The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1896-02-09

the head, but jauntily cooked on on
side. The Cossack is very particular
about the cut of his hair, whic
is ccmbed back from the forehea,
and then trimmed straight and
even around the base of the skull. 4
plentiful allowance of mutton talloY
helps keep this shock of hair in place
His most powerful weapon is lane
about ten fee long, which Is slung to
the right arm by a leather strap, anc
rests III socket attached to the righ
stirup. This lance serves a variety Of
purposes; with it for spring pole the
Cossack mounts his high saddle with
perfect ease; it makes an excellent pole
to carry hay and other burdens on;
nswers for crane for the kettle, 4
tent pole. and on occasions for fish
ing-rod. Dogs, sv inc and sheep fee
the steel point quite as often, if not
oftener, than the enemy, although it is
effectively used in close quarters.
Though often cruel during the wa,
the Cossacks are usually good natured
and have certain similarity in various
traits of character to the American
cowboys. This is not so remarkable
fact as it would at first appear, for
parallel experiences and kindred inter-
ests and occu pations are naturally &C.
countable for the same characteristics
which distinguish the frontiersman of
the far west and the Cossack of the
far east. Unlike the common Musco-
vites, they are Independent in spirit,
self-reliant, and full of resources.
They know little of the cringinR SER
Witty that brands the ordinary Rus
sian, and in fact they are the cn,.s peu-
pie in the great northe,n empire who
preserved ce-tc.in kind of independ-
ence. Accustomed to communistic
government they are thoroughly re-
publican in their notions, and know
how to obey as we'll as to command.
They have the keen senses of the Indi-
an fighter, and touch of the stoicism
of the Indian himself, and they develop
the activity and the enterprise Of true
pioneers, and all the restlessness of
savages
The Cossacks are fine, tall men, with
bronZed compilations and very ener-
getic expressions; their women are re-
nowned for their beauty. Still, theirs
is considerable proportion Of men of
pure Tartar type, who with squat faces,
high cheek bones and small, oblique
eyes, appear like SO many masquer-
aiding Mongolians. They have been
adopted into pure Cossack communi-
ties for some distinguished service, or
through some special influence.
The Cossacks are very superstiti-
Gus people and they believe in all man
ner of signs and omens. Their strong
est belief is that they will enter
heaven in better state of moral purity
if they are personally clean at the
Ii Hnnoonunnflv
before the expected battle they per-
form their toilets with ecrupulous
care, dress themselves in clean gar
ments, and put on the best they have.
This superstition is also widely prevail
ent in all branches Of the Russian
army. The celebrated General Skobe-
loft, the Russian BayarG," in common
with many other officers, protested
similar faith, and used to dress for
battle as he would for ball.
The amusements Of the Cossacks in
camp are numerous, dancing being
their favorite pastime. The company
either squats on the ground like In
dians, or forms circle around an open
space. Some leader of song strikes up
an inspiring tune, and all begin to keep
time with the measure. clapping their
hands and striking their heels. When
the company is worked up into the
proper state of excitement, two young
Cossacks spring into the ring and be-
gin to dance pattering with their feet
with as rapid succession of knocks
as skillful clogdancsr. They throw
their heavily booted legs about with
extraordinary agility. Faster and
faster goes the music, shorter and
shorter are the measures forced by the
hurried clapping of hundred hands.
AT last, long after they have far sur
passed the expectation of the uninitiat-
ed spectator, these marvels of endur-
ance spring breathless out of the ring,
and fresh couple occupy their place
almost before they have vacated it