Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1870-02-23
dressed in the most r11lgar manner + slnoe-

dressed in the most vulgar manner it is pos
sible to imagine. A great many had dia-
mond ornaments. earrings and brooches,
and few had the Vlceroy's picture set in
diamonds on their shoulder. Coffee was
served very often.
A slave carrying the tray stepped in the
middle of the room, just in front of us,
while another carried the coffee pot, hang
ing by three long silver chains, over sort
of lamp, just like the censers used in Cath
olic churches. Another slave lifted off the
ieweled velvet cloth which hung down in
front, and poured coffee into the small,
diamond cups which were again handed to
u.s. eaeh-eup by q different slave; the one
with the tray standing the whole time in
the middle of the room till the empty cups
were replaced.
The dresses which the Princesses, wore
to day were splendid, as far as Jewels 90.
One had on a white MORE antique dress,
richly embroidered, nearly all over, with
gold; another had on red one, and blue
and gray were worn by the younger ones,
all equally embroidered
The shape of their dresses was very odd:
it seemed to me equally long in front as be-
hind, where it formed long train. The
skirt was cut open about two feet on each
side, showing their legs and feet, wrapped
up IN some soft, white material or other.
The train III front WAS passed behind, and
their walk, In consequence of this, was sny
thing but graceful; for, having this thick,
heavy gown between their legs, they could
only waddle along like ducks Their hair
was done IN the European fashion, but with
enormous tiaras of coronets, very heavy,
though splendid with precious stones on
their heads; one really more beautiful than
another. Necklaces toe, with diamonds
as big as shilling piece, and drops of dia.
monds cut round like CRYSTALS and quite
enormous. Each had ring of a single
diamond, with no setting to be seen at all.
That OF the old Princess was so large that
she could only wear it on the middle fin
ger L should think it was about an inch
wide; but thought it more curious than
pretty Each wife wore q belt about three
inches wide, all set quite close with very
large diamonds and uncut emeralds and
fubles. L never saw anything equal to it,;
no gold setting to be seen at all, only these
beautiful stones.
They had also the Viceroy's picture on
the left shoulder, set in enormous dia-
monds; yet, IN spite Of all this finery and
luxury, would rather be the poorest pea
one of these miserable creatures.
They were all perfectly enchanted with
the Princess The young Prince, who
speaks French most perfectly, acted as the
interpreter the whole time, and did it re-
markedly well. At last they all expressed
hope that the Princess would come and
dine again on her return to Cairo.
We have now seen the bright side, but
there is also reVers de Ia n,edoiNe. They
told me that these four wives have con-
slant quarrels and squabbles, oceasioned
by jealousy, and that sometimes the Vice
roy is obliged to separate them. These
| poor princesses lead the most useless and
idle life They cannot rea3 or write or
do anything; yet one or two of them looked
very intelligent-one especially seemed
| very clever and sharp. And I feel quite
rant, dull and useless life they ale
living. However, the Viceroy is doing all he
can to change. or rather to improve the
ideas and habits about ladies. For instance,
he allows them to go to the play and the
circus III their logs grillees, and to drive
about with the th1nnest veil over their face,
which as the eyes are quite uncovered, is
easily recognized through it. The people
in general do not at all like these changes,
and as yet very few follow his example in
allowing their wives to go out beyond the
garden of their! harem, and look with fear
upon the step towards emancipation.
/ At four o'clock we thought it was time to
give the signal for departure, SO the aged
Princess got up and we were all handed
out again to the door of the garden, just as
we had come in, and smiling and grinning
to show their delight. and tapping one hand
on the shoulder as o greatsign OF affection.