Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1904-06-30
AMERICAN GIRLS IN MEXICO.
Their Mission as Reformers Changes
the Customs Of Native Women
Of Fashion.

Uncle Jacob not long ago was riding
in one Of those trolleys here called es-
tcs elecrios. on his way down town to
discover whether exchange was up in
the skies or on the sea level. Just be-
fore his stopping place, La Gale de
Gante. his dying machine, yulgo 'car, =
passed another; in It he caught just a
glimpse Of an American girl, fair Of
complexion. beautiful In features and
carriage. one OF those American girls
who make the United States famous,
that marry princes, dukes, counts,
millionaires or ordinary good men, as
their hearts may desire or their caprice
direct Il was all over in a moment,
the young lady was only visible from
the shoulders up. But the just correct
dip OF her hat caught the eye and,
catching, held IT, The drapeFy Of said
hat could not have been more graceful,
yet the effect total was that OF the ut
most simplicity Oh, artful simplicity,
how thou drawest the hearts Of men!
Those large, blue eyes, clear, white
and rosy complexion, round but firm
chin, all 50 truly Anglo-SaXon, were
but a fleeung and enchanting vision.
just one long glance, says a writer in
Modern Mexico.
Uncle Jacob fell into brown study,
and nearly forgot to leave the "elec-
tro" at the corner nearest the man"
he was going 10 see. He was reflect
ing what a change had come over these
happy streets since the advent Of the
American girl. Uncle Jacob is a bach
elor, a foreigner of many years resi-
dence In Mexico. Years ago, in the
far-off New England states, plump
little maiden made that now so min
eralized heart so pit-a-pat, pit-a-pat
He still remembers this charming
dream of his youth, in soft white,
muslin and pale blue sash. therefore
his love for delicate, discreet colors.
Formerly we saw here mantillas, be-
coming to many, but often hiding
more beauty than they allowed to be
seen. Now, light and becoming hats,
allowing the well-dressed hair Of the
Mexican senoritas TO be seen, have
taken their place. Formerly II was
considered improper to shop, the fam
lilies sending for muestras OF samples,
be IL for a yard OF manta or a $50 hat
This was the cause of much sending
to and fro, with the ancient mode Of
no fixed prices, and then the feeling
of distrust If "Fulanita" or "Sotanita"
had bought al q lower price just the
same article by a little more bargain
ing. Now all purchasing is done by
the women going to the stores, choos-
ing what they like, which is much
quicker and better for buyer and seller
Uncle Jacob remembers very well
the small, dingy show windows filed
with dress goods Of hideOus purple, |
eternal wine color, maroon color, |
guisada in Spanish and shrieking
pinks and blues Not that the Next !
can girl has not innate good taste;
she may like a little more color than
her northern sister, but her love OF
flowers has taught her that delicate
taste which we all admire in the dainty
hall dresses Of the Mexican senorita |
at society gatherings But men, not
women. bought the dry goods imported |
to Mexico. probably very often what
Europe refused. Only the very rich |
could order robes from the extraniero, |
The American girl came, saw and con-
quered the shopkeeper. She plainly |
told MIN that she must have what she
was accustomed 10 find IN Uncle sam
domains: he must have piques, tai |
fetas. organizes. etc, in the proper |
quality and Of stylish design, or she !
would. with the improved facilities
order from "at home what she
wanted. Hence the improvement OF /
show windows and assortment We
nnu- and seats Of .nme Kind for The !