EVOLUTION OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 



have their own packing-houses, make cash advances to 

 their members, and send their agents to represent them 

 in distant markets. 



It is pleasant to note that beautiful homes and high 

 average prosperity have not spoiled the democratic sim- 

 plicity of these communities. After the adjournment of 

 the International Irrigation Congress at Los Angeles in 

 1893, its members enjoyed the hospitalities of many of 

 the charming colonies in the neighborhood. In his re- 

 marks at a banquet tendered the party by the people of 

 Santa Ana, Seflor de Ybarrola, the representative of 

 Mexico, paid a handsome compliment to the ladies who 

 had waited upon the table. Afterwards one of the dis- 

 tinguished representatives of France remarked his sur- 

 prise at hearing a public compliment to "the servants." 



"What!" exclaimed Seilor de Ybarrola, "did you 

 think they were servants ? Why, those were the leading 

 ladies of Santa Ana." 



"Do you mean to tell me," the French delegate de- 

 manded, in amazement, " that the leading ladies of Santa 

 Ana put on aprons to serve strangers ?" 



"Certainly," the Mexican replied ; "for in this coun- 

 try service is a title to respect." 



The incident illustrates at once the hospitality and the 

 equality which are characteristic of the social life of 

 southern California. 



