Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1908-11-15

those who live on land and occupy q
picturesque nipa hut OF small proper
tons, whose roof seems elastic, 1t
sometimes covers so many heads.
These women take in washing. ped
die dainty fabrics made OF their fruit
fibers, make bamboo mating. sew or
embroider. Some with large fiat bas-
kets OF fruits and the invariable betel
nut, done up neatly in spicy leaf
held together by lime paste that evil
IDENTIFY renders 1t 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 famiiieS.
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 and
cigars and shred tobacco; while not
few pretty little babies. each clothed
as the mothers worked.
Hundreds are employed in these
large factories. They obtain their
food for a few pennies from neigh
Dor conveniently located. whose bust
ness it is to furnish them with pro-
visions. have often watched with a
great deal of interest the keen relish
with which they gather around the
central figure who serves the chosen
dish from quaint pottery with cocoa
nut ladle. amid indescribable chatter
and undoubted enjoyment. when
everyone is satisfied they repair to
their homes for the necessary Siesta.
The hostess clears up her dishes and
follows their. example and the corner
becomes quiet and empty until even
ing, when the gay scene is repeated.
Their cooking is done out OF doors
under a bamboo or matched nlpa avn
ing, which protects them from Do'h
sun and rain. Many time has the
udorous Whit of choice tidbit, con
sisting of spoiled fish and garlic, found
it's way through our drawing room
windows from the nipa shacks OF our
next-door neighbors.
Several times l had occasion to be-
friend and extend to them a kindness.
for which they were most grateful.
They showed their appreciation in &C.
casional neighborly gifts of native
fruits. a few fresh eggs when they
were scarce in the markets, or some
Filipino dish which was both dainty
and palatable and which / always re-
turned with typical American deli
cacy that pleased them very much.
These women are thrifty. kindly.
hospitable, appreciative. music-loving.
social. peaceable and clearly. This
last from their own point OF view. l
grant you. and confess to having seen
them deliberately take their sandals
OF at a muddy crossing, wade over IN
bare feet. which they then slipped into
the sandals, and continued on their
way. This and many similar instances
reminded one that in principle they
were not unlike certain
Young lady Of Crete.
Who Vas SO exceedingly neat.
She stood on her head
When she got out of bed
To keep from soiling her feet.
Not withstanding all this, ! shall al
ways maintain they are clean-from
their point of view And on this sub
ject. upon which have had many ar
cuments. feel we'll backed up by the
example Of a good old Scotch woman.
who was ever fairly open to convic'
ton, but would like to see the man
who could convince her.
Now We come to the middle class.
who are respectable in every sense.
Their houses are spOtless. their CLONES
always neat, their glossy black hair
we'll washed and tidy. These have
lime to visit and possess at least
shower bath in the house. SO they are
not obliged to resort to stream or
convenient spigot on the street for the
comfort of a bath. They can permit
thems selves the luxury Of Carametta
and perhaps a caraboo whose milk is
peddlcd in picturesque jars by some
male member of the family. They will
take in a little sewing and fine EN-
broidery. They are very expert with
the needle and fond Of jewelry. and
not a few possess some quite pretty
pieces Of pearls or diamonds quaint
~ cut.
Perhaps the first peep at the high,
born ladies' of the land would not be
amIss on the Luneta, which was SO
beautiful in the evening light. There
was the bay, with our great warships
AGAINST the gorgeous colorins OF the
citing sun on one side. the pictur'