New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-02-20
AN ORIENTAL IN ENGLISH SOCIETY.
MS EaOasakt IN The Japan Mai.

H. 8. Na0asukf IN The Japan MaH
during my numerous visits to country houses
nave learned much Of English country life and
perceive there is greatness in that life ITSELF
mean that well-regulated home life. Every morn
ing, behold heap Of newspapers piled on the
world and thus becoming as informed on all the
questions of the day as If they were in the centre
OF the metropolis, aud thus being in nowise back
ward In civilization; this convenience bein g
afforded by the facilities Of transport. which H.
dlspensably add q true and real comfort. After
breakfast everybody separates and pursues his
own aVooation. reading writing something
else suitable to his or her taste At the reunion OF
lunch, we usually exchange our news and talk
over plan OF recreation for the afternoon. either
driving, walking, or some sort of outdoor
amusement. The IeassemhlY at dinner is quite
Social the topics OF conversation being general and
suitable TO the occasion, and as rule we have
conversational and musical evenings. and sonle-
times dancing; Of course the forms of entertain
mont depend on those who arc invited in the
evening. But whatever the form may be- it tends
ahke TO the growth and DEVELOPMENT of healthy
morals end intsllects; Thus grandeur If
IL beautiful trait IN the character of its lire.
i was frequently invited by Monsieur and
Madame de Bunsen, who are descendants of the
great Baron Won Bunsen, at one time distinguished
Piussian Minister at tho Court of ST. Jamess, and
whose lifo was so much connected with the
present reign of the Queen of England. Through
their family connections and wellestablshed
house. they have centre OF reunion and are init
mate with the social aud political world Their
mouse 10 not exactly on the English social model,
but peIvaded with the continental atmosphere;
however they adorned with the reserved English
dignity and grace, Jhey have much continental
promptness and instructive sympathy so much so.
indeed, that their society il truly easy and charm
ing. Monsieur de Bunsen is Chamberlain to His
Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Germany. lie
scientific principles and no often impressed me
with his unweaIying activity aud exhaustleS
flow OF conversation, he Is 20 we'll informed on all
the questions OF the day. Madame dc Bunsen too,
impressed mo strongly by her ardor, and by her
Christian and philanthrOpic disposition, and she
has the rare gift of appearing Interested in every
ono and everything. She was a great friend Of
Madame Wooyeno. they exchanged visits fire.
quently, and though this medium | had the OPP
daughter Madomoiselle do Bunson, who is so nat
uial and unaffected, and whose manners. bland and
easy stamp her will mark of rank; she is great
fayorite in general society. Madame de Bnnsen
Cnterfains great deal, and her society combines
the arlstOcracy. tho political and literary classes.
l have also German Royalty on several oc-
casions ut her house, when they visited In Lon
don. The social atmosphere there truly charms
the soul as well ms refreshes the 9nnd there is
great deal To Rmuse and also TO interest, which
makes society truly plcasurabe.
The Baron and Baroness do Reuter- entertain great
deal, during the season. at their town residence in
KcnsngtOn Palace Gardens, one of those wide. airy
streets which are found in the best parts of Ken
sngtOn. Their drawing and reception rooms are
magnltCently decorated, the drawing-rOoIns on one
side opening into q large conservatory where rare
plants and flowers abound In prOfusOn. Baroness
do Reuter- is q lady OF society and has numerous
friends and acquaintance IN tho social and point
zeal world. Her house is place for meeting foreign
representatives. English politicians and general
society. When she has afternoon parties the
rooms are crowded sometimes ladies and gentlemen
promenade in the conservatory, about which frag.
rant aud delightful AIR fingers. noticed Oh several
occasions many men OF Dotc sitting or standing
together in that enchanting place. excha ig
views, opinions and arguments amongst them
selves on political topics no doubt these arguments
result in satisfactory solution as nothing rritat-
ing could possibly exist in that delightful place,
where tho nervous system is calmcd down ana
tho mind is set on proper and sound state
The Corps Diplomatique in London are well
received and welcomed everywhere in the classes
Of English society. The English accord the foreign
representatives all duo respect in the manner in
houses house, and feel great pride and pleasure in ex,
tending every attention and courtesy toward
Foreigners, for tho honor and reputation Of their
elite London society / havo always experienced
extreme kindness and courtesy from many whose
friendship | will evor DO glad TO retain IN my
memory. Judging from ms observations on Eng
lish life, find quito the contrary to what l
have always read and boon informed as to their
colo disposition and repulsivo manners Instead
OF these have not only met with persons OF lofty
sentiment aud polished IDEAS but with many cap
able Of that profound sympathy which renders
social relationship easy and agreeable. In the
general state OF English society moral laws are
observed and maDmcrs have OF late become
softcncd. One rarely meets with any violent OK
cesses and this applies not only to the high or
middle circle. but also extends to tho masses
Great social progress has manifested itself, and
u
Tue people have learned tn seek alter and enjoy
more honest and more delicate recreation than the
brutal quarrelhng and drunkenness which at tne
time existed In great towns like London, Glasgow
and other places. In tho nineteenth century
England has ACCOMPLISHED vast strides ClviliZa-
ton is elevatng the moral sentiments. while soft
enng the tone OF society which it adorns with its
grace.
now turn my observation upon the Orientals
in London society; what u contrast they present
to the refinement and brllliancy OF European So
cety They receive tho same Welcome and cour'
tcsy which the English accord to the western
nations but there are difficulties in tho way for
them 10 avail themselves OF the opportunities
offered to them owing to the differences OF educa-
ton, habits and manners OF society IN tho East
and besides they are not accustomed TO the great
social and political usages OF European society
Occasionally they commit unpordonabe offences
against good taste and dec0rum and they can
not give the same impression and pleasure to gem
cral society as Europeans. such being the state
OF affairs, they can seldom establish any personal
Importance In socety,Or acquire steady friendship
in influential circles: however. have observed
that many Eastern natiOnalities are now rising
from their Traditional sccInslOn and successfully
overcoming the difficulties | have mentioned, ana
thus acquiring the benefits OF social and political
intercourse. they cultivate the tastes and manners
Of society which cultivation enables them To adapt
themselves to tho circumstances aud customs VI
the country where they reside
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