Democratic Sentinel, Volume 22, Number 47, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 December 1898 — Politeness in Mexico. [ARTICLE]

Politeness in Mexico.

No other nation can equal Mexico in the stately courtesy practiced in everyday life among all classes. Even *e poor laborers rarely address one another without some terms of endearment. “Como estas, mi alma?” (“How are you, my soul?”) is a common form of address. Every one seems to have a gentle consideration for the feelings of others. “My lady, I am at your feet,” is the prescribed form of salutation from a gentleman who meets a lady, whereas if two gentlemen meet they say, “I kiss your hand.” A Mexican w-ill never permit a lady to descend the stairs alone; he takes her by the hand or offers his arm and only takes leave of her at the street door. Often in their rambles through Mexico strangers lose their way and if they have a slight knowledge of Spanish an appeal to a native is certain to bring courteous relief. The Mexican lover calls his sweetheart “the very eyes of me” and if she rejects him he is likely to say, “Since there is no help I bow before you, kiss yoqr feet and depart.” Mexican politeness always has the appearance of perfect sincerity. An American young lady was once talking with an old Mexican gentleman and she laughingly said something about having some literary work to do. It was good to see the old fellow’’s impressive manner as he exclaimed: “Work! Miss, such lips as yours should never mention work. You should be a queen and wear pearls as beautiful as those incased in your lovely mouth!”