Iu all those shops thero Is a richness and
tasto, but not obstrusivoneas, in display;
and from one end of tbe city to another tbe
neatness, brightness, lightness, and airiness
of tho shop form much of Havana's
All this, too, is in desplto of an
architecture that would preclude delicate
arrangement among a more stolid people.
But the Spaniard and Cuban both possess just
enough effeminacy to mako a dainty nest
out of an old ruin anywhere. Again the
dress of merchants, salesmen, and the most
menial keepers adds to the pleasing effect of
tho shop. Nearly all are attlrod in linen,
pure wbito or in dainty stripes. Tbe white
uocktio is universal, and it is refreshing.
It is a clean thing, too. Thoy aro only pretentious
or slovenly who relegate it to full-dress
uso anywhere.
Many salesmen are clad oaly in patent-leather
gaiters and llnon pantaloons and
shirts, but these are spotless. Indeed, the
Cubans aro the cleanest people regarding
their dross I ever knew. A stovodoro will
load molasses on a vessel a whole weok and
you will hardly find a spot upon bis white
linen suit wben Saturday night cornea.
Somehow your sense of propriety is not
when you see cash-boys,
and keepers of all sorts in skin-tight, loosely-woven
cotton shirts, as airy brooches and
slippers. Olten, too, for a change, here will
stand threo or four negroes, packors or boxers,
or something of the sort, with bare feet,
spotless pantaloons held by a gay sash, and
with naked, gleaming waists, arms, and
shoulders. Edgar L. Wakeman's Cuba Letter,
MINNEAPOLIS'BLAZE.
Fire In the Nicollet House Great
Damugs Trilling.
