The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1868-07-22
THE CHINESE EMBASSY.
A DINNER WITH THE oELEsTIALs.
[Eaom OUR OWN ooRREspoNDENr.]

!. WASHINGTON, Saturday, July 18.-The am
bassadors Of his Celestial Majesty, the brother
Of the Sun and Moon, having been ionized and
feted in New York. with all the pomp and en-
thusiasm which the Gothamites are wont to
exhibit in tee reception Of any great novelty,
are now here quietly at work upon the details
Of the treaty which is to regulate the future
relations and intercourse between the United
States and the Chinese Empire. They expect
to conclude their labors here and to depart for
Europe within the next three weeks.
This evening, by invitation Of MIR. Burin-
game, was present at an elegant dinner,
given by the embassy to the American press,
of which there is always large and influential
representation in Washington during the ses-
sion Of Congress. The entertainment was
spread in the Ladies' parlor Of the Metropoi-
tan Hotel, and was as luxurious and magnif-
cent in ell it's details as lavish use Of Eastern
gold could make it. The wines we're especially
delicate and costly, having been drawn from
O. private stock which the ambassadors
carry with them for use upon festive occa-
sions. Mr.. Blrlingame presided at one end OF
the table and General Banks, Of Massachu-
setts. at the other, while the almond-eyed
mandarins occupied seats Unfortunately
among their guests, the knights Of the quill,
VIII, were ranged on either side. The Celestial
gentlemen, it must be admitted, are excessive
ly ugly, and neither in their countenances nor
physique are calculated to make favorable
impression on behalf Of their brethren Of the
Mongolian race. Their disadvantages in point
of personal appearance are in no wise lessened
by their hideous Chinese dress, which, though
varying in richness Of material, color and
profuseness of adornment, is always the same
in simplicity of cut and general style.
They wore their bell-shaped hats, sur
mounted by the distinctive button of rank,
during the entire evening; and as the weather
was quite warm, they contended that their
main garment, which resembles On e1aggerat-
ed butchers apron, YVES far more comfortable
and rational costume than the close fitting
dress suits OF black cloth in which their guests
we're clad. It wo. Id be hard for any pen pic
ture to convey just idea of the grotesque ap-
pearance of these Eastern diplomatisJs, with
the fore part Of the scalp closely shaven, and
the hinder part adorned with the inevitable
pigtail or single plait reaching almost to their
ankles, as they piled their large quaint fans
with an indescribable air Of placldity and self
satisfaction. 1t did not require much penetra-
tion, however, to discern that these seeming
barbarians wee in reality men of high intelli-
gence and education.
Tho company comprised in all about forty
persons, including representatives Of every
leading journal in the North and West The
Southern press was represented by the cores
pondents OF THE CHARLESTON DAILY NEWS and
the Richmond Dispatch.
chanced to be seated next to the youngest
member of the Embassy, mandarin OF the
crystal button, rejoicing i'll the name OF Fung,
who speaks English with precision and cor
rectness of accent truly wonderful. He was
educated in Pcliin und gave me deal OF in
terestng information concerning tn"t great
capital. The manner in which lie had acquir-
ed his knowledge and pronunciation OF Eng
lish illustrates The patient and palns5aking
characteristics Of his people; for founa that
he had actually m stored every difficult artlcu-
lation Of our language, not by the
ordinary method OF imitation and practice, but
by careful study OF the use Of the tongue and
or, ans of utterance in producing the various
sounds of speech. The ambassadors partook
of the entertainment IN the European style,
using the knife and fork. This, however, they
informed me was departure from custom, as
their retinue includes corps Of Chinese cooks