Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-10-17
rom The Stars Travelling Commissioner.

from Ine Star lraveung COMMISSIONER.
SANTIAGO DE CHILE, Sept. IL, 1891.
YNHE CELEBRATION OF LITTLE EIGH-
l. teen" being safely over-except for those
who find themselves with broken bones or in
durance vile because of over-much boisterous-
ness melted by chicha-the Gillian world now
turns its undivided attention to the real Diez y
ocho, the greatest festival in the country's
calendar, which, though supposed to commem-
crate only September IS. RACES with more or
less violence from about the 5th Of that month
on into October. Outside barbarians may
marvel why this arrogant but puny republic
should consider its birth worthy of SO much
more rejoicing than is INDUCED in'b by the most
powerful nations Of the earth Gave for the
miracle that it could have been born at all
from such unsuitable elements), yet the true
Chileno. il poor, will sell all he possesses to
raise the necessary funds for this prolonged
holiday, and then contentedly scrimp along the
rest OF the year, assisted by his hard-working
wife and bare-footed children, to accumulate
enough for the next Diez ocho.
Distinctions Of caste are nowhere more
clearly defined than in Chill, and though the
whole population abandons itself to Il general
Qualification and rich and poor jostle in one
vast spree, yet the gulf between roto and rico
plebeian and aristocrat, remains impossible as
ever. Sunrise ON the 18th will be proclaimed
by the firing Of cannon from the forts of Santa
Lucia, with simultaneous display of the
national flag, and soon every city, town and
hamlet in tine land will be gay With banners
futtering from the house tops. There is a fine
OF from 81 to $40 for failure to display u flag
on this occasion, and though foreign ministers
raise the colors of their respective govern
ments, resident foreigners. undistinguished by
official rank, are allowed to haunt none but the
Gillian standard.
CELEBRATION FOB the RICH.
When the sun peers above the mountains on
fall upon choir Of one hundred little boys and
girls in the plaza Independence, singing the
national anthem at the top of their voices
Then there will be a grand misa de gracia in
the cathedral, which will be decorated with
flags outside and inside with ribbons and gar
lands of flowers wound around the pillars and
thousands OF burning candles on the affairs
This special display of rico patriotism is not
for the lower classes, and at every door soldiers
will stand to prevent the entrance of any roto
Ey 20 o'clock the enormous structure win be
crowded with ladies' the elite of the proud cap
ital, dressed in superb black silks. with back
lace mantillas on their heads, diamonds il their
ears and white gloves on their hands--all kneel-
ing upon prayer.ruSs spread ON the stone floor
At IL ain. or Whereabouts the president and
his suite should arrive (this year it will be tie
Pennsylvania born president of the rebel
''iunta }, with the officers of the ARMY and
navy, the foreign ministers and consuls many
OF them in superb military dress. escorted by q
battalion of soldiers and a band of music.
Threading their way through tie kncalinS
tErong 10 chairs that have been set for them In
front of the great high two Soldierswith fixed
bayonets viii take position either side Of
the man who represents the legal president
and for a time the moldy old walls will ring
with the blaze of trumpets and the music
Of thousand voices in choral service.
Int anil hAAr L.
presented to the presidential 1gurehead.
which he must kiss, and the OSCILLATION will
be repeated by each OF the officials in turn
while all are being fumigated with incense
and deafened by triumphant crash Of music
and the CHATTER OF presenting arms. And mean
while sad eyed memory will be busy with
recollections OF last Dlez ocho and other SINH
lar days when many who now I'LL uniimely and
dishonored graves kissed the amid
plaudits OF the nation-the late president
driven TO death by his own hand to escape be-
ing killed BY his conntrymen, prominent gen.
erals, whose savagely mutilated bodies were
not even buried, but burned on the gory bat
tlefeld near Valparaiso, and men who a few
months ago were the foremost in the republic
now penniless exiles III strange lands.
The ceremonies. which usually continue
about three hours, will be personally conducted
by the archbishop, in all the glory OF cardinal
robes. assisted by a train OF bishops priests
and 'other clergy" in their choicest vestments
NC VI hllu naval OuceF0 AZ
these observances is enforced by the loss OF a
month 5 salary at every failure to be present
Any dereIIction III patriotic duty would be
especially dangerous this year, for the jealous
junta would interpretit evidence OF luke
warmness in their cause.
On the 18th a military review will take place
soldiers whose bloody curyos we're so lately at
the Threats OF their country men marching and
coun;ermarching. with music and streaming
banners and gathering bayonets, and after a
e., Il 81. 49,
Will come of IN the presence of all the fashion
able world. followed by dress parade in car
riaSes of everybody is any body in Santiago
| society, as well as many who are nobody at ALL
On the 10th, the city still wearing its holiday
aspect, there will be another grand military
parade and sham battle, followed by more
races and dazzling pageant of elegantly
dressed ladies. Chiiian officers in splendid uni
forms and foreign diplomats in court dresses.
And SO on for many days, each evening marked
by balls, iiluminations and fireworks
HOW HE COMMON PEOPLE ENJOY THEMSELVES
So much for la creme de la creme-the com
mon people will enjoy most Of it to an even
greater extent il their own crude fashion, be-
sides many other simple pleasures from which
los ricos are debarred. There will be thousands
of happy creatures on horseback, in birloches
and JOYOUS rout on foot swarming the pull
psriaf and confectionery shops that dot all the
piazas and hurrying hitner and thither with
tie restlessness of crowds. The country peO-
pie are out il full force and high feather, de-
lighted to display til. :, horsemanship and dance
TIE zamae ua.a til. nat.oI oil jig Of Chilli. Al
eqrsstrians they are remarkably skilled and
there Is nc feat Of Craftsmanship which they
cannot perform. Indeed, it is dangerous to be
la the way when they become little ela ted by
chicha. The men delight to run their horses
at full speed upon a mounted gentleman
and as they pass to dtftly catch a knee
Inside of his. wheL, unless he is also
Gu tine alert, h. Is bound to be
unLorsed IL an Instant &C. the unbounded
amusement Of tie rabb.e 1t is equally com
Non to see the women racing together on
horseback. They bring their horses into line,
apply the whiI and set of at furious gallop,
totally regardless Of pedestrians or, any earthly
consideration but the goal. These perform
aices are varied by many other rude sports,
ana the everlasting ccaca. danced in booths
anG on elevated platforms-the rustic beaux in
spurs and ponchos the bellies in stiffiy stare ned
white petticoats topped by cheap but gorgeously
colored dresses, their black hair falling in two
braids down the back-each couple to the music
OF two women with harp and guitar, accom- any
ing their instruments with strong nasal voices
while man beats time with his palms upon q
board and the spectators clap their hands in
rhythm.
The guasos and guasitos Country lads and
iasses) galiop to the cities FROM their rural
homes ON horseback, while their elder rela-
nves follow more soberly in primitive carriages.
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