Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1905-12-07
HOME LIFE OF MEXICAN
Care Nothing for Athletics, but Are
Fond Of Music.
(Trom the Mexican Itcraid.)


As the Moors practically control the
commerce and education of Spain fer over
a hundred years, the Spanards acquired
to great extent, the same ideas held by
them OF the education and treatment of
wcinen. And they, in their turn, carried
thcsc ideas to Mexico. In fact, the Mcxi-
can women of the upper classes were
much frccr under the Axtees than they
were aftcrward under Spanish rule. And.
until quite lately, this condition of affairs
has prevailed in Mexico since its free
dom from the Spanish crown.
Not So mary years ago when McXi-
can woman went shopping she remained
in her carriage in the street and sent her
servant into the store to call one Of the
clerks to wait upon her. lie came out
and received her ORDER; and brought the
goods to her for examination. This pc
culiar method of shopping was due 10 the
old Moorish idcn that a lady of good
family should he exclusive aud should
shield herself from the gaze OF the pub
lie, and In fact from everyone except her
own immediate relatives and most init
mate friends. This idea has been dying
hard for over century and il is still far
from beirg completely buried in some
parts Of the republic.
| The Mexican woman is naturally n home
lover. She has no clubs TO take her away
! from her home. and she has few outside
| interests. Even when she is philanthrop-
| cally inclined which she very often is,
her ideas Of life tend to make her place
hor char'tahla contributions i'm the hands
of sister suprriors of ccnven.s or d-
! rectors of chlr;tabs institutions and
works fer use in the cause sh, mas ut
hcatt.
| Tho Mexican women Of the n,idIl, and
| upper classes have never been athletic at
| least since the Spanish conquest. This of
! course. was due ~ tho secluded life they
| led. But the wrncn Of the lower classes
| have ever been stout and muscular for
much work of heavy kind has always
been their lot. On account of her quictcr
disposition it Is not probable that, for
years at least. the Mexican woman will
take the interest in athletics that is now
h'iry shown iy ttr An'"r'cnr sister
Another reason is that the sympathy OF
the Mexican people is all against her do.
ing So
In the Mexican schools the girl is taught
many things in tho way or noedleworlS
painting. embroilerirr drawing and dc.
signing. and these later serve to fiji ir
her peaoetul, uneventful life after leaving
schcol. To this must he added music. Fol
here. as in Spain ard other Latin coun.
tries. most women of tho middle and up
per classes receive an excellent musca
education.
In their homes and in their own way
the Mexican women are delightful enter
tainrrs, and their knowledge Of musi,
aids not n little in their cntor.ainings.
Tho piano always forms Il very import
ant factor in the entertainment at Mexi
can house No matter how small tin
gathering of friends. there is Away.
someone who can play we'll and his o.
her services are requested. and Away
cEecrfully given. for Mexican not onl,
likes to help entertain his friends an,
his friends friends. but lie looks upon i
as his duty to do SO. With the piano OILS,
goes singing OF the popular songs OF tn
day.