The daily morning journal and courier., 1898-02-03
poL1TENEss IN OLD MEXICO.

Extravagant Ways in Which It Is
 Shown by Persons of Various
 Classes.
 The principal characteristic of the Mexican is undoubtedly his unchang- ing courtesy.
 "Oh. how deliciously polite" Is a phrase We hear every day from the lips of foreign ladies when they enjoy the not unusual sight of two natives. rag ged beyond description perhaps, who stop horse car in the street and keep 1t standings while each insists with ele- gant bows and flowing compliments that the other precede him in going up the steps.
 After you, sir" Not at all. I am unworthy of such a high honor"
 T dare not take precedence, sir
 Tt is only what is due your superior ity. Walk up, please" Not for all the world. You are enti- | tied to that preferenee.' | This goes on for some time, until the car begins to move, and both fling l themselves at once upon the steps, smashing the corns of another man standing on the platform. an accident | that gives rise to new effusions of good breeding.
 Oh, sir, how sorry am to have trod on your feet. l sincerely entreat you to 1 excuse my oversight Never mind, says the victim. grit ting his teth and with tears In his eyes, 1t is an honor to be trod on by you"
 Thanks for your kindness"
 T am myself in duty bound to thank you
 In fact, dudes from over the sea or from across the Rio Grande may boast of their wealth and their Parisian-made | trousers; belles of other lands of their golden dresses and charming personali- ties, but no other nation equals the | stately dignity of Mexican courtesy If it is great luxury to be taught how to bow and what to do under all circumstances by a gentleman whc knows these things because he belongs to the European arlstocracy and has | behind him line of ancestors who be- haved as well as they could in such matters, 1t is surprising to observe in a | whole nation, even i'll the hunblesi classes, courtesy not produced by arti. l ficial means. but gracefully and re I finedly practiced as a special endow. ment of nature.
 Persons in other countries are rarely treated to such scenes as those we have attempted to desribe, and to many they might appear exaggerated, but lei I those that doubt come and judge fol themselves.
 I will cite few authentic experiences in illustration of the subject: A A Jx, .1. talking with an old Mexican gentleman and she laughingly said something about having some literary work to do
 It was good to see the old fellows impressive manner and air of perfec sincerity as he exclaimed:
 Work! Miss, such lips as yours should never mention work. To, should be queen and wear pearls. a. beautiful as those incased in your love ly mouth."
 Another young woman was overheard to say in English to her mother in tht theatre:
 Look at that Mexican girl. Do yo, like her. I think her nose is too long and her features are too sharp
 Whereupon the Mexican girl said II her most endearing tone in broken Eng fish:
 Miss, as God bestowed on you all tht attributes of perfect beauty, very littl, was left for me Believe me, you ar, the sweetest creature I have laid my eyes on, and I never get tired of looking at your charming face"
 A young man who happened to be ac cidentally struck in one of his eyes by pretty 16-year-old damsel with he parasol said appeaiingly while tn blood flowed from the wound:
 Lovely one, be not cruel, seeing tha cruelty and beauty cannot dwell to gether."
 Nowhere will the stranger find nor civility and kindness than among tn Mexieans.