Democratic Sentinel, Volume 17, Number 43, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 November 1893 — Portuguese Characteristics. [ARTICLE]

Portuguese Characteristics.

The men of Portugal are as fond of show as are the women. Their fingers are nearly always loaded with rings, and about their bodies hang chains as thick as ropes, from which are suspended bunches of trinkets. The Portuguese dandy is fond of anything tbfit draws attention to hi 9 much-esteemed person. Above his showy vest he wears a cravat of rich colors, and in his buttonhole a fullblown rose. I know lam safe in saying that most of the promenaders whom I have seen on Sundays in the chief thoroughfares with riding whips in their hands and handsome spurs on their heels have never set foot in a stirrup The spur is to them a sort of sign of nobility which they arrogate to themselves, a relic of the privileges of the old chivalry. Where is the Portuguese, be he muleteer or calker, whose ancestors did not wear golden spurs at the battle of Ourique or of Aljubarrota? I have noticed that a good many officials work in spurs as if about to go to battle, and when these knights of the quill peacefully render up their line, bureaucratic souls to God, I have no doubt that their spurs will be laid on their tombs. But fiave we any right to dwell so long in a half mocking spirit on a people of such numerous and trustworthy moral qualities, and who, but tor their unfortunate Indolence and their exaggerated egotism, might be held up as a model to other nations? For the Portuguese are naturally good, hospitable, honest In their dealings, generous and brave, are very certain that in the even&ofi

any threatening of the independence of their country we should once more see this heroic nation, in whom slumbers a powerful national spirit, rise as one man against the invader, as in 1388 and 1809.