Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/635

Rh for women, in addition to which a number of foreign insignia were bestowed. With the fall of the empire, these novelties were swept away. The new government has shown a disposition rather for substantial pensions and grants than empty honors. Entail was abolished already in 1820, but several subsequent decrees have been required to enforce the order.

Intercourse with foreigners has since colonial times changed materially the life of the upper classes, who manifest a decided preference for Parisian manners, dress, and ideas. The desire for show remains rooted, and it is not uncommon for a bride to stipulate for a carriage and a box at the theatre, however much the home may suffer by the condition. Others will expend their all upon dress; and while impressing the stranger with their rich appearance, they would not dare to expose its reality by inviting him to their dwelling.

The housewife has few of the English ideas concerning neatness, conveniences, and domestic amenities generally. Slovenliness prevails everywhere, and the mistress mingles freely among her dirty servants, taking her food with them and the children in the most unceremonious form. The home, as we understand it, does not exist, and the absence of fire-places indicates one great obstacle to those family reunions which have so important an influence on our society. Dinner-parties are rarely given, and home entertainments are restricted mainly to the so-called tertulias, with their medley of singing and dancing, forfeit games and gambling, but otherwise with little of our free and