180 USEFUL PLANTS OF GUAM. 



by the prayers of all their family, all of whom leave their occupations 

 and come from the most distant parts of the island to be with them 

 during their last moments. One of the most touching examples of 

 filial piety witnessed by the writer was the case of a middle-aged mar- 

 ried man who had been sued by his sister for the possession of some 

 property. He made a clear, manly, straightforward statement to the 

 court, but when his old mother testified against him he burst into 

 tears, saying he could not contradict her because she was his mother, 

 though it was found afterwards that the old lady had been influenced 

 by her daughter to testify falsely. 



Respect for the laws. — In referring to the law-abiding spirit of 

 the natives Governor Schroeder writes as follows: 



I have had occasion at various times to note and to mention to the Department 

 that many little actions on the part of the natives of the island indicate a friendly 

 feeling for the American Government, its flag, and its representatives here. This 

 feeling is quite unmistakable and will, I hope, become well founded. * * * It is 

 hoped that in time one prime difficulty will be removed, viz, the dread by this 

 peaceable and law-abiding people of complaining and testifying against those who 

 maltreat them. To preserve law and order among the people themselves is a matter 

 of no difficulty; the little company of [native] insular artillery, which forms the 

 constabulary, although inefficiently armed, is an excellent body of respectful and 

 reliable soldiers, with whose support alone there could be no hesitation in under- 

 taking the government of the island/' 



Feasts and ceremonies. — On the evening before a wedding, fan- 

 dangos, or dancing parties, are given at the homes of both the bride and 

 groom. Refreshments are served and betel nuts and cigars are passed 

 to the guests. The guests attend both entertainments, going in parties 

 from one house to the other. The music for dancing is furnished 

 either by a violin and guitar, an accordion, or a piano, if there be one. 

 Waltzes and square dances are performed, and occasionally a Spanish 

 "fandango.*' The wedding is solemnized in the church the next 

 morning at early mass, and there is always a wedding breakfast, to 

 which the family and special friends of the bride and groom are 

 invited. 



The usual church feasts are celebrated, especially those of Corpus 

 Christi and of holy week. The ceremonies at funerals are very 

 impressive. It is customary for all the relatives and friends of a dying 

 person to assemble at the house, which is often too small to hold them. 

 The custom of offering refreshments, betel nuts, and cigars recalls the 

 death-bed scenes of the olden time described in the history of England 

 and other European countries, when it was not unusual for thrifty 

 persons in making their wills to ask that there should be no expendi- 

 ture for spirits at their funeral. Though there is usually great 



a Schroeder, Seaton, commander, U. S. Navy, Eeport of the Governor of Guam, 

 July 8, 1901, in Report of the Secretary of the Navy for the year 1901, part 1, 

 pp. 82-83. 



