The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1899-11-23
AN AMERICANS IMPRESSION OF
BOHEMIA.
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continued from page A.
girlish propriety in broad daylight
when there is no actual need of a protec-
tor marks it as utterly ridiculous An
other illustrasion of this, is the woman
no longer young, protected by a younger
married woman. |, too, have had the
pleasures and honors of chaperonage
Thrust upon me and with no thorough
knowledge of the rules governing that
important position, Icheerfully accepted.
To my dismay, there were consigned to
my tender care and solicitude three
young women, varying from thirty to
forty years. can assure you my juve-
nile charges were kept busy instructing
me as to the duties and privileges (which
We're manifold) of my responsible posi-
ton, until | secretly longed to beat a
hasty retreat. To add to the hnmor of
the situation, was likewise blessed with
the chaperonage of an elderly madame
and have been wondering ever since
whether she in turn was NOT equally
protected, "-our husbands being absent.
| was intensely relieved, when the thing
was over with and l solemnly vowed,
not only to refuse such "honors'
again, but to utterly discourage, if
chance afforded, such social farce That
certain dignity of carriage and pleasing
self-possession of our American girls is
utterly lacking in the poor over-chaper-
oned Austrian young woman, hel very
protection robbing her of her chief
charm, self-reliance.
In balls and parties, it is customary,
during the intermissions, for all of the
gentlemen to retire to an adjoining
room, where they smoke and chat en-
semple, while the ladies are left to their
own sweet selves, managing as best
they can, to get in the charmingly social
time over which to my surprise they
afterward fairly rave. During waltz
a gentleman may exchange some nine
or ten ladies, -favoring each with a turn
or two around the hall. An invitation
to supper or to partake Of some cooling
beverage, is only to invite criticism or
become good subject for Mother Grun-
dy. In view of this fact, too, all the
young women are escorted home by
their chaperones, only.
Naturally, one is instinctively attract
ed to the style and taste in dress. The
fit of the Austrian coat or garments, in
general of the men, is something fear
full as a rule. The trousers always bag
gy and trailing, while the shoulders are
padded to such d degree, as to give d
man the appearance of being hump
shouldered, with the head hammered
down between as it We're A well-fit-
ting and really stylish article of femi-
nine wearing apparel, is also exceeding
ly rare. The skirts are usually too long
behind, too short in front, with pocket
hitched to the back folds, causing much
discomfort and actual distress to the un-
initiated In point of dress, l have heard
it said, the Austrian woman compares
favorably with the English. And the
bicycle costumes! But comparatively
few v-oI len have dared public criticism
and become ''emancipated' to the ex,
tent of riding wheel OF d suitable,
practical costume, they have no compre-
hension as yet. Any old skirt, usually
trailing with three pearl buttons tackled
to the sides, cast off party dresses even,
thick soled, heavy, white or black slip
pers, plumed hat and she is, in her
opinion, correctly logged ont for the
saddle.
As to the city itself. Being located
in valley completely surrounded by
towering hills, Prague is world famed
for its beauty and scenery. The ancient
cathedral "Chran ST. Vita and 'Hrad-
chany" an immense castle, the seat of
the old Bohemian kings and temporary
residence of the present ruler are situat-
ed ON the highest hill Overlooking the
city, the structures form magnificent
silhouette, which impresses one with its
grandeur and imposing view.
There is also a well-connected system
of parks, the several small islands in the
Moldau, winding its way through the
city, and the hills have all been convert
ed into magnificent parks, driveways
and gardens containing rare foreign
plants. Each park has fine large play
ground reserved expressly for the chill
dren.
Ancient or historical Prague is vanish
ing fast, some gems of antiquity, fam
Gus for the very legends and traditions
attached to them, are disappearing grad
ually and are being newly attacked with
each day and replaced by modern archi-
lecture. So that, taking these improve
ments and undermining experiments in
t. consideration, our Bohemian people