The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1898-11-06
SAN JUAS,s ONLY PLEASURE
ReEimsntal Band Concerts n Feature of the
CIty,a socihl Life.

Now that the last regular Spanish soldier has
sailed from the island OF Porto Rico. and the
American nag Is at last floating over the public
buildings In San Juan. the people OF the capital
are. no doubt. beginning to make comparisons
between the military governments OF the old
and new rulers. Americans feel that but one
conclusion can follow, and, unquestionably. in
the more important factors in the essentials OF
q satisfying rule, even the native Spaniards
left in Porto Rico will willingly confess the SUI
p~eriority Of their conauerors. Yet in certain par
ticulars, immaterial In themselves, but potent
in the creation Of q sentiment favorable or UNI
favorable. the Spanish regime had q charm
from whose allurement those OF Latin blood
will find it difficult Immediately to escape.
One custom which for generations has OBJ
tanned In San Juan Ia almost sure 10 DO dis
continued once we are in full swing. and Tor a
time It will cause more or less OF a revolution
In the habits OF tho people. Reference Is made
to the reRlmental band concerts. which under
Spanish rule occurred every Thursday and
Sunday night regularly. and on all Church
holidays as we'll. in the plaza of Alfonso XIII.
The whole year round the band plays here on
these nights, and the society Of the capital
turns out en- masse for an evenings prone
made. These promenades arc regular social
functions when the beauX and bellies may meet
and exchange their little nothings. although
over under the watchful eye OF the omnipres-
ent duenna or the even more watchful parent.
The plaza Of Alfonso XIII. is perhaps $50
yards in length by half that in breadth. stone
paved. well lighted by gas and surrounded by
public buildings. handsome shops open until
after the concerts and brilliantly lighted cafds
where drinks. ices and sweets are sold. The
band marches into the plaza with military
precision at 8 o'clock and takes station at one
End. Immediately the concert begins. 1tlasts
until 10 O'Clock, and In those two hours there
is aconstant throng Of officers. civilians OF more
or less social consideration and beautifully
dressed women promenading to and fro. Tho
Spaniards do not promenade as we do-round
and round in q circle. They move more quickly.
turning square on the heel and facing about.
This promenade is especially a Rodsend to
the women. Social convention makes prisoners
Of women in Porto Rico II they desire to keep
their standing. An unmarried woman until
she Is at least 30 years of age. and that Is very
old down there. cannot go upon the street alone
man to call often at her home unless his inten-
tions have been declared to, her parents. and.
Such freedom as our girls have would shock
them beyond expression There were balls IN
formality of these affairs almost forbade enjoy
mont. The theatre has not and necessarily
cannot thrive, 80 the band concerts have been
the only function whore there was freedom
enough to render the evening effort at pleasure
The Americans in San Juan In the last days
OF the Spanish regime used to look forward to
bnnd night as the ono break In the dreary
monotony Of those days. The music was
can boast. There were great wicker rocking
chairs stretching along one whole side OF the
plaza, where one could sit when weary of walk
ing and watch the really brilliant procession, as
| seems a pity. aud yet it will no doubt be done.
II it already has not been done. Even should IL
be deemed wise to keep it up for q time, it will
not be as well managed. II Ponce be any cri-
terion. In that city our bands used to play on
Sunday night. but the concerts soon lost their
social character. The American private soldier
is not a social favoritc when, in muddy shoes.
dirty campaign trousers and, soiled blue shirt.
In his great democratic good nature and sim
plicity he ovarian the plaza at Ponce. and the
Porto Rican and Spanish women simply stayed
away. In a short time the concerts stopped.
In San Juan the private soldier was not al
lowed in the promenade after 3 o'clock. Up to
that hour he had the plaza all to himself. and
he and his comrades swarmnd there. Not an
officer was to be seen among them. AT 3 they
all disappeared, and dapper little officers. with
dangling swords and canes, showed up TO court
and shipper at the women, who soon came
trooping in. II these concerts are given up or
lose their exclusiyeness it will be a sore trial
to a people who have little else to enjoy.