The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1907-04-05

The lower class, whose lives are so
simple, whose wants are marvelously
few, whose occupations are varied and
singularly suited to them interested
me strongly. They are apparently as
happy living in the end Of a casco and
keep house with the same ease as
those who live on land and occupy a
picturesque nipa hut Of small proper
tions, whose roof seems elastic. It
sometimes covers SO many heads.
These women take in washing. ped
die dainty fabrics made Of their fruit
fibers, make bamboo mating, sew or
embrcider. Some with large fat bas-
kets OF fruits and the invariabie betel
nut, done up neatly in spicy leaf
held together by lime paste that eyi-
IDENTIFY renders It more palatable. move
from place to place as occasion re
Quires and squat patiently in the shade
awaiting customers.
The stalls in markets are also kept
principally by women, some Of whom
live right there with their families
Then the cigar factories furnish occu
patton to many Of all ages. was as
tonisned to see little girls Of not more
than nine or ten years with the deft
ness OF experts roll cigarettes ant
cigars and shred tobacco; while not {
few pretty little babies. each clothed
only in short pima shirt, crept arount
as the mothers worked.
Hundreds are employed in thes'
large factories. They obtain thei
food for few pennies from a neigh
Dor conveniently located, whose busi
ness 1t is to furnish them with pre-
visions. I have often watched with
great deal Of interest the keen rellsl
with which they gather around tn
central figure who serves the chose
dish from quaint pottery with cocoa
nut ladle, amid indescribable chatte
and undoubted enjoyment Whe
everyone is satisfied they repair {
their homes for the necessary siests
| The hostess clears up her dishes an
Il follows their example and the corne
becomes quiet and empty until ever
ing. when the gay scene is repeated,
Their cooking is done out of door
under a bamboo or thatched nipa avn
ing. which protects them from bot
sun and rain Many time has II
odorous whiif of choice tidbit. col
slsting Of spoiled fish and garlic. foun
its way through our drawing roo
windows from the nipa shacks OF OF
next-door neighbors.
Several times / had occasion to b
friend and extend to them Mndnes
fer which they we're most gratefl
They showed their appreciation In Q
casionai neIghborly gifts Of natil
: fruits, 4 fpw fresh eggs when th,
were scarce in the markets, or son
+ Filipino dish which was both dain
and palatable and which | always I
turned with a typical American de
cacy that pleased them very much.
These women are thrifty, kind
hospitable. appreciative. music-sovin
social, pcaceable and cleanly III
! last from their own point Of view.
grant you, and confess to having SCI
them deliberately take their sands
of at a muddy crossing. walle over
! bare feet. which they then slipped in
the sandals. and continued On th'
I way. This and many similar instano
reminded one that IN principle th
were not unlike a certain
Young lady OF Crete,
G Vino was SO exceedingly neat,
She stood on her head
When she got out Of bed
e 70 keep from soiling her feet"
). Notwithstanding all this. shall
d ways maintain they are clean -frI
r their point Of view. And On this 81
n iect upon which have had many
eumeuts. | feel well backed up By
K example Of q good old Scotch woml