Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-04-11
Reversed Ways.

10 remove the covering of the feet and not Of
the heaC is the mark of respect in the East It
is easy enough to see how the putting off the
shoes on entering a house came to be q social
observance very early in the East. The Orien-
tails sit and recline On carpets placed on the
floor or on a dais This takes the place of our
couches and chairs. To Mohammedan gen.
tleman, the dais, covered with its carpet and
with it's pillows and holsters represents house
and home. Here he passes the greater part of his
time; here he does his work, and here he receives
MS friends. This dais Is his drawing-ro0m,
dihfng-roOm, bedroom. To come on TO the car
pet with shoes on after walking in the miry and
dusty ways OF the East would soon soil and
dirty it, This Is the main reason for the OBJ
servance. But another doubtless s, that 1t
would be very uncomfortable to squat down
with your feet under you with hard shoes on;
BESIDES 1t would soil your garments It NAV
DE conjectured that one reason for not remov-
ing the headcovering is, that most Eastern
nations shave the top of the head only. letting
the lower hair hang down long. Thus the hair
is kept or worn in manner suitable only to
the head being covered To appear without the
covering Is like bald man appearing without
his wig. Even in his own home, when native
removes his turban, he puts on small light
skull-cap: 1t would be great mark of
disrespect for one of your native servants to
come before you without his turban and with
only his skull-cap on, and without his
c,t'araurbund round his waist, 1t would be
IKE o fOotman coming In without his coat
Ihis difference of custom Is no mere triiing
matter but has been grave political cues
tion in India. The ''shoe question" is one that
has led to trouble between what are called the
more enlightened natives and the English for
many years past. The former claimed that when
they wore shoes after the English fashion they
shOud not be called upon to take them off on
occasions OF ceremonial visits or On public occa-
slons. On the other hand, masters (Englsh) in
colleges would not let students enter their
rooms. Judges (English) would not let native
gentlemen enter their court houses, without
their first taking their shoes off, This was not
from any personal arrogance, but from regard
10 their Ofhclal dignity. To enter place with
SHOES ON is a strong mark of disrespect In tho
East, and they did not wish to submit to this
Iney claimed that one mark OF respect on the
other should be adhered tO-that the men should
either take off their shoes or uncover the head
LORD Lawrence, when viceroy. had to issue q
state Injunction on the subject! 1t is strange to
see the old Eastern custom still surviving among
the Jews. The English Jew, who in all other
places has accepted the English views and prac-
tice In the matter, keeps his modern tall hat on
IN the synagogue.-C Chambers Journal.
----->>>--
Hall In n Paris MadhOuse,
Every year ballsis given in the asylum of
the Sa!petriere, and long before the date fixed
all the poor creatures are occupied in
ludicrous.
In a large room specially decorated for the
occasion was given the ball for the children.
with piano for orchestra, and these poor little
beings, deprived OF quarter part of their
senses, appeared greatly to amuse themselves
disguised as Pierrettes. Neapolitan fisher
costumes difficult to describe. In
another and larger room, also specially
prepared, took place the adults ball; here was
an orchestra OF twenty-five musicians, who
played away with right good will, as if endeav-
Or1Dg to drown the excessive noise made bv the
loud talking of the persons in whose honor the
pail was given. Round the room, on forms, sat
the old and incurabie members of this sad con-
fraternity, while the younger ones amused
themselves In dancing as best they could. under
given out from the orchestra. The polkas went
very well. The marked measure Of the music
was apparently easily understood by the dan.
GERS in the quadriles they were at sea, and
could not bring figure to a successful termina-
ton, while in the waltzes they were lost alto
gether. There were amongst the motley
mass many who evidently were reminded Of
times gone by, for one could see a man ap-
proach lady. and with bow ask her, will
you kindly favor me with the next dance,
madame! certainly, sir, with pleasures" and
the couple went off. arm in arm, but in q min
ute forgot why they were there together let
go their arms, aud recommended the came
polite form Of invitation and acceptance to
dance About ten o'clock the doctor arrived
together with the hospital students. and was
kindly welcomed by his unfortunate patients
for each of whom he had kind word of greet
Ing. He said that about the time OF these an
nual balls. there is always less epilepsy. as the
patients are SO preoccupied with the prepara-
tiOns for the ball." If this be So would not
continual subject OF mental occupation perhaps
lead to the entire recovery of some of them2
The Engagement OF Miss Edith Fish.
From the American Queen.
Miss Edith Fish daughter Of ex-secretary
Fish), whose engagement to Mr.. Hugh Oliver
Northcote has been recently announced, is con-
sldered to have made quite great match. Mr..
Nortbcote Is the fifth son of Sir Stafford North
cote, who was ut one time chancellor of the ex-
chequer. He is in his 29th year, and is one Of
eight children, his eldest brother being heir to
the title OF baronetcy. His father is the heal OF
one OF tue Oldest families in England. The TAM
lily estate at Hayne, in Devon is very valuable,
ana tne halt Is one of the finest buildings in
Ureat britain. Miss Fish Is the Youngest daugh-
yer OF ex-Secretary Fish, and is devoted to fox
hunting She Is one of the most fearless and
expert horsewomen In New York society. and