Holbrook argus., 1904-07-02
OLD FAMILIES OF MEXICO.
Still Keep Up the Splendor and Ex.
 clusiveness of the Olden Time.

CiubAtChCSo OA thC OAsASA AAAhSs
 There Is a wealth of color and incl dent, writes a correspondent in the City of Mexico, that speaks of the times when the old Spanish grandees were the ruling element in the pop ulation-a class now all but extinct, although few families yet cling to the memories of the past and pride themselves upon their descent from superior blood.
 Fifty years ago people still kept a host of servants, not all of them strict ly for use, but. b show their dignity. On the occasion of some family event or the extension of hospitality files of servants were ranged on either side of the courtyard as the guests entered. To-day conservative and wealthy fam lilies have four times as many servants as would be found in an American house, and there is space for them in the fine old mansions which have rocked in many tropical earthquake.
 The wealth of the old families was derived from mines and haciendas. Many of the well-to-do people had made the European tour, leaving their hearts in Paris, as they do to-day, for Paris. not Madrid or Rome, is the Mexican Mecca. Then ladies delight ed in costly silks and rare laces and, above all, jewels. To this day, there is general passion for these things and for a woman of the "alta socie- dad" to have many thousands of dol lars in jewels is common.
 An abundant and generous style of living was common in the old days, and to-day a rich Mexican family spends great sum annually on its table Much sound wine is drunk and in sweetmeats and preserves of every imaginable kind the national taste is shown.
 The old families are exclusive. They have the Spanish tradition. The household machinery moves without a jar, and the many servants each has his place well defined in the do- nestle economy. In these old homes one notes the quiet and well-bred tran quility of evesyone, from coachman to housekeeper.
 The great upper corridors on which the rooms open are broad, handsomely paved with tiles and are gay with plants in handsome "macetas," or pots. The ladies of the household are domestic; they are busy with their music, embroidery and art work. Their outings are the afternoon drive, the theater, and the church in the fore noon. Social life in the semi-public gregarious way of American cities is unknown and would not suit these privacy-loving, domestic women. And yet many of them are travelled and get their gowns from Paris.
 The Mexican woman of old family is very charming; her voice is low and soft; she is full of kindly con- sideration for guest and has a strong family feeling which includes her poor relations, who are frequently at table and on all family festivals are includ- ed as matter or course.
 In the Mexican home where wealth abounds perhaps the aged mother or grandmother will be found attired with absolute simplicity. A traveller might take her for "poor relation" Yet she is the undisputed chief of the family and holds great estates managed by her sons and grandsons. Often, more often than not, these gra- cious old ladies are very devout, and 50 the priest is welcome guest and sits with the family at table. These good people like the old ways best, see little good in the new ways and the boasted progress of the times.
 Noises that Attract Snakes.