BETTER CLASSES THEIR SOCIAL HABITS. 



25 



just to convey an unqualified idea that such are the characteris- 

 tics of the entire white race whose birth or rank entitle it to an ex- 

 alted social position. Nevertheless, it is a true picture of perhaps 

 the most numerous class. The Mexican revolution — its strug- 

 gles, endurance and success, — disclose many manly features of 

 national character, and prepare us to appreciate that patriotic and 

 cultivated body of men and women who form the national heart 

 and hope of the republic. 



The Mexicans have been so harshly dealt with in the descrip- 

 tions of foreigners, that they are not always disposed to wel- 

 come them beyond their thresholds. This arises neither from fear 

 nor jealousy, but from the natural distrust of persons whom they 

 imagine visit their country with but little sympathy for its institu- 

 tions and less consideration for their personal habits. Nor is this 

 repulsiveness to strangers exhibited so* much in the fashionable cir- 

 cles of society as it is among that loftier description of persons we 

 have already referred to. Yet there are occasions upon which the 

 houses and hearts of this very class are cordially opened to intelli- 

 gent and discreet foreigners, and it is then that an opportunity is 

 afforded of seeing the best phases of Mexican character. The fine 

 benevolence of ancient friendship, the universal respect for genius, 

 a competent knowledge of the laws and institutions of other coun- 

 tries, a perfect acquaintance with the causes of Mexican decadence, 

 and a charming regard and care for all those domestic rites which 

 cement the affections of a home circle, may all be observed and ad- 

 mired within the walls of a Mexican dwelling. 



When a stranger is thus received in the confidential intimacy of 

 a household, there is no longer any restraint put upon the inmates 

 in his presence. The courteous expressions which are ordinarily 

 used in the commerce of society, and whose formal but excessive 

 politeness have induced careless men to imagine the Mexicans in- 

 sincere, are now only expressive of the most cordial devotion to 

 your interests and wants. " Mi casa esta a su disposition," " my 

 house is at your disposal," means exactly what it says. You are 

 at home. 



As the Mexicans are not a people addicted to the same mode or 

 extent of informal social intercourse among themselves as the Ger- 

 mans, the English, or the Americans, it is not strange that they 

 should guard their doors so carefully against foreigners who visit 

 their country for the purpose of acquiring fortunes rapidly, in order 

 to enjoy them in the society of their native land. The reception 

 of a stranger upon an intimate footing is therefore the greatest 



D 



