Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1899-03-14
can be engaged in at home !

can DO engaged In at bome'
The result Is that before stopping so
low rs to work woman j. forced by
the existing customs Of the country, To
do the more modest thing and turn her
self bodily out On the sidewalks TO beg
for living. As one OF the blessings
accruing from American occupation
woman will DO emanoipated. placed on
an even social footing with man and
taught that there is no discredit, no in
delicacy. in working and earning an
honest living. and the Cuban man will
be taught tn respect her for 30 doing
The innovation will also 60 far toward
mending and purifying the morals Of
the male population, who bavs never
been taught to regard woman as their
equal. but merely as slave and instru-
meDt Of pleasure. commodity, not a
belpmate.
The recent emigration Of Cubans 20
this country has already begun to make
its beneficent influence fel; on the is
land. and already many young, well
educated women Of good families In re
duced circumstances have begun teach
ing Spanish to the foreigners who ar
rive in Cuba in increasing numbers.
Another new departure for Cuban
women. also traceabIe 10 their recent
sojourn in the United States, IL the
wearing OF hats and bonnets. Formerly
q, -, haa1nnar s,nHnnxr,.
quantity In Cuba. The only head GOV.
erings worn by Cuban women on the
streets, driving. or at the theater were
mantillas gracefully draped over their
heads and loosely thrown over their
shoulders. This departure consequently
opens up another field Of usefulness TO
woman, the millinery field. But so large
and so varied will the outlet for WON
ans energy and activity become in Gu.
ba during the next year or two with the
advent of :. new civilization that to
discuss or describe it would be idle.
More interesting reading is descrip-
tion Of her present existence, her occu-
pations and her pleasures.
The upper classes are cosmopolitan in
their tastes and habits. They are very
exclusive, but very hospitable within
their own circle. are well educated,
we'll informed and enjoy the pleasures
Of the wealtbier classes anyw here. They
entertain great deal, are very fond OF
theaters and music, and ride. drive and
90 abroad in the summer.
The select few, however, cannot be-
said TO reflect the life and manners OF
the country. The student OF hunas ma
ture must observe the middle class to
get his impressions.
Among this class the most serious &C.
cupstiou as well as the most absorbing
pleasure Ia lovemaking.
Once married, the sole aim Of WON.
an of this class il accomplished. and
she settles down to life Of vegetation,
gives up the practice Of whatever &C.
eomplishment che may have had, such
as singing. playing or painting, and ac-
cepts the inevitable in loose Mother
Hubbard and spirit Of resignation.
Her great period Of activity is while
she is in quest OF husband. This activ.A
ity consists in constant dasbes to the
street window and more or less tedious
lingerings at that window watching
tbs passersby, whom she ogles and fiirts
with from behind the grills Of her |
bower.
II the fellow she fancies "catches,
he will BY and by make bold enough to |
walk up to the window and engage his |
fair "enamorada" In conversation, re-
turning there innumerable times dur.
Ing the day and evening to whisper
Iweet nothiugs and tender words Of
love.
Thus do all Cuban courtships start.
After awhile, upon the young lady's
recommendations and at her earnest
the ardent suitor Is asked
Into the house BY the head Of the fam |
ily, Cross examined o. TO bic intentions
md graciously permitted to continue
his wooing under cover. Int never out
II sight or easshot Of father or mother,
Who exercise great vigilance and rob
The game Of lovsmaking Of all its spice
md sweetness.
In no class Of society In Cuba is
young lady allowed the liberty that an
American girl enjoys She may not 90
% the theatsr. to = ball or any public
junction unless under her father's or
protection. Her own brother
. not deemed sufficiently worthy e.
.ort; much isn would she be permitted !
yen to take walk with her iliBce OF
y sseu alone with him outside her own |
souss. 4
Yosne ladies Of - spps classs 40