The National tribune., 1892-04-07
BRIDE OF THE TROPICS.

| BRIDE OF THE TROPICS.
On a Sunday Holiday-Strange Sights and
Scenes of Nassau. as Recorded by Emma
Stark Hampton-Who Hears Her Name
sake Called-And Wanders Among Groves
of Palms-Dotted with Primitive DWELL
ings-And Signs for q Breath from Yam
keeland.
ROYAL HOTEL VICTORIA,
| NASSAU N. p, March, 1892.
| snnday in Nassau is greatly respected. We went
| TO ST. Johns Baptist (colored) church. Grants
| town; Massachusetts, lady accompanied us. It
was like July day-the heat intense-streets full
| of negroes in Sunday attire. We were conducted
| to the seats fronting the pulpit, always reserved
| Tor white people Three ministers the
platform. The pastor read a hymn all through.
and each verse again as il was sung, which
believe Is called lining the hymns. They sing the
| longest hymns in the book and every verse with
great vim. Service began with three hymns.
The natives sing with all their might, and each
seem to carry part independent of any other, but
Whatever variations they may indulge in all keep
| good time and come out right at the end In the
stiffness and hush. the moment before the pastor
rose a rustic in the indicated something
usual. With stately tread and slow came sable
bride and groom. Each had an attendant, also
sable. They sat in the front seat. evidently re-
ceremony, but learned they were already married,
and this was their first Sunday out, the
GREAT SOCIETY EVENT
In their lives On gaining breath, noted
with interest and curiosity their attire. The bride
wore cream batiste. trimmed on the left side with
profuson of handsome lace. n In waterfall, with
ornaments of pearl shell at intervals hidden in the
lace. fine French Leghorn hat set coquetishy
on her head, and long ostrich plume graced the
crown. Over all was thin bidal vail, very long,
that scarcely hid the blushes-I presume-of the
dusky wearer, or The sly chances of admiration she
occasionally cast on her spouse o, Cupid thy
shafts pierce the human heart alike the world over
without ragard to race color, country. The
groom was clad In conventional black. with white
kids that would satisfy Chesterfield am told
that the dress of bridal party Is no evidence of
rank or wealth; that for such event money Is
stringently saved and often the last cent spent to
buy fine dress, or coat. A gentleman told Of
colored washerwoman who was married. From
bis window he could her out doors washing
every day, and very nudity in appearance. To her
marriage she was driven In carriage to the church.
about 20 rods, dressed all in white, with long
train carried by two tiny little darzes He said she
stepped off like queen, but the next day she was
back under the sapodilla tree, singing over the
washboard They have fine dress once in their
lives, and are immeasurably happy over it.
The windows of these churches have only heavy
wooden shutters TO inclose them. These and the
doors were all wide open-such a contrast TO our
churches at home. The women sit on one side, |
the men on The other. The pastor spoke without
notes The first word of his sermon was Brew
erings" (Brethren). He spoke very loud and high, |
and this important branch of the human family |
was repeatedly addressed. watched in vain for |
some word to the "sis,erings" but made up my |
mind we, the "sisterings" must be content to |
know we are an important auxiliary 10 the dear |
breverings." After the sermon another minister |
arose and published the banns for the coming |
marriage of James Hampleton and Susan Young, |
after which he dedicated" two little babies, per-
forming the ceremony with the eloquence and |
dignity of a Bishop. We felt 1t was day Of extras
and that we were richly rewarded for going.
SINGING WITH THEIR BODIES
The dialect Of these natives is peculiar and
sometimes as unintelliGible foreign language.
The broadcast sound Is given to "a" in all their
speech. They are given to using big words, and |
them to suit the occasion. My theory
for their versatility in this direction is that being
naturally musical, without knowing 1t they speak
In measures and rhythms, and add TO such words
as they hear spoken, and that strike their fancy,
such variations will fill out both measure and
rhythm Their songs all have swaying swing
ing motion that their bodies can accompany.
coffee weak. Sunday morning, James, our ever
watchful waiter, said: "Will you have your coffee
'adulterated' this morning, mum?" man said |
Frank - was assumptions and put
on airs" and that all had left the church "ex-
Guiding (eIcepting) twenty" friend, not feel
ing well, went early to his room. A gentleman
called, sent up his card, and desired to see him.
He told the servant to say he would see him in the
as he had gone to bed. The servant
~
tired. SIR" They are like parrots and constantly
saying something unexpected.
Their homes are as queer and quaint 40 them
selves never before could clearly understand what
the Savior meant when he commanded his servants
to go into the "byways and hedges" 1t Is fully ex-
emplified here. and the picture will live in my mind
forever. There Is large back of the town
thickly populated with negroes The streets save
one or two, are really lanes, where carriages can
scarcely pass, and some merely paths yet all have
high stone walls, over which Chamber in widest
confusion and greatest profuson. most beautiful
vines cactus and shrubs in endless variety. Every
lot, however small, is also so inclosed and has an
arched gateway In front, sometimes embelIished
with whitewash. In this strange place nature has
been most lavish and showered so great display
Of tropical trees and fruits that it looksa
WILDERNESS OF cocoAs AND PALMS.
IN which the little houses are SO numerous MANY
cannot be seen until right upon them. All are |
square and mostly with matched roofs some 40 |
perfectly woven to be really artistic inside for
The work Is plainly seen it rests the bare |
raf;ers, and Is very pleasing to the eye. have not
seen or heard OF an animal Of the rodent speces
and. come to think of it, believe II must be n con-
spiracy against their kind for the houses are built
regardless OF their convenience, having neither lath
nor plaster above cellar walls below or any es.
pecal Accommodations for their festivities
The four corners OF the house generally rest a
stone two three feet high, giving free ventila-
ion below and affording abiding place and
play ground for one or more pigs. which are great
pets among them inuumerable chickens and the q
usual quota of dogs. There is generally but one 9
room, yet some have more. Here will be gathered
he most desirable of their possessions all kinds ]
together aud in grand disorder. / have not vet !
,een In any cabin the f.intest semblance of bed
The cooking is done outdoors usually upon a fire
quilt against the stone wall near venicnt tree
half dozen kettles and tins comprise full out
It, An old fashioned bak eoven Is some where in the
ear, used once a week or month. Everything is
pontaneous; neatness and order unknown u
There are doors and window sashes, but no VIM
lows. Heavy boards used shutters and vet
withal doors tightly fastened at night and rarely
opened by day. The inhabitants live outdoors ali |
lay and can be seen at all hours leaning on walls |
ying the ground. sitting against trees or loung-
ng in the by ways. once in a while working lnzily
happy and playful kittens and as wholly free 9
rom care, and with no thought of what to- morrow
nay bring. q
1t is fairly bewitchng to drive through these In !
eresting byways, hardly knowing where they
cad, and particularly after nightfall when, by =
he uncertain flame of pine knots, Klmpses of D
husky forms and faces may be fitting beneath
lie oranges and palms. or when the moon is bright
above and casts wierd shadows the white rock
below. Yet. it is painful sometimes see the alb
nrAl v nulff, pfl,a mt haoI-