An Account of the Present State of the Island of Puerto Rico (1834)

CHAPTER III. State of Society—National Prejudices— The Island for" merit/ a Military Post—Aristocracy of Puerto Rico—■ The Mercantile Classes—Tradesmen and Mechanics— Immigrant Adventurers—Respectable Foreign Settlers— Pettifogging Attorneys— Convict Population—Paucity of Robberies and other Crimes of Violence—Mistaken Notions of Foreigners—Peaceful Character of the In habitants—Mode of Travelling—Festival of St. John— Society of the better Classes—Passion for Cock-fighting —Manners of the Xivaros—Habitations of the Wealthy — Cabins of the Xivaros—General Hospitality—Indo lence and Courage of the Inhabitants—Appearance and Manners of the Ladies of Puerto Rico—Peculiar Cus toms—Prejudices respecting Education.

In this chapter I shall endeavour to convey to the reader some idea of the state of society in this island. Without dealing in exaggeration, without flattery or detraction, I shall endeavour to present an unvarnished picture of the manners of the inhabitants, such as they appeared to me.

The person who carries into foreign countries national habits and prejudices, will always find abundant room for ridicule and criticism. There is no people on earth who have not some peculiarities in their manners and customs,