Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-06-11
CUSTOMS OF PORTO RICO.
Beauty and Amiable Qualities of the
 Women,


 Women.
 The social life and customs of Porto Rico, in the cities and large towns, is very similar to that in European coun- tries, except when climatic conditions might make some change. The fash ions of Paris. Madrid and London are observed by the young and middle ages of both sexes SO far as their circum- stances will permit Woolen clothes are worn all through the year by the gentleman of fashion, except in the smaller places, where linen is substi- tuted, the woolen fabric being consid- cred a luxury to be donned only on Sundays and holidays.
 The women of Porto Rico excel in beauty those of any other West Indian island, not excepting even Martinique, whose Melisse type are generally con- sidered among the beauties of the world. Medium in size, they are ex- ! quisitely formed, with dainty hands and feet, and a complexion just dark ! enough to make a most charming set ting ito the pink glow on either cheek. I remember reading a magazine article a short time since. in which the au- thor, speaking of the women of the is- land, aptly says: 'sThey are affable, generous, hospitabie to a fault, loyal to all that pertains to the welfare of their home. They are sweet and an1iable, faithful as wives, loving as sisters, sweethearts and daughters, ornaments to any society, tasteful in dress, grace full in department and elegant in car riage. Tn fact, visitors from old Spain have frequently remarked their re- semblance to the doncellas of Cadiz, who are world renowned for their grace and 1oveliness.'' The mantilla, so common in other Spanish colonies, is here worn by elderly women only; the young ladies dress elaborately, in good taste, and all wear hats.
 The people of the island are exceed ingly polite to strangers. One not used to their customs will met with many surprises. Nearly every man you meet will make you present of his resi- dence. When he leaves you, he will grasp your hand cordially and say: My house is yours; it stands on such street, the number Is so and so, and it is at your service" But it is only the Spanish way of saying: T am pleased. to make your acquaintance"
 One of the peculiar things that strikes stranger visiting the island is, on making a tour of the shops, to find very few things characteristic of the West Indies; the inhabitants seem to- prefer in purchasing any article not edfble, that 1t shall be foreign made. Not a single show window exists, and the native merchants have yet fol learn how to display their goods and wares. If some enerprising Yankee would tear out the front of one of the forbiding looking shops, replace 1t With one on the show case style, and set forth dazzling array of merchandise, as it done by the artistic window dress CTS in some of our northern cities, itI would cause a revolution in the me- thods of trade.
 The better class of ladies, when they go shopping, drive up to the store m carriages. and have the goods brought out to them to select from. It IS a common sight to see several carriages before a fashionable store, with a clerk on the sidewalk showing the contem- platiye purchaser his silks, gloves or ribbons. Some of the stores have al parlor in the rear where the senora can sit if she likes and have the goods brought lto her to select from. Few aside from the foreigners and common people stand at the counters and buy,
 Tn the cities, the better class are fast learning the English language, and It will be but few years during the pc riod of assimilation as an American territory, before the younger geuera-I ton will acquire an equal huency ID English and their native language.
 I passed down a street one evening and heard a familiar tune It was native mother singing her baby to sleep ho the tune of Dixie" A waiter in my hotel at Ponce has acquired number of words and phrases in English, ana seems. to take especial delight in serV-I ing me to expend his vocabulary for my benefit.
 The society one meets in Ponce ana San Juan is charming. Educated ana refned. it would do credit to the pest society that we so proudly boast of at home. Accomplished i'll music, paint ing and the fine arts, the young ladaes' many of them, receive their nistruc- tion in the best schools of Paris or Ma di.td and are most attractive and inter esting.--Dr William s. Birge III tne co,1ntrv Gentleman.