The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1895-12-08

yet all could dance gracefully-even
the COW herder and muleteer under
stood the intricate figures of the nu-
merous Spanish dances, and could ex-
ecute them gracefully. though he may
not be able Ito read. Dancing, singing
and playing either the guitar or violin
were their principal accomplishments.
without these they were considered as
uneducated. Wherever two or three
were assembled there was almost sure
to be a musician among them, and
dance naturally followed. There was
a violin or guitar in every house, how
ever humble. But, IL not, there was
one at the neighbortng house-and IT
belonged to all. Though ever dancing,
playing and singing, a tinge Of sadness
overspread their features, as II charac-
teristic of THE race. Their music is al
ways sweet IN tone, yet through the
sweetest airs runs tone or melan-
choly. But. in the world OF music, 1t is
the sad heart THAT gives forth the
sweetest songs.
A marriage was celebrated with
picnic and dancing. which lasted two
or three days. and the entire neighbour
hood came. The father of the young
man asked the father of the senorita
for his daughters hand-for his SON.
Consent being given, the day was fixed
and the neighbors Were notified. The
bridal party was escorted from church
to their home. with music and singing.
The bridal couple rode In a wagon or
namented with garlands of flowers, va
ri-colored silk handkerchiefs and rib
bons and a highly ornamented cover
let The men and ladies were on horse
back. as in a triumphal procession.
They played and sang as they rode
along. like wood nymphs on the banks
of the streams. An arbor had been
prepared. and, after the wedding
breakfast OF wine. fruits. cake and
highly seasoned game. the dance be-
gan. Then pcniclcing In the woods,
and at night the dance was resumed
by the dim light of candles. In re-
turning home the guests stopped at
the ranch where night overlook them,
and. OF course. another dance was In
order.
The senorstas marry when Is or Ia
years OF age and alt % or 80 their beau
ty had faded and their day had ended.
There were no divorces and when a
married couple quarreled like neighbors
and refused TO be reconciled, the &C.
clesiastical authorities granted a sepa-
ration. Sometimes they were impris-
oned until they consented TO kiss and
make up" A prefect at San FTancisco
| thus wrote ito am alcalde at Los Ange-
| les: IF LINDA Solari sim manifests re-
pugnance toward her husband and re-
| fuses going back to him, the alcalde
shah have her taken from her house
and putting handouts on her shall de-
| liver her TO her husband, charging him
| with her. care and responsibility. Dios
v Libertad." God and lbertyO
| Perhaps this was an exceptional case,
| for the Spaniards were, as a rule, ten
| der and merciful. unless their anger
was aroused. They were courteous
and chivalrous. especially to women.
| Usually when a woman quilted her
husband. or committed even a graver
offense. she was not put in the GALA
bazo. but deposited" at the house of
some neighbor. who was held response
bic for her appearance when wanted.
The Spaniard prided himself upon his
| gallantry and politeneSs. which was in
nate. IL required no civilization TO
bring out these fine qualities. He even
lost much OF them when civilization
| came with its shams and hypocrisy.
Nature was bounfiful and kind, and
| he spent his money literally. even Law
ishly Stock raising was the chief oc-
| cuDation-there was less labor about K