Democratic Sentinel, Volume 16, Number 6, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 February 1892 — CHILIAN BEAUTIES. [ARTICLE]

CHILIAN BEAUTIES.

Coquettish Daughters of the Pugnacious Republic. While tho general thought of to-day in regard to Chili has a bellicose tendency, it is pleasant to turn to a more peaceful subject in connection with tho little republic, It mutters not how rough tho heart of man may bo, ho is generally susceptible to beauty, and thoughts of a more gentle conquost may reign when we forget the men in the contemplation of tho women of Chili. Tho races of the North, who are for tho most part fair, are prono to acknowledge the beauty of their dark-eved Southern sisters. Tho stundnrd of beauty may not be so high—that is, it may lack tho regularity of feature that is so charming, the classic simplicity which possesses a eraoo of its own —but the women of tho warmer latitudes have a certain ooquetry” that is more or less irresistible. Espeoiallyso is it in tho case of tho creole and Spanish types which are found in Chili. The women all affect the black shawl, or manta, and this is tho regulation morning und church attire, no woman ever going to mass without this simple wrap. Some travelers go so far as to assert that it is this muutu which lends so mueh charm to tho wearer, and makes her attractive, while without it she might not receive a second glance. This may bo true; hut no matter how beautiful Carmen might he, thero would be something lost throughout the entire opera did she not wear her manta.

Those who have seen Carmen can appreciate tho charm of tho women of Chili, in whose veins runs the Spanish blood. There is coquetry in every motion, Suggestive of sly exchange of notos ut the church porch, under tho eyes of the watchful duenna. In Chili, however, tho women do not suffer the tiresome chaperouage that is undergone by their Spanish sisters; but perhaps that is one of tho advantngesof the republic. Why, they oven have women as street-oar conductors, but it must ho said that tho manta does not piny a part in the collection of fares, which is commonplace under any circumstances. Tho women were put on during the war with Peru, when men were scarce, and all needed at tho front. These conductors, however, are many of them very attractive, and tho youth of Valparaiso is not inclined to sit inside the ear while a pretty young woman stands on the outer platform. Tho Saxon type is not uncommon in Chili, hut one cannot reconcile the idea of their special dress under bucli circumstances, and tho best examples of Chilian beauty are distinctive, —[Harper's Weekly.