Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-07-13
WW

they took the risk, and since then both ma
uonalities battle together in this water.
The older women Of the first generation
retain their native cotton skirts and Waists
which do not always match: their aprons
gay shawls and headkerchiefs. They cele-
brate gala occasions by wearing clean
clothes and long earrings. their ears having
been pierced when they were infants. The
men Of this class wear sweaters and cheap
ready-made suits, and cling to their SHOES
until they are unfit to wear. Lately they
have taken to rubber overshoes because
they save the wear on those underneath.
Often little children wear shoes and no
stockings in winter. but a general improve
ment is discovered among children or motn-
ers Of the second generation. who do not
bind their babies, whatever that may
mean. Children of this more assimilated
class attend kindergarten, and If any part
of their apparel is lacking they are sent
home for it. Neatly attired young men
and women may now be seen coming from
even crowded and dirty homes. The women
generally possess sewing machines. and are
improving in their use. The frugal house
wives are scrupulous members. and often
sheets that are mass of neatly sewed
pieces are seen drying on the line. These
women seem to be always washing their
clothes.
The death rate, although small among
adults Is high among children under ten
years of age but less than among children
in Italy or our large cities. 1t is at
tributed to careiessness in the selection of
clothing in winter and food in summer.
Can Give Us Points on Home Life.
The home life of the Italians. like that Of
the Jews, has many features which native
Americans in the same circumstances would
do well to emulate, according to Miss
Meade. Social Pleasures are enjoyed by the
family as whole. children are not valued
for their labor and to be childless is re-
garded as a great misfortune. An Italian
girl very rarely goes astray. Only two cases
of this kind have ever occurred in the dis
tr:ct of investigation. and in one of these
the girls parents were of different national
tiles lille the morals of her mother were
not above reproach. A girl, even when en-
gagged is not allowed to be alone with her
sweetheart. nor go out with him, and is not
allowed to attend gatherings freely. On this
account Italian young Men are frequently
seeking the less restricted society of Amer
ican girls.
Tie TIA ian marries off his daughters &C
corning TO seniority. Even il engaged, the
Younger daughter cannot marry until after
the wedding of her elder sister. Fathers
arrange marriages even against the VIII OF
their daughters. and they sometimes send
70 Ita'y for wives for their sons. Among
Italian young men, however, there IS d
growing prefer ence for American wives, and
the results OF these marriages have generally
been satiSfa Glory, the children developing
into very desirable American citizens. In
bride Of thirteen years, two of fourteen.
eight of fifteen. eighteen of sixteen. fifteen
Of seventeen, thirty-six of eighteen and
twenty-nine Of nineteen.
Italian husbands believe in the subjuga-
ton OF women and in some cases beat their
wives ard one offender. when admonished
BY justice for such truta ity told the
court that he would rather return 10 Italy
than remain n this country and not be the
master of his wife. The investigation how
ever, has found among the newcomers many
kind and afect!onate husbands WHO even
assist their wives with the laundry work.
Some men. however. I've upon the earnings
of their wives and children. who Ire hired
out to farmers. often pretty girls become
old and naisshapen through such work.
Ju'y 1.-THE Italian Fou tits the great
religious festival OF the Italians. and 11a n
monitor is one of few places in the Unite
States where il Is celeb rated on a large
scale. Italians then pour in from tic
ntigibo,ing larga cities. a great proc s.
sion is held and images are carr ell through
the stress. This latter feature aroIss d
nCpuIar fe cling among the Plotes. ants v