Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1897-03-15
WOMEN oF ARMENIA.
English Customs Arc Slowly Reaching
 Thon-Tbe Mothers a9ule.

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 Thesa-The Mothers Esule.
 The Armenian girl is little troubled with education. beyond household du- ties, spinning and needlework-zand at this last aceomp plishmeat sho is alSgss gs an expert, especially at embreidery- unless. indeed, she attends ono of tha excellent Armenian mission schools car riea on in many towns where she will learn English. French and possibly her own language, fer Armenians net infre= quently adept Che Yernaoalar of the country wherein they live. She will aI- so acquire 8 thirst for fiction, English and French, The Armenian girl is deep ly sentimental and likes to read of love, and Harriage is. of course, the ultima Thule Of her ideas This little mRtteris is generally arranged by her mother, and nowhere are women of moro importance CT hold more weight in the family eQan= cils. The mother Is at the head of tha patriarehal establishment, iu which her sons, their wives and often her nepheWs and nieoes dwell. She rules her sons end aons' wives, the latter, perhaps, with q somewhat severe hand. especially dur ing the first year O taaif 8arried lives, when, except to attend church, they may not 30 out, though, when the daughters-in-law in their turn become mothers greater liberty is permitted them.
 In more advanced portions of tho com. munity 6 girl s choice is practically un- restricted, and t is we'll that it is sos for the Armenian church. stronuously op- poses divorce, end the marriage bond is only soluble by death. Not infrequently tho gir1's choice falls upon an English man or other European. and many merchants and telegraph officials in Persia and Turkey find them excellent wives.
 Tho Armenian national costume con- sista of a avoluminous skirt of heavy bro- oadod material. tight BIeeyed bodice of tho same stuff, much embroidered about tho front, with handsome diigreQ silver belts marking tho waist. The head coverings are flehuG of fringed ombroid- cred silk, and a multitudo of chains and coins hang round their neeke. | winter tho embroidered bodice is ey changed for Q wadded one, and huge felt shoes are worn over the ordinary boots to keep out tho biting cold Though tho Armenian women do ret wear voils to conceal their featpres as point of ro- ligion. they not infrequently do cover their faces with gauae CT Q corner of Q shawl.
 Some Of the younger women, however, have discarded their native costume fol lli.st of London three years ago, and they arc evidently not quito at oase iu thoir newly acquired ooreets. They copy tho fashion plates in English papers and produce wonderful combinations of pink, bluo and violet. which are further adorn cd with quantities of brilliant jewelry. They arc fuli of curiosity regarding the life of civilized nations, particularly in tho matter of marriage. and never miss an opportunity of obtaining information on tbe subject. -St. Louis Post-Dispatoh.
 Never Touched gs.
 Fill a tiny tumbler with water and cover 1t with . bowl. Then tell tho company that you will drink tho water in the uunbler underneath without moving the bowl.
 Of course no one will believe you, and you ask all to turn their backs or close their eyes, if they will promise not to look, until one of the party counts ten. Immediately they have turned their eyes you pick up another glass of water and hastily swallow a few nouthfuls. They hear the eound, but no one can look until ten Is counted. By that time the glass from which you drank ia hid den again aad the company catches you wiping your moist lips Undoubtedly one of the number will be so suspicious that he will lift tho bowl to sec, and then is your opportunity. for you at once pick up the glass and drink, say ing, aa you put it down, "Ididn't touch the bowl. '--lExchange.