ita" appesr. Many, however, are en-,
dowed with rare type of beauty. They
| are generally languid, demure, seldom gay
or sprightly, have lustrons, dark eyes,
black hair and olive compilations. Their
dreamy countenances, silent mood and Ian
guid movements are in perfect harmony
with the delightful. though weird strains
OF their orchestra music. Like the dam
GERS themselves, the music at times. seems
to make an effort to be joyous and glad
some BY sudden outburst of quick sue
cesslve notes; but in a moment the dom
| insnt spirit of the composer prevails and
again we listen to the slow, solemn tones.
Many strange, though not unworthy
costumes peculiar to the Mexicsns may
be observed at 'bsile." Space will not
permit mention of more than a few
About the first to be noticed is that a
| gentleman accompanied by lady, upon
entering and having presented his invi-
tatior is directed to the check rom and
member of the reception committee
ushers his lady friend to the cloak room
whence he conducts her to the ball room
where. possibly she will have assisted at
q dams" before signior has Joined the
assembly. Another custom, and one
which certainly did not originate in
| America, is that an introduction need not
be had before asking lady to assist at
dancing. The fact that one has been in
vited insures the wsrmest hospitality from
all. At supper the ladies are all seated at
one long table and each gentleman stands
at the side and attends the wishes of her
whom be has escorted to the dining hall .
After the ladies retire from the hall the
gentlemen return to the feast. which in
point Of excellence is all that the most
wishful epicure could desire. All during
the occasion refreshments are served free
OF charge and although champagne flows
freely IS water, but little or 40 signs of iu>
| tCxication are manifested. 1t seems odd
to an Anne ricsn to find that at a bale
the individual does not have to pay any
thing for his nights enjoyment. The
expenses are all borne by the business men
Of Jaurtz. the strange little town in Mex
| leo. STUDENT.