The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-03-07
CUBA IN Time OF peace
Glimpses at Men and Customs in
an Interesting Isle.
OLD CUSTOMS ARE DYING OUT
Tho Upper Classes In Cuba Arc Well
Educated. Fond of Novelty and
Travel and Cultured to
High Degree.
From the New York Herald.

From the New York Herald.
Havana. the capital of Cuba, Is the
center of art and literature, and Cuba
numbers brilliant poets and writer's,
whose fame has spread throughout Eu-
rope and Spanish America. One of her
poets Is now member of the French
academy and takes a proud stand
among the Forty Immortals." Jose
Maria Heredia bears the same name
as the famous author of the 'Ode of Nj
agara," an ode unsurpassed in ltera-
ture as the most magnificent and sub
lime description of that masterwork
of nature, Niagara Falls. No artist has
ever produced so faithfully on canvass
the blue sky of Cuba and its marvellous
tropical scenery as Chartrand, one of
Cuba's most gifted sons.
The first stone. or site, of Havana was
laid In the early part of 1919, and in
some portions of the city traces still re-
main of the crumbling ruins of walls
which once guarded the town, while the
distinction Is yet made between the
old and modern quarters by calling the
former within the walls and the latter
outside the walls.
Havana in some parts reminds one
of the old Latin quarter in Paris. The
streets are narrow, sidewalks infinite
strets are narrow. sidewalks infntes-
imal, with barely room for a foot pas
senger. while the buildings are high
and close together. The modern part
called outside the walls, is better laid
out. and there are many handsome
residences, with wide portals, piazzas,
balconies, spacious rooms. marble
floors, high ceilings snd apartments.
overlooking large courts, with foun
tains. plants and flowers to render the
atmosphere cool and fragrant. Within
he hal = n ha
what after the fashion of Roman baths
handsomely and luNuriously fitted out
with all the requisite appointments.
the pavement and bath being inlaid in
mosaiCs.
THE EVER FAITHFUL ISLE"
The Cuban aristocracy have always
lived In great style, keeping up estab-
lishmentS suitable to their rank. Some
families have been compelled to reduce
their expenditures of late years, owing
to the impoverished condition of the
island. produced by the instructions
and struggles for independence. which
have been Of frequent occurrence in
the Ever Faithful Isle" as cuba is
called.
Nearly all the children of the upper
classes are educated abroad. particu-
larly in Paris. which Cubans, as well
on earth. large number are educat-
ed in The United States. where they
have imbibed American ideas. And
there are great many Cuban families
who have taken uD their residence in
New York and in Paris.
Cubans are cosmopolitan and exceed
ingiy fond Of novelty and travel. The
men are vivacious and like gayety and
amusement while the women are Ian
gud ANA llstless az rule. In their
family relations the latter are true and
constant. ana pass the greater part Of
their time at home. while the men are
at their offices or clubs. Cuban women
are noted for their beauty, of an Ori-
entail type. but there are some lively
Cuban blondes. with golden tresses.
blue eyes and fair complexions, as fair
as Goethe's Marguerite. The MOntal-
vos. of the Cuban ariStOcracy, who de-
rive their tide from one of the Oldest in
Spain. are noted for their fair women.
| remarkable for their milky white,
satinlikc skin. golden hair and high
| bred aristocratic features. Several Gu
ban beauties were allied to royalty
by their marriage to scions of the Bour-
bon race in Spain.
Women in the higher circles are vo-
taries of fashion and import their
gowns from some famous French mod
iste. They are particularly fond of
rich jewels and on some grand occa-
sions Cuban dame is deckcd with dia-
monds worth 100000.
AS the Roman Catholic faith il the
! state religion in Cuba. as well as Spain,
the best training for Cuban girls is ac-
/ quired at some good convent.
HAvANESE MEN SMALL.
People reared in large cities are not
so robust as those who live i'm the coun-
try. and this may account for the fact
| that as a rule the natives of Havana
are small. somewhat effeminate and
have small feet and hands. while their
| brothers In the eastern. western and
| southern districts are large. hardy and
| robust.
Cubans are fond of dancing. and their
danza consists of a slow, languid move
| ment to plaintive music. sad and sweet.
with a peculiar rhythm. to which the
! dancers keep step. slowly gyratng
without lifting their feet from the floor.
However, nowadays this dance. some
what voluptuous in its movement. is nc
longer considered good form i'm society
| Several prominent members of the
I Cuban aristocracy bear Irish names. as